The deadline to sign up for a program that provides partial repairs to homes damaged by Hurricane Florence has been extended to Feb. 10.
FEMA contacted by text, email and telephone 15,748 people who are eligible for the Sheltering and Temporary Essential Power program. Funded by the state and FEMA, the program helps people who were displaced by Hurricane Florence fix their homes to a liveable condition, while they wait for long-term repairs. The STEP program is available in 12 Eastern North Carolina counties, including Carteret, Craven, Duplin, Jones and Onslow Counties. North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper announced that homeowners have until Feb. 10 to complete the forms to participate in the program. Once a homeowner completes the Right of Entry form, an inspector will visit the home to assess the damage. Repairs will be made by a volunteer disaster relief group or a professional contractor managed by the state. According to a press release from the governor's office, approximately 100homes have been repaired or are under repair through the STEP program, and work is set to begin soon on many more homes. To confirm if you're eligable for the STEP program, homeowners can call (833) 257-1100 Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
