Full Notification

Free crisis counseling and mental health resources are available for Helene survivors
Free crisis counseling and mental health resources are available for Helene survivors through the Hope4NC Helpline 24/7 at 1-855-587-3463. Services are available to anyone residing in the declared 39 North Carolina counties and tribal members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, regardless of their eligibility for FEMA financial assistance.

Thanksgiving Week Schedules for McDowell County Services and FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers
In observance of Thanksgiving, the following schedule updates are announced for McDowell County and FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers: FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers: All FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers will be closed from Thursday, November 28, through Sunday, December 1. The Marion Disaster Recovery Center will resume operations at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, December 2. McDowell County Helene Hotline: The McDowell County Helene Hotline will remain operational 24/7 during the holiday period. Residents with urgent needs are encouraged to call for assistance.

McDowell County: Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)
The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) helps McDowell County residents reduce future risks from disasters by funding projects like home elevation or property acquisition. The program covers 100% of eligible costs, with 75% funded by FEMA and 25% by the state, at no cost to homeowners. Participation is voluntary, and anyone impacted by recent disasters is encouraged to apply. To get started, watch the 8-minute introductory video and complete the 5-minute Grant Information Request form online. Once submitted, applicants will receive instructions from a Hazard Mitigation team member on completing the full application. For more information or assistance, call the McDowell County Helene Hotline at 828-652-3241 to speak with a member of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) team. In-person assistance will also be available soon, with dates and locations to be announced.

 

Direct Temporary Housing Assistance
FEMA offers several types of housing assistance and temporary shelter solutions for eligible households. Direct Temporary Housing Assistance is approved for 25 counties as an interim solution to permanent housing needs. These temporary housing solutions include travel trailers or manufactured home units, and more will be available soon. These options take time, and individuals will be contacted by FEMA if they are eligible. Learn more about housing assistance options and eligibility by watching this video: Direct Housing Assistance available in North Carolina for Helene Survivors.

Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) is Still Available
Through TSA, FEMA pays directly to participating hotels and motels to cover the cost of room, taxes and non-refundable pet fees to provide short term accommodations for eligible disaster survivors. If you are eligible for TSA, FEMA will notify you using the contact information you provided on your application.

Appeal a Decision
You can appeal any FEMA decision or award amount by sending additional documents, like estimates for repairs, receipts, bills, etc., that show you qualify and need more help. Each decision letter from FEMA explains why you are ineligible and the types of documents to help you appeal. For more details, please visit: https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/how-appeal-fema-decision-1. Video on How to Appeal.