Aid continues to flow to Virginia communities hit hard by Helen

RICHMOND, VA. Southwest Virginia was hit hard by the remnants of Hurricane Helen nearly two months ago, when the storm destroyed homes, buildings and roads.

More than 3,500 farms in 21 localities were also affected by the hurricane, officials said.

Now, people from all over Central Virginia are continuing to find ways to help.

In Henrico County, the community organized a cold weather supply drive at a local supermarket.

In the Tri-Cities, two nonprofits have teamed up to destock.

In South Hill, an organization is raising money to send Thanksgiving meals to hurricane victims.

Aid also continues to flow in from both the state and federal levels. Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Thursday that more than $30 million has been set aside to help victims.

$20 million went to fund community relief projects, and another $10 million went to people in need.

“I’m inspired by the pace of work here, even though it’s a long day at any time. People who have lost so much continue to worry about when help will come,” Youngkin said.

Eight Disaster Recovery Centers are still in use to connect people to resources and support. However, communication with people who need help is an obstacle today.

Youngkin said FEMA is trying to get people to answer the phone, and that’s causing the agency to initially deny some claims.

“Sometimes we just need more information, and often there is an insurance payment that exceeds and covers what FEMA support would otherwise cover,” Youngkin said.

He asked people to pick up the phone because, he said, one call could help them get out of the wreckage with rebuilding funds.

Youngkin said that once the total cost of the damage is determined, the state will report it to the White House and Congress as they continue the process of securing additional funding for the recovery.

CBS 6 is eager to share the community’s thoughts on this important topic. Email your thoughts to the CBS 6 Newsroom.

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