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. 10/17/24 by Mason Beam (WNN)

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.”

The Mitchell County Disaster Recovery Center signs located at the Mitchell County Senior Center. 152 Ledger School Road, Bakersville, 28705. October 17th 2024, by Mason Beam (WNN)

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

Andrea Williams, the FEMA disaster recovery center manager, during her interview with WNN. October 17th 2024, by Mason Beam (WNN)

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:

SBA Loans are available at the Mitchell County FEMA site. October 17th 2024, by Mason Beam (WNN)
  1. Online at DisasterAssistance.Gov
  2. Online through the FEMA app
  3. Call 800-621-3362, 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS)
  4. Apply in person at a designated Disaster Recovery Center

Information You Will Need:

  1. Your address with zip code (damaged property)
  2. Condition of your damaged home
  3. Insurance information, if available
  4. Social Security number
  5. Contact Phone number
  6. 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.


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