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Long-term Recovery Resources

Disability Services

Disaster Recovery Centers

  • A Disaster Recovery Center is a one-stop shop to meet with FEMA representatives, apply for FEMA assistance, receive referrals to local assistance, apply with the U.S. Small Business Administration for low-interest disaster loans and more. No appointment is needed.
  • Centers are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. Find one near you at: FEMA.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a ZIP code to 43362. You can visit any open center, including locations in other states.

Food Assistance:

  • Automatic Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) benefit replacements for those impacted by Hurricane Helene were issued in early October, followed by a supplement in November. Applications for FNS are available year-round through county Departments of Social Services, with eligibility determined by household size, income, and allowable deductions.
  • The WIC program supports pregnant individuals and families with children under five. Services include access to healthy foods, formula, and breastfeeding assistance provided through local WIC agencies.
  • Individuals seeking food assistance can always call 211 or visit NC211.org to locate food pantries and additional resources at any time.

Mental Health Support:

Utility Assistance:

  • For the 25 counties that were heavily impacted by Hurricane Helene, additional Disaster Energy Assistance funding has been appropriated by the NC General Assembly to assist households with heating costs and repairs during the colder winter months. Beginning Jan. 15, 2025, applications for these additional Disaster Energy Assistance funds will be accepted for eligible households residing in one of the 25 identified disaster counties during and after Hurricane Helene.
  • The Crisis Intervention Program helps households at risk of losing their heating source, including gas, electricity, or wood. It provides up to $600 annually, paid directly to energy providers.
  • The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program offers a one-time winter heating payment of $300–$500, depending on income, fuel type, and household size. Priority is given to households with seniors or individuals with disabilities. Benefits are available to those earning 130% or less of the poverty level and are paid directly to the utility provider.
  • The Weatherization Assistance Program, funded federally and managed locally, improves home energy efficiency with materials like insulation and weather-stripping.
  • The Duke Energy Partnership supports customers in six Western NC counties. Through it, Duke Energy customers may receive up to $2,500 in assistance through programs like “Light Funds” and NC Settlement Rate Funds while funding lasts.

Unemployment Assistance:

  • FEMA: The deadline to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance is extended to January 7, 2025. Survivors in 39 counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians of North Carolina are able to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance. For more information call the unemployment assistance hotline at 919-629-3857 (for Spanish call 919-276-5698). The hotline is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday – Friday, from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, and from noon until 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Other Resources:


Information for Early Care and Education (ECE) Programs

ECE programs should be in contact with their child care (licensing) consultant if they were impacted by Hurricane Helene. All ECE programs that have any questions about sanitation issues should contact their Environmental Health Consultant before reopening.

  • If you are a licensed child care facility regulated by Environmental Health and have specific questions or concerns you can reach out to the NC Department of Health and Human Services-Environmental Health Section at 919-707-5999 or by email at ehpreparednessquestions@dhhs.nc.gov

Food:

  • ECE programs who were out of power for more than 6 hours must discard all frozen and refrigerated foods.

Immunization Update:

Water: 

Public Water Utility:

  • All ECE programs that have any questions about sanitation issues should contact Environmental Health before reopening.
  • If any ECE program is located in an area that is under a boil water advisory, they will need to consult with Environmental Health for instructions before re-opening. Environmental Health Specialists will provide instructions on water usage.
  • ECE programs can check service alerts on their water company’s website to determine if they are under a boil water advisory. Check your EPR plan to find contact information on the local water company.
  • Boil Water Notices and Advisories – FAQs from the City of Asheville
  • List of boil water advisories: Public Water Supply Situation Report Tracking

Well Water:

  • If an ECE program is on well water, and the well was flooded or damaged during the storm, the water should not be used until it is determined to be safe. ECE programs will need to consult with Environmental Health for instructions for testing/disinfecting the well.


General Resources

Any information that is not labeled specific for ECE programs should only be used in ECE settings after consultation with a local environmental health specialist.

Behavioral Health Resources:

Environmental Health Resources:

  • North Carolina Healthy Homes: NC Disaster Response and Recovery
    • Educational materials and environmental health resources that residents of communities impacted by Hurricane Helene and other disasters can use in their steps toward recovery.

Infant and Young Child Feeding:

Medical Resources: