Full Notification

FEMA Extends Hotel Stays to January 25th Amid Winter Weather Conditions
FEMA is extending the Transitional Sheltering Assistance hotel stays until Jan. 25 for 3,000+ who are eligible. Families checking out Jan. 14 are returning to habitable homes or withdrew from FEMA assistance. If someone still needs help, please call 800-621-3362.

Disaster Energy Assistance Now Available for Hurricane Helene Recovery
North Carolina has allocated $9 million in Disaster Energy Assistance to support households in 25 counties, including McDowell, impacted by Hurricane Helene. Eligible households can apply starting January 15, 2025, for benefits such as utility bill assistance, furnace repair, and heating-related costs. Applications can be made in person at DSS ( 145 E Court St, Marion) or via phone at (828) 652-3355. To qualify, households must meet income guidelines and demonstrate disaster-related losses. Funds will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, with no maximum benefit per household.

Need Help Removing Storm Debris? Apply for Free Debris Removal
If you need assistance with debris removal on private property, McDowell County is here to help. Citizens recovering from Hurricane Helene can apply for this free service by visiting www.mcdowellgov.com/helene and clicking on "Helene Storm Debris Removal" for more information. If you have questions or need help applying, please call the Helene Hotline at
828-652-3241. This program is designed to ease the burden on our community as we continue to rebuild together, ensuring everyone has access to the resources they need during recovery.

Debris Removal Efforts Continue in McDowell County
As of January 14, 2025, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has reported the collection of 40,104.95 cubic yards of debris and 20,811.86 tons of soil as part of ongoing debris removal efforts in McDowell County. As this situation is constantly evolving, please check our storm debris management updates at https://www.mcdowellgov.com/debris  Additional passes for ROW debris pickup will continue, and residents are encouraged to place debris within 10 feet of the public right of way. Those needing debris removed from private property or private drives can apply for assistance at www.mcdowellgov.com/helene.