FEMA, SBA, and others are offering disaster assistance

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), and the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) are offering disaster assistance to those affected by the tornado.

Public affairs specialist, Greg Dawson said, "The ultimate goal is to get people back to where they were pre-disaster situation. Think of a three-legged stool: you've got your insurance, you got FEMA, and you got the SBA. We're there for the long haul to get you back to where you were prior to the disaster situation."

FEMA and SBA representatives will help people with paperwork.

"The process is a 1-2-3 step. One, you apply. Two, we send somebody to verify your losses. That's how we determine what your financial needs are. And three, if you're approved, we call you and we close the loan," said Dawson.

If people are skeptical, Dawson said they should still come.

"Don't disqualify yourself by not applying. Come in and see what the system is going to do for you," said Dawson.

Disaster assistance is available every day at the C.E. Roy Community Center from 8-7 p.m.