Hurricane Florence has left many homes and businesses in the area with damages that range from simple repairs to more complicated and time-consuming ones. There are many steps that affected residents can take to begin reparations and resources that can help them along the way.
 
U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOUNDATION
Disaster Help Desk can assist small business owners with various aspects of the recovery process. (888) My-Biz-Help
 
U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Businesses of all sizes, nonprofits, homeowners and renters in New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties are eligible for low-interest disaster loans through the SBA. disasterloan.sba.gov
 
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
By filling out its “Find Assistance” questionnaire individuals and business owners can get a list of assistance programs and loans they may be eligible for. disasterassistance.gov
 
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Business and Industry Loans: loan guarantees for rural businesses including nonprofit that can be used for business repairs. rd.usda.gov/nc
 
FARM SERVICE AGENCY
• The U.S. Department of Agriculture agency offers funding and loans for farmers and ranchers. To apply or for more info go to the Pender County Farm Service Agency in Burgaw or go to sa.usda.gov.
• Emergency Conservation Program: funding and assistance to repair damage to farmlands caused by natural disasters. Apply at the Pender County Farm Service Agency in Burgaw.
• Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program: FSA offers payments to producers of eligible crops to protect against low yields due to a natural disaster. More info at the Pender County Farm Service Agency in Burgaw.
• Farm Operating Loans: Farm Service Agency offers loans for operating costs such as buying feed, paying family living expenses and minor improvements and repairs. fsa.usda.gov
• Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybee and Farm-raised Fish Program: provides emergency assistance funds that can cover losses due to weather. More info at the Pender County Farm Service Agency in Burgaw.
• Tree Assistance Program: provides payments to qualifying orchardists and nursery tree growers after a natural disaster
• Livestock Indemnity Program: The FSA program offers payments to livestock producers for animal deaths caused by bad weather.
 
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY
• Disaster Assistance and Emergency Relief Program for Individuals and Businesses. Individuals and businesses in federally declared disaster areas can get a faster refund by claiming disasters on their tax returns.
 
FEMA
• The Individual and Households Program: Qualified individuals can get housing assistance money for necessary housing-related expenses caused by a disaster as well as for needs such as personal property, childcare, medical expenses, transportation among others. fema.gov
• National Flood Insurance Program: NFIP policyholders should file a claim with their insurer, prepare for inspection, work with an adjuster and complete proof of loss. floodsmart.gov
 
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Those whose job was lost or interrupted due to the hurricane and are not eligible for regular unemployment insurance benefits can receive temporary benefits by filing a claim with the N.C. unemployment agency. des.nc.gov
 
NEW HANOVER COUNTY LANDFILL
The public can bring debris from Hurricane Florence to the county’s landfill, which is now open during its normal hours from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 6:30 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.
 
N.C. LICENSING BOARD FOR GENERAL CONTRACTORS
The NCLBGC website can help with finding licensed contractors for hurricane repairs in homes or businesses. There are also resources on how to avoid scammers and get the best contractor for the job. nclbgc.org