The Multi-Agency Resource Center at Granger Recreation Center in Garland has closed and organizations there have changed the focus to long-term recovery needs. The facility re-opened Tuesday, Jan. 12 as a Recovery Assistance Center. This location is temporary until a larger facility can be secured.
The center’s new mission will be to meet storm survivors’ long-term recovery needs such as housing, mental health needs, other financial needs not covered by insurance, and other unmet needs. The RAC will also continue to serve as a donation drop-off and distribution center, accepting only new items as donations going forward.
Beginning Tuesday, any north Texas storm survivor may access resources three ways:
- Visit the RAC at Granger Recreation Center, 1310 W. Avenue F from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
- Call 211 to be referred to a case manager to assist with meeting long-term recovery needs.
- GarlandTx.Recovers.org is still available. Register your needs there and case managers will contact you.
The city of Garland is grateful to the many community partners and VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) who are assisting with the recovery process outlined above. The Red Cross will continue to register storm survivors and assist with short-term needs. Catholic Charities and St. Vincent de Paul will provide case management services for long-term recovery needs. The Friendship House from First Baptist Church of Garland will serve as the lead agency in coordinating the efforts of the Garland Area Service Providers network.
After Saturday, Jan. 9, volunteer coordination will no longer be available at Granger Recreation Center. Case managers and local non-profits will coordinate those efforts on a case-by-case basis.
Garland survivors with questions about debris clean up or construction/demolition permits may visit the city’s Mobile Building Permit Office located at Bobtown Road and Kelso Lane.
For more information related to recovery from the Dec. 26 tornado, visit GarlandTx.gov and click on Tornado Information.
Recovery updates:
The removal of storm-related debris is underway in the storm damage zone. This process will take up to 10 weeks. Debris haulers will make at least two complete passes through the storm damage zone during that time. For questions about what types of materials can be picked up, check the website or call 972-205-3366.
Many pets were separated from their families as a result of the tornado. Visit the Garland Animal Services “Lost Animals” page to look for missing pets.
Those working and living in the damage zone are encouraged to keep an eye out for suspicious activity and call the Garland Police Department to report, 911 or 972-485-4840 (non-emergency number).
Information provided by city of Garland