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    • The resource fair will offer help with FEMA applications and more
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    The resource fair will offer help with FEMA applications and more

    Online Niel Posted on

    HENDERSONVILLE — Federal Emergency Management Agency officials are urging anyone affected by Tropical Storm Helene who has not yet applied for assistance to do so before the application deadline, which has been extended from Nov. 27 to Jan. 7.

    FEMA spokeswoman La-Tanga Hopes told the Times-News on Nov. 14 that there are four ways to apply: online at DisasterAssistance.gov or through smartphone appwhich is usually the fastest; by calling 1-800-621-3362, which may involve wait times; in person at a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC).where representatives are available face-to-face; or through an information team that goes from door to door.

    A resource fair will be held November 15-16 and 21-22 at FEMA’s Disaster Recovery Center in the Blue Ridge Commons shopping plaza at 2111 Asheville Hwy. in Hendersonville. During those times, people can get help from FEMA and various county departments and nonprofit groups. Flu shots, help with home repairs, legal aid and free meals will be available.

    “People who are insured, the uninsured, renters and even students can apply for disaster assistance,” Hopes told the Times-News.

    At the Hendersonville RDC at noon Nov. 14, there was no wait and about a dozen people were helped individually.

    Thomas Ryan, the center’s manager, said about 120 to 140 people a day are helped there and it’s less crowded on weekends.

    “The registration period has been extended until January 7. That’s how long — at least — the DRC will be open,” Ryan said.

    Ryan noted that applicants only need to complete one FEMA application. Each applicant is assigned a number. In about two weeks to a month, applicants receive a letter informing them if they are eligible for assistance. Many cases are approved for immediate assistance of $750 and additional assistance later depending on their individual situation and needs. The same application may be used to determine eligibility for certain other services such as loans offered through the Small Business Administration (SBA).

    Hopes pointed out that the agency may be able to help with a wide range of needs, from childcare to transportation to rental assistance. Anyone who is denied is encouraged to appeal. Refusals can be issued due to a missing document or a document error that can be easily rectified.

    Hopes said some people have been hesitant to apply, figuring the immediacy of the disaster has since passed. Tropical Storm Helene has hit western North Carolina September 27. She however encouraged such people to apply.

    “They can come back later and say, ‘You know what? I think I want to take advantage of that,” Hopes said.

    Hopes added that it’s a good idea to answer the phone, even if the call is from an unregistered number. “It’s probably a FEMA call,” she said. Representatives may need to ask questions or schedule an inspection, Hopes said. She noted that FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams. — representatives who go door-to-door offering to help people with apps — will wear official driver’s license-like badges with holograms and computer chips.

    Families in Henderson County have so far received more than $31.5 million to help with their recovery, Hopes said. FEMA DSA teams visited more than 3,500 homes in the county and more than 46,000 homes in North Carolina. FEMA is currently paying hotel costs for more than 4,500 families across the state.

    “We’re here and we’re committed to making sure we’re here to help long-term with this recovery,” Hopes said.

    Deirdra Funcheon covers Henderson, Polk and Transylvania counties for the Hendersonville Times-News. Do you have a tip? Email them at [email protected].

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