In Buncombe County, people are still struggling to understand the depth of the loss caused by Hurricane Helen, and financial assistance is essential for many as they try to get back to normal life. North Carolina Health Commissioner Mike Causey was at the camp speaking with many survivors. “We’re letting people know that if they need help, please contact us so we can direct them to the right location,” Causey said. The damage is not always visible. “At least we still have a home. I don’t think it’s right to ask for help,” Buncombe County resident Alicia Owendy said. Wendy and her husband suffered minor damage, but were unable to return to work because of Helen. “I had two days of work after this happened and couldn’t pay my bills. I went online and asked if there was any help for people to pay their bills during this time.” said Owendy. County resident Doris Fogg said a tree fell on her home, cracking her roof. She is staying with a friend until the damage is repaired. “What’s going on now in week four? And I still haven’t gotten any response from the insurance. It all takes a very long time,” Fogg said. She attended the insurance camp on behalf of her granddaughter, who had just had a baby and lived with her. The problem is occurring because both are using the same address. “She can’t apply because she’s using a real address. She’s been denied an application to FEMA.” Meanwhile, Eric Peter, another Buncombe County resident, told FEMA Waiting in line to apply. Peter says he can’t escape the suffering that others endure. “I have a friend who lost everything,” Peter said. “As soon as the trees got to the basement, they went through the house, and then three other trees took the car out.” Even in the midst of hurt and worry, the residents all have hope. It seems like it is. “Don’t let it control you. You are still in control of your life,” Fogg said.
Buncombe County, North Carolina —
In Buncombe County, people are still struggling to understand the depth of the loss caused by Hurricane Helen, and financial assistance is essential for many as they try to get back to normal life.
North Carolina Health Commissioner Mike Causey was at the camp speaking with many survivors.
“We’re letting people know that if you need help, please contact us so we can direct you to the right location,” Causey said.
Damage may not always be visible.
“At least we still have a home. I don’t think it’s right to ask for help,” Buncombe County resident Alicia Owendy said.
Wendy and her husband suffered minor damage, but were unable to return to work because of Helen.
“I had work for two days after this happened and I couldn’t pay my bills. I was trying to ask online if there was any help for people to pay their bills during this time,” Owen Dee said. said.
Buncombe County resident Doris Fogg said a tree fell on her home, cracking her roof. She is staying with a friend until the damage is repaired.
“What’s going on now in week four? And I still haven’t gotten any response from the insurance. It all takes a very long time,” Fogg said. She attended the insurance camp on behalf of her granddaughter, who had just had a baby and lived with her. The problem is occurring because both are using the same address. “She is unable to apply because she is using a physical address. Her application to FEMA was denied.”
Meanwhile, another Buncombe County resident, Eric Peter, is waiting in line to apply for FEMA. He says you can’t escape the pain that others endure.
“I have a friend who lost everything,” Peter said. “The trees ran through the house as soon as they got to the basement, and then three other trees took the car out.”
Amidst all the hurt and anxiety, the residents all seem to have hope.
“Don’t let it control you. You are still in control of your life,” Fogg said.
