FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency

10/17/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/17/2024 14:26

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Ashe County

RALEIGH, N.C. - A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is opening Friday, Oct. 18 in Jefferson (Ashe County) to assist North Carolina survivors who experienced loss from Helene.

The Ashe County DRC is located at:

Family Central Parks and Recreation Center

626 Ashe Central School Rd.

Jefferson, NC 28640

Open: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m., Monday through Sunday

A DRC is a one-stop shop where survivors can meet face-to-face with FEMA representatives, apply for FEMA assistance, receive referrals to local assistance in their area, apply with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for low-interest disaster loans and much more.

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, funeral or dental expenses.

Centers are already open in Asheville, Bakersville, Boone, Brevard, Hendersonville, Lenoir, Marion and Sylva with additional centers scheduled to open in the coming days. To find those center locations go to fema.gov/drcor text "DRC" and a zip code to 43362. All centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology.  

Homeowners and renters in 39 North Carolina counties and tribal members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians can visit any open center, including locations in other states. No appointment is needed. 

It is not necessary to go to a center to apply for FEMA assistance. The fastest way to apply is online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via the FEMA app. You may also call 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as video relay, captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.