In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, President Joe Biden and Governor Roy Cooper are working together to make sure western North Carolina receives the aid it desperately needs.
In less than 24 hours, Biden has announced that the federal government will cover 100% of the debris removal costs for the next six months in areas of western North Carolina hit hardest by Hurricane Helene.
This decision, made during Biden’s visit to Raleigh yesterday, aims to alleviate the immense financial burden on local communities as they begin the long road to recovery from the storm’s destruction.
“I’m here to say that the United States,the nation, has your back,” Biden said, addressing the Tar Heel state during a briefing at the North Carolina Emergency Operations Center in Raleigh. “We’re not leaving until you’re back on your feet completely. This is going to pay for the urgent work you need to clear landslides, to provide shelter, and supply food and medicine.”
This promise of financial relief is a crucial step for counties struggling to repair after the storm wiped entire towns off the map, destroyed key infrastructure, and closed more than 450 roads. The storm has killed 89 North Carolinians, and left many still missing.
Thanking the president, Cooper said that he pledged to invest the money as efficiently, and as quickly as the state possibly can.
“The damage caused by Hurricane Helene to western North Carolina is immense, and we are continuing our unprecedented efforts to surge resources into affected communities,” said Cooper. “We’re grateful to President Biden, FEMA, and all of our federal partners for their support and commitment to helping our state respond, recover, and rebuild from this disaster.”
Recovery efforts in full swing
Along with the announcement of funds, Biden approved the governor’s request to deploy active-duty military personnel to assist with ongoing relief operations. These troops join more than 1,000 North Carolina National Guard soldiers already on the ground, conducting search-and-rescue operations and delivering critical supplies to isolated areas.
Across western North Carolina, as of Wednesday, power has been restored to more than 500,000 customers, but over 400,000 residents still remain without it. Restoring electricity and communications remains a top priority, especially in the most rural and hard-to-reach areas. Biden has also deployed 50 StarLink satellites to help re-establish cellular networks, with more on the way.
[Editor’s note: As of 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct 3, the number of residents still without power has lowered to nearly 300,000.]
RELATED: Here’s how to help and get help after Hurricane Helene
Additionally, nearly 2 million meals and 2.5 million liters of water have been distributed to affected communities. Search-and-rescue teams have saved over 1,400 people, including more than 150 pets, and the National Guard has delivered over 700,000 pounds of supplies to those stranded.
Points of distribution have been set up throughout the region, offering food, water, and wi-fi access in areas where basic services have been cut off.
Here are a few locations to find supplies:
- Buncombe County – Biltmore Baptist Church, 35 Clayton Road, Arden, NC 28704
- McDowell County – Grace Community Church, 5182 Highway 70 West, Marion, NC 28752
- Watauga County – First Baptist Church, 375 West King Street, Boone, NC 28607
Provided from the press release, the locations below are also offering free public wi-fi for area residents. Seek information from local governments for counties not listed below.
- Ashe County – Westwood Elementary School, Mountain View Elementary School
- Buncombe County – UNC-Asheville, Asheville Buncombe Tech Ferguson, WNC Ag. Center, Asheville-Buncombe Tech Conference Center, Biltmore Baptist Church, The Greens at Weaverville, Fletcher Nursing and Rehabilitation.
- Henderson County – First Baptist Church Hendersonville, Greens at Hendersonville
- Madison County – Madison County Cooperative Extension Service
- McDowell County – Nebo Crossing Church, Grace Community Church
- Mitchell County – First Baptist Spruce Pine
- Polk County – Polk County High School
- Rowan County – Rowan-Cabarrus YMCA
- Watauga – Cove Creek Volunteer Fire Department, Zionville VFD, Foscoe Christian Church, Watauga EOC, Holmes Convocation Center, Meat Camp Road, Town of Boone PD, First Baptist Boone.
Community support and donations
Volunteers and local organizations have also mobilized to support recovery, and to work alongside the National Guard and first responders to clear debris and help those displaced by the storm. The North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund has already raised $2.3 million for storm victims, and donations continue to pour in.
The state is also providing mental health support for residents grappling with the trauma of the disaster. The Disaster Distress Helpline and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline are offering counseling services to anyone impacted by the storm.
As North Carolina moves into the recovery phase, both Biden and Cooper pledged continued support.
“This is going to be a long and difficult recovery,” Cooper said. “But talking with person after person in western North Carolina, I know that we can come back and that we will come back because the people of western North Carolina are resilient.”
How to get help
More than 33,000 North Carolinians have already applied for FEMA’s Individual Assistance programs, which provide help with displacement, temporary lodging, home repairs, and personal property loss.
For those in need of FEMA assistance, homeowners and renters in 25 counties can apply by calling 1-800-621-3362 or visiting www.disasterassistance.gov. FEMA can assist with displacement, home repairs, and other serious needs caused by the storm.
Residents seeking to help or donate can visit nc.gov for more information on volunteer opportunities and ways to contribute to the recovery effort.
RELATED: ‘Document everything’: Your 10-step guide to insurance claims after Hurricane Helene
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