Helene Assistance

This information was last updated November 7, 2024

The Haywood County Tourism Development Authority (HCTDA) has compiled a list of valuable resources to support local businesses, individuals, and staff in Haywood County. This list includes programs and assistance options available in the community. The HCTDA will continue to update the list as new resources become available. For any questions or additional support, please feel free to reach out. The HCTDA stands with the community and sends thoughts of strength and support during these challenging times.

NEW – SMALL BUSINESS RECOVERY GRANT PROGRAMS

Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative

US Chamber of Commerce Foundation Small Business Hurricane Recovery Grant Program

Haywood Advancement Foundation Small Business Recovery Grant Program

NORTH CAROLINA

There are several North Carolina-specific websites with a lot of detailed information and resources. Sites include:

EDPNC Disaster Recovery Resources

The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina has developed a list of Disaster Recovery Resources, which includes help for small businesses, grants, and loan information.

The EDPNC (Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina) has a team of small business advisors ready to help guide small businesses in NC through next steps. Whether you need advice, resources, or just someone to talk to, they’re here to support you during this challenging time.

Counselors are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Contact them at:
📞 1-800-228-8443
✉️ sbadvisors@edpnc.com

NC Restaurant& Lodging Association

NCRLA is committed to supporting relief, recovery and to supporting the needs of restaurants, hotels, and their employees. 

Emergency Resources for Artists & Arts Organizations

This list includes emergency support resources for individuals or arts organizations in the Western NC region: 

Here are two opportunities specifically for hospitality and F&B staff: 

NC Hospitality Worker Relief Fund

The NC Hospitality Workers Relief Fund is managed through the NCRLA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) that has provided over $1.5 million in financial assistance to NC restaurant and hotel employees.

Southern Smoke

An organization offering emergency assistance to workers in the food and beverage industry here in North Carolina who have been affected.

Appalachian Community Capital (WNC Small Business Initiative)

This initiative aims to support businesses in our region that are focused on recovery and revitalization.

FEDERAL PROGRAMS

The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is November 27, 2024

FEMA Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) Lodging Provider Requirements

This document articulates FEMA’s requirement:

  • For a lodging provider to participate in the TSA program
  • To identify of the characteristics of a Front Desk capability, whether on-site or remotely provided
  • To define any issues that would preclude a lodging provider from participation in TSA.
  • LEARN MORE

FEMA Direct Lease Program

Direct Lease is a form of Direct Temporary Housing Assistance that allows FEMA to lease existing, ready-to-occupy residential properties for survivors whose temporary housing needs cannot be met with other forms of assistance.

FEMA Multi-Family Lease & Repair (MLR) Program

A form of temporary housing assistance that allows FEMA to repair or make improvements to existing multifamily rental/residential property for the purpose of providing temporary housing to eligible FEMA applicants.

Disaster Unemployment 

The Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) program provides temporary benefits to people who, as a result of a major disaster, lost or had their employment or self-employment interrupted.

Small Business Disaster Loans

Small Business Assistance’s low-interest disaster loans are designed to help businesses and homeowners recover from declared disasters. These loans are for losses not covered by insurance or funding from FEMA for both personal and business operating expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred. 

Damage to Businesses

  • Contact your business insurance provider to file a claim.

Home and Property Disaster Loans

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers financial help to homeowners and renters in declared disaster areas. You don’t need to own a business.

We provide long-term, low-interest loans for losses that insurance and other sources don’t fully cover.

LIVESTOCK & AGRICULTURAL

Emergency Assistance for Livestock and more (ELAP)

The Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) provides emergency assistance to eligible producers. The funds cover losses due to eligible weather or other events, like blizzards and wildfires, disease (including cattle tick fever), and water shortages.

Tree Assistance Program

The Tree Assistance Program (TAP) provides payments to qualifying orchardists and nursery tree growers after a natural disaster. The funds may help you replant or rehabilitate eligible trees, bushes, and vines damaged by the disaster.

Crop Insurance – U.S Department of Agriculture

Crop Insurance protects agricultural producers against crop and revenue losses due to natural perils. The program, administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency (USDA RMA), offers several plans for crops and livestock. Availability and plans vary by state and county.

HOUSING ASSISTANCE

Individuals and Households Program (IHP)

FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP) may provide Housing Assistance if you qualify. This may include direct or financial help with disaster-caused housing needs. Needs not covered by insurance or other sources.

Financial Housing Assistance may include:

  • Rental Assistance: To help you rent short-term housing.
  • Lodging Expense Reimbursement: To pay you back for emergency stays in short-term lodging.
  • Home Repair Assistance: To repair the primary home, you own and live in. This includes access routes you own, like driveways, roads, or bridges.
  • Home Replacement Assistance: To help replace the primary home you own and live in.

Direct Housing Assistance is not available for all disasters. But when available, if you had to leave your home, options may include:

  • Multi-family Lease and Repair: A multi-family rental property FEMA has leased and repaired for housing.
  • Transportable Temporary Housing Units: Manufactured homes FEMA offers for short-term housing.
  • Direct Lease: Homes FEMA directly leases for short-term housing.
  • Permanent Housing Construction: Home repairs or new construction FEMA contractors make in a declared area.

Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund

A partnership between DoorDash and Hello Alice, restaurants, gastropubs and bakeries with brick & mortar locations that have lost revenue from a disaster may apply for $10,000 grant awards from the Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund (RDRF) program. The program is accepting entries this round up December 2, 2024, at 6PM EST. 

National Flood Insurance Program

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) allows homeowners, business owners, and renters in communities that participate in the NFIP to buy federally backed flood insurance. This insurance helps cover repairs for flood damage to buildings and contents. Federal flood insurance is not a disaster-assistance program. It is insurance to help property owners recover more quickly after a loss.

IRS Deadlines Postponed

Taxpayers in these areas now have until May 1, 2025, to file various federal individual and business tax returns and make tax payments. Among other things, this includes 2024 individual and business returns normally due during March and April 2025, 2023 individual and corporate returns with valid extensions and quarterly estimated tax payments.