North Carolina DSSs Mobilize to Aid Communities After Hurricane Helene

Following Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina Association of County Directors of Social Services (NCACDSS) highlighted the commitment of local Departments of Social Services (DSS) across the state. The disaster prompted a significant mobilization from DSS agencies, who managed emergency shelters and administered the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (DSNAP).

The hurricane's impact in North Carolina saw county DSS agencies uniting for disaster response, working over 5,000 hours to staff local and state-operated shelters. This effort ensured safe accommodations for displaced residents, while non-affected counties provided crucial support, illustrating strong local and state partnerships.

In impacted regions, DSS staff processed over 45,000 DSNAP applications, often working extended hours. A state-introduced DSNAP call center, manned by county employees, operated beyond its official closure date, managing pre-registrations to meet USDA deadlines efficiently.

NCACDSS Executive Director Sharnese Ransome commended the coordination between local DSS and the association, which prevented assistance delays during the crisis.