The Rural Center has compiled a few of the many resources available to assist communities, small businesses and farmers.

— Important Resources

The North Carolina Department of Public Safety is posting storm-related information online at https://www.ncdps.gov/hurricane-matthew-2016. Visit this site for information about road conditions, shelters, food assistance and other storm recovery help.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) North Carolina Farm Service Agency (FSA) has a host of programs for to help farmers and livestock producers recover from heavy rains, flooding and other qualifying events related to Hurricane Matthew. For more information, visit www.fsa.usda.gov/ or contact your local FSA Office by visiting http://offices.usda.gov.

The U.S. Small Business Administration has announced a disaster declaration for North Carolina counties affected by Hurricane Matthew. The SBA offers disaster loans for small businesses, agricultural cooperatives, private nonprofits, homeowners and renters. For more information, visit https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/Account/Login.

Seventeen federal agencies have partnered to form an online portal to help users access and apply for disaster assisted jointly through federal, tribal, state, local, and private sector partners. For more information, visit www.disasterassistance.gov.

Individuals desiring to help may make donations to the North Carolina Community Foundation Disaster Relief Fund.