Lewis County’s flood relief distribution center at 284 Market Place Mall in Weston will move to appointment-only access after Oct. 2, the Lewis County Family Resource Network said in an update dated Sept. 20. Until then, the center is open Wednesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and by appointment. It is in the old Kroger building, to the right of Dollar Tree. After Oct. 2, appointments will be available to community members and recovery groups working in the area.
The center has separate supply areas. Anyone who walks in may access basic needs supplies, food, hygiene items and cleaning products. Larger supplies are reserved for people affected by the flood who have applied to FEMA. Families are asked for their FEMA application number at check-in; approval for FEMA aid is not required. FEMA staff at the site can help people find their application number, register, check an application’s status and ask questions. The network says FEMA staff will be there Wednesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. until further notice, in addition to FEMA’s primary Disaster Recovery Center. The post does not say how the center’s appointment-only change will affect access to FEMA staff after Oct. 2.
Supplies change quickly, so the network cannot answer questions about whether a particular item is available. It cannot reserve an item beyond the end of the current business day. Families may also choose to sign a FEMA release of information so long-term recovery case managers can assist them.
Flood recovery case management continues as Lewis County organizes a long-term recovery group. Case managers help families connect with resources, make recovery plans and coordinate assistance. Residents seeking flood-related help should complete the “I Need Help” form at tinyurl.com/LewisFloodHelp. People following up on an existing request may call the HOPE trailer number previously advertised or leave a message at 304-886-5782. Recovery groups can use that number for new work tickets or questions about current ones. The county’s housing survey closed Aug. 31; residents with flood-related housing needs can use the same form or phone number. The number and form are not for emergencies; call 911 for an immediate crisis or emergency.
As of Sept. 20, requested donations included Shockwave mold treatment, pump-top yard sprayers, pest traps, plywood, drywall, insulation, shingles described by the network as “higher quality than 3 tap,” Advantech subflooring, 2x4x8 and 2x6x8 lumber, and other construction materials. The network asks donors to contact it to arrange delivery of building materials. It asks people not to donate clothing, perishable items, used items or medications. The Family Resource Network and food pantry will continue their normal hours with limited staff.