Inspiritus’ Post

Unfortunately, as our response and recovery efforts continue, we have seen a large increase in false information circulating online related to the federal response to Hurricane Helene. A number of scam artists, bad-faith actors, and others who want to sow chaos because they think it helps their political interests are promoting disinformation about the recovery effort, including ways to access critical and live-saving resources. This is wrong, dangerous, and it must stop immediately. Combatting misinformation and disinformation is always important – but it is especially important when responding to disasters like Hurricane Helene. In fact, disinformation after a hurricane or other natural disaster can discourage people from seeking critical assistance when they need it most. It is imperative that we encourage impacted residents to register for FEMA assistance, not discourage it, by allowing falsehoods to spread. #misinformation #disinformation #FEMA

As our community begins to recover from Hurricane Helene, our thoughts are with all those who have been impacted. We understand that this is a challenging time for many, and we want to extend our support to anyone in need. North Carolina Behavior is committed to standing by our community and providing assistance wherever we can. For those in need of assistance, we're offering the following support: 🔹 Access to Relief Resources: We've compiled a list of local relief funds and community resources that may be helpful to you and your family. If you'd like more information or have resources you'd like to share with others, please feel free to reach out. 🔹 Emotional Support: Our team is here to provide guidance and strategies for helping our families cope with the changes and disruptions caused by the hurricane. We're committed to assisting in maintaining a sense of calm and routine during this time. We know that times like this can be overwhelming, but please remember you are not alone. We are here to stand with you and the community to ensure that everyone receives the care and support they need. Resources and Donation Sites: Topics Related to Disaster Recovery- https://lnkd.in/e3YB6hhW North Carolina Environmental Quality Flooding Guidance- https://lnkd.in/e_wZDy4N Were You Affected by Hurricane Helene? 7 Things to Know About Applying for Disaster Assistance- https://lnkd.in/ePpfjFs4 Hurricane Helene Relief Fund (pooled for all affected, this is not just North Carolina families) https://lnkd.in/eUirQhVQ

Hurricane Helene, known for its massive strength and potential to impact rural communities, serves as a reminder that natural disasters can strike without warning. HAC's Hurricane Helene Disaster Recovery Guide provides essential resources to help rural families and communities recover. This comprehensive guide includes: ✅ Immediate safety and evacuation protocols ✅ Steps to access disaster recovery assistance ✅ Tips for rebuilding homes and infrastructure ✅ Contact information for federal and state recovery programs Rural communities are often the hardest hit, but with the right tools, recovery is possible. Stay informed, stay prepared, and be ready for whatever comes your way. 📲 Download the guide and share it with your community! https://loom.ly/NmnhT5I

🚨 **Georgia CPAs: Federal Aid for Hurricane Helene Recovery** 🚨 President Joe Biden has declared that a major disaster exists in Georgia’s Appling, Brooks, Coffee, Columbia, Jefferson, Liberty, Lowndes, Pierce, Richmond, Tattnall, and Toombs counties following the impact of Hurricane Helene. The major disaster declaration will trigger an automatic filing extension from the Internal Revenue Service for the counties listed, with a new effective date to be announced. Click here to read the declaration:

Congressional funding for FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund has turned into a political football at the worst possible moment for survivors. Dozens of organizations have called on Congress to return to Washington. On Monday, I joined Mornings with Maria to talk about this and to share SBP’s perspective on what it will take to build a more resilient future for Gulf coast communities. I hope you’ll give it a watch and tell me what I missed. In the meantime, here are a few facts about long-term recovery resources and another action Congress can take to help: 1. Despite the well documented frustrations with FEMA assistance - It is worth noting that FEMA only provides resources for immediate and urgent needs. 2. The most significant long-term recovery assistance that vulnerable communities can hope to receive comes from Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in the form of CDBG-DR grants. 3. Unfortunately, appropriation for CDBG-DR grants also take a literal act of Congress - which hasn’t happened since the middle of 2023. Even after the appropriation, planning and implementation take more time (months/years) to address needs of survivors 4. S.1686 - Reforming Disaster Recovery Act is a bipartisan bill before Congress that would permanently authorize CDBG-DR. SBP supports this bill. 5. The bill would effectively remove 6-12 months from the recovery process for the most vulnerable American survivors. Most importantly, passing S.1686 would allow the most significant resources to flow more quickly without turning disaster recovery resources into a political football. Helene and Milton (and Idalia and Maui wildfire) survivors need more and deserve better.

Important to seek clarity on FEMA’s opportunities and constraints and the urgent need for Congressional action. Disasters are non-partisan. After the Fire USA is supporting tax relief for disaster victims - follow Jennifer Gray Thompson, MPA to learn more.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, city and county managers face the essential task of rebuilding our communities. The ICMA - International City/County Management Association highlights key strategies for effective recovery: 1️⃣ Document Everything: Accurate records of damages and expenses are crucial for FEMA reimbursement. 📸📝 2️⃣ Communication is Key: Regular updates prevent misinformation and maintain trust within the community. 📢🤝 3️⃣ Don't Go It Alone: Collaborate with other local governments or FEMA experts for guidance on the reimbursement process. 🤝💼 4️⃣ Think About Recovery Early: Develop a comprehensive recovery plan that involves community input and addresses infrastructure, economic recovery, and resilience. 🏗️🌍 5️⃣ View Recovery as an Opportunity: Use this chance to enhance community resilience, promote sustainable practices, and foster engagement. 🌱💪 ✨ Let's work together to build back stronger! To learn more, check out the full article by ICMA. https://hubs.la/Q02TgblX0 #HurricaneHelene #CommunityRecovery #FEMA #Resilience #DisasterRelief #ICMA

A great overview of recovery & broader resilience challenges facing survivors in the US by Reese May. Unfortunately, there will be great uncertainty and stress on the uninsured survivors throughout NC & beyond. I would add that more pre-disaster funding to support FEMA’s response capabilities would help them deliver better & faster support to States. Relying on post disaster funds delays the process & adds uncertainty.

Recovery efforts related to the damage inflicted by Hurricane Helene have raised a host of questions about the role of local, state and federal governments in getting affected communities back on their feet. Who is responsible for doing what? And what lessons might policymakers take from this disaster? To learn more, Matt Shipman talked with Thomas Birkland, a professor of Public Administration in SPIA and expert on politics and policies related to disasters and crises. Read his thoughts! https://lnkd.in/egCK35ju

On Sunday, the President approved a disaster declaration for South Carolina, ordering Federal aid to supplement State, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Helene beginning on September 25, 2024, and continuing onward. Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas (Aiken, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Cherokee, Greenville, Greenwood, Lexington, Newberry, Oconee, Pickens, Saluda, and Spartanburg Counties) can begin applying for assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), or by using the FEMA App. Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, can give FEMA the number for that service. FEMA may be able to help with serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property loss or other disaster-caused needs. Damage assessments are continuing in other areas, and more counties and additional forms of assistance may be designated after the assessments are fully completed. More details: https://lnkd.in/gnJG6TUW