FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 19, 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

McDowell County Helene Hotline 828-652-3241
Since the onset of Hurricane Helene, McDowell County has operated a fully staffed call center dedicated to addressing public inquiries and providing critical support to our community. Our team remains committed to ensuring the call center serves as a vital resource for citizens navigating this challenging time. We encourage all residents to share this valuable resource with others as a "one-stop shop" for the latest updates and essential information. Working in close coordination with all agencies, the Call Center strives to meet every resource request effectively. Please don't hesitate to call—we're here to assist in any way we can.
 
At the height of Hurricane Helene, the call center was handling over 600 calls per day, providing crucial assistance to those in need. The call center continues to receive over 130 calls daily and remains operational 24/7 to ensure ongoing support for our community.

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

FEMA Disaster Recovery Center Locations
Senior Center of Marion
100 Spaulding Rd.
Marion, NC 28752
Open: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m., Monday through Sunday
 
A.C. “Bud” Hogan Community Center
909 East Main St.
Old Fort, NC 28762
Open: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m., Monday through Sunday

A DRC is a one-stop shop where survivors can meet face-to-face with FEMA representatives, apply for FEMA assistance, receive referrals to local assistance in their area, apply with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for low-interest disaster loans and much more. 
FEMA financial assistance may include money for basic home repairs, personal property losses or other uninsured, disaster-related needs, such as childcare, transportation, medical needs, funeral, or dental expenses.
Centers are already open in Asheville, Bakersville, Boone, Brevard, Hendersonville, Jefferson, Lenoir, Marion, Sylva and Waynesville. To find those center locations, go to fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a zip code to 43362. Additional recovery centers will open soon. All centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology.  
Homeowners and renters in 39 North Carolina counties and tribal members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians can visit any open center, including locations in other states. No appointment is needed. 
It is not necessary to go to a center to apply for FEMA assistance. The fastest way to apply is online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via the FEMA app. You may also call 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as video relay, captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.
McDowell Cares Free Market Opens
 
The McDowell Cares Free Market, hosted by Nebo Crossing Church at 4215 US 221 N in Marion, NC, is offering free groceries and essential items to those in need. The market is open every Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and again from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. This initiative is part of the ongoing efforts to support the community during challenging times, ensuring that everyone has access to vital resources. All are welcome to visit the market and receive assistance. We encourage the community to spread the word and help make a difference by supporting this important cause.
 
 
Free Mobile Health Clinics & Comfort Station Locations

• 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
• 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 10/19/24

 
 

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
North Cove	Concord United Methodist Church	8066 Linville Dr. Marion	2pm - 4pm daily
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	12pm - 6pm
Old Fort	Camp Grier	985 Camp Greir Rd. Old Fort	10am - 1pm & 4pm-7pm
Old Fort	Bethlehem Baptist Church	2839 Old Fort Sugar Hill Rd. Old Fort	Monday 10am - 2pm Tuesday & Thursday 10am - 2pm & 4pm - 6pm Saturday 10am - 2pm
Old Fort	Salem Freewill Baptist Church	407 Salem Church Rd. Old Fort	Saturday 9am - 4pm
Old Fort	Mt Hebron Wesleyan Church	2504 Mt Hebron Rd. Old Fort	Monday - Friday 12pm - 4pm Saturday 8am - 3pm
Old Fort	Davis Country Store	75 E Main St. Old Fort	8:30am - 6pm daily
Old Fort	Black Beary's Cafe	14 W Main St. Old Fort	Monday - Saturday 11:30am - 7pm
Pleasant Gardens	Tom Johnson's Camping Center	348 Resistoflex Rd. Marion	Weekends 11am - 4pm / Weekdays 9am - 5pm