03/28/2024
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Since Hurricane Matthew, Bladen County residents have been busy cleaning up, removing storm debris and repairing damaged homes and businesses.  The Federal Emergency Management Association has also been busy processing applications for assistance.

As of December 20, Bladen County has had 2,871 residents apply for disaster assistance through FEMA and $2,124,247.72 in disaster relief funds have been approved.

Robeson County, one of the hardest hit areas, has had 18,031 residents apply for assistance and $22,343,266.53 has been approved. Columbus County, another hard hit area, has had 5.047 applicants and has $5,689,055.36 in FEMA assistance approved.

Statewide, there have been 77,944 application submitted and $85.1 million in FEMA disaster assistance has been approved.

The registration deadline for FEMA assistance is coming up – Monday, Jan. 9, 2017.

Some residents may choose not to register for assistance because others around them have more damage. FEMA officials say that does not matter. They encourage everyone who received damage, no matter how minor you may think it is, can apply.

Registration is easy. Simply log onto DisasterAssistance.gov and follow the step-by-step instructions. Residents can also call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

The Small Business Administration offers low interest loans to homeowners, renters, and businesses as well as non-profit organizations to cover the costs of replacing lost or damaged personal property. To contact the SBA, call 800-659-2955 or visit the SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster.

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