FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 18, 2024

Hurricane Helene Response Update from McDowell County Emergency Operations Center (EOC)

Missing Persons & Welfare Check Update
Active missing persons cases under investigation: 1
Confirmed fatalities: 2

FEMA Disaster Recovery Center Opening in Old Fort
The Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Old Fort, NC, is set to open on Saturday at 8:00 AM, marking the second DRC to open in McDowell County. Located at the Old Fort Senior Center, 909 East Main St., the center will be open daily from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The American Red Cross will be on-site at the Old Fort DRC, providing essential items like heaters and generators to support local residents. MATCH (McDowell Access to Care and Health) will also be embedded at the center, offering additional services to connect citizens with critical assistance. The Marion Senior Center (100 Spaulding Rd. Marion, NC) remains open as a DRC, operating from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, seven days a week. Both centers play a key role in helping the community recover and access needed resources.

Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP)
In-person DSNAP registration for McDowell County opens today at 8:00 AM and will be available for enrollment through October 24, 2024. Residents can apply in person at the YMCA in Marion, NC, located at 348 Grace Corpening Dr. Registration will be open on weekdays from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM and on weekends from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The registration area is set up on the lower level of the gym. This program offers critical assistance to those affected by recent events, providing much-needed support to the community during recovery. Individuals currently receiving SNAP (FNS) benefits do not qualify for D-SNAP assistance.
Important Dates:

• Register By phone: Residents are encouraged to apply for D-SNAP by calling 1-844-453-1117 (Hours of Operation are the same as in-person registration)
• In-person registration: October 18-24, 2024, at the YMCA of Marion, 348 Grace Corpening Dr, Marion, NC 28752
  • Weekday hours: Friday, October 18; Monday, October 21; Tuesday, October 22; Wednesday, October 23; and Thursday, October 24 from 8 AM to 4 PM
  • Weekend hours: Saturday, October 19, and Sunday, October 20 from 9 AM to 2 PM

 
Free Mobile Health Clinics Continue to Serve McDowell
 
Free medical clinics have been established in both Old Fort and the Woodlawn community to provide essential healthcare services to residents in need. The Old Fort clinic, located at 25 W Main St., and the Woodlawn clinic, located at 6687 US 221 North, Marion, NC, both operate daily from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. No insurance is required at either location, ensuring that everyone has access to necessary medical care, regardless of their financial situation. These clinics are here to support the community with compassionate care during this time of recovery, offering vital services at no cost. With two free clinics now operating in McDowell County, access to healthcare is readily available for all residents.

• FREE Medical Clinic, Old Fort
  Location: 25 W. Main St. Old Fort, NC 28762
  Hours: 8AM-7PM
• FREE Medical Clinic, Woodlawn
  Location: 6687 US 221 N. Marion, NC 28752
  Hours: 8AM-7PM

Additional Resources In McDowell County

• Comfort Station Old Fort Baptist Church
  Location: 203 E Main St, Old Fort, NC
  Services Provided: Showers, Laundry, and Bathrooms
• Comfort Station New Horizon Baptist Church
  Location: 5878 US 221 North, Marion, NC
  Services Provided: Showers, Laundry, and Bathrooms

 
Debris Removal Update
As McDowell County continues its efforts to recover from Tropical Storm Helene, work is ongoing with the Army Corps of Engineers to begin debris removal across the county. As we near a start date for debris pickup, residents and businesses are urged to follow essential guidelines to ensure an efficient process. Over the next several weeks, contractors hired by McDowell County will begin removing storm debris from public roadways in the Town of Old Fort, the City of Marion, and along state secondary roads in the County. The cost of debris removal will be covered by state and federal funds.
Residents are encouraged to move debris to within 10 feet of the right-of-way for collection and ensure it is properly separated into the following six categories: large appliances, construction debris, vegetative debris, hazardous waste, electronics, and household waste. Proper separation of debris into these categories is crucial for timely collection. Further information on the start date for debris removal will be provided as soon as it is available.
 

Food & Water Distribution Centers As Of 10/18/24

 

Community	Location	Address	Hours
Glenwood	Restoration Church	2344 Ashworth Rd. Marion	9am to 5pm
Marion	New Manna Baptist	225 E. Court Street, Marion	10am – 12pm & 4pm - 6pm
Marion	Centro Unido Latino Americano	79 Academy St. Marion	9am - 5pm
Marion	First Baptist Church of Marion	99 N. Main St, Marion	9am - 5pm
Old Fort	Cherry Springs (Old Fort)	6 Bull Walker Rd. Old Fort	Sundays 2pm-6pm / Wednesdays 4pm - 7pm
Old Fort	First Baptist Church of Old Fort	203 E Main St, Old Fort	4pm - 7pm M-F
Old Fort	Camp Grier	985 Camp Greir Rd. Old Fort	10am - 1pm & 4pm-7pm
Pleasant Gardens	Tom Johnson's Camping Center	348 Resistoflex Rd. Marion	Weekends 11am - 4pm / Weekdays 9am - 5pm