As North Carolinians celebrate Thanksgiving, Governor Pat McCrory is encouraging donations to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund to support those impacted by Hurricane Matthew.
"This Thanksgiving, there are still many families throughout North Carolina unable to return to their homes or normal way of life," said Governor McCrory. "As people pause and count their blessings this year, let's remember those who are still feeling the impact of Hurricane Matthew. Ann and I also ask North Carolinians to join us in giving thanks for the many first responders, National Guard soldiers, firefighters and others who have helped save lives during storms and wildfires from the mountains to the coast."
The primary goal of the Disaster Relief Fund is to address unmet housing needs. Supporting the fund is one of the major initiatives of Governor McCrory's Hurricane Matthew Recovery Committee. Monetary contributions to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund for Hurricane Matthew can be made by texting NCRECOVERS to 30306 or by visiting NCDisasterRelief.org. This is one of the best ways to help fund long-term recovery efforts.
At the height of Hurricane Matthew, 800,000 people were without power, nearly 3,750 people were displaced from their homes, 635 roads were closed, 34 school systems were closed and tragically, 28 individuals lost their lives. Preliminary estimates indicate more than 30,000 businesses suffered physical or economic damage impacting 400,000 employees. In addition, counties impacted by the storm account for roughly two-thirds of the state's $8.1 billion in agricultural income.
To support those impacted by Hurricane Matthew, Governor McCrory helped secure an extended hot food waiver through the Thanksgiving holiday, disaster unemployment assistance and an extended tax filing deadline. The governor also waived DMV fees and worked with federal partners to get federal assistance in 49 counties and temporary housing solutions.
To build on these support initiatives, Governor McCrory has submitted a formal request to North Carolina's congressional delegation for more than $1 billion in federal assistance to help the state recover from the hurricane, which initial assessments estimate caused $2 billion in economic damage to the state.
The governor's Hurricane Matthew Recovery Committee will develop recommendations to meet additional unmet needs from the state. The committee has two remaining regional meetings scheduled, including:
Pitt County
November 30 at 10:00 a.m.
East Carolina University
Heart Institute
Lenoir County
December 2 at 10:00 a.m.
Lenoir Community College
Waller Building
###