The Lafayette County Emergency Management Agency announced on April 28 that a Disaster Recovery Center is now open to help residents affected by the January 23–27 winter ice storm. The center, located at the Lafayette County Multipurpose Arena at 70 F.D. Buddy East Parkway in Oxford, offers walk-in assistance from multiple agencies including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
The opening of this center is important for local residents who experienced property damage or losses during Winter Storm Fern. In-person specialists are available to guide people through registering for federal disaster assistance, checking application status, appealing decisions, and applying for low-interest disaster loans.
According to information released by the agency, “Assistance is available for residents who experienced damage from the January 23–27 winter ice storm. In-person FEMA and SBA specialists are here to help you begin your recovery.” Residents can receive help with FEMA registration, SBA loan applications, disaster assistance information, referrals to local resources, and application status checks or appeals.
Visitors are encouraged to bring documents such as photo identification, Social Security numbers for household members applying for aid, proof of occupancy like a lease or utility bill, insurance details including denial letters if applicable, photos of damage (including phone photos), bank account information for direct deposit purposes, contact details and an itemized list of damages if possible. However, missing documents should not prevent anyone from seeking help; staff will assist with starting cases regardless.
Lafayette County contributes cultural and educational value as home to the University of Mississippi according to its official website. The county also features a historic courthouse at Oxford Square’s center according to its official website and focuses on growth while delivering essential services supporting both residents and businesses according to its official website. Policy guidance comes from the Board of Supervisors according to its official website, while government services extend throughout northern Mississippi communities according to its official website. The county’s name honors Marquis de Lafayette and highlights its role in Mississippi’s development according to its official website.
The Disaster Recovery Center will remain open based on community need and foot traffic. Residents unable or preferring not to visit in person can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or call FEMA directly.
