Many tools were ruined by Hurricane Dorian. Photo: P. Vankevich
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The Ocracoke Foundation has received a Grant for $50,000 from Wells Fargo to purchase tools and equipment for the island businesses working to rebuild homes in our community.
Grants will purchase tools and equipment for Ocracoke businesses, tradespeople and other residents who are making homes habitable again following the flooding devastation from Hurricane Dorian on Sept. 6.
Those entities include contractors, builders, carpenters, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, septic and related trades, as well as the only local garage and vehicle repair business, Jimmy’s Garage.
A committee of five to seven persons, reflecting an island cross section, under the Ocracoke Foundation will identify trades people and their needs.
Efforts will be made to identify needs, quantify and aggregate specific items and purchase in bulk.
Putting tools and equipment into the hands of skilled, experienced people will allow them to return to work and provide for their families and will enable other families to reclaim and move back into their damaged homes and begin the process to restart their businesses as well.
Any remaining funds will support other locally owned businesses, such as tree removal, lawn care and landscaping.
Information and applications are available at Ocracoke Island Realty Rental office or email Scott Bradley atsbradley@igc.org.
Double-crested Cormorants have returned in the thousands. Photo: P Vankevich
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Since Ocracoke Island remains closed following the devastating flooding Sept. 6 from Hurricane Dorian, the Ocracoke Civic & Business Association is creating a “Shop Ocracoke Online” landing page onvisitocracokenc.comto promote and directly link off island shoppers to local businesses.
To have your business featured on the page, please email your business name, URL (or link to your Facebook page) by Oct. 25 toinfo@visitocracokenc.com.
“The plan is to get this up and running this week,” Helena Stevens, executive director, said in an email.
The Swan Quarterly, an online magazine focusing on Hyde County, also has complied a list of Ocracoke shops that currently are accepting online sales. Visit the page here.
Next week, the an OCBA Civic Affairs meeting is scheduled for 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30, in the Ocracoke Community Center. The following topics will be covered: Hyde County Update – Kris Noble NC Ferry Division Update – Jed Dixon County Commissioner Update – Tom Pahl Joint Recovery Center Information – Teresa Adams
Prior to that, the Ocracoke School PTA will have a Halloween party for the community starting at 4:30 p.m. at the Community Ballfield.
Those interested in purchasing a bicycle for someone on Ocracoke, the bikes can be purchased at Walmart online. See the graphic below.
Lilly Anderson sells lemonade for Ocracoke School. Photo by Rusty Anderson
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By Peter Vankevich Kids selling lemonade is part of summer Americana. Sometimes, one of those lemonade stands makes the news. This is one of them, thanks to the diligence of 6-year old Lilly Anderson, a first-grader at Tiller School in Beaufort.
Lilly’s parents, Rusty and Kim Anderson of Morehead City, were saddened by the devastation that Hurricane Dorian wrought on Ocracoke. Last year, they went through a similar experience when Hurricane Florence struck their area. They are long-time visitors to the island and Lilly has been visiting since she was an infant. When told of the flooding, she said she wanted to help the school buy books, crayons and pencils because she loves books and loves to read.
The family came up with a plan.
Photo by Rusty Anderson
Lilly’s older sister, Sarah, now a student at NC State, used to sell lemonade when she was a child. Maybe Lilly could do the same and donate the proceeds to the school.
The family set up a cart and signs for Ocracoke School donations to sell lemonade, water and lollipops at a friend’s house where Sarah once sold her lemonade. This location was perfect for a huge number of walk-bys: It was about a block away from the North Carolina Seafood Festival, an annual event the first weekend in October in Morehead City and which attracts about 200,000 visitors.
In its 33rd year, the festival has a tradition of the Blessing of the Fleet of the commercial fishing boats, and the proceeds are shared with community organizations who donate their efforts to the event. Last year, the popular event was canceled due the damage caused by Hurricane Florence.
“We thought Lilly would do it for a couple of hours and maybe she could raise $100,” said Rusty.
She amazed her parents by going from 11:30 in the morning until 10:30 p.m.
“You know, she never asked if she could she quit,” he said. “One of our friends fixed some chicken nuggets so she would sit there and munch on them in between selling and stuff.” In the afternoon, Rusty posted a photo of Lilly at the lemonade stand and a little message about what she was doing on his business Facebook page, Anderson Plumbing and Sewer.
“People started sharing and liking it and asking how they could donate,” he said. “And then I reached out to some of the vendors and people that we do business with that may not have seen the post and told them what she was doing. And then they offered to donate, and then they told people about it and they donated. So it just kind of morphed.”
In the end, Lilly collected an amazing $8,718.90.
Lilly Anderson presents Ocracoke School Principal Leslie Cole with a check for $8,718.90. Photo by Peter Vankevich
Rusty is a long-time friend of islander Norman Miller and has done plumbing jobs for him over the years and had another scheduled last Thursday. He contacted the school and asked Principal Leslie Cole if he could take Lilly that day to school and deliver the donation, to which Cole enthusiastically agreed to. Mother Kim had a poster-sized copy of the check made for a photo op.
The Anderson family, which included Lilly’s older brother, Tyler, stepped off the Cedar Island ferry that morning and went to the nearby North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT), one of the three locations the school is using while the school is repaired. They were greeted by Cole and Assistant Principal Mary McKnight. Several of the upperclassmen passed by and thanked Lilly for her great work.
From there, the family and school officials headed to Ocracoke Child Care on Old Beach Road where the Pre-K through second grade are holding classes. Lilly was greeted and thanked by the students. The first-grade students wrote individual thank you letters and handed them to her as new friendships emerged.
Ocracoke students welcome Lilly Anderson. Photo by Rusty Anderson
When she was visiting with the first graders, the intercom came on. Hyde County Superintendent of Schools Steve Basnight was patched in from the mainland.
“I’m sorry I can’t be there to thank you personally; to say how wonderful your gift is for all of us,” he said. “But I just couldn’t let the day go by without talking to you.”
It was a visit that the shy 6-year old will probably never forget and she is proud of what she did to help the school.
“Lily keeps reading over and over the nice letters the students wrote,” said her proud dad on Saturday.
Like many others, Ocracoke School suffered substantial damage due to the historical flooding and it will not reopen for quite some time. In addition to this donation, the school has received other contributions.
Those wishing to make a financial contribution, can write a check to payable to Ocracoke School and mail it to: Hyde County Schools Ocracoke School Donation PO Box 217 Swan Quarter, NC 27885
The ocean is calm on Ocracoke on Saturday, Oct. 18. Photo: C. Leinbach
According to the National Weather Service, post tropical cyclone Nestor will reach the Eastern North Carolina area by tonight with the highest impacts into Sunday morning. A high wind advisory and hazardous weather outlook have been issued.
In addition to heavy rain and gusty southerly winds, minor coastal flooding is possible along the sounds and the oceanfront. Locations with dune structures already weakened by Dorian and last week’s nor’easter will be particularly vulnerable. Motorists should proceed with extreme caution during storm conditions and never drive into floodwaters. For real-time travel information, visitDriveNC.govorfollow NCDOT on social media.
Gusty Winds of 35-45 mph make power outages possible. Isolated tornadoes are also possible. Dangerous surf with seas as large as 10-13 feet will bring very dangerous maritime and surf zone conditions that will continue into the early part of next week.
Please continue to monitor updated weather conditions from the National Weather Service at www.weather.gov/mhx.
Clean up of debris on Ocracoke streets. Photo: C. Leinbach
This update is from the Firehouse Fund Committee
La traducción en español está abajo
There has been a lot of speculation about the funds raised by the Outer Banks Community Foundation in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian. Per the request of the Foundation, a committee of Ocracoke firefighters has been formed to distribute these funds. It is our intention to be as clear about our goals and our methods as we possibly can.
Our most recent estimate on the Foundation fund is more than $900,000. The Committee’s goal is to stretch that money as far as it can possibly go, with the focus on community members who do not have resources like insurance or state assistance to get back on their feet.
The Committee is focused on long-term recovery, with an understanding that this winter will be very difficult for many islanders, and with the hope that there will still be some money left to help those who need it after the tide of assistance begins to slacken. While there are needs that we can address immediately, and that are appropriate for our fund, we are committed to being sure that needs that we fill could not be met by another source. For instance, while we can cover expenses for building materials right now, we could also provide rent/mortgage assistance in February for someone whose savings have been expended.
There has been public concern about the methods by which the Committee is distributing funds. In response to those concerns, we have worked with the Long Term Recovery Group (now known as the Ocracoke Interfaith Relief and Recovery Team, or OIRRT) to address the issue. All applicants for funds are encouraged to go to the intake center in the trailer at the Variety Store. Those who cannot get to the trailer in person can call 919-825-2378 for assistance with the application process, or contact the Committee at ocracokerecoveryfund@gmail.com.
The intake information goes to a trained case worker, who “shops out” needs to various sources, including government and charitable sources. Only after all such resources have been exhausted does the case worker approach the Committee. That approach is made by the case worker, not by the applicant, and while the Committee is given information for context, the applicant’s identity will not be known to the Committee until after funding decisions have been made. Once the funds are approved, the Committee communicates with the case worker to distribute the funds to a vendor who can fill the specified need. Only in cases of reimbursement for money already spent, and confirmed by receipts, will applicants receive money directly from the committee.
In all cases, Committee decisions will be held in strict confidence by all members. This is a bedrock understanding of all members of the Committee.
As of this writing, the Committee has completed a first round of disbursements, focused on cases of medical need, and funds will be disbursed steadily from this time forward, as requests are vetted and presented by the caseworkers.
It is worth stating clearly that the Committee members will make all decisions regarding the Foundation money. While the Committee is working in partnership with OIRRT, and has a vote in that group’s decision making, OIRRT will not make any decisions regarding the distribution of the Foundation funds. The requests to the Committee from OIRRT will come from OIRRT’s Unmet Needs committee, which will focus on using every available resource to fill the needs of community members.
Working together, we are dedicated to filling every need that we can, for as long as we can, until the island is back up on its feet, and its residents back in their homes.
Actualización: Fondo de Recuperación de Ocracoke (también conocido como “El Comité de Bomberos”)
Se ha especulado mucho acerca de los fondos recaudados por la Outer Banks Community Foundation después del huracán Dorian. A pedido de la Fundación, se formó un comité de bomberos de Ocracoke para distribuir estos fondos. Es nuestra intención ser tan claros sobre nuestros objetivos y métodos como sea posible.
Nuestra estimación más reciente sobre el fondo de la Fundación es de más de $ 900,000. El objetivo del Comité es extender ese dinero lo más posible, con el foco en los miembros de la comunidad que no tienen recursos como seguros o asistencia estatal para volver a ponerse de pie.
El Comité está enfocado en la recuperación a largo plazo, con el entendimiento de que este invierno será muy difícil para muchos isleños, y con la esperanza de que aún quede algo de dinero para ayudar a aquellos que lo necesiten después de que la marea de asistencia comience a disminuir. . Si bien hay necesidades que podemos abordar de inmediato, y que son apropiadas para nuestro fondo, estamos comprometidos a asegurarnos de que otra fuente no pueda satisfacer las necesidades que cubrimos. Por ejemplo, si bien podemos cubrir los gastos de materiales de construcción en este momento, también podríamos proporcionar asistencia de alquiler / hipoteca en febrero para alguien cuyos ahorros se hayan gastado.
Ha habido preocupación pública sobre los métodos por los cuales el Comité distribuye los fondos. En respuesta a esas inquietudes, hemos trabajado con el Grupo de recuperación a largo plazo (ahora conocido como el Equipo interreligioso de recuperación y socorro de Ocracoke, o OIRRT) para abordar el problema. Se recomienda a todos los solicitantes de fondos que vayan al centro de admisión en el tráiler en la Tienda de Variedades. Aquellos que no puedan llegar al tráiler en persona pueden llamar al 919-825-2378 para recibir ayuda con el proceso de solicitud, o comunicarse con el Comité a ocracokerecoveryfund@gmail.com.
La información de admisión va a un trabajador de casos capacitado, que “compra” las necesidades de varias fuentes, incluidas fuentes gubernamentales y de beneficencia. Solo después de que se hayan agotado todos esos recursos, el trabajador social se acerca al Comité. Ese enfoque lo realiza el trabajador social, no el solicitante, y aunque el Comité recibe información sobre el contexto, la identidad del solicitante no será conocida por el Comité hasta que se hayan tomado las decisiones de financiación. Una vez que se aprueban los fondos, el Comité se comunica con el asistente social para distribuir los fondos a un proveedor que pueda satisfacer la necesidad especificada. Solo en casos de reembolso por dinero ya gastado, y confirmado por recibos, los solicitantes recibirán dinero directamente del comité.
En todos los casos, las decisiones del Comité serán mantenidas en estricta confidencialidad por todos los miembros. Esta es una base fundamental para todos los miembros del Comité.
Al momento de escribir este documento, el Comité ha completado una primera ronda de desembolsos, centrada en casos de necesidad médica, y los fondos se desembolsarán de manera constante a partir de este momento, a medida que las solicitudes sean examinadas y presentadas por los trabajadores sociales.
Vale la pena declarar claramente que los miembros del Comité tomarán todas las decisiones con respecto al dinero de la Fundación. Mientras el Comité trabaja en asociación con OIRRT, y tiene un voto en la toma de decisiones de ese grupo, OIRRT no tomará ninguna decisión con respecto a la distribución de los fondos de la Fundación. Las solicitudes al Comité de OIRRT provendrán del comité de Necesidades Insatisfechas de OIRRT, que se enfocará en usar todos los recursos disponibles para satisfacer las necesidades de los miembros de la comunidad.
Trabajando juntos, estamos dedicados a satisfacer todas las necesidades que podamos, durante todo el tiempo que podamos, hasta que la isla se recupere y sus residentes vuelvan a sus hogares.
All islanders are urged to go to the Joint Recovery Center in the Variety Store parking lot to fill out the needs assessment application even if they are not applying for an SBA loan. SBA loan applications will be taken starting at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 18. Photo: C. Leinbach
From our news sources
Ocracoke residents may begin applying for U.S Small Business Administration (SBA) loans starting at 11 a.m. today (Oct. 18) and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Joint Recovery Center in the Variety Store Parking lot.
Starting next week, SBA application hours in the Joint Recovery Center (JRC) will be 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and closed on Sunday. It will remain open through Oct. 31 for residents to apply for low-interest SBA disaster loans.
Gov. Roy Cooper on Thursday signed a state disaster declaration for counties that suffered damages from Hurricane Dorian: Carteret, Dare, Hyde and New Hanover and the contiguous counties of Beaufort, Brunswick, Craven, Currituck, Jones, Onslow, Pamlico, Pender, Tyrrell and Washington.
This action follows the SBA granting Cooper’s request Oct. 16 for a disaster declaration for the Dorian-damaged counties, which followed FEMA’s Oct. 8 denial of North Carolina’s request for Individual Assistance.
“Today’s state disaster declaration will help North Carolinians recovering from Hurricane Dorian get vital assistance necessary to recover,” Cooper said on Thursday.
With the signing of the state disaster declaration, the governor authorizes individual assistance in the form of state-funded grants to be made available to affected individuals who do not meet the qualifications for an SBA loan or who have damages not covered by insurance.
All islanders seeking assistance must first fill out the SBA loan application, according to state officials. If the loan request is denied, then islanders have the opportunity to get state-funded grants.
Applicants may also apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website here. Click on Loan Information in the upper right hand corner of the page.
Rep. Greg Murphy (R-Pitt County) issued the following statement: I am pleased the SBA granted North Carolina’s disaster request in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian. As a result, individuals and small businesses will be eligible to apply for low-interest loans to rebuild from this natural disaster. I will continue to work with Governor Cooper, Senators Burr and Tillis and the rest of my colleagues in Congress until our communities in Eastern North Carolina have recovered.”
Personnel at the JRC urged all islanders to also stop in to fill out a damage assessment report which the Ocracoke Interfaith Relief & Recovery Team will use to get help to islanders. As of Thursday, 297 households had filled out the local assessment sheet.
As for the SBA loans, officials said the loans can be for anything: home, rental home, vehicle and even refinancing.
Islanders will need to bring along the following documents: Social Security card, proof of home ownership (deed, mortgage book, tax return, insurance declaration. If it’s a mobile home: title of ownership, proof of residency (utility bill), insurance certificates.
SBA loans can be sought for damaged vehicles and islanders will need driver’s license or state ID, Social Security card, registration and two estimates of damage.
Photos of the damage to the home or vehicle also will be helpful.
The following fact sheets about applying for an SBA loan are also available on the SBA website:
From the National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City
The National Hurricane Center is monitoring a system in the Gulf of Mexico that could develop into a tropical or subtropical cyclone during the next day or so.
This system is expected to traverse Eastern North Carolina this weekend bringing the potential for heavy rainfall, dangerous marine conditions and potential coastal flooding concerns, but the storm is not expected to have tropical characteristics by the time it reaches our area.
There is still uncertainty in the details with this system and it will depend on the strength and track of the low.
Hurricane damage on Ocracoke’s Back Road. Photo: P. Vankevich
Editor’s note: This story is updated from a previously published version.
By Rita Thiel
Another resource has begun from which Ocracoke families can fill their immediate and future needs.
Ocracoke families can sign up for Adopt-an-Ocracoke-Family and Ocracoke Island friends (on or off the island can “adopt” them.
These sponsors will help provide Ocracoke families suffering from Hurricane Dorian losses with immediate needs and future needs.
The program is offered through the Ocracoke Lifesaving Church. Hours for families to sign up at the church are from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and from 3 to 6 p.m. on Thursdays.
Emilie Cary, owner of Salt & Light Consulting, a marketing company in Morehead City, developed the idea as she observed the influx and distribution goods the last few weeks on Ocracoke since Hurricane Dorian thrashed the island.
Cary first came over with the Fat Fella’s food truck shortly after Dorian and has been here off and on since, helping wherever help is needed.
“I’ve had people and companies contact me to see how they can help Ocracoke,” she said in a phone interview. “With my marketing business, I have made lots of valuable connections between people and resources. People have immediate and long-term needs, but they might not know what those needs are yet.”
And the needs will change.
“The shock is still wearing off,” she said. “Whole households were destroyed, and those needs will be there in the future to replace items, large and small, that were lost. People don’t necessarily know what they need yet. That’s how this will help.”
A sponsor or sponsors picks a family or individual to adopt and provides an item or items on the “wish list” for that family. Donors can choose however much they want to support and for however long they want.
“This will be anonymous,” said Ivey Belch, pastor of the Life Saving Church. “Donors and adopted families will not be in direct contact with each other. This program is another way of donating to the disaster but it is on a more personal level.”
All names of donors and families will be kept confidential.
Needs will be broken into two areas:
Immediate needs, such as clothes, bedding, kitchen pots and pans, special food or dietary needs–things that have not been met through other organizations or donation funds found on the island. Cary said this program is working with other relief organizations and if a need is met through another source, then that need is checked off the list.
Recovery/long-term needs: These are items people might need to fix their homes but aren’t ready for yet. For example, flooring, tile, lighting fixtures or furnishings, appliances and mattresses.
As these items are donated or purchased they will be stored in a warehouse until the family is ready for it, even months down the line.
People can also sign up in the future, whenever they understand what they need.
No family or person will be turned away and families/individuals do not have to be a church member to sign up for this, Cary said.
“This is for the entire community,” she said.
To participate, donors can either stop into the church or email adopt@lifesaving.church or Cary at saltandlightconsulting@gmail.com.
Monetary donations to the program can be sent to Life Saving Church at P.O. Box 68, Ocracoke, NC 27960.
Chef Jason Wells, at rear, commands volunteers helping make lunch in the Ocracoke Strong Kitchen in the Community Center. Photo courtesy of Ocracoke Island Realty
The Baptists on Mission, who along with the Salvation Army had prepared three meals a day for Ocracoke Islanders post-Hurricane Dorian, have departed the island, but locals and off-island friends are stepping in, weather dependent, to prepare free meals.
From Ocracoke Disaster Relief: “Thank you so much to everyone. What an amazing, incredible thing to have food service covered for the next week! We are constantly in awe of the love and support we receive. Thank you, all!”
TENTATIVE FOOD SERVICE (through Monday, Oct. 21) Please check Ocracoke Disaster Relief on Facebook for last-minute changes.
Wednesday 10/16 at the Community Center 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Served by Hope Mennonite Church Ham and Potato Casserole, Green Beans, Salad, Cake and Sweet Tea
Thursday 10/17 at the Community Center 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Served by Ocracoke Strong Kitchen: Spaghetti
Friday 10/18 Behind the Fire House 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Served by Lee Monsees and Community Pork Shoulders, Sam Jones BBQ Slaw, Boiled Potatoes Cold Gatorade and Canned Drinks
Friday 10/18 Dinner and Church Service on the Berkley lawn Service: 6 to 6:30 p.m. Dinner: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Chili and Baked Potatoes served by One Harbor Church
Saturday 10/19 Beside the Fire House 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Tiny Tornado Food Truck: Menu TBA
Sunday 10/20 at the Community Center High Cotton BBQ; Menu TBA
Monday 10/21 at the Community Center 11:30-1pm Served by Ocracoke Strong Kitchen: Fish Fry!
A mountain on Ocracoke? It’s the growing heap of household debris being staged at the Lifeguard Beach parking lot starting to peak out above the trees. Photo: C. Leinbach
By Connie Leinbach
The Hyde County commissioners, at their Oct. 7 meeting, agreed to lift the ban on alcohol sales on Ocracoke during the Hurricane Dorian emergency as of Monday (Oct. 14).
The commissioners also discussed lifting the evacuation order at their meeting this month since two petitions had circulated on the island. One, signed by about 28 businesses, asked to allow visitors in and the other petition, with 160 signatures, asked to wait until certain benchmarks are met before visitors are allowed back.
“It’s absolutely vital that we reopen and energize the economy that’s vital to us and, quite frankly, to Hyde County,” said Tom Pahl, Ocracoke’s county commissioner. He said that the Deputy Control Group, which had met that day, agreed to lift the alcohol sales ban when the food distribution by the volunteer agencies left the island. That distribution ended Oct. 12.
A state emergency official explained that under a state of emergency with mass feeding, alcohol sales are not allowed. Since the state pays for the emergency food, if alcohol sales are allowed then that indicates people have more choices and the mass feeding need has lessened.
One of the benchmarks was cleanup of the massive amount of debris lining the island streets, and the second is the allocation of ferry space. There are a growing number of off-island contractors coming to the island and what if there was another evacuation since it’s still hurricane season?
Another consideration is the restoration of N.C. 12 at the north end of the island.
“We won’t have those benchmarks done this month,” said Kris Noble, Hyde County manager.
Although the mandatory evacuation for Ocracoke is still in effect while the island rebuilds, the commissioners also pushed back the island-wide curfew hours. It is now from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Hyde County Emergency Services Director Justin Gibbs told the commissioners that, to date, 3,928 volunteers logged 33,334 hours helping out on Ocracoke. Both the Baptists on Mission and Samaritan’s Purse volunteers were scheduled to leave Oct. 12.
“The Baptists have done more than 25,000 meals and have helped tremendously,” he said. Ocracoke will get some shipping containers in which to store building materials at the NPS parking lot.
About 60 islanders attend the Oct. 7 Hyde County commissioners meeting via teleconferencing in the Ocracoke Community Center. Photo: C. Leinbach
The Joint Recovery Center opened in the parking lot of the Variety Store, he said. This trailer is staffed with people from state agencies to collect a needs assessment for all on the island.
Pahl also reported that of the approximately 1,200 homes on the island, 413 had their electric meters pulled. “That’s an indicator of how high the water was,” he said. Of those, 120 have not yet had power restored.
Of the 259 homes with finished floors below seven feet that were assessed by flood insurance investigators, 110, or 42 percent, experienced damage equal to or greater than 50 percent of the value of the home. Only homes with flood insurance were assessed.
“Many more without flood insurance were damaged,” Pahl said.
He said that 56 percent, or 168, of Ocracoke Island Realty’s 300 cottages are OK. Twenty-nine percent are off the market because they need major work. Three percent were destroyed or so damaged that it will be more than a year until they are up and running. Twelve percent were not analyzed, he said.
Seven permits for demolition have been issued and six elevation permits have been issued.
He said it’s not known how many people are displaced, “but there’s no one on Ocracoke who doesn’t have a roof over their head–for now,” Pahl said. Between OIR and Blue Heron Vacations, 67 rental homes are being used for displaced people, but a lot of rental homes bypassed going through a realty company and just offered their houses to people to use.
“Also, friends and family have taken people in and some (residents) have left the island,” he said. He estimated 400 to 500 have been displaced and that 160 to 200 homes are uninhabitable.
As for lodging, Pahl said some hotels and motels have their lights on. The Anchorage Inn has 25 rooms; the Pony Island has a number of rooms available and Bluff Shoals has fewer than 10 rooms.
“So we can house a growing work force,” he said. “But we can’t solve this problem with a soup kitchen and volunteers,” he said. “Private sector solutions will solve this.”
The Ocracoke Civic & Business Association polled its member businesses as to their status post-Hurricane Dorian.
The following is the update as of Oct. 10, sent in an email.
For those wanting to volunteer on Ocracoke, the following organization is now accepting volunteers:
United Methodist Church Regional Disaster Response Center: Email ahuffman@nccumc.org; 1-888-440-9167.
If you have questions about special donations or offers of help, email ocracokedisasterrelief@gmail.com.
The ‘Fire Mart’ in the Ocracoke Volunteer Fire Department is downsized a month after Hurricane Dorian hit Ocracoke. Photo: C. Leinbach
