New generator at Harrelson Center to power disaster response

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Harrelson Center in downtown Wilmington has installed a new generator to support disaster response efforts.

The 150-kilowatt generator will power the Vicki Dull Annex, an 8,000-square-foot space at the center. The annex will now serve as a disaster response hub for local nonprofits and faith-based groups during and after emergencies.

The New Hanover Disaster Coalition will operate the response center. The coalition formed after Hurricane Florence in 2018 to improve coordination among relief organizations.

Harrelson Center Executive Director Meade Van Pelt said the coalition works directly with New Hanover County Emergency Management.

“We will know what the needs are first hand and then be able to deploy needs from here and be much more effective in our communication so that we all aren’t showing up at the same place — we all are sort of dividing and conquering in order to meet the needs of people after a disaster,” Van Pelt said.

The generator was funded by the New Hanover Community Endowment.