FEMA Lays It All Out for Macon County Survivors That May Need to Apply for Disaster Recovery Grants

Photo taken by Bobby Coggins on October 25, 2024, during a FEMA survey of the Cullasaja Community.

Editor’s Note: FEMA is currently operating a Disaster Recovery Center in meeting room A/B in the Macon County Health Department.

FEMA Also Provides Free Legal Assistance for Eligible Applicants – Take a Look:

The agency has also rolled out details supporting Legal Assistance which can play a pivotal role in many contractual situations.
This service is provided for eligible applicants at no cost.

Typical services include assistance with:

• Insurance policies and claims.
• Foreclosure and mortgage issues.
• Home repair contracts and contractors.
• Landlord-tenant disputes.
• Document replacement.
• Government benefits information.
• FEMA appeals.
• Fraud.

Here are all of the outlined programs with itemized details supporting various categories disaster survivors should consider assessing if they may have any associated incurred loss.

These are the programs:

Housing Assistance
Rental Assistance  Lodging Expense Reimbursement  Home Repair or Replacement  Accessibility Needs  Privately-owned Roads, Bridges, Docks Temporary Housing   Hazard Mitigation

Other Needs Assistance
Displacement  Childcare  Clean and Sanitize  Funeral  Group Flood Insurance Policy  Medical/Dental  Personal Property  Transportation

Listed below are other key FEMA Updates that may also be newsworthy to disaster survivors looking for disaster recovery direction: 

Nov. 18, 2024

Key Messages

• FEMA has approved $241 million to more than 133,000 households and individuals beginning their recovery.
• FEMA has approved more than $251 million in Public Assistance funding in North Carolina to support community recovery.
• FEMA is providing multiple temporary housing options to meet North Carolinians’ individual needs. More than 4,800 households are checked in to Transitional Sheltering Assistance hotels and motels. The first step to receiving housing assistance is applying with FEMA.

FEMA Home Inspections: What to Expect

• Within 10 days of submitting an application, FEMA staff and inspectors may call to discuss your disaster-caused damage and schedule an appointment for an inspection.
• The call to schedule an inspection will probably come from an out-of-state phone number. An inspector will attempt to contact you three times over three different days. If inspectors cannot reach you after three attempts, your case will be closed until you contact FEMA again.
• Within 10 days following an inspector’s visit, you will receive a letter or electronic correspondence explaining FEMA’s decision. Please read your letter carefully. It may have information about next steps you need to take.

Do Not Forget, FEMA is Hiring – Apply Online: 
Come and Join Us as We Continue Working Towards Disaster Recovery Here in Western North Carolina

• FEMA is hiring in Asheville, Durham, Hickory and Raleigh to support community recovery. Applications are being accepted online. To see open positions and apply, visit usajobs.gov, type keywords “FEMA, Local Hire” and enter the location as “North Carolina.” Learn more about the journey of a local hire by watching this video: FEMA Local Hire: Cliffton J

Direct Temporary Housing Assistance

• An opportunity for all media outlets to learn more about this program will be forthcoming in the very near future.
• FEMA offers several types of housing assistance and temporary shelter solutions for eligible households. Direct Temporary Housing Assistance is approved for 25 counties as an interim solution to permanent housing needs. Learn more about housing assistance options and eligibility by watching this video: Direct Housing Assistance available in North Carolina for Helene Survivors.

Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) Still Available

§  Through TSA, FEMA pays directly to participating hotels and motels to cover the cost of room, taxes and non-refundable pet fees to provide short term accommodations for eligible disaster survivors. What this means is if you or someone you know is unhoused due to Hurricane Helene, please suggest they apply with FEMA.  If you are eligible for TSA, FEMA will notify you using the contact information you provided on your application. 

Online Application is Fastest Way to FEMA Assistance

§  Homeowners and renters affected by a disaster can apply for federal assistance in several ways: Online at DisasterAssistance.gov, Via the FEMA App (fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/mobile-products), Calling 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.

Appeal a Decision

• If you disagree with your decision letter after reading and following all of the instructions as indicated on the letter, there are other options.
• You can appeal any FEMA decision or award amount by sending additional documents, like estimates for repairs, receipts, bills, etc., that show you qualify and need more help. Each decision letter from FEMA explains why you are ineligible and the types of documents to help you appeal. For more details, please visit: https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/how-appeal-fema-decision-1. 

N.C. Disaster Recovery Centers

• A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) 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 (SBA) for low-interest disaster loans and more. No appointment is needed. To find a Disaster Recovery Center nearest you go to: FEMA.gov/drc/
  You can visit any open center, including locations in other states.