Disaster Recovery Center opens for those impacted by weather, Washington Bridge closure

JOHNSTON, R.I. (WLNE) — The Federal Emergency Management Agency opened a Disaster Recovery Center to help those impacted by severe weather and flooding this past September.

The center is designed to assist people who have been impacted by the severe weather and need relief.

The help can come in the form of loans or grants, and homeowners, renters, non-profits and small business owners are eligible.

Over 350 people already applied for relief since the center opened Wednesday.

“Seeking disaster assistance is basically if you had any damage to your home or you are a renter or a business owner or a non-profit. We are here to help the community get back on their feet,” said Bryan Santamaria of the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency opened a Disaster Recovery Center in Johnston. (WLNE)

The center will help Rhode Islanders impacted by the severe weather event that happened from Sept. 10 to Sept. 13.

The SBA is also helping out anyone who has been impacted by the closure of the Washington Bridge.

“If you are unsure what type of assistance you can seek I recommend you come down, you may qualify for a grant,” added Santamaria.

The center opened Wednesday at the Johnston Senior Center at 1291 Hartford Ave.

This is a photo of a car stranded in water on Branch Avenue in Providence in September 2023. (WLNE)

Officials will be able to explain how to apply to the SBA’s low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses, and private nonprofits, and provide guidance about how to rebuild and make homes more disaster resistant.

As of Thursday, the hours of operation will be 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. It will be closed on Sundays.

Residents who had damages from other severe weather since September’s storm can fill out a damage assessment form online.