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A Daily News Service of the North Carolina Coastal Federation

Funding available to repair damage due to Florence

by

Panoramic view of Hurricane Florence Sept. 10, 2018, when the hurricane was at Category 4 strength as captured by International Space Station Astronaut Alexander Gerst.
Panoramic view of Hurricane Florence Sept. 10, 2018, when the hurricane was at Category 4 strength as captured by International Space Station Astronaut Alexander Gerst.

Homeowners who live in one of 27 designated counties and have an income that is at or below certain levels may be eligible for additional financial assistance to repair damage caused by Hurricane Florence in 2018.

The financial assistance is through the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Economic Opportunity.

Eligible homeowners must live in Anson, Beaufort, Bladen, Brunswick, Carteret, Columbus, Craven, Cumberland, Duplin, Greene, Harnett, Hoke, Johnston, Jones, Lee, Lenoir, Moore, New Hanover, Onslow, Pamlico, Pender, Pitt, Richmond, Robeson, Sampson, Scotland or Wayne county to qualify. Assistance is to be distributed by a regional community action agency.

Call the NCDHHS Office of Economic Opportunity at 919-527-7256 to learn more. Spanish-speaking callers can also call for assistance and learn more on the NCDHHS website.

Homeowners must meet income eligibility requirements. If applying prior to Sept. 30, household income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. If applying after Oct. 1, household income must be at or below 125% of the federal poverty level. Officials encouraged homeowners to call now to see if they’re eligible.

“As we enter another hurricane season, it is vital we get these funds into the hands of those who need it most,” said Marionna Poke-Stewart, director of the NCDHHS Office of Economic Opportunity, in a statement. “We encourage anyone who believes they may be eligible for help with repairs due to Hurricane Florence to call our office.”

The funding cannot be used for costs already reimbursed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency or covered under contract with insurance. Additionally, it can neither duplicate FEMA assistance nor health, automobile, homeowners, renters or property insurance. Applicants must be able to attest that proposed repairs are needed due to the impact of Hurricane Florence.

About Staff Report

The story was compiled by staff members of Coastal Review.

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