A media release from Hyde County instructs those who would like to benefit from any disaster assistance programs to go to the Joint Recovery Center and register.

The Joint Recovery Center Office, located in the Variety Store parking lot on Ocracoke, is scheduled to end operations on Thursday, October 31 at 4 p.m.

For those who have already registered at the Mobile Disaster Relief Office, go back and check in so that applications can be updated to determine eligibility for state disaster assistance. This is due to the state issuing a declaration providing individual assistance in lieu of FEMA individual assistance.

Several agencies are represented at the Joint Recovery Center. Residents will be guided through the process and directed to fill out paperwork so that each agency is able to best fulfill needs.

One of those agencies is the Small Business Administration (SBA). Don’t be confused by the name of the agency; individuals are also eligible for SBA loans.

The SBA application is the portal to all other disaster assistance. Paperwork must first be filed to determine your level of need and your existing resources. That paperwork is in the form of a loan application, but those who fill it out will not be required to take out a loan and the purpose of the loan application is to determine if existing resources qualify for a grant, housing assistance, volunteer services or other types of disaster assistance.

“We are aware that some of this process seems redundant, but we urge you to do everything you can to benefit from the disaster assistance programs available. Going to the Joint Recovery Center next to the Variety Store is the most direct and easiest way to access disaster assistance,” states the Hyde County media release.

Disaster assistance programs will continue to be available after the Joint Recovery Center leaves Ocracoke, but access will be through the SBA website and will be much more complicated.

The deadline for filing with the SBA for physical damage to property is Dec. 16.

Local disaster assistance is also available to help with commodities, tools, food, etc.; furniture and appliances; housing and rent assistance; medical needs and utility bills.

To access local disaster assistance, go to the Joint Recovery Center next to the Variety Store. If you have concerns or immediate emergency needs, email unmet@oirrt.org or admin@oirrt.org or call 833-543-3248 and a case worker will be instructed to contact you.

The Recovery Center in Buxton will also close at 4 p.m., Oct. 31.

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