FEMA opens DRC in Dunbar community months after Ian

FORT MYERS, FL — A new disaster recovery center has opened in the Dunbar community, a much-needed resource that is causing some to travel outside of their area to get help.

The new location is at Mt Olive AME Church, on Orange Street.

“I heard on the news this morning that they were going to be here,” said Janie McCarthy, a Lehigh Acres resident.

McCarthy said that after watching FOX 4’s morning coverage of the discovery of a new disaster site, she took it as a sign to seek help.

“I was here for about an hour and a half and got so much information,” McCarthy said.

Information such as flood insurance and the right steps to start the application process to start renovating your home.

“It was great, at first I thought it was going to be like, ‘God, I hate to go,’ but it was great,” McCarthy said.

This new DRC opened a few months after Ian and after FEMA on January 12, the online application deadline has expired. So why did FEMA decide to open a community site now?

“Remember, when we open the DRC, we are working for the needs of the survivors. As you may know, online registration only closed on January 12th,” said Jassiel Olivero, FEMA Specialist.

Olivero added that since online registration is closed, survivors can use the site to turn in documents and get answers to any outstanding questions.

“If there is anyone who misses the deadline to apply for your physical injury, please feel free to go to Mount Olive Church, it’s not too late,” said Tawhidah Matin, SBA public relations specialist. “We can lift your application if you were denied.”

Olivero said the site will be open for as long as the community needs it. Working hours Monday-Saturday from 8:00 to 19:00.