Relief slow, but sure in Western North Carolina.
Over 3,000 Soldiers and Airmen continue to work in the Tar Heel state in the wake of Hurricane Helene according to a press release Monday, October 21, 2024, from NC Governor Roy Cooper's office.
The press release said nearly $129 million in FEMA Individual Assistance funds have been paid so far to Western North Carolina disaster survivors and approximately 1,500 FEMA staff remain to help with the relief effort.
Click HERE to be linked to the press release. In the wake of Helene's devastation, many have lost important documents, such as birth certificates, military records and Medicare cards. Below, is information shared by the Buncombe County Government and Town of Black Mountain on how to recover those lost documents:
Birth and death certificates, marriage and divorce documents: Order certificates online, here: https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/renewal-replacement/Pages/default.aspx
Driver’s license: If your North Carolina driver’s license or ID card has been lost or damaged, you may apply for a replacement at any driver license office. Standard licenses may also be replaced online, here: Official NCDMV: License Renewal & Replacement, https://vitalrecords.nc.gov/order.htm If you need to make a change of address, North Carolina driver’s license or ID card holders have 30 days to update their address on the credential.
Federal tax returns: https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-4506 to access Form 4506, which is the way to request a copy of tax returns.
Green Card: Go to http://uscis.gov/.../after-we.../replace-your-green-card and complete the Form I-90 application to replace a permanent resident card, and file it online or by mail.
Insurance policy information: Call your insurance company or agent and request a copy of your policy, including the Declaration Page.
Medicare card: To replace your card, call Medicare at 800-633-4227(TTY 877-486-2048), visit your local Social Security office, request a new card through you online account with Social Security, or visit MyMedicare.gov.
Military records: Request military service records through the National Archives: archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records
Passport: Click here to begin the process for replacing a lost or stolen Passport: http://travel.state.gov/.../have-passport/lost-stolen.html
Social Security card: Depending on your situation, you may be able to apply for a replacement card online. Visit ssa.gov/number-card/replace-card to answer a few questions about yourself, and SSA will let you know the best way to make your request.
Voter registration ID: In the 2024 general election, whether voting in-person or by mail, North Carolina voters will be asked to show photo ID. Voters can show their driver’s license, but many other forms of photo ID will be accepted. Registered voters who do not have a photo ID can get one for free from their county board of elections or an NCDMV office. Click here for information: www.ncsbe.gov
For additional questions, email us at recovery@tobm.org, visit www.blackmountainrecovery.org or call 828-419-9300 and we can help assist you in the right direction.
As of October 22, 2024, The following locations offer both drinking and flushing water; bring your own container. These sites are also offering meals ready-to-eat.
Sky Lanes Bowling Alley
1477 Patton Avenue, Asheville
7AM-7PM
550 NC-9, Black Mountain, 28711
Noon-4PM
Fairview Elementary
1355 Charlotte Highway, Fairview
Noon-4PM
Swannanoa Ingles
2299 US 70, Swannanoa
7AM-7PM
Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center
121 Shiloh Road, Asheville
9AM-7PM
Pack Square Park
70 Court Plaza
7AM-7PM
Buncombe County Sports Park
58 Apac Dr., Candler
7AM-7PM
AC Reynolds Middle School
2 Rocket Dr., Asheville
7AM-7PM