Community Meeting Postponed
The Etowah community meeting that had been scheduled for this Thursday, October 3rd has been postponed. Once we have a new date for this meeting we will let you know.
Hurricane Helene
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, many of us are still without water and power, dealing with downed trees, inaccessible roads, and more. The Henderson County Government Facebook page has been a wealth of information and can be found at this link. If you do not have a facebook account, below are a few of the posts that might be of use to you.
We know many people in WNC have been hit hard during this unprecedented catastrophic event, but together as a community united we will not only get through this but we will prosper and thrive.
-EVPS
RESOURCE HUBS TO OPEN TODAY, OCTOBER 1, AT 9:00AM
Henderson County is mobilizing six (6) Resource Hub locations today beginning at 9:00am for water distribution and other supplies as they become available.
The Resource Hub locations are:
• Etowah Elementary, 320 Etowah School Road Etowah, NC 28729
• Rugby Middle, 3345 Haywood Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28791
• East Henderson High, 150 Eagle Pride Dr, East Flat Rock, NC 28726
• North Henderson High, 35 Fruitland Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792
• Mills River Town Hall, 124 Town Center Drive. Mills River, NC 28759
• Fletcher Town Hall, 300 Old Cane Creek Rd Fletcher, NC 28732
Each family unit will be provided supplies for one day's meal and water as it is available. Individuals are asked to enter the drive-through Resource Hubs and remain in their cars unless instructed otherwise by volunteers, to ensure an efficient process.
In order for the Resource Hubs to function smoothly, efficiently and safely. We ask for the public's patience while waiting for their supplies.
A donation drop-off site has been established at 118 McAbee Court, Flat Rock, NC 28731.
Non-perishable food items, bottled water, toiletries and baby powder formula are needed. We are not accepting perishable food or new/used clothing items at this time. This site is for donation drop offs only.Visit www.visithendersonvillenc.org/helene-relief for a full list of accepted items and donation information.
Henderson County has launched a Wellness Check Status Map for missing contacts.
This map shows individuals whose location and safety are unknown in red. Blue dots show contacts that have been made.
View Map at this link:
Please check the map to see if you are listed or if you know the whereabouts of anyone on this map. Please call 828-771-6670 to notify us of anyone’s status.
FEMA has declared Individual Assistance (IA) for Hurricane Helene.
What does this mean for you? It means that you can apply for disaster assistance from FEMA to help offset your disaster-related expenses. You can apply online at https://www.disasterassistance.gov/ or by telephone at (800) 621-3362.
Otherwise, you can download the FEMA weather app from Google PlayStore or the Apple Store and you can apply for assistance on the app and upload receipts. Whichever method you choose, the form has a few questions that are tricky. To avoid delay, please follow the following tips:
1. One of the questions that FEMA will ask when you register is “Do You Have Emergency Needs”? This means during your evacuation or since staying at home during the disaster, do you need help with Gas, Medication, Food (meals, water, had no power and everything spoils), Shelter (you are staying with friends, family or in a hotel); Clothing; or Durable Medical Equipment (oxygen, walkers, cane, glasses, all major equipment, etc). If this is true, say “YES” to this question. That will result in your receiving Displacement / Critical Needs Assistance, which is $750.
2. When asked if your home is/was accessible, answer "NO" if there was debris, tree branches, continued flooding, loss of power, damage or destruction that prevented you from staying there after Helene. This question is asking whether you can stay at your home or apartment and will trigger the ability for you to receive assistance to pay for hotels or provide funding to use while you stay with family or friends.
3. When asked if utilities are out, say "YES" even if your utilities were out for a few days. This triggers assistance $ to stay somewhere other than your home or to buy fuel to power a generator.
4. When asked “Are you willing to relocate” say "YES" if you cannot live in your home due to damage, loss of power, etc. This question means you are willing to stay in a hotel or apartment temporarily, and triggers that funding for you. It is not asking if you are willing to move away from your home permanently.
5. If you bought or buy a generator, FEMA will reimburse you up to $629, but you must submit the receipt. If you bought a chainsaw, FEMA will reimburse you up to $219. Again, you need to provide the receipt. Save your receipts.