LANSING — Michigan residents impacted by the April storms, heavy rain, snowmelt and nine confirmed tornadoes that struck the state between April 10 and April 21 now have in-person options for federal aid. The Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division, working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, announced eight disaster recovery centers will open across the state to connect eligible survivors with FEMA specialists and Small Business Administration representatives.
What the centers offer
The centers are intended to assist people who want to apply for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program, seek low-interest disaster loans through the Small Business Administration, upload required documents and get advice about making property more resistant to future storms. Officials emphasized that visiting a center is optional; applications can still be submitted online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone.
The FEMA Helpline is available at 800-621-3362 from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. SBA disaster loan information can be obtained at 800-659-2955. An online interactive map maintained by state and federal partners lists center locations and hours.
What applicants should bring
People who choose to visit a recovery center should be prepared to provide documentation that supports an application. Among the items applicants should have ready are:
- Proof of identity (photo ID)
- Social Security number
- Annual household income
- Contact information and bank account details
- Insurance information
Locations announced so far
The state released the list of eight centers. The announcement includes the following sites and posted hours (each location is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., unless otherwise noted):
| Location | Address | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| City of Cadillac Water Operations Facility | 7241 E. 44th, Cadillac | Mon–Sat 8 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m.–3 p.m. |
| Crawford County Emergency Operations Center | 200 W. Michigan Ave., Grayling | Mon–Sat 8 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m.–3 p.m. |
| Evart Area Fire Department | 106 E. Sixth, Evart | Mon–Sat 8 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m.–3 p.m. |
| Gun Plain Township Fire Department | 381 Eighth, Plainwell | Mon–Sat 8 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m.–3 p.m. |
The state said additional centers are included in the overall list of eight, and the complete set of addresses and updated hours can be found on the interactive map maintained by state and federal agencies.
Why this matters to Michiganders
Federal assistance can cover housing needs, basic home repairs and other disaster-related expenses for households that qualify. Survivors who do not have insurance coverage for damage or who face unmet needs after storm losses may find help through these programs. The SBA provides low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters and businesses to repair or replace disaster-damaged property.
If you believe you may be eligible, officials recommend starting the process online or by phone to speed review and ensure you have the correct documents when you visit a center. For many communities outside major population centers, having a nearby recovery center can reduce travel time and connect residents with specialists who can answer questions in person.
State and federal agencies continue to coordinate local recovery efforts as Michigan moves through the application and damage-assessment phases following the spring storms.
— Malik Turner, Michigan correspondent
