Resource center launching to aid those impacted by tornadoes

The Douglas County Emergency Management Agency announced this week it’s partnering with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to open a multi-agency resource center in eastern Nebraska.

The center will operate for two days beginning Thursday, May 9, from noon to 8 p.m. at the Elkhorn Suburban Fire District Education and Training Facility, 9301 N. 204th St., between Elkhorn and Bennington.

The center will also be active on Friday, May 10 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“The MARC serves as a one-stop shop where disaster survivors can access information, resources, and services related to recovery,” Whitney Shipley, assistant director of Douglas County Emergency Management Agency, said in a press release. “This is an opportunity to bring multiple service providers together in a single location to facilitate easy access to agencies providing on-site assistance to survivors.”

The press release stated several organizations will provide a range of services and resources related to recovery, including housing assistance, mental health support, and insurance information.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is also available following President Joe Biden’s disaster declaration on May 3. The Nebraska Department of Labor is accepting applications for DUA from individuals in Washington and Douglas counties whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted due to the severe weather on April 26.

A press release stated those wishing to apply for DUA benefits should file an application for regular unemployment insurance benefits online. All DUA applicants will be required to provide documents to verify wages for DUA unemployment insurance.

Applicants are required to provide proof that they were employed or self-employed at the time the disaster occurred, or were scheduled to begin a job or self-employment. A copy of the most recent federal income tax forms or check stubs may also be required.

Applicants have until July 2 to file for DUA.

Individuals can generally receive up to 26 weeks of DUA benefits as long as the unemployment continues to be a result of the disaster. Eligibility for DUA benefits will be determined on a week-to-week basis.

FEMA officials announced Wednesday the organization is offering a variety of help to people affected by the April tornadoes and encouraged every homeowner and renter who suffered damage to apply.

FEMA can provide money to eligible applicants for help with serious needs, paying for a temporary place to live, home repairs and other needs not covered by insurance.

Those who were impacted by the tornadoes can contact FEMA via its website or call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).