SAIPAN — The Survivor Recovery Center will open Wednesday at the Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe, putting representatives from five disaster recovery agencies and programs under one roof for face-to-face assistance, the CNMI Joint Information Center said.
Saipan residents who need help with Federal Emergency Management Agency Individual Assistance applications, U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loans, American Red Cross financial recovery aid or Disaster Unemployment Assistance through the CNMI Department of Labor can visit the center beginning Wednesday, May 6. Locations for Tinian and Rota will be announced in the coming days, the JIC said.
The center will operate on a tiered schedule with dedicated early-morning hours for persons with disabilities. Weekday operations will run from 8 to 11 a.m. for persons with disabilities and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. for the general public. On Saturdays and Sundays, the center will be open from 8 to 9 a.m. for persons with disabilities and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the general public.
At the center, residents can meet with representatives from the Commonwealth Individual Assistance Program, FEMA, SBA, CNMI DOL and the American Red Cross to get answers about temporary housing, home repairs, replacement of damaged personal property and home and business recovery funding, along with other disaster-related needs.
The center is physically accessible to individuals with disabilities and those with access and functional needs, with accessible parking available. Communication access equipment is available on site, and American Sign Language interpreting is available on request, the JIC said.
Residents are encouraged to register with FEMA and SBA before visiting the center. Those already registered should bring their application tracking numbers. Residents who need help completing applications can also visit the center for assistance.
The CNMI Joint Information Center and the Commonwealth Individual Assistance Program said applying online or by phone remains the fastest option. FEMA Individual Assistance applications can be filed at DisasterAssistance.gov, through the FEMA mobile app, or by calling 671-735-1050 or 800-621-3362. Standard long-distance rates may apply.
SBA disaster loan applications can be filed at sba.gov/disaster or by calling 800-659-2955. Callers can dial 7-1-1 for telecommunications relay services.