TL/DR –
The author, a member of a local town council, describes their experience in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, providing aid to those affected and working with various levels of government to coordinate recovery efforts. They express concern about the spread of rumors and misinformation regarding disaster relief, including assertions that FEMA will only offer minimal financial assistance or that the hurricane was engineered for political purposes. They urge people to apply for all available aid and state that public officials, regardless of party, should encourage and facilitate this process.
Following the destructive path of Hurricane Helene in late September, I felt an urge to help, despite the daunting scale of disaster. Equipped with my Town Council name tag and a resolve to bring aid to the waterless locals, I braced myself to face the unsettling questions and uncertainties.
I collaborated with federal, state, and local officials to chart our town’s recovery. However, with unreliable internet and news access, most of us were unaware of the rumors circling about the Hurricane’s aftermath, our town, our state, and the FEMA response.
Engaging with federal employees and representatives from the National Guard, state emergency bodies, and local government, we worked tirelessly to solve problems and help the community.
Unbeknown to me, a rumor was circulating about an alleged plot to deny relief aid and the government’s apathy. This was in stark contrast to my experience, where I met an older man who embodied resilience and hospitality amidst the disaster.
He shared his fears of being overlooked and ineligible for help despite being a hard-working taxpayer. His life was a series of setbacks with no safety nets, reflected in the political stickers plastered all over his truck.
Upon gaining access to news, I was shocked by the false narratives being spread. Candidates spreading hatred of FEMA, rumors of minimal aid to victims, and the outrageous claim of Hurricane Helene being artificially created by political operatives are deeply damaging lies that transcend party and identity lines.
These rumors can deter people in need from seeking aid, making the harm unforgivable. I constantly worry for the resilient man in the trailer park, his neighbors, and their community, hoping they’ve applied for the assistance they need to rebuild.
The recovery journey is long and the response has not been ideal. But as a current officeholder, I assure everyone affected by the disaster: Apply for all the aid you need to rebuild and care for your family. I will fight relentlessly to ensure you receive it.
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