HOUSTON – Disaster recovery and the resources available to those impacted by recent storms were the focus Wednesday night in Spring Branch.
The community gathered for a town hall to hear from local and federal agencies as they try to rebuild or repair their home or business.
The town hall took place at the Trini Mendenhall Community Center.
Wednesday night’s disaster recovery town hall was the first of two. Representatives from FEMA, the Houston Office of Emergency Management, and the Small Business Administration were on site to answer any and every question that residents or business owners might have as they try to move forward with what at times seems like a very slow process.
“We lost a car another car got damaged and it took out part of our house and garage. So, I don’t have anywhere else to go. You can answer that one and then I got two more?” said Nicole Marino.
Residents went up one by one. Each and every question got a response and hopefully a bit of clarity.
“So we did asked about the tree trash, which I know everyone’s having questions about,” said Nicole Marino. “And then from FEMA, just knowing when to file because I think there’s a lot of misunderstandings of should you file before you file your insurance, which is what I didn’t know.”
Marino was one of many to show up. Her home was heavily damaged a few weeks ago and our most recent weather hasn’t helped.
“Yesterday when it rained our tarp fell off or flew off and a little more rain came in,” she said.
Maria Loza is in temporary housing provided by her insurance. Her home needed major repairs after a tree came through the roof.
“I’m learning as I’m, you know, going through the process. And really, I was, it would probably be helpful to have, like, I mean, through the city to have some sort of resources lined up, you know, in terms of what to do. Like, where should we start?” Loza said.
Councilwoman Amy Peck of District A said her district was one of the hardest hit. Her focus was making sure everyone knows there’s help out there.
“So renters are able to apply for FEMA and SBA help as well. So it is not just homeowners who can apply for those resources. So I encourage anyone to go ahead and apply because, you never know what you might be qualified for. So please go and apply. You can go in person, to the Spring Branch Family Development Center on Bitner, or they are there seven days a week right now. Or you can apply online,” Peck said.
This was the first of two town halls. The second one is being held Thursday at 6 p.m. at the White Oak Conference Center at 7603 Antoine Drive. We are told CenterPoint will also be in attendance there as well.
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