Ash County officials advocate for urgent federal aid following hurricane devastation

The Ashe County Commission meeting on February 17, 2025, focused on the ongoing recovery efforts following Hurricane Helen, which devastated 177 homes in the area. The urgency of the situation was highlighted by Lou Zeller, a local resident, who emphasized the need for immediate assistance as winter conditions exacerbate the hardships faced by affected families. Zeller noted that over a billion dollars in federal funding is available for North Carolina, but the distribution of these funds through housing and urban development remains uncertain. He urged the commission to prioritize the most vulnerable families in the allocation process.

Tracy, the Director of the Department of Social Services (DSS), provided an update on disaster case management efforts. As of December, 23 households had transitioned into temporary housing solutions, and this number has since increased to 42, thanks to generous donations of campers. However, she pointed out that FEMA has yet to provide any trailers for displaced residents. Organizations like Samaritan's Purse and Baptist on Mission have committed to rebuilding homes for those who lost everything, with three and two homes respectively already in the pipeline.

Tracy also reported that there are currently 73 active cases being managed, a significant increase from previous months. However, she raised concerns about the impending expiration of NCWorks funding, which is crucial for continuing case management services. The program has been cut from Ash County, and she requested the commission's support in advocating for the reinstatement of these funds to ensure ongoing assistance for residents in need.

The meeting underscored the critical situation in Ashe County as recovery efforts continue, with local leaders calling for swift action to secure necessary resources and support for the community.