FEMA official talks hurricane aid applications, denials, housing

LELAND, NC (WWAY) — FEMA has been hard at work in the Cape Fear after Hurricane Florence.

This morning, Darrell Habisch with FEMA was in the studio on Good Morning Carolina to talk about current efforts and how you can get help.

Habisch said FEMA has teams around the area helping people who are now homeless from the storm. He said FEMA does not have trailers set up for people who need somewhere to stay, but they are working with other agencies and shelters to make sure people have a safe place to live right now.

Many people in the area have been upset, because they said FEMA denied their request for help. Habisch said there are many reasons for this. He said most likely, the application was missing something like a signature, a form of identification or an issue with the social security number. He said there is a chance you could still get help.

If you need help filing for assistance from FEMA or have questions, you can now meet with representatives in person. Specialists from FEMA and the US small business administration will be at independence mall in Wilmington at 3500 Oleander Drive. It is open Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 7 pm, and Sunday from 9 am to 1 pm.

Habisch also addressed saving receipts, unemployment, and how you can get the help you need.