FEMA and Local Volunteers Unite for Mitchell County Recovery Efforts
By: Lauren Ramsey – Wise News Network
Bakersville, NC (WNN)- In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastation, Mitchell County has established a comprehensive disaster recovery operation, combining both local volunteer efforts and federal assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The operation, centered at the Mitchell County Senior Center on Ledger School Road in Bakersville, serves as a crucial lifeline for residents dealing with property damage and cleanup needs.
Local Volunteer Resource Center Leads Community Response
Stephanie Pitman, director of the volunteer resource center, described their operation: “We have a group of locals that are manning our phone banks, and we take phone calls and visits from residents who are coming in and have property damage and need help getting trees off their roofs or driveways repaired.” The center has processed over 300 resident requests and registered more than 300 volunteers since opening.
FEMA Disaster Recovery Center Operations
Andrea Williams, the FEMA disaster recovery center manager, detailed the federal assistance process: “We have an applicant services program specialist meet with them and determine what types of needs they have. If they had damages to their property, their home, or their personal property or maybe a vehicle, we walk them through the step-by-step process.”
Available Assistance and Requirements
The center offers immediate financial assistance, including a $750 non-repayable grant. “The $750 is theirs to keep, and it does not have to be paid back,” Williams confirms. Additionally, the Small Business Administration is on-site to process loan applications for those requiring additional assistance.
Operational Hours and Accessibility
The FEMA center has extended hours to accommodate all residents, operating from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week. “We have extended hours, language learning services, and accessibility equipment to assist everyone who needs to be accommodated to come in and get registered to see if we can help them,” Williams said, emphasizing their commitment to serving all community members.
Community Impact
The response from the community has been overwhelming. “We’ve gotten people that have come… they want to hug us,” Williams shares. “Just to see it and you know that you’re making a real difference in people’s lives. And that’s why we’re out here.”
How to Access Services
Residents seeking assistance can visit the center at 152 Ledger School Road in Bakersville or contact the volunteer resource center hotline at (828) 660-0818. The volunteer center operates Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., while FEMA services are available seven days a week with extended hours.
Here are the ways to apply to FEMA:
- Online at DisasterAssistance.Gov
- Online through the FEMA app
- Call 800-621-3362, 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS)
- Apply in person at a designated Disaster Recovery Center
Information You Will Need:
- Your address with zip code (damaged property)
- Condition of your damaged home
- Insurance information, if available
- Social Security number
- Contact Phone number
- Address where you can get mail or email address to receive electronic notifications
FEMA applicants will receive an eligibility letter with the decision and amount via mail and instructions on the following steps.
For more WNN video news stories, visit YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wisenewsnetwork.
For more WNN articles and news stories, visit: https://wisenewsnetwork.com
Contact WNN at [email protected]
Copyright 2024 Wise News Network. All rights reserved.
