FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell recently joined Gov. Roy Cooper to visit a community care station in Asheville where the administrator announced the community liaison hiring program in the state.
The agency will hire community-based staff to serve as liaisons between North Carolina survivors and FEMA to ensure needs are met throughout the recovery.
North Carolina’s recovery continues progressing with power being restored to most customers while roads are reopening as debris is cleared. Over $130 million has gone to more than 91,000 households in the state for assistance like making home repairs and paying for a temporary place to stay. Nearly 4,600 survivors have participated in FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance program where they stay in hotels as they work on their recovery plans.
Recovery continues in other states affected by Helene and Milton. For instance, in Florida—where power has been restored to pre-storm levels—more than 97,000 households have been approved for over $308 million in FEMA assistance for their Helene recovery. Over 116,000 households have received more than $129 million for Milton.
In addition, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced Operation Blue Roof which is a free service to homeowners for 25 counties in Florida impacted by Hurricane Milton. Residents can sign-up at www.blueroof.gov or by calling 888-ROOF-BLU (888-766-3258). The sign-up period deadline is Nov. 5.
FEMA encourages Helene and Milton survivors to apply online as this remains the best way to apply for disaster assistance. Here are the ways to apply for federal assistance:
- Apply online at disaster assistance.gov
- Call 800-621-3362
- Use the FEMA App
- Visit a Disaster Recovery Center to talk with FEMA and state agency officials and apply for assistance
President Biden has approved major disaster declarations in six states – Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia – affected by Helene. He has also approved a major disaster declaration for Florida following Hurricane Milton.
Written by FEMA.