A disaster recovery center is now open in Hillsborough County to help those whose homes or businesses were affected by Tropical Storm Debby. The center, located at the University Area Community Development Center, 14013 N. 22nd St. (33613), is open 8 a. m. to 6 p. m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p. m. on Sunday.

Dan Jurman, executive director and CEO of the University Area Community Development Corporation, Inc. (UACDC), worked with FEMA to conduct an extensive site evaluation to ensure the facility could accommodate representatives from the Florida Division of Emergency Management, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U. S. Small Business Administration and other agencies that will be at the center to explain disaster assistance programs and help victims apply for aid.

It is recommended that before going to a disaster recovery center, people with storm or flooding losses register with FEMA.
*    By calling 800-621-FEMA (3362). Help is available 7 a. m. to 10 p. m., seven days a week in most languages. For the deaf, hard of hearing or those using a TTY can call 800-462-7585.
*    Online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by tablet or smartphone using the FEMA app m.fema.gov.

Anyone who sustained damage in any of the 22 Florida counties designated for federal individual disaster assistance can visit the disaster recovery center. Federal disaster assistance can include money for rental assistance, essential home repairs, personal property loss and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

Low-interest disaster loans from the SBA are also available to help with residential and business losses not covered by insurance. Go to https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela, call  800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for people who are deaf or hard of hearing).