FEMA Opens Technical Assistance Center in Joliet to Support Residents Filing Relief Applications

JOLIET – In coordination with the Will County Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has opened a Disaster Recovery Center in Joliet to provide technical assistance to residents applying for federal assistance from damage sustained during the July 13-16 severe weather.

The center is located at the Will County Center for Community Concerns (2455 Glenwood Ave., Joliet) and will be open 8 AM to 7 PM on Mondays through Fridays and from 8 AM to 12 PM on Saturdays. It will be closed on Sundays.

Representatives from FEMA, the State of Illinois, and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will be at the center to help community members apply for federal disaster assistance, upload documents, and answer questions.

“We appreciate FEMA and SBA for opening this temporary center to support residents applying for assistance,” said Will County Emergency Management Agency Director Allison Anderson. “Even though these storms were two months ago, residents and property owners who experienced damage should consider applying for assistance.”

Federal assistance became available on September 20 after a Major Disaster Declaration was issued for Will County. The declaration allows community members to apply for Individual Assistance to help cover costs incurred during the July severe weather, including home repairs, temporary housing, property damage, and emergency purchases.

The SBA has also made low-interest disaster loans available to property owners. Businesses may be eligible for relief for economic impact and residents may be eligible for a low-interest loan. Additionally, the Internal Revenue Service will provide tax relief and filing deadline extensions for individuals and businesses impacted by the storms.

“Residents throughout the county experienced thousands of dollars worth of property damage from the July storms,” said Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant. “Anyone who was impacted by this severe weather event should consider applying for assistance or visiting the Recovery Center to ask questions.”

Since the emergency declaration was issued, FEMA has received nearly 900 applications from Will County. Over $650,000 has been awarded to Will County residents as of October 1, including housing assistance and other needs.

A visit to the Disaster Recovery Center is not required to apply for assistance. Applications are available at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, or by using the FEMA App.

For more information about the disaster recovery operation in Illinois, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4819.