A relief center opened Wednesday in Bridgeport for families who fled Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria.

The city has one of the largest Puerto Rican populations in the state. 

Emergency management officials say they expect an influx of more than 70,000 people in the area.

The relief center is headquartered inside the American Job Center and is a so-called one-stop shop for those transitioning from Puerto Rico to the Bridgeport community.

The center will offer employment assistance, referrals for housing, plus help with health care, food, clothing, ESL classes and more. Center coordinator Rosa J. Correa says she's met with 30 families who need help in the past two days. 

She says Wednesday's grand opening is just the start of a long-term effort to help those from Puerto Rico, as well as people on the island.

The relief center, located at 2 Lafayette Square, will be open from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. Anyone who who like to contact the center can call 203-953-3272.