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Housing Call: October 8, 2024

In light of Hurricane Helene and the various resources that we know our communities in WNC are in need of – this will be our focus for the housing call for Tuesday October 1, 2024. An abbreviated version of the traditional call notes that includes links to federal, state, and local updates as well as news, reports, resources, and events are included succeeding the information relating to assistance and support for those impacted by Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina (WNC).

 

Information regarding Disaster Recovery Resources as of October 7, 2024 at 9:00AM.

 

SIGN UP FOR FEMA INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE!!

Individual Assistance – FEMA’s Individual Assistance program is the gateway to all other disaster recovery resources. They are taking applications for the program via their website or by calling 800-621-3362. Here are some tips:

  1. One of the questions that FEMA will ask when you register is “Do You Have Emergency Needs”? This means during your evacuation or since staying at home during the disaster, do you need help with Gas, Medication, Food (meals, water, had no power and everything spoils), Shelter (you are staying with friends, family or in a hotel); Clothing; or Durable Medical Equipment (oxygen, walkers, cane, glasses, all major equipment, etc). If this is true, say “YES” to this question. That will result in your receiving Displacement / Critical Needs Assistance, which is $750.
  2. When asked if your home is/was accessible, answer “NO” if there was debris, tree branches, continued flooding, loss of power, damage or destruction that prevented you from staying there after Helene. This question is asking whether you can stay at your home or apartment and will trigger the ability for you to receive assistance to pay for hotels or provide funding to use while you stay with family or friends.
  3. When asked if utilities are out, say “YES” even if your utilities were out for a few days. This triggers assistance $ to stay somewhere other than your home or to buy fuel to power a generator.
  4. When asked “Are you willing to relocate” say “YES” if you cannot live in your home due to damage, loss of power, etc. This question means you are willing to stay in a hotel or apartment temporarily, and triggers that funding for you. It is not asking if you are willing to move away from your home permanently.
  5. If you bought or buy a generator, FEMA will reimburse you up to $629, but you must submit the receipt. If you bought a chainsaw, FEMA will reimburse you up to $219. Again, you need to provide the receipt. Save your receipts.

Resources to support recovery from Hurricane Helene – database available

The team at NC Housing Coalition is collecting and vetting the growing amount of information around resources and assistance for those impacted by Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina. You can access our resource database here: https://tinyurl.com/NCHC4WNC.

Renters’ Rights – There is a lot of confusion about renters’ rights in the aftermath of a disaster, in particular what recovery resources look like. For questions, contact Pisgah Legal at online@pisgahlegal.org or 828-253-0406. The legal team at Pisgah is being supported by attorneys from other states. This is due to an administrative order issued by the NC Supreme Court that permits attorneys licensed in other states to temporarily register with the NC State Bar to provide pro bono legal services to those impacted by the storm. There is advocacy happening around an eviction moratorium now that some of the courts in the West are reopening today. We will update you as we hear more.

Know of other critical recovery resources? Submit them to our database

We are still actively building this database, and we know many of you are already connected to resources on the ground and key information. If you know of critical resources available, please let us know! You can submit resources to our database by filling out this form:

Resource form URL: https://tinyurl.com/WNCResourcesNCHC OR by emailing us at info@nchousing.org.

Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) – This is the first national hotline dedicated to providing year-round disaster crisis counseling. This toll-free, multilingual, crisis support service is available 24/7 to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. Call or text 1-800-985-5990

Misinformation – Due to the incredible volume of misinformation swirling online and in-person, FEMA has put together a “Rumor Response” page, and NC Emergency Management has set up it’s own as well. This provides context to some of the most insidious rumors circulating online. One of the key challenges posed by the impact of the loss of so many roads and spotty cell coverage, good information is difficult to disseminate, and bad information is difficult to dispel.

NC State Board of Elections – The bipartisan State Board of Elections on Monday unanimously approved a long list of emergency measures to help Helene victims vote in the 2024 election and ensure election officials can provide accessible, safe, and secure voting options for residents of Western North Carolina. Read more here.

What we’re hearing from residents in WNC  Notes on what we have been hearing from our conversations from people

  • Biggest issue is water – some are starting to get power, internet and cell service back, but it could be weeks before water is restored (not sustainable for community to be living without water)
  • Port-a-johns with wash stations placed in community have been helpful for people without access to non potable water – need more of those
  • Lack of fuel is also an ongoing issue
  • Many roads are impassable, which makes it difficult for people to access the supplies they need
  • Many of the service organizations are still disconnected so can’t assess their sites – hard to get there and not everyone has phone service restored
  • It’s still difficult to get a broad assessment of immediate needs – needs are changing everyday
  • One clear need – there’s a HUGE lack of shelter beds
  • Going to hit an even bigger crisis after immediate needs of water and electricity come back, because we need to be able to house people who are displaced; Lots of funding will be needed to support that.
  • Communication has been challenging – without internet and cell service, people aren’t receiving communications about how to access resources – this should be part of long-term disaster preparedness efforts
  • Local radio stations have been relied on by many as they have replaced their regular programming to sharing resources, updates on road conditions, etc.
  • Cash donations are still the best way to help
  • Cold weather items such as blankets, jackets, etc. will be needed in the coming weeks as the weather gets colder
  • Concerns about long-term housing impacts to a region already dealing with an affordable housing crisis

 

Coalition Updates

The NC Housing Coalition is looking for an Events & Outreach Coordinator to join us in our mission of ensuring every North Carolinian has a home in which to live with dignity and opportunity. To learn more about the position and apply, visit nchousing.org/jobs.

 

Federal Updates

 

State & Local Updates

 

Events

unique opportunity to explore how local organizations provide essential housing support, from temporary shelter to long-term solutions for residents facing housing insecurity.

 

Reports & Resources

Voting Resources

In the News

Recommended read

Housing Call: October 1, 2024

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