Thursday, March 28, 2024

Brunswick County residents now eligible for FEMA aid

This screenshot provided by the Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation shows the Whiteville substation during Hurricane Matthew. (Photo courtesy BEMC).
This screenshot provided by the Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation shows the Whiteville substation during Hurricane Matthew. Whiteville is located in Columbus County, where residents are also eligible for FEMA support. (Photo courtesy BEMC).

BRUNSWICK COUNTY — Residents in hurricane-ravaged Brunswick County will now be getting some help from FEMA.

Brunswick County, which saw catastrophic flooding in the wake of Hurricane Matthew, started receiving assistance from the federal agency on Oct. 10. However, that funding was limited to support for county and local government agencies. The new FEMA announcement makes individuals eligible for financial assistance.

Federal funding is made available in two ways, as grants and loans. Grants are primarily made to individuals and cover temporary housing (hotels, apartments) and housing repairs, as well as medical and dental expenses. Grants are also made in some cases to cover storm-related funeral expenses. FEMA officials can also coordinate long-term, low-interest loans from the Small Business Association. These loans, made to small businesses in eligible counties, may be able to help businesses with costs even if they have insurance.

Brunswick County joins at least thirty five other North Carolina counties eligible for FEMA support. Brunswick residents and business owners — and others affected by the recent flooding –can check their eligibility status by phone at 1 (800) 621-3362 or online at disasterassistance.gov.

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