News

Disaster Recovery Center open for people needing FEMA assistance

By Lightning reports, Published: October 16, 2024

A Disaster Recovery Center for people who need help applying for assistance from FEMA and other government agencies opened Wednesday in Henderson County.

The DRC at 2111 Asheville Highway at the Blue Ridge Commons shopping center will give people needing assistance the chance to speak with FEMA representatives as well as local and state agencies that might offer help, Henderson County Manager John Mitchell told County Commissioners during their regular monthly meeting Wednesday.

  “My belief is a one-stop shop is going to be good for our community,” he said.

  Mitchell said he also intended to have someone from local government at the center every day to help county residents find the help they need.

  The DRC will be open daily beginning Thursday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. It will provide federal, state and local resources for county residents as they apply for FEMA assistance from the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene.

The DRC does not replace the Resource Hub. The DRC is for assistance in applying for federal aid and other assistance information. No supplies will be provided at the DRC.

  A FEMA representative, who asked that only her first name be used, said the agency was ready to help county residents during the long recovery from Tropical Storm Helene.

  “We are here to help for as long as this takes,” said the woman who identified herself to a reporter only as Natalia. “This will be a long recovery there is no doubt about that.”

  After the meeting, Natalia said safety concerns and recent threats against FEMA employees in other parts of North Carolina prompted her to only want her first name used publicly. She removed a FEMA badge from her jacket before leaving the meeting with a Henderson County Sheriff’s Office deputy.  Authorities in Rutherford County recently arrested a man after receiving reports about him threatening FEMA workers in Lake Lure and Chimney Rock.

  To apply for disaster assistance, visit www.disasterassistance.gov.