Full Notification

Ongoing Debris Removal Efforts Progress Across McDowell County

Today, crews continued their diligent efforts to clear debris throughout McDowell County, with eleven trucks actively deployed to remove debris along primary and secondary roadways managed by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). Looking ahead, residents along US 221 North and NC 80 can expect debris removal services to begin by the end of the week, as confirmed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. We appreciate the community's patience and support as we work tirelessly to restore our roads and neighborhoods. Once the Emergency Operations Center finalizes the schedule with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, we will notify residents through Nixle alerts and post updated schedules on our recovery website at www.mcdowellgov.com/helene. For real-time updates, residents can sign up for Nixle alerts by texting 28752 to 888777.

Free Medical Clinic on US 221 North Closing November 16: Grateful for Community Support and Service

The Free Medical Clinic on US 221 North, which has served an average of 15-20 patients each day since opening after Hurricane Helene, will hold its final day of operation on November 16, 2024. We are deeply grateful to all the dedicated medical providers and community partners who have supported this clinic and its mission during a critical time. After November 16, individuals in need of medical assistance are encouraged to visit any local urgent care or primary care office for continued care.

Free Disaster Legal Assistance Available for North Carolinians

Free disaster-related legal counseling, assistance and referrals are available for eligible North Carolina homeowners and renters in disaster-designated counties as they recover from Tropical Storm Helene. People do not need to apply for FEMA assistance to receive Disaster Legal Services. Low-income survivors can use this service to receive confidential, free legal assistance due to the disasters, but do not have the means to secure adequate legal services. Typical services include assistance with: Insurance policies and claims. Foreclosure and mortgage issues. Home repair contracts and contractors. Landlord-tenant disputes. Document replacement. Government benefits information. FEMA appeals. Fraud. For legal assistance, call 1-866-219-5262 and dial 2657. The toll-free hotline is available 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays. If contacted outside of operational hours, survivors can leave a voicemail. Disaster Legal Services attorneys are not FEMA employees. They are volunteers who provide survivors with legal counseling, advice, and, when appropriate, legal representation in non-fee-generating cases that are not against the Federal Government. The service is a partnership between the North Carolina Bar Association, North Carolina Bar Foundation, Legal Aid of North Carolina, the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division and FEMA. More information about legal assistance for North Carolina residents is available online at: legalaidnc.org/disaster.

Recovery Support Continues: Assistance Available for McDowell County Residents

Baptists On Mission continues to provide vital assistance to residents in McDowell County, offering services such as mud-out, sheetrock removal, mold treatment, and tree removal to those impacted by recent events. If you need help accessing these or other resources, please call the Helene Hotline at 828-652-3241, and we will be glad to guide you. Meanwhile, Emergency Management officials remain actively engaged in the community, conducting damage assessments and assisting residents with urgent needs. We are here to support our community every step of the way as we recover and rebuild.