On Wednesday, the City of Winston-Salem and Experiment in Self-Reliance Inc. — a local nonprofit that helps low-income individuals become self-sufficient — accepted applications for Winston Weaver fire-related reimbursements.
By the time doors opened at the Fairgrounds Home & Garden Building at 5 p.m., roughly 50 people had already assembled. The relief program is for residents who live or work within the evacuation area with a household income 80 percent or less of the area's median income — about $55,000 for a family of four.
Upon arrival, people were divided into two groups: with and without receipts. According to city officials, by 6 p.m. approximately 75 people had been processed with 150 seated inside awaiting their turn, and a few dozen still standing in line.
Patricia Minter was able to continue working remotely during the evacuation period. She and her husband were forced to stay in a hotel, and they hope to be reimbursed.
“I think the city is acting promptly and responsibly in their response and reaction to this,” says Minter. “I think they're doing it in a timely manner and an effective way.”
If expense documents are provided the city will reimburse each household up to $1,000. Residents without documents can receive up to $300 per household. An application form is also available online.