A traveling disaster-recovery center scheduled to arrive in Alachua County on Wednesday will share information with residents about federal assistance programs.
Those who suffered damage from Tropical Storm Fay could be eligible for grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which will be staffing the center.
The grants could pay for temporary housing, home repairs or other storm-related expenses, said Amanda Bicknell, a spokeswoman for FEMA.
"If you had damages, register. Period," Bicknell said.
After registering with FEMA, she said, applicants will receive information in the mail about FEMA procedures and possibly an application for a low-interest loan through the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Inspectors would then assess any damage and its relevance to the disaster before evaluating the applicant for assistance.
Danny Hinson, a floodplain manager for Alachua County Emergency Management, said Alachua County might not have qualified for federal assistance on its own, but that eligibility was determined by regional damage rather than county damage.
Out of Florida's 67 counties, 23 have residents eligible for individual FEMA assistance, he said.
So far in Alachua County, Bicknell said, 30 applications have been received, and about $7,990 has been approved for assistance from Tropical Storm Fay.
Hinson said he took two teams around Alachua County after the storm to investigate damages and reported more than a dozen locations that would require assistance.
He said he hoped the traveling center would reach people who have been having trouble getting help.
"It's going to provide relief for some folks," Hinson said.
Pending a FEMA inspection, the center should be set up at 5901 N.W. 34th St. in Gainesville by Wednesday at noon. Following that, it will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for four or five days, Hinson said.
