top of page

HELENE RECOVERY RESOURCES

Olive Hill CEDC is dedicated to assisting our community as they work through the financial challenges of recovering from Hurricane Helene. Our partners at Legal Aid of North Carolina have created a valuable Disaster Recovery Handbook, which you can access through the gold button below. Additional helpful resources are also provided to support you in the recovery process.

image000001_edited.jpg

Olive Hill CEDC Housing Counseling Agency
Supports Disaster Recovery After Hurricane Helene

 

Morganton, NC – In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in Burke County on Friday, September 27, 2024, Olive Hill Community Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) is stepping up to provide essential housing counseling services to support disaster recovery efforts. As a HUD-approved housing counseling agency, Olive Hill CEDC is committed to assisting residents affected by the hurricane as they navigate their housing challenges during this difficult time.

​

What Services Do Housing Counseling Agencies Offer?

 

As a HUD-approved Housing Counseling Agency

Olive Hill CEDC offers the following services:

 

Financial and Credit Counseling
Our financial and credit counseling services help households assess their post-disaster financial situation, including credit, spending, and savings. We work with clients to establish realistic financial plans for the recovery period to ensure stability during difficult times.

Foreclosure and Loss Mitigation Counseling
For homeowners whose mortgage payments have become unaffordable due to a disruption in income, our counselors provide guidance on foreclosure prevention and loss mitigation. We explain available programs and options, and serve as mediators between clients and their lenders.

Rental Counseling
Displaced renters can receive assistance through rental counseling, which helps them navigate the application process, obtain assistance for security deposits, rent, and moving expenses, and conduct a financial analysis to determine affordable rental costs.

Post-Disaster Services Counseling
Our post-disaster services counseling assists households in accessing recovery programs and services, such as those offered by FEMA and HUD, and finding transitional housing until they can return to their pre-disaster homes or secure new housing.

Reconstruction and Repair Counseling
Homeowner households can benefit from our reconstruction and repair counseling, which helps navigate the complex post-disaster contracting process. This includes guidance on mold remediation, lead hazard control, and other issues that may arise during construction.

News Release Date

10-19-2024

​In response to Hurricane Helene, Burke County Government, in partnership with FEMA, is pleased to announce the opening of a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) on Sunday, October 20th, at 8am.

The center will be located at the Foothills Higher Education Center, 2128 South Sterling Street, Morganton, NC.

The Disaster Recovery Center will provide vital resources and assistance to individuals and businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene. FEMA representatives and state and local agencies will be available to help residents navigate disaster recovery resources, provide information on aid programs, and assist with FEMA registration and claims.

Key services offered at the DRC include:

  • Assistance with FEMA disaster relief applications, even if previously declined

  • Information on local, state, and federal recovery programs

  • Guidance on the disaster recovery process

  • Referrals to other community resources and services

The center will operate from 8am to 7pm hours daily until further notice. Residents are encouraged to bring personal identification, insurance information, and any documentation related to property damage to expedite the process.

Michael Willis, Burke County Emergency Management Director, emphasized the importance of residents utilizing the center to ensure they receive the support they need: "We urge those affected by the storm to visit the Disaster Recovery Center. This is an essential resource for our community, offering guidance and aid to help people recover and rebuild."

Residents can contact Chris White, Burke County Public Information Officer, at (828) 796-4732 or visit the official county website at  www.burkenc.org/helene

​

bottom of page