Major grant to organization will go a long way after Hurricane Florence

NEW BERN, Craven County — When you drive through the Duffyfield area of New Bern, you can't help but notice the blue tarps on roofs, large dumpsters in front of homes and garbage on the side of the road.

The recovery effort here has been slow to say to say the least.

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"Right now there's not enough help," contractor James Drew said.

Drew predicts it will be a year or more before this community is put back together. Jasmine Hicks, who lives here, also notices the slow pace of recovery. Her neighborhood is virtually a ghost town.

"My uncle lives next to me and he lost everything. It's still empty and sad to this day," Hicks said.

But hope is on the horizon. Friday, the Unitarian Unviersalist Fellowship of New Bern presented the Craven County Disaster Recovery Alliance with a check for $50,000. It's a check they're delighted to receive.

"We will be able to help a family, not necessarily put everything back the way it was but to establish a new normal," said Rev. John Robinson Jr., who received the check on behalf of the group.

It's news both Drew and Hicks wanted to hear.

"I just hope the grant money is given to those really in need," Drew said.

"That's wonderful," Hicks said. "We can hurry up and get these people back into their homes, that would be perfect "

The money will be prioritized going to the neediest -- especially the elderly. Also, this grant is not just for homeowners but renters as well. For more information on how to apply, click here.