NS Opens New Family Assistance Center in East Palestine

Written by Carolina Worrell, Senior Editor
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Norfolk Southern (NS) announced May 25 that it has signed a two-year lease agreement for a new Family Assistance Center (FAC) in East Palestine, Ohio, that will officially open at noon on Tuesday, May 30, 2023.

According to NS, the FAC, which was originally set up within 24 hours of the Feb. 3 derailment, is relocating from the Abundant Life Fellowship Church in New Waterford to Rebecca Place, located at 191 East Rebecca Street in East Palestine. The FAC’s hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The center will remain closed on Sundays.

The FAC, NS says, is an accessible, long-term resource for questions, concerns and assistance. Residents with questions can also contact the FAC at 800-230-7049 during the center’s regular hours.

Residents who are seeking assistance should bring the following to the FAC:

  • Driver’s license or other government-issued identification.
  • Proof of residency (e.g., current utility bill, etc.).  
  • For minors residing in the household, proof of dependency (e.g., minor child’s birth certificate or Social Security card).
  • Receipts for any out-of-pocket expenses. 

“We are committed to supporting and being a part of the East Palestine community for the long haul,” said NS Senior Director of Legal Claims Will Harden. “The new location of our Family Assistance Center will help us support area residents and ensure they have the support they need.”

This is the latest commitment that the Class I has made to the community in response to the Feb. 3 derailment. Earlier this month, NS President and CEO Alan Shaw wrote in a letter to Sens. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ted Cruz (D-Tex.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) that the railroad will establish a fund to compensate homeowners in East Palestine for property diminution.

To learn more about NS’s commitment to the East Palestine community and surrounding area, visit NSMakingitRight.com.

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