Hurricane Florence Disaster Housing Recovery Updates

NLIHC has updated our estimates of affordable homes at risk of damage or destruction from Hurricane Florence or the resulting flooding. The full analysis is here: https://hfront.org/2018/09/21/hurricane-florences-potential-impact-on-the-lowest-income-renters-and-their-homes/
Governors in both North and South Carolina are warning residents to prepare for continued flooding near many rivers in both states. Water levels could continue to rise throughout the next week.
The Finance and Development Authorities of South Carolina and Indiana sent emails reminding owners of properties assisted by the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) that IRS Internal Revenue Procedure 2014-49 and 2014-50 provides LIHTC owners temporary relief from income requirements for individuals displaced by a major disaster. Households are eligible for emergency housing in tax credit properties if their principal residence was located in an area eligible for individual assistance. Units leased as emergency housing are subject to the program rent limits. For affected North Carolina households moving to a South Carolina property, the relief period ends September 14, 2019. These regulations apply to those in counties eligible for FEMA Individual Assistance (IA).

Applying for disaster assistance through FEMA is a process that involves a housing inspection and providing proper documentation. FEMA provides more information about what to expect here. Survivors can apply for disaster assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-3362 (800-462-7585 TTY users).

All students in schools affected by Hurricane Florence are eligible for free school meals through October 26. The Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina are assisting with the distribution of meals during school closures.
USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service has granted the state of North Carolina waivers regarding the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). The state can issue benefits remotely, waive some education requirements where offices are closed, and replace food benefits that were damaged or stolen.

Governor Roy Cooper called for a special session of the North Carolina General Assembly to begin on October 9 to fund initial needs for Hurricane Florence recovery.
For individuals who find themselves unemployed as a result of Hurricane Florence in the following counties, Beaufort, Brunswick, Carteret, Craven, New Hanover, Onslow, Pamlico and Pender, can file an application for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) by October 17, 2018. Individuals may contact DES by calling 1-866-795-8877 from 8AM to 5PM to apply for DUA benefits. For local resources and questions, individuals can contact their County Emergency Management Agencies or call 211 for information on shelters, food assistance, and storm recovery help.

Legal Aid of North Carolina and other pro bono legal services have a hotline for disaster-related legal issues: 1-833-242-3549.
Below is a list of resources from North Carolina Housing Coalition:
- The North Carolina Community Foundation has reactivated its Disaster Relief Fund. NCCF’s footprint includes the New Bern and Wilmington areas.
- The Cumberland Community Foundation has activated its Hurricane Florence Relief and Recovery Fund to support relief and recovery efforts in Cumberland County.
- The Outer Banks Community Foundation is accepting contributions to its Disaster Relief Fund.
- Foundation For The Carolinas has activated a Hurricane Florence Response Fund.
- The North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund is now accepting contributions to assist with immediate unmet needs of Hurricane Florence victims.
- The Community Foundation of Henderson County is accepting donations to its Disaster Relief, Recovery and Rebuilding Fund (DR3). For more information, visit CFHCforever.org, or email info@CFHCforever.org.
- The Community Foundation of NC East has activated a Hurricane Florence Relief Fund.
- For companies wanting to provide funding support for their employees during disasters, E4E Relief is available to help organizations set up Employee Relief Funds.

People who lost food purchased with SNAP benefits have until October 15 to report the food loss and request a replacement of benefits. Normal regulations require households to report food loss within ten days of purchase. This waiver applies to 26 counties throughout South Carolina.

Governor Henry McMaster and officials from the South Carolina Emergency Management Division and the State Disaster Recovery Office sent letters to South Carolina’s congressional delegation requesting continued support. The letters confirm that Governor McMaster has requested both public and individual assistance in 23 counties. The state also provides a preliminary estimate of $1.2 billion for disaster recovery resources, including $540 million in CDBG-DR.

Hurricane Florence Disaster Housing Recovery Updates – Friday, September 21, 2018