D-SNAP application deadline extended for one day

HOUSTON (FOX 26) - Scores of people are still in need following Harvey, some still seeking shelter others still needing food assistance.

Harris County residents will have one more day to apply for Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). Residents looking for D-SNAP are instructed to go to the George R. Brown Convention Center, beginning at 8 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Today, thousands continued waiting at the Greenspoint Mall to apply for D-SNAP, one of four locations set up in Harris County where, according to officials, over 200,000 have already applied.

"The last day is going to be a big day and as you've seen the crowds, our main concern is to get people out of the elements. I mean there will be extremely long lines," says Wayne Salter, Associate Commissioner with Texas Health and Human Services.

Frustration understood as Chan Payne waited in line at Greenspoint Mall, hoping to get inside before the opportunity ended for the night. Payne says she tried earlier in the week, arriving around 4 p.m., but the line was too long.

"It's been very exhausting, speaking with people knowing they're going through the same troubles that you are," says Payne.

That's why leaders have extended D-SNAP applications for one more day, but only one location will be accepting them and that's at the George R. Brown Convention Center, located at 1001 Avenida De Las Americas, Houston, TX. 77010.

"Transportation-wise, it's crazy right now so that would be a long stretch for us to drive that way so we're hoping to get in today," says Payne after being asked if she'd drive to the GRB and apply for D-SNAP.

For those who miss tomorrow's event, there is still an opportunity to apply for SNAP benefits online.

Meanwhile, not closing down is the Red Cross shelter, inside the old Macy's store at Greenspoint Mall.

The makeshift shelter continues to house around 440 displaced residents, according to the Red Cross.

"It could be better of course, but the American people donate all the money and we're still not getting any results. My question is why aren't they doing more to help us to try to get people out of here to transition their lives," says John Green who says he was displaced due to Harvey. Green arriving at the Greenspoint Mall on September 23.

"Nobody wants to be in a shelter long-term. Many residents here have been in the shelter since late August and they're not happy with that so we want to help people take those next steps," says Mary Jane Mudd, spokesperson for the American Red Cross.

"Just trying to get back to my normal life and get back to work and, you know, live a normal life," says Green.

Officials not providing a timetable for when the shelter will be closing down, just reiterating the point that they hope to get everyone back to normal as soon as possible.