FEMA opens disaster relief center in Fargo
(WDAY News Script)
Thousands of flood victims in our area will now be getting face to face assistance...

Najla/News Center 6:
FEMA and the small business administration have opened a disaster recovery center in Fargo. It's located at the former Builders Square building on 13th Avenue south. For many people, the center is an enormous help. Jim Shaw reports.

Jim Shaw/News Center 6:
They come here because the flood has disrupted their lives, and they need help. Some need tax assistance, others need temporary housing, help in rebuilding their homes, or unemployment assistance because they've lost their jobs. Whatever the case, there's a sympathetic person to guide them.

Rita Kepner/Fema Spokesman:
The whole process presumes that people are very independent, taking charge of their own recovery, and taking care of business. and this is a place they can come and take care of business.Get some information, move on to the next steps, begin that road to recovery.

Jim Shaw/News Center 6:
The people coming here have already called FEMA and registered, but they come here unannounced.

Sounds Of... Asking For Assistance

Jim Shaw/News Center 6:
People such as Jo Ann Sadler of Grand Forks, whose home was flooded, and is now stying with relatives in Fargo. While Sadler wonders about the status of her home, she needs help with sba loans,and an amended tax return.

Jo Ann Sadler/Flood Victim:
I guess I'm really thankful that they're all here to do this for us, because I wouldn't know where to begin otherwise. From the day I initiated the call to fema, three days later they were already out there helping us. So I guess I'm really thankful for everything that everyone is doing for us.

Sounds Of... Asking For Help

Jim Shaw/News Center 6:
Doug Kuhn came here because he needs to move on. His home north of West Fargo was flooded on three floors. He had to be rescued by the Coast Guard, and has not been able to live in his house for three weeks.

Doug Kuhn/Flood Victim:
I've got not only flooded fuel in my house, I've got backed up septic. I've got wells down. You know it all depends on what my insurance covers. I can't afford to be sticking thousands of dollars into it right now to do a lot of maintenance myself. (SO YOU REALLY NEED SOME HELP FROM HERE?) yah, kind of.

Jim Shaw/News Center 6:
For many people here, the flood has been a real nightmare, but after leaving this recovery center, they feel a little better. Jim Shaw, WDAY NewsCenter 6. To register for the disaster center, you should call 1-800-462-9029. The center will be open seven days a week from 9 A.M. To 6 P.M.