Some 200 Greater Port Arthur residents pressed into the 501 Building in downtown Port Arthur on Tuesday, the first day that eligible local residents could seek federal dollars for Hurricane and Tropical Storm Harvey needs there.

Doors opened at 9 and by late Tuesday afternoon, those who’d waited much of the day were receiving early numbers for service Wednesday.

The “one-stop shop” for seeking federal aid was supported with $127,000 in Port Arthur city funds, as Mayor Derrick Freeman and the Port Arthur City Council has urged residents to apply for funding.

This latest round of funding is specifically for homeowners. Some $205 million in federal funds have been allocated to give relief to storm-affected residents in Jefferson, Orange and Hardin counties. The Port Arthur office, 501 Procter St., will be open 9-4, Tuesday through Thursday, probably for at least 60 days.

Freeman was on hand Tuesday, urging residents to fill out forms, bring their required documents and seek the money that might provide relief from the August 2017 storm. As much as 80 percent of Port Arthur was adversely affected by the flooding. The long-awaited homeowner money is being distributed through the oversight of the General Land Office.

“It’s been a long wait,” said Jimmy Bernard of Port Arthur. He arrived around 9 a.m., but things moved somewhat slowly on day No. 1.

Bernard said his home sustained floor damage and buckling, “things like that.” He said it may be a “tear down.”

Kristi Patxot of Groves said things were “slow but pleasant” at the 501 Building. She said she and her husband also sustained floor damage at their Harrison Avenue home. She said the house shifted, which she believes was due to wind, and her family held Texas Wind Insurance. She said the insurer told her the damage was due to flooding, which she’d not experienced before at her home.

“Today is proof that word is getting out,” said Shaun Davis, who is overseeing the site for AECOM, hired by GLO to oversee the particulars of disaster relief. He said about 10 counselors were on hand to advise people on how to fill out forms.

Those forms can also be filled out online at recovery.texas.gov, organizers said, but people without online resources or who need extra assistance can come to the 501 Building.

Mayor Derrick Freeman said social agencies such as Red Cross were also on hand. Some non-profits are waiting results of the aid application process, to see where they can help victims most.

Freeman said the city of Port Arthur has kept track of people who have indicated they need aid, and has contacted people to apply now.

Freeman also said there will be a one-day, “kickoff” event from 4-8 p.m. Dec. 10 for people who can’t get to the 501 Building during the day.