FEMA Disaster Recovery Center Opens

The FEMA Disaster Recover Center opened its doors Monday to assist those still dealing with the mess left behind by Super Storm Sandy.

Located at the Willing Heart Community Care Center (555 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Newark), the center is a one-stop shop for all Sandy and nor'easter Athena recovery resources. Residents can apply for disaster and recovery grants on site, as well as obtain information on things like homeowner mitigation, disaster unemployment and low-interest disaster loans for small businesses.

"We want to make certain all those who sustained losses or damages from the recent storms understand exactly what they have to do in order to determine if they're eligible for aid – and that they receive that aid," said Newark Mayor Cory Booker.

In Essex County, about 22,200 people have already applied for FEMA assistance, with $1.3 million approved for the area, according to FEMA spokesperson Alberto A. Pillot.

The center, one of 23 across the state, will be open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for at least another 30 days. Those interested in receiving FEMA help are urged to register beforehand by calling 800-621-FEMA or visiting disasterassistance.gov.

FEMA representatives that speak English, Spanish, Portuguese and six other languages will be on hand.