Hurricane Helene has left a significant impact across Western North Carolina. For anyone in need of immediate assistance, from housing support to mental health resources, here’s a list of services available to help you recover and rebuild.
1. Federal and State Emergency Assistance
- FEMA Assistance: FEMA provides aid for temporary housing, medical expenses, and essential repairs. Apply at disasterassistance.gov or call 800-621-3362 to see if you qualify for assistance.
- Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP): Emergency food assistance is available to eligible residents through North Carolina’s D-SNAP. For more details, visit NC211.org or call 888-892-1162.
2. Housing and Financial Aid
- Temporary Housing Options: FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance program offers short-term housing solutions, while low-interest loans for home repairs and rebuilding are available through the Small Business Administration.
- Unemployment Assistance: North Carolina has expanded unemployment benefits for those who have lost work due to storm damage. Contact the Department of Employment Security at 888-737-0259 for assistance.
3. Community Support and Donations
- North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund: Managed by United Way of North Carolina, this fund directly supports local nonprofits working in affected areas. Contributions to the fund help provide necessities and aid to impacted communities. For details or to donate, visit nc.gov/donate.
- NC Cooperative Extension: Providing critical support with food distribution and emergency supplies, the NC Cooperative Extension can be a resource for community-specific needs and updates. Stay informed by subscribing to their Disaster Digest at NC Cooperative Extension
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4. Mental Health and Wellness Support
- Disaster Distress Helpline: The national Disaster Distress Helpline offers 24/7 crisis counseling at 1-800-985-5990 to help manage the emotional toll of a natural disaster.
Recovery is a shared journey. By reaching out to these resources, you can access the support and services needed to move forward. Please share this guide with friends, family, and community members who may need help.