North Wake News

FEMA has approved a 30-day extension for disaster survivors in North Carolina to apply for individual assistance. The new deadline is set for April 7, 2025. Governor Josh Stein expressed gratitude to FEMA and the Trump Administration for this decision, acknowledging the support from the state's Congressional delegation.

"Thank you to FEMA and the Trump Administration for granting North Carolina’s request to extend the individual assistance program and to our Congressional delegation for its support. This is a positive step forward, and I urge affected residents from western North Carolina to apply for FEMA funding to help them get back on their feet," said Governor Stein.

The governor also highlighted ongoing efforts to secure more federal aid, stating, "We continue to seek adequate funding from Congress and the General Assembly for the ongoing recovery efforts. The people of western North Carolina need more federal support to build back stronger."

Residents in several counties including Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Forsyth, Gaston, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Iredell, Jackson, Lee, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Mitchell Nash Polk Rowan Rutherford Stanly Surry Swain Transylvania Union Watauga Wilkes Yadkin Yancey counties as well as the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians may qualify for assistance due to losses from Tropical Storm Helene.

Governor Stein had previously requested an additional $19 billion in federal funds aimed at restoring infrastructure and supporting home repairs. Additionally he encouraged public involvement in finalizing an Action Plan regarding $1.4 billion awarded by HUD.

To apply for assistance individuals can visit local Disaster Recovery Centers call FEMA's hotline or go online at disasterassistance.gov. It is recommended that insured survivors file claims with their insurance companies before seeking FEMA aid although they need not wait for settlements before applying.

If denied applicants can appeal through various channels including visiting Disaster Recovery Centers calling the hotline or using disasterassistance.gov. Legal Aid NC offers further support via their Disaster Relief Project.

For broader recovery resources individuals can contact the North Carolina Disaster Case Management Program (NC-DCM) which has managed over 2 700 cases and taken more than 8 500 calls since December providing extensive partnerships and solutions tailored to individual needs.