Grant Gives Flood Victims New Jobs; Help in Filing for Federal Aid Available in Wayne Co.

They say they are thankful for the opportunity.

"I didn't want to collect unemployment. I just wanted to work," says Pauline Alexander. The Rocky Mount tobacco company where she worked closed due to flooding.

Alexander is one of 131 people in eastern North Carolina who lost jobs due to flooding and have been placed in disaster relief jobs.

At a distribution center in Rocky Mount, workers hand out supplies to other flood victims.

Disaster Relief employees can make up to $12,000 and they work as long as six months. It gives them a chance to get back on their feet, and help others do the same.

For More information on the Hurricane Floyd Employment Program call1-800-562-6333, ext. 206.

Not everybody who needs help in eastern North Carolina knows how to get it. So some people are going the extra mile to help victims get the money they need to rebuild.

Many people are on the road to recovery, others are learning that getting there is not easy. Wading through the bureaucratic red tape can be tough.

"The papers... some of them were over my head. I couldn't fill them out and I still haven't filled them out," says flood victim Lou Smith.

With federal deadlines approaching, the Wayne County Salvation Army is tutoring flood victims on the process of federal aid. Every person who asks for help is told how to fill out federal forms, and reminded that getting help is more than a one-step procedure.

This is the first time the Wayne County chapter has included this type of information with its more well-known assistance of food and clothing. But the need is there, so they are adapting their help. Flood victims are grateful. andBrian BowmanandBrian Bowman