Since Thursday, more than 200 individuals who sustained damages during Hurricane Florence have come to disaster recovery center at the former Eckerd Drugstore along Martin Luther King Blvd in New Bern. Public Affairs Specialist Karen Knapic said the Small Business Association has provided more than $20 million dollars to North Carolinians for hurricane efforts.
“This is their taxpayer dollars at work, this is something that they should take advantage of. Sometimes, people say oh I think there are people that have more of a need than I do, well, this is for you as well. We have plenty, come and see what you’re eligible for.”
Low-interest disaster loans are available from the SBA to repair storm damage. FEMA Media Relations Specialist Angela Byrd said they’re helping homeowners, renters and business owners – with or without insurance- register for disaster assistance at the center.
“They should bring social security phone number of course, a daytime phone number to provide, they should also have the current mailing address and address of the damaged property and their insurance information if that’s available.”
The center in Craven County is open Monday through Saturday from 9 to 7 and on Sunday from 9 to 1. FEMA has opened eight disaster recovery centers across Eastern North Carolina, including three mobile registration intake centers in Craven, Carteret and New Hanover counties.
