New disaster center opens in Atkinson

ATKINSON, NC (WWAY) — Hundreds of people have been displaced from their homes in Pender County, many of them trying to get back on their feet.

Which is why FEMA has set up their disaster recovery centers including a new one in Pender County. It’s at Caswell Presbyterian Church in Atkinson. So far, almost 10 million dollars has already been approved to help Pender County, for individuals impacted by the storm.

FEMA will help those individuals displaced from their homes and give them some sort of assistance. However, FEMA will not go and build you a new house. They will do what they can to relieve some of the burden left by the storm.

“When we come in, it’s all about ‘how do we get a roof over your head’. Everybody deserves a bed to sleep in at night. If you’re in moldy conditions, if you’re in an unsafe condition, let us know,” FEMA spokesperson Darrell Habisch said.

One thing they want to reiterate to the the public is that this is a disaster center, not a shelter, but there are many shelters still open. This center and others throughout the area will remain open until they are not needed anymore.