Updates will hopefully get shorter and shorter as we get out of the acute crisis and into the long rebuild. We said at the morning meeting, we are about done with the sprint and moving onto a marathon. As always, reply to this email if you would like any additional information.
The turnout for the Fire Department’s final meal was fantastic. There were 4 tables of neighbors enjoying the feast prepared by Rebekah Trantham and Barbie Johnson and other wonderful volunteers who kept the food coming and cleaned up after all that cooking. Everyone who has volunteered keeping the firefighter, the community and the volunteers has done such a wonderful service. Hopefully things can return to normal at the SCVFD – they have worked so hard over these last 12 days since the storm started. THANK YOU, so very much, for a job done excellently.
Firewood:
Tomorrow a volunteer group of about 30 carpenters and tradespeople are coming in and delivering dry firewood. I had a good response on who needs wood. I would still love to get a few more people who have trees that fell about a year ago so we have more ready-to-burn wood, not just our freshly fallen green wood that needs to season.
Repairs:
That same group of 30 will then work with families that reached out for support. If you are not on that list of people, let me know. We have a lot of volunteers offering to help wherever they can!
Metal work:
Appalachian Ironworks in Marshall is helping with needed welding repairs.
Children:
* Monday from 12-3 pm there will be a story time and song circle for children. Please come in! Kids are missing their school and classmates and routines!
* Hot Springs Elementary will be starting home visits with their students and bringing some bags with child activities.
* Starting Tuesday, Woodson Branch will offer their free childcare to help out parents cleaning up, as well as providing some structure and normalcy for kiddos. Register online.
Volunteers needed:
We are in need of people with trucks able to deliver firewood within Spring Creek and Hot Springs.
We also need people willing to help drive with redistributing goods to other donation sites.
Financial Information:
A FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance team will be stationed at Hot Springs Elementary School in Hot Springs on October 7, 2024, to assist individuals with completion of assistance applications and provide answers to questions regarding FEMA assistance.
Food and Nutrition Service Benefits:
If food that was purchased with DSS Food & Nutrition Service benefits has been damaged or lost as a result of Hurricane Helene, you may be eligible for food replacement benefits! Request replacement benefits from our local DSS office (8am-5pm M-F). Forms are available at the front desk of the main office that can be completed on site and left for a caseworker. Forms can also be emailed to Patsy Frisby at pfrisby@madisoncountync.gov or mailed to 5707 U.S. Hwy 25-70, Suite 1, Marshall, NC 28753.USDA has approved a waiver for Madison County for the 10-day reporting requirement for food purchased with FNS benefits as detailed on the form. The waiver is in effect through October 26, 2024 so those applying for replacement benefits would need to do so by that date.
If food that was purchased with DSS Food & Nutrition Service benefits has been damaged or lost as a result of Hurricane Helene, you may be eligible for food replacement benefits! Request replacement benefits from our local DSS office (8am-5pm M-F). Forms are available at the front desk of the main office that can be completed on site and left for a caseworker. Forms can also be emailed to Patsy Frisby at pfrisby@madisoncountync.gov or mailed to 5707 U.S. Hwy 25-70, Suite 1, Marshall, NC 28753.USDA has approved a waiver for Madison County for the 10-day reporting requirement for food purchased with FNS benefits as detailed on the form. The waiver is in effect through October 26, 2024 so those applying for replacement benefits would need to do so by that date.
Unemployment Information:
You may qualify for Disaster Unemployment Insurance. Individuals can go online to the NC Division of Employment Security and file a claim at des.nc.gov or call the DUA Hotline 919-629-3875. Madison NC Works at AB Tech Madison is available to answer questions and assist.
State Help for Farmers and Pet Owners:
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has activated its hotline to connect farmers with resources that can assist with damage and other agricultural emergencies related to the storm. The toll-free number is 1-866-645-9403. A live operator will be available on the hotline between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has activated its hotline to connect farmers with resources that can assist with damage and other agricultural emergencies related to the storm. The toll-free number is 1-866-645-9403. A live operator will be available on the hotline between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.