Disaster recovery centers open to apply for relief from August 2023 storms

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will open additional centers starting Monday in Eaton, Kent and Oakland counties to help residents in a nine-county area recover from storms, tornadoes and flooding last summer.

Specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration will be available to help those hit by storms apply for federal disaster relief, understand how to make properties more disaster-resistant and answer questions.

Centers will now serve residents from Eaton, Ingham, Ionia, Kent, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland and Wayne counties. Most will operate between 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and will stay open through Saturday.

President Joe Biden approved a major disaster declaration for the nine counties earlier this year, following a request from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Federal funding can go toward help such as grants for temporary housing and home repairs, and low-interest loans for uninsured property losses.

Severe storms starting Aug. 24 struck in Lower Michigan last year, leaving hundreds of thousands of people without power, destroyed trees and overwhelmed storm water and sewer systems. Hundreds of homeowners reported flooding.

Torrential rain fell on western Wayne County on Aug. 23. Up to 7 inches of rain were recorded in Wayne County. The next day, seven tornadoes touched down in Michigan, causing two deaths: in Lansing and near Webberville, the National Weather Service confirmed. The tornadoes downed trees, damaged buildings and spurred flooding; four of the twisters blitzed through Wayne County.

The centers will provide services in languages other than English, and offer American Sign Language and translated materials.

The deadline to apply for assistance is April 8 and residents aren't required to visit a center, according to FEMA. Call (800) 621-3362, visit disasterassistance.gov or download the FEMA app.

Center locations

Eaton County: Lansing Community College, West Campus

5708 Cornerstone Dr.

Open through Saturday

Kent County: Henze Community Center

Alpine Township Fire Station #1, 1100 Henze St. NW,

Open through Saturday

Oakland County: South Lyon City Hall

335 S. Warren St.

Open through Saturday

Other centers already open

Monroe County: Frenchtown Township Fire Dept.

2885 Nadeau Rd.

Open through Saturday

Southeast Wayne County: Wayne County Community College Downriver Campus

21000 Northline Rd.

8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Open until further notice

Wayne County, Canton West Central: Canton Human Services Building

50430 School House Rd.

Open until further notice

Macomb County: Chesterfield Township Fire Department Central Station

33991 23 Mile Rd.

Open until further notice