TOWN 'N' COUNTRY, Fla. — With power and internet services still out in many locations, people might be frustrated, trying to get through to the agencies and services they so desperately need right now.
In Hillsborough County, leaders have set up what they’re calling multi-agency resource centers (MARC) — in-person locations putting federal, state and local resources all under one roof.
“It's - it's been hard,” said Hillsborough resident Vevelyn Bennett, one of several visiting the MARC station in Town N' Country.
Bennett says it was a huge relief.
After three frustrating days of sitting on hold and getting nowhere by phone or online, a neighbor suggested she head over to the multi-agency resource center at the Town N' Country Regional Library.
“Oh, it makes a difference,” Bennett said. “Because you're not sitting there punching buttons and trying to get somewhere, and you can't get anywhere. And you're on hold for hours. And to see a person face-to-face makes a big difference.”
Inside the Town N' Country location, for example, are agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Florida Department of Commerce to help with small businesses and filing for unemployment.
Other organizations, like Hope Florida, help people connect with resources for food and shelter.
“I mean, it's extremely helpful. We live in Florida. A lot of the residents here are elderly, they're not familiar with technology and in so many cases we don't have electricity. We don't have internet right now,” Jose Rivadeneira said. “So, coming physically to a place where someone is guiding you through the process is very helpful."
And it works both ways.
Those providing assistance say this kind of setup helps them too.
“It's much better than just looking up a phone number and giving them out saying, 'Call this number for that particular help. Or call that number,'" Katrina Johnson with the Florida Department of Commerce said. “We can now just point across the room and say, 'Hey, that table over there can help you with exactly what you need.'"
Hillsborough’s MARC stations are open to individuals, families, businesses and even nonprofits that could use help completing applications after being impacted by Hurricanes Milton, Helene or Debby.
These centers will be open now through Friday, Oct. 18 from 9:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.
FEMA representatives are expected to be at the Town N' Country MARC center this week.