Mecklenburg County Receives FEMA Disaster Declaration for Hurricane Helene
Homeowners and renters in Mecklenburg County who had uninsured damage or losses caused by Hurricane Helene are now eligible to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. FEMA may be able to help with serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property loss or other disaster-caused needs.
Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Assistance:
- Visit the web page DisasterAssistance.gov.
- Use the FEMA App for mobile devices.
- Call toll-free 800-621-3362.
Read the Oct. 7 news release from FEMA on the latest counties declared eligible for assistance.
FEMA also provides the Survivors’ Road to Recovery with steps for those affected.
The deadline to apply for assistance is Nov. 27, 2024.
View Accessible Videos About How to Apply
Additional Information
Voluntary organizations are providing personnel and resources to the hardest hit areas. The American Red Cross has more than 850 trained disaster workers providing comfort and operating shelters. Additionally, they are helping find loved ones through their helpline 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or by visiting the Red Cross Hurricane Helene Reunification page, where you can enter pertinent information about the person you’re looking for. If someone is missing a child related to this disaster or any other incident, they need to call 9-1-1 and then 1-800-THE-LOST to receive assistance from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Residents can get in touch with loved ones by calling 2-1-1 or visiting unitedwaync.org to add them to search and rescue efforts.
People can receive free services like cutting fallen trees, tarping roofs and mold mitigation with the help of Crisis Cleanup by calling 844-965-1386. The hotline is open through Oct. 11 and can connect people with volunteers from local relief organizations, community groups and the faith-based community who may be able to assist.
Residents can visit NCDPS.gov/Helene for information and additional assistance.
Storm Water Services staff are available to discuss with residents flood mitigation strategies, including the County's retroFIT floodproofing grants and Floodplain Buyout Program. Residents can check in at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management Command Center on Riverside Drive.
In accordance with Section 16.2 of the NC Disaster Recovery Act of 2024, permit fees will be waived for permits required for structures that sustained damage as a direct result of Hurricane Helene for permit applications submitted from Sept. 26, 2024, to Dec. 31, 2024. Refunds are available for applicable Storm Water permit fees by contacting Salih Iddrisu at [email protected] or 980-314-3207.