Homeowners in Buncombe County Seek Support After Tropical Storm Helene

News Summary

Homeowners in Buncombe County are grappling with the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene, which resulted in numerous landslides and tragic fatalities. As FEMA and local agencies step in to provide assistance, many affected individuals face challenges with insurance claims. The community is in urgent need of support as they navigate the complexities of recovery amidst ongoing struggles with financial aid and inadequate coverage.

Tropical Storm Helene Leaves Homeowners in Despair

Homeowners in Buncombe County are facing a tough uphill battle following the devastating impacts of Tropical Storm Helene. With destruction including over 300 landslides that tragically claimed the lives of 16 individuals in Fairview, the community has been left scrambling to find support and assistance.

Where to Get Help

For those affected, FEMA and NC Case Management are stepping in to help. Every Wednesday from 9 AM to 4:30 PM, representatives are available at the MARC center, formerly known as Bowman Middle School. This resource is crucial, as many homeowners are dealing with the aftermath of the storm and need a guiding hand.

Reality of Claims

Unfortunately, many homeowners are running into roadblocks when it comes to filing claims with their insurance companies and FEMA. Take the case of a homeowner named Simone Seitz, who reported extensive damage to her house. She experienced significant water intrusion and roof shingle loss, which led her to file claims both with her homeowner’s insurance, State Farm, and FEMA. Sadly, both claims were denied. According to State Farm, there was no direct physical damage found to Seitz’s roof, prompting their denial. On the other hand, FEMA’s reasoning was that Seitz’s home was deemed “safe to live in.”

The Insurance Conundrum

Experts like Dr. David C. Marlett from Appalachian State University note that many homeowners face these denials due to the gaps in insurance coverage, especially in cases involving landslides and flooding. Most traditional homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover earth movement, mudslides, or landslide damage, and to make matters worse, less than 3% of homeowners in North Carolina even have flood insurance. This lack of coverage makes finding financial assistance even harder. During the storm, the USGS recorded over 2,000 landslides, yet tracking the individual damage to homes remains a challenge.

Advisory from Officials

The North Carolina Geological Survey (NCGS) has pinpointed 250 properties impacted by the storm’s aftermath. In light of the struggles homeowners face, the NC Insurance Commissioner’s Office has recommended mediation for those dealing with similar situations. This could provide some hope amidst the uncertainty that many are living through.

Ongoing Struggles for Financial Support

Simone Seitz has expressed her continuous frustration over the lack of support. There’s a genuine need for clear communication from the agencies that are supposed to help. To make matters even more challenging, some local nonprofits have not been able to deliver the expected assistance, citing disqualifications that force residents into even deeper distress.

Path to Assistance

Although Seitz faced denial for her claims, she took immediate steps by hiring a drainage crew for urgent repairs. Additionally, she has applied for the North Carolina Disaster Case Management program, hoping to get guidance on financial help, but as of now, she has yet to hear back. With over 3,241 households applying for assistance through this program, supported by 77 full-time case managers, it’s a busy time.

Governor’s Response and Next Steps

In an effort to assist the overwhelmed citizens, Governor Josh Stein has requested a 30-day extension for disaster survivors to apply for FEMA’s individual assistance program, extending the deadline until April 7, 2025. Homeowners affected by the storm may qualify for FEMA assistance, especially if they are facing uninsured losses.

Those seeking support can apply through various channels, including Disaster Recovery Centers, the FEMA hotline, or online. It’s essential to file insurance claims before submitting requests for FEMA assistance, and individuals don’t actually need an insurance settlement to get started. If your FEMA assistance claim gets denied, there’s still hope—appeals can be submitted. Help is available through the North Carolina Disaster Case Management Program, which is dedicated to aiding those who need support in their recovery efforts.

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Additional Resources

• Our Local Community Online
• WLOS News
• NC Newsline
• WHKY News
• WCNC
• Wikipedia: Federal Emergency Management Agency
• Google Search: Disaster Case Management North Carolina
• Google Scholar: Hurricane Helene impact on homeowners
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane
• Google News: Tropical Storm Helene