News Summary
In response to the severe storms and flooding that battered Milwaukee County, two Disaster Recovery Centers have been opened to assist residents impacted by the disaster. Located at McNair Elementary School and Wauwatosa City Hall, the centers provide critical support in navigating federal disaster assistance applications and offer various services to help individuals and businesses recover. With significant infrastructure damage and a looming FEMA assistance deadline, local officials emphasize the need for community support during this recovery process.
Milwaukee, WI – Two Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) have been established to assist residents impacted by devastating storms and flooding that occurred in Milwaukee County in August 2025. The centers opened on September 24, 2025, following an announcement from County Executive David Crowley during a press conference the day before. The centers aim to help individuals navigate the process of applying for federal disaster assistance and to offer essential support to those affected by the flooding.
Disaster Recovery Center Locations and Operating Hours
The DRCs are located at:
- McNair Elementary School, 4950 N. 24th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53209
- Wauwatosa City Hall, 7725 W. North Avenue, Wauwatosa, WI 53213
The Wauwatosa center is scheduled to close on October 10, 2025, after which it will relocate to a new site that has yet to be announced. The operating hours for both DRCs are as follows:
- Monday to Thursday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Closed on Sundays.
Services Offered at the DRCs
The centers provide a range of services to assist those affected by the flooding:
- Guidance on applying for federal disaster assistance
- Support in checking the status of FEMA applications
- Information on understanding FEMA correspondence
- Assistance with uploading necessary documents and navigating the appeals process
- Details on housing and rental assistance, along with connections to FEMA and SBA representatives
The damage from the August flooding has been substantial, with reports indicating over $52 million in infrastructure damage and approximately 1,800 homes either destroyed or significantly damaged. The impact has been felt not just in Milwaukee County, but also in surrounding regions.
FEMA Financial Assistance
Individuals affected by the flooding can apply for financial assistance from FEMA, which may cover a variety of needs, including:
- Basic home repairs
- Personal property losses
- Childcare expenses
- Transportation costs
- Medical needs
- Other uninsured losses
The deadline for applying for FEMA Individual Assistance is November 12, 2025.
Small Business Administration Support
In addition to the DRCs, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has opened a Business Recovery Center (BRC) on September 17, 2025. This center, located at Summit Place, 6737 W. Washington Street, West Allis, WI 53214, is available to assist businesses with SBA disaster loans. The operating hours for the BRC are:
- Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Closed on Sundays.
The deadline to apply for SBA Disaster Loans is November 10, 2025.
Application Options and Community Need
While visiting a DRC is not mandatory for residents seeking assistance, many individuals have expressed a strong need for in-person support to help clarify their FEMA applications and required documentation. Applications can also be submitted online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362. Local officials have underlined the significance of community cooperation in establishing the recovery centers, highlighting the critical role of government assistance during times of crisis.
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