LITTLE ROCK – Federal and state officials have opened a Disaster Recovery Center at Little Rock’s West Central Community Center to assist Little Rock residents impacted by the March 31 tornado.

The Disaster Recovery Center’s hours are daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. West Central Community Center is located at 8616 Colonel Glenn Road.

At the Disaster Recovery Center, impacted residents may speak directly with specialists from FEMA and the Small Business Administration about federal disaster assistance. State agencies such as DHS, which had been located at the Family Assistance Center at 315 N. Shackleford, are relocating to the Disaster Assistance Center at West Central.

The Family Assistance Center, a partnership among the City of Little Rock, Immanuel Baptist Church and a number of nonprofit and community organization, remains open at Immanuel Baptist’s City Center. Residents may continue to pick up food, water and other necessities at the City Center.

“As part of the transition from emergency to recovery, we are glad to work with FEMA to find a suitable location for its Disaster Recovery Center at our West Central Community Center,” Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. said. “We have a long road ahead to rebuild and renew our neighborhoods, but collaboration and cooperation among our federal, state and local partners will be essential in building back efficiently and stronger.

“I remain amazed by the strength and resiliency of our community, and I’m grateful for the time, money and resources donated from the people of Little Rock and around the world.”

According to FEMA, residents may visit the Disaster Recovery Center to apply for federal aid, learn about federal housing and rental assistance, get updates on the status of FEMA applications, receive referrals to other agencies, and learn about SBA loan programs for qualifying businesses and individuals. No appointments are necessary.

While West Central is serving as the federal/state Disaster Recovery Center, the City’s senior citizen programming that had been housed there will be relocated to the East Little Rock Community Center. The City will provide transportation from West Central to East.

Additional updates today:

PUBLIC WORKS: The City’s Public Works Department, in conjunction with contractors, will continue picking up curbside debris in affected neighborhoods. Debris must be placed within 10 feet of the curb and separated by type – tree and yard waste, construction debris, regular household waste and tires. If debris is not separated, the City will be unable to pick it up.

Yard waste and bulky item pickup in all areas of Little Rock is resuming after being suspended last week. Residents who had scheduled pickups through 311 do not need to reschedule.

HOUSING: Little Rock has distributed more than 250 hotel vouchers to residents in need of housing, and there is currently a waiting list for additional assistance. The American Red Cross is providing case management services to those on the City’s waiting list, and the Red Cross’s temporary emergency shelter at Calvary Baptist Church, 5700 Cantrell Road, remains open for impacted residents who are unsheltered.

DONATIONS: The City of Little Rock is accepting donations of goods at its drop-off location at 7000 Murray St. from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Thanks to donor generosity, bottled water is no longer needed. Current needs include canned goods such as chicken, soups, pasta and tuna; baby formula and baby food; diapers; toiletries; household cleaning supplies; and dishwasher and laundry detergents.

To make monetary donations for Little Rock tornado relief, consider Little Rock Cares. All donations to the city-administered Little Rock Cares fund will go directly to Little Rock tornado survivors. Go to www.LittleRock.gov/LRCares to donate.

For up-to-date information about the City’s response to the March 31 tornado, follow the City of Little Rock on Facebook and Twitter.

Visit www.LittleRock.gov/relief to learn more about tornado relief efforts and how to help.

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