Full Notification

Disaster Recovery Center to Reopen at Marion Senior Center Following Holiday Closure
The Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) at the Marion Senior Center, located at 100 Spaulding Road, Marion, NC, will open on Monday, December 2, at 8:00 AM to assist residents recovering from Hurricane Helene. The DRC will operate Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM and on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and it will remain closed on Sundays. Please note that the Old Fort location will not reopen. The DRC is a one-stop resource where individuals can meet with representatives from FEMA, state agencies, and other recovery partners to discuss disaster assistance programs, apply for aid, and receive guidance tailored to their recovery needs. We strongly encourage all residents affected by the storm to visit the Marion location to access the support and resources available to help rebuild and recover.

FEMA Assistance Deadline Extended: Apply by January 7, 2025
If you sustained damage or loss due to Hurricane Helene, it’s not too late to apply for FEMA assistance. The deadline to apply has been extended to January 7, 2025. Don’t miss this opportunity to get the help you need! Here are the ways you can apply: Online: Visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov. Phone: Call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 1-800-462-7585). In Person: Visit the Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) at the Marion Senior Center: Address: Marion Senior Center, 100 Spaulding Rd. Marion, NC Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM; Saturday, 9:00 AM–2:00 PM. Closed on Sundays. The Disaster Recovery Center is staffed with representatives ready to help you with your application, answer questions, and provide additional resources. Don’t wait—apply today! If you know someone impacted by the storm, share this information to help ensure they don’t miss out on this vital assistance.

McDowell County Helene Hotline Available 24/7 for Assistance
The McDowell County Helene Hotline remains available 24/7 to assist citizens and answer any questions related to Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. If you need support or information, please call 828-652-3241 at any time. We are here to help!

FEMA Extends Transitional Sheltering Assistance for Helene Survivors
FEMA has extended its Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program for Hurricane Helene survivors, granting additional time for those in short-term emergency sheltering to stay in hotels and motels. Initially authorized for 60 days until December 3, the program will now run through December 12. This extension provides households more time to secure alternative housing solutions or complete home repairs. FEMA will continue to evaluate the program's necessity based on survivors' housing plans and notify participants of their eligibility and checkout dates via automated calls, texts, or emails. Since the program's inception, over 10,000 households have used TSA for shelter, with nearly 5,000 finding long-term housing solutions. As of November 25, 5,179 households remain in participating hotels. Survivors can also explore additional housing assistance, such as FEMA's rental assistance or direct temporary housing options, which include direct leases, multifamily repairs, and temporary housing units. For more information, or to address ongoing housing needs, survivors should contact the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or visit DisasterAssistance.gov.

Foothills Food Hub: Your Resource for Free Food Distribution
The Foothills Food Hub continues to provide free, no-questions-asked food distributions for those in need. Each household will receive a food box filled with shelf-stable goods, fresh produce, and local farmer-sourced meat. Every Monday: Drive-thru distribution at 407 Salem Church Road, Old Fort, NC, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the Month: Distribution at 608 Jacktown Road, Marion, NC, from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Please check the monthly calendar for the most accurate distribution dates and times, as schedules may be affected by holidays. If you are unable to attend a distribution, assistance is available. Call 828-659-5289, and McDowell Access to Care and Health (MATCH) can help you sign up to have a food box delivered. For more information and updates, visit www.foothillsfoodhub.org.