Indiana launches ‘one-stop shops’ for flood recovery in Anderson, Muncie
ANDERSON, Ind. (WRTV) — Indiana officials opened two centers Wednesday in Anderson and Muncie to help residents recover from mid-August floods.
The centers, described as “one-stop shops,” provide a single location for federal, state, and local aid. The first two sites opened Wednesday at Parkview Nazarene Church in Anderson and the Delaware County Fairgrounds in Muncie.
Ashley Morgan spoke at the Anderson location Wednesday to explain the centers’ purpose.
“It’s kind of the most efficient way to provide help, right?” Morgan said. “Because it’s one central location where they can get all those resources.”
Inside a single room, people with flood damage can receive help from several agencies. In Anderson, these include the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority, and the Madison County Health Department.
Julie Joseph, a manager with FEMA, said the centers provide staff to help residents with the application process.
“When they come in, there’s somebody empathetic that they can speak to, help them with the process, help them fill out their application,” Joseph said.
While state leaders expect the recovery process will be yearslong for many, they hope these centers help move residents closer to the finish line.
Ross Miller, an Anderson resident, said the centers are vital for those who cannot access services online.
“I know a lot of my neighbors, they don’t necessarily have internet or technology to do the online stuff,” Miller said. “To have someone to be able to kind of walk them through some of these things is gonna be huge help.”
The Muncie site is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Heartland Hall in the Delaware County Fairgrounds, 1210 N. Wheeling Ave.
The Anderson site is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Parkview Church of the Nazarene, 911 S. Rangeline Road.
