Wednesday, May 13, 2009

FREE Legal Services

Free Legal Services Available to Those Affected by the April 9 severe storms and tornadoes

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – In the aftermath of the severe storms and tornadoes of April 9, disaster-affected residents may find they need help with disaster-related legal issues. Free legal advice and referrals are available for those who may need assistance.

The Arkansas Bar Association in association with the American Bar Association’s Young Lawyer Division—made up of attorneys who volunteer their time and knowledge—can offer advice on issues involving landlord/tenant problems, disaster-related contract matters, insurance, replacement of legal documents, counseling on mortgage foreclosure, and a number of other concerns.

The contact number is 877-321-8815. When you call, you will be asked to leave your name and phone number. An attorney will then call you back as soon as possible; 877-321-8815 is operational daily around the clock.

No member of the volunteer attorney group will accept fee-generating cases. Their services are authorized only to assist in resolving issues arising out of the disaster.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Polk County Long Term Recovery Meeting

The group working to establish a Long Term Recovery plan for Polk County will meet Tuesday, May 12 at 4 p.m. in Dallas Avenue Baptist Church Sanctuary .

Representatives from any organization interested in helping Polk County and Mena recover from the tornado are welcome to attend and participate in developing the plan.

If you have questions, contact Keith Rose at 234-6637.

Friday, May 8, 2009

FEMA Disaster Relief Center Locations and Hours

Present and Future DRC Locations and Hours
Current as of 9:00 am Friday May 8

Polk County – St Agnes Catholic Church Parishioners Hall
207 N 8th
Mena 71953

7:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday through Friday until Monday, May 11

Beginning Monday, May 11,
Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Saturday 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Sunday 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Final closing date to be determined

Sevier County – Old Library
105 S. 5th
DeQueen 71832
Thursday, May 7 and Friday, May 8 – 7:00 am to 6:00 pm
Saturday 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Sunday 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Sunday May 10 is the last day in DeQueen

Miller County – Doddridge Community Center
9345 Highway 160
Doddridge 71834
Monday May 11 – Noon to 6:00 pm
Tuesday – 8:00 to 6:00 pm
Tuesday May 12 is the last day in Doddridge

Ashley County – Meridian Baptist Church Fellowship Hall
4593 Ashley Street
Crossett 71635

Thursday May 14 – Noon to 6:00 pm
Friday and Saturday – 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Sunday – closed
Monday May 18 and Tuesday – 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Tuesday May 19 is the last day in Crossett

Thursday, May 7, 2009

New News Links from FEMA

Arkansas Severe Storms and Tornadoes
Declared April 27, 2009
Disaster Recovery Center Reopens In Miller County For Two Days, May 7
SBA Disaster Loans - Not Just For Businesses, May 6
No Loss Of Benefits For Senior Citizens Receiving Disaster Aid, May 6
Receiving A Denial Letter May Not Be The Last Word, May 5
Community Relations Teams Reach Out To Those Who Need Information, May 5
Assistance Available For Non-Citizens, May 4
Applying For FEMA Disaster Assistance—Frequently Asked Questions, May 4
When The Inspector Comes To Your Damaged Property, May 2
Disaster Recovery Center To Open In Miller County For Three Days, May 1
Apply For Assistance Even If You Have Insurance, May 1
Registering With Voluntary Agencies For Disaster Aid Does Not Register You With FEMA, Apr 29
FIVE Arkansas Disaster-Affected Counties Designated For FEMA Public Assistance Aid, Apr 29
Federal Aid Programs For Arkansas Disaster Recovery, Apr 28
Tornado Victims Urged To Register With Fema For Disaster Aid, Apr 28
President Declares Major Disaster For Arkansas, Apr 27
More information about Arkansas Severe Storms and Tornadoes

More FEMA information

Please continue to visit the FEMA website for more valuable information concerning our community. It is very important that all those affected by the April 9th, tornado contact FEMA and see what is available on an individual basis. The FEMA team is here to help. Please visit their website to read the important incoming news. For new FEMA news check here.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Boxes

Boxes are available for free at the fairgrounds if you know anyone who needs them. The semi-truck load will be leaving soon.

Monday, May 4, 2009

Recovery and Assistance Meeting

A meeting to discuss long term recovery efforts is scheduled for Tuesday, May 5th in the Dallas Avenue Family Life Center at 4 p.m. All local Pastors, Community leaders, and Disaster assistance agencies are urged to attend.

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Federal Small Business Administration is in town

THE FEDERAL SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION IS IN TOWN
TO HELP BUSINESS OWNERS WHO NEED ASSISTANCE TO RECOVER FROM THE TORNADO. BURL KELTON IS WITH THE S B A THAT IS SET UP IN THE ST. AGNES PARISH HALL AND 8TH AND WALNUT STREETS. Listen to his update here.

Samaritan's Purse

Samaritan's Purse responded by dispatching a Disaster Relief Unit to Mena on April 11th. They worked with the help of volunteers, including several from our town, to nail tarps on surviving rooftops, help families salvage priceless mementos, and haul off debris so people can rebuild. They have helped our community not only with physical needs but spiritual needs as well. We can never say "Thank You" enough to the volunteers that have helped our town as we heal. Samaritan's Purse will be leaving town Sunday to go help other area's in need.