Disaster recovery center opening in Marion Thursday

MARION, Va. (WJHL) — People in Smyth County seeking disaster assistance after the devastating floods of Hurricane Helene can find help at a new disaster recovery center (DRC).

The center will open in Marion at the Public Safety Administration Building, located at 230 S Park St. The DRC will open to the public on Thursday.

Those who visit the DRC can apply for disaster assistance, check the status of their FEMA applications, get help understanding FEMA notices and letters, find housing and rental assistance information and learn how to replace documents that may have been lost.

The center will be open weekdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Smyth County worked with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to open the DRC in order to make more help available to flood victims.

“Smyth County is very proud to work with FEMA and the Commonwealth to provide a Disaster Recovery Center,” Chief C.W. Crawford, Smyth County emergency services coordinator, said in a release. “We have worked through Helene to provide avenues for citizens to get help. We encourage everyone who has needs, please seek help. The county’s partnership with FEMA will allow citizens to get additional help that is available.”

Anyone who needs FEMA assistance does not have to visit the DRC in person. Victims can also call 800-621-3362. The toll-free phone line is in operation seven days a week. Help can also be requested by registering online or by using the FEMA mobile app.

The deadline to apply for FEMA disaster assistance is Dec. 2.

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