Homeowners and renters affected by the Memorial Day tornadoes are invited to two special recovery events this week. The so-called Housing Recovery Resource Fairs aim to connect anyone still struggling with storm-related housing issues with assistance from FEMA, the United States Small Business Administration, state and county agencies.
Additional help will also be available for senior citizens, military veterans and people with disabilities who are in need of permanent housing after the tornadoes, says Kevin Lavoie, with the Montgomery County Department of Job and Family Services.
“There were so many people’s lives that were devastated and so many houses, particularly rental units, that were destroyed, that we look at this as a process that will take years -- getting people back to stability,” Lavoie says.
At the two fairs, homeowners and renters will be able to meet one-on-one with FEMA agents to address any specific application questions and discuss any claim-documentation issues.
The first Housing Recovery Resource Fair runs Tues. Aug. 13, 4 to 8 p.m. at the Kroc Center, located at 1000 N. Keowee Street in Dayton.
The next fair is scheduled for Thurs., Aug. 15, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Maranatha Worship Centre at 4501 Wolf Road in Trotwood.
“Our Resource Fairs are designed to create a one-stop shop for information people need to rebuild their homes or find new homes or apartments in locations that meet their needs and budgets,” Tom Kelley, Assistant County Administrator for Human Services, says. “Housing issues from the tornadoes could last for years, and we need to provide resources that will bring citizens stability as quickly as possible.”
Experts will be on hand to help homeowners with guidance on topics related to rebuilding, repairing, or demolishing damaged properties, inspections, permits, taxes, utilities, insurance and financing.
Renters would be able to access information on topics including temporary housing assistance, tenants' rights, and applying for public housing.
FEMA continues to operate one Disaster Recovery Center in Montgomery County to help renters, homeowners and business owners affected by the Memorial Day tornadoes and severe weather.
The center is located at the Dayton Children’s Hospital Child Health Pavilion, at 1010 Valley St., Dayton, OH 45404. The hours of operation are Mon. through Fri. from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Closed Sunday.
For more information, visit the county's resource page at: https://www.mcohio.org/alert_detail.php
