Rachel Hoskins
rhoskins@thefranklinpress.com
Mitchell County was among 27 North Carolina counties that suffered widespread flooding, landslides and destruction, due to the Tropical Storm Helene, which moved inland after coming ashore in Florida on Sept. 26. N.C. Governor Roy Cooper requested a Federal Major Disaster Declaration for WNC, which was approved by President Joe Biden, leading to the influx of federal help for the area. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) said qualified homeowners, renters and small business owners in Mitchell County whose homes and businesses suffered from storm related damaged are eligible to apply for federal disaster relief funding.
La Tanga Hopes, FEMA Media Relation Specialist, said that “anyone incurring damage can ask questions and complete their application at disasterassistance.gov.”
If qualified, FEMA provides Serious Needs Assistance. It is an upfront, flexible payment or approximately $750 to help cover essential items like food, water, baby formula, medication and other emergency supplies. It is not a loan. There are other forms of assistance that you may qualify for. Serious Needs Assistance is an initial payment you may receive while FEMA assesses your eligibility for additional funds. As your application continues to be reviewed, you may still receive additional forms of assistance for other needs such as support for temporary housing, personal property and home repair costs.
Hopes said the $750 in initial relief is “simply a lifeline to keep your head above water,” and that it’s different than the money used for rebuilding and for long term disaster recovery.
“Once you’re settled and safe, we can talk about disaster recovery process,” Hopes said. “One myth is that people will have to pay back to $750. If they receive a cash grant from FFEMA, they won’t have to be paid back and isn’t income driven.”
Hopes said people should apply with their insurance company first, then apply with FEMA.
“It’s not like people just complete their application and receive money in hand,” said Hopes. “There are eligibility requirements, and you must share how you incurred damages.”
Hopes said people can’t “double dip” to receive funds from two different sources for the same reason, using the example of receiving FEMA funds and then claiming those same damages with their insurance.
FEMA has opened three, Disaster Recovery Centers in WNC with Asheville and Marion being the closest centers to Mitchell County. On Monday, Hopes said there are plans is to open more in WNC as needed, although she did not have the schedule of where additional centers would be open.
Lack of power, internet and phone services is making it difficult for many residents to apply for help. In Mitchell County cell phone and internet access is available at area fire departments and at the Buladean Community Center. The Spruce Pine Library is open weekdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and has internet services available.
The deadline to apply for FEMA aid is Nov. 27.
Information you need to file a claim:
• Phone number
• Address (both during the disaster and current location)
• Social Security number
• Notes listing the extent of damage. This can be a general list.
• Banking information for those interested in receiving a direct deposit
• Insurance company name and policy number
• Amount of annual household income.
FEMA also recommends taking pictures and making lists to document the damage. This can help streamline the process both when working with homeowner’s or renter’s insurance and with FEMA inspectors. Hopes said people should check appliances and anywhere in a home that took on water before filling out their application, saying that small issues can become big problems.
Four ways to apply for FEMA aid:
• Visit DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Download the app through Google Play or the Apple App Store, or by texting ANDROID or APPLE to 43362 (4FEMA.)
• Call 800-621-3362 from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days per week
• Visit the closest FEMA Disaster Recovery Center to apply in person.
After applying, FEMA may ask individuals to work with a FEMA inspector who can gather more details about the losses sustained in the storm. Once an application has been processed, the applicant will receive a letter via mail or email, depending on the method the applicant chose.
Letters will detail what aid was approved and how help that is awarded is required to be utilized.
Often, Serious Needs Assistance in the amount of $750 is the first money individuals receive while their application for potential other help is making its way through FEMA’s system. That money is meant to help with immediate problems.
Appeals process
If a FEMA application is denied, applicants have up to 60 days to file an appeal.
Appeals can be filed in several ways:
• Through an individual’s DisasterAssistance.gov account
• Directly through a Disaster Recovery Center
• Faxed to 800-827-8112 and marked “Attention: FEMA – Individuals & Households Program.”
• Mailed to: FEMA – Individuals & Households Program National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055
The denial letter will include details on what applicants should send with the appeal, and those requirements can vary case by case. Typically, individuals should receive a response within 30 days, but it can take up to three months to receive a final response. Those who need help understanding their letter or the appeal process can call the same FEMA helpline listed above.