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Twelve Disaster Recovery Centers across western North Carolina, including one located at 1255 W. Mills St. in Columbus will resume normal operations on Thursday, January 2 with a number of projects aimed to help those affected by Tropical Storm Helene.

FEMA has tapped into various temporary housing options tailored to meet the individual needs of North Carolinians, emphasizing that the first step toward receiving housing assistance is to apply with FEMA. 

Additionally, FEMA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have successfully removed over 2.4 million cubic yards of debris from public rights of way, with ongoing efforts to clear vegetative waste, construction debris, appliances, and household hazardous waste.

FEMA has also assisted in repairing roads and bridges on private properties if they serve as the sole route to access primary homes or facilitate emergency vehicle access. Nonprofit organizations are also vital in recovery efforts, and further information about their initiatives can be found at Bridging Together at ldrcarolinas.org/bridging-together. 

So far, FEMA has awarded over $9.5 million to repair or replace roads and bridges, assisting more than 3,500 families impacted by recent disasters. As recovery efforts continue, residents are reminded to reach out for the help they need.

Residents interested in this assistance should apply through FEMA, either online or at a Disaster Recovery Center. Additional support is available online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362).