OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. — Two disaster recovery resource centers open today in Okaloosa County to help residents, families, businesses, and nonprofit organizations affected by Hurricane Isaias obtain assistance with storm recovery.
Niceville.com Community Partner
The Florida Division of Emergency Management, working with the Okaloosa County Emergency Operations Center, is opening Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCs) in Fort Walton Beach and Crestview, according to Okaloosa County officials. Both locations will operate from Oct. 14 through Oct. 24.
The centers bring together state agencies and nonprofit organizations to provide information and assistance for people recovering from the hurricane. Available resources may include financial assistance, food, water, housing assistance, volunteer services, and other recovery support, the county said.
Representatives will be available to answer questions about storm cleanup, recovery services, emotional support, and assistance programs. Help with tarps and removing mud and debris from storm-damaged properties may also be available.
Both centers open today, Oct. 14, at 1 p.m. and will remain open until 7 p.m. Beginning Oct. 15, the centers will operate daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Oct. 24.
Niceville.com Community Partner
The Fort Walton Beach location is at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center, 1250 Miracle Strip Parkway SE.
The Crestview location is at the Crestview Community Center, 1446 Commerce Drive.
People seeking assistance should bring identification, proof of residence, insurance information, and other official documentation related to their hurricane losses. Having these documents available will help agencies determine what assistance may be appropriate, according to the county.
Organizations scheduled to participate include BRACE (Be Ready Alliance Coordinating for Emergencies), 211 Northwest Florida, Northwest Florida Health Network, Center for Independent Living and Legal Services of North Florida.
Niceville.com Community Partner
Participating state agencies include the Florida Division of Emergency Management, Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Department of Children and Families, Department of Commerce, and Department of Elder Affairs. The county’s list also includes the United States Veterans Association.
The centers are open to individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofit organizations seeking assistance with hurricane-related needs.
Additional information about Florida’s disaster recovery efforts is available through the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
More from NICEVILLE
Residents and business owners affected by Hurricane Isaias can visit either resource center to learn what assistance may be available as recovery efforts continue throughout Okaloosa County.
