On Monday, Senator Chuck Schumer asked the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to open more Disaster Recovery Centers in New York City and Long Island.
The centers help residents apply for FEMA and other disaster assistance programs, but those in neighborhoods that were hit hard by Sandy have a difficult time getting to them and additional ones should be opened, said Schumer.
“These Disaster Recovery Centers are a useful resource to residents who need federal assistance but do not know how to go about applying for it,” said Schumer. “While touring neighborhoods across New York City and Queens, I heard time and time again that people do not have easy access to these important centers. Many of the residents, who are in need of this assistance, either do not have gas to drive to the DRC or do not have phone service to call FEMA and ask questions and that’s why today I am calling on FEMA to provide additional centers for New Yorkers.”
In New York City and Long Island there are 15 Disaster Recovery Centers, including two in Queens at Fort Tilden Park at Beach Channel Boulevard and the Walbaums parking lot at 112-15 Beach Channel Drive between Beach 112th and Beach 113th.
