Last Updated on October 14, 2024 11:52 am
Good morning friends and neighbors,
This is going to be long but hopefully it will answer a lot of questions.
– We're going to change up our messaging format. As we move from immediate need to long-term recovery, we are going to discontinue our daily updates on supplies, showers, meals, etc. and move to more of the in-depth information on how to get assistance to carry forward in the process of recovery.
-Where to put debris? The landfill, convenience centers, and Dogget Rd recycling center are operating on regular business hours (Riverview is the only center NOT currently open-the dumpsters had to be fished out of the river & there's more work to be done there!) Coming SOON – a debris removal contract has been established & we're hiring crews to pick up storm debris from state-maintained roads. We'll have more information coming – stay tuned!
-Well & Spring Water Testing & Disinfecting – if your well or spring was flooded (or damaged) you will need to repair (if needed) & test! You can request a kit (no cost!) from AppHealthCare (828-795-1970 or complete the form at https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSd_hGTB…/viewform
-If you have Food & Nutrition Services currently, Oct. 4-Nov. 3 you can use your EBT for hot meals as well. If you are enrolled in FNS currently and had loss of food due to the storm, contact your Ashe County Department of Social Services representative through Oct. 26 for help. If you were enrolled in FNS for September, you should have seen replacement funds (70% of your benefit) credited to your EBT card. Questions, contact DSS. If you are NOT enrolled in FNS but need it due to the storm, please contact DSS for the application process. (336-846-5719)
Also, a Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) is going into effect for those who are NOT currently enrolled in FNS. There will be a short window for applications and we will have those dates soon to share with you! Watch for more information on this!
-FEMA applications can be made in-person at a field office (currently Roop Building, 209 S Big Horse Creek Rd, Lansing 28643 and Riverview Community Center, 11775 NC-88W, Creston 28615 daily 9am-4pm), online at https://www.disasterassistance.gov/ or by phone at 1-800-621-3362. PLEASE CALL SOON-if approved; an initial payment can be made for immediate needs. Further assistance may come, upon approval, later as well depending on your damages. Have your information (personal, insurance, etc.) ready when you apply. Once you have applied, you will be given an application confirmation number & will need to schedule a home inspection with FEMA. Once the inspection is complete, FEMA will notify you of the results within 10 days of the site visit. IF you are denied, you may appeal that decision within 60-days. (It is important to appeal if you can show your damages as it is likely something was missing from the application – see legal services below.)
-Disaster Unemployment. If you missed work or were unable to start a scheduled job due to Hurricane Helene, you may qualify for disaster unemployment. Deadline to apply is December 2. To apply call 919-629-3857 (english) or 919-276-5698 (spanish) or online at: https://www.des.nc.gov/dua
-Farmers – for hay and fencing (help or donations), contact Ashe County Cooperative Extension. To request items, complete the form here: https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSd4beWF59TP1J…/viewform or call 336-846-5850
-Legal Services – NC Legal Aid can assist with FEMA applications and appeals. They also provide assistance with homeowners insurance policies, mortgage and/or foreclosures, eviction & lease terminations, and more. If you need legal help, contact Legal Aid at 866-219-5262.
