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DRC is situated near Polk County Middle School in Mill Spring

 

MILL SPRING—On Friday, November 1, a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center opened in Mill Spring to assist survivors who experienced loss from Tropical Storm Helene.   

Located at 235 Wolverine Trail, by Polk County Middle School, the center is open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Sunday. 

“We have a lot of resources here at the center,” said Disaster Recovery Center Manager Daniel Bueno. “Other agencies with the state of North Carolina are here and have a lot of resources they can offer, as well.”

A DRC is a one-stop shop where survivors can meet with FEMA representatives, apply for FEMA assistance, and receive referrals to local assistance in their area. No appointment is needed.   

Affected residents can also apply for low-interest disaster loans with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Homeowners, renters, and businesses are eligible for the loans.

FEMA financial assistance may include money for basic home repairs, personal property losses, or other uninsured, disaster-related needs., such as childcare, transportation, medical needs, and funeral or dental expenses.  

“If you haven’t registered with FEMA yet, you can come here and do so. If you have registered, you can come here, and staff can pull up your file and help with anything needed,” said FEMA spokesperson Nathan Custer. “I think a lot of people are more comfortable talking to a person across from one of these tables, face to face. FEMA’s mission is to help people before, during, and after disasters.”

All Disaster Recovery Centers are accessible to people with disabilities and are equipped with assistive technology.  Homeowners and renters in any of the affected 39 North Carolina counties can visit any open center, not just the DRC in their home county. 

“Other agencies, space permitting, will be present, such as Veterans groups and volunteer organizations,” adds Custer.

Affected residents do not need to visit a center to apply for FEMA assistance. The fastest way to apply is online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via the FEMA app. Survivors can also reach a FEMA representative by calling 800-621-3362. 

November 27, which will mark 60 days after the disaster declaration in Polk County, is the deadline for registering with FEMA.