In Buncombe County, people are still struggling to understand the extent of their losses from Hurricane Helene, and for many people, financial support is essential as they try to get back to normal. North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey was at the camp and spoke with many survivors. “We let people know if you need help, reach out to us so we can direct you to the right place,” Causey said. The damage is not always what you can see. “At least we still have a home. We don’t think it’s right to ask for help,” said Alicia Owendy, a Buncombe County resident. Owendy and her husband have minor injuries, but Helene prevented them from returning to work. “I have worked for two days since this happened. We couldn’t pay our bills. I asked online if there was any help for people to pay their bills at this time,” said Owendy. Buncombe County resident Doris Fogg says a tree fell into her home and split the roof. She is staying with a friend until the damage is repaired. “What are we in week 4? And I still have no response from the insurance company. “It’s all very time consuming,” said Fogg. She attended the insurance camp on behalf of her granddaughter, who lives with her and just had a baby. Both use the same address and a problem arises. “Since she is using the physical address, she cannot apply. She was rejected for FEMA.” Meanwhile, Eric Peter, another Buncombe County resident, waits in line to apply for FEMA. He says he cannot escape the pain of what others endure. “I have friends who lost everything,” Peter said. “The trees went through their homes as soon as they got to the basements, and then three other trees took out their vehicles.” In the midst of their pain and sorrow, these residents seem to have all hope: “Don’t let it control you. You still have control over your life,” Fogg said.
In Buncombe County, people are still struggling to understand the extent of their loss from Hurricane Helene, and for many people, financial support is essential as they navigate the path to normalcy.
North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey was at the camp and spoke with many survivors.
“We let people know if you need help, reach out to us so we can direct you to the right place,” Causey said.
The damage is not always what you can see.
“At least we still have a home. We don’t think it’s right to ask for help,” said Alicia Owendy, a Buncombe County resident.
Owendy and her husband have minor injuries, but Helene prevented them from returning to work.
“I have worked for two days since this happened. We couldn’t pay our bills. I checked online to see if there was any help for people to pay their bills at this time,” Owendy said.
Doris Fogg of Buncombe County says a tree fell into her home and split the roof. She is staying with a friend until the damage is repaired.
“What are we in week 4? And I still have no response from the insurance company. “It’s all very time consuming,” said Fogg. She attended the insurance camp on behalf of her granddaughter, who lives with her and just had a baby. Both use the same address and a problem arises. “Since she is using the physical address, she cannot apply. She was rejected for FEMA.”
Meanwhile, Eric Peter, another Buncombe County resident, is in line to apply for FEMA. He says he can’t escape the pain of what others endure.
“I have friends who lost everything,” Peter said. “The trees went through their homes once they got to the basements and then three other trees took out their vehicles.”
In the midst of their pain and sorrow, these residents seem to have all hope.
“Don’t let it control you. You’re still in control of your life,” Fogg said.
