Nixon establishes Joplin recovery center

Through an executive order signed June 7, Gov. Jay Nixon established the State of Missouri Resource, Recovery & Rebuilding Center, which will provide assistance to Joplin residents affected by the May 22 EF-5 tornado.

The center, located at 705 Illinois Ave., Building A, Ste. 12, assists Joplin citizens with temporary housing, unemployment, drivers' licenses and other identification cards, and other issues, according to a news release from the governor's office.

"This Resource, Recovery & Rebuilding Center will be a one-stop shop for state assistance, information and support as we move forward," Nixon said in the release. "I encourage families, businesses and individuals who need assistance to stop by and learn about what the state is doing to help.  

"Together, we will rebuild this community and make it stronger for generations to come.”

Julie Gibson, director of the Missouri Division of Workforce Development, will manage center operations for Nixon's administration. Kip Stetzler, director of Nixon's Kansas City office, will serve as acting director until a permanent director is hired.

Thirteen state departments will be represented at the center:

• Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education;
• Missouri Department of Economic Development;
• Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services;
• Missouri Housing Development Commission;
• Missouri Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions and Professional Registration;
• Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations;
• Missouri Department of Mental Health;
• Missouri Department of Natural Resources;
• Missouri Department of Public Safety;
• Missouri State Emergency Management Agency;
• Missouri Department of Revenue;
• Missouri Department of Social Services; and
• Missouri Division of Workforce Development.

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