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DSS reports long-term recovery progress; county to receive state disaster energy assistance allocations
Summary
Ashe County Department of Social Services updated commissioners on disaster case management, unmet needs, long-term recovery organization and a state energy assistance allocation tied to hurricane response.
The Ashe County Department of Social Services (DSS) told the Board Tuesday that disaster case management is ramping up and that about 54% of unmet needs identified through a county hotline have been addressed.
Tracy, speaking for DSS, said a supervisor-funded disaster case management unit is now operating and staff are triaging unmet needs — ranging from firewood and heating fuel to bridge and road repairs. The long-term recovery group has been established to coordinate community volunteers and contractors on larger projects.
"We are still gearing up," Tracy said, adding that volunteers and organizations such as the Creston Fire Department and Mennonite groups have supplied resources and labor not reflected in the DSS totals.
Tracy told commissioners that North Carolina has appropriated $9 million for a disaster energy assistance program aimed at hurricane victims; the state will allocate set amounts to each of the 25 participating counties, and Ashe County will receive a fixed allocation. Applications opened Jan. 15, she said, and DSS can assist residents with applications via telephone or in person using the EPAS system.
DSS staff said the county also has informal local funds and non‑profit options—an Ash County Recovery and Restoration nonprofit, a LifeStore bank account for donations, and local Operation Roundup programs — to help households whose federal funds are exhausted or ineligible.
Commissioners pressed on whether resources were identified for the remaining 46% of unmet needs; Tracy said the long-term recovery group, partner nonprofits and volunteer contractors are coordinating to address outstanding items and that staff will continue triage and referrals.
DSS also reported that temporary hotel placements are being used for unsheltered residents who refused hospitality house but accepted assistance to avoid exposure to frigid temperatures. Tracy provided a departmental organization chart and noted upcoming software changes (Path NC) slated for July 2025 that could affect child-welfare workflows.
The presentation included a request for continued public outreach and reminded residents to call DSS for assessment and help applying for disaster energy or other heating assistance.
