NC Inclusive Disaster Recovery Network to Hold Press Event at State Legislature on June 9
NC INCLUSIVE DISASTER RECOVERY NETWORK (NCIDR)
Event to Spotlight Unmet Recovery Needs in Western NC and Call for Additional Funding
The North Carolina Inclusive Disaster Recovery Network (NCIDR), a statewide coalition, will host a press event on Monday, June 9, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. outside the North Carolina Legislative Building in downtown Raleigh. The event will highlight ongoing, unmet recovery needs in Western North Carolina and urge state lawmakers to invest further in disaster recovery systems as the Atlantic hurricane season begins.
The 30-minute event will feature 4–5 speakers, including survivors and community leaders from both Western and Eastern North Carolina. Together, they will call for targeted action to address critical gaps in housing assistance, economic support, and emergency management infrastructure.
Press are invited to attend in person or tune in virtually at: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/5IB-_W7PS6W5EMPnIfYltg
Spanish and ASL interpretation will be provided for the livestream.
“This event is about lifting up the stories of those most impacted, especially in rural and historically under-resourced areas, and making sure our state’s recovery efforts leave no one behind,” said Andy Shoenig, Facilitator of the NC Inclusive Disaster Recovery Network and Program Director at MDC. “We believe in working with legislators to build a stronger, more resilient North Carolina.”
Among the featured speakers is Elisa Quarles, a survivor of Hurricane Helene. Quarles lost her home in a historic neighborhood in Asheville, NC, and has since become a vocal advocate for equitable housing recovery.
“When Hurricane Helene hit, I didn’t just lose a house—I lost a sense of place and belonging,” said Quarles. “Too many families are still waiting for help that never came. I’m speaking out not just for myself, but for every North Carolinian who deserves a safe place to call home after disaster strikes.”
The NCIDR event comes at a critical moment for policy and preparedness. While state appropriations have supported important recovery work, substantial gaps remain, especially in housing, small business support, and public sector capacity to respond and rebuild.
Key Issues for Legislative Action:
- Housing: Rental and mortgage assistance for displaced residents
- Economic Recovery: Support for small businesses and unemployed workers
- Public Infrastructure: Investment in FEMA and NCEM readiness
- Mitigation and Resilience: Long-term rebuilding strategies that unite Western North Carolina and Eastern North Carolina
Speakers:
- Amber Dixon, Director of Community Health Initiatives, Western Youth Network (Watauga County)
- Curtis Hill, Disability Rights North Carolina (Columbus County)
- Elisa Quarles, Asheville resident and Hurricane Helene survivor (Buncombe County)
- Sam Stites, Just Economics of Western North Carolina (Transylvania County)
- Vanessa Salomo, COO of Chestnut and Corner Kitchen, Asheville Independent Restaurant Association (Buncombe County)
Event Details
Date: Monday, June 9, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM (30 minutes, including Q&A)
Location: Outside the North Carolina Legislative Building, Raleigh, NC
Livestream: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/5IB-_W7PS6W5EMPnIfYltg
Languages: Spanish and ASL interpretation provided for the livestream only.
Contact:
Clarissa Goodlett, Director of Communications, MDC
[email protected], 919.381.5873
About NCIDR
The North Carolina Inclusive Disaster Recovery Network (NCIDR) is a collaborative of public, non-profit, and faith-based organizations seeking avenues for community voice and equitable access to resources in our disaster recovery system. The network was formed in October 2016 in response to Hurricane Matthew. NCIDR is a way for statewide mainstream organizations to ally with community-based leaders.
Learn more about NCIDR at www.InclusiveDisasterRecovery.org
