When people living with HIV in coastal North Carolina talk about how they prepared for Hurricane Florence, their considerations are about the same as the average person – with exceptions.

HIV-positive community members have to think about their medications – how they’ll get them and where they’ll store them. They have to think about access to healthcare, and whether they feel comfortable disclosing their status to whoever they stay with during the storm. And the anxiety that accompanies these considerations is much like the anxiety people are feeling during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Storm Stories is a collection of stories about the effects of hurricanes. This podcast and radio series explores resilience and recovery in the coastal region through local stories.

Support the show (https://shoresides.org/support/).

Want to Help:

1. Donate – To The Good Shepherd Center to fund housing assistance programs.
2. Advocate – Call NC Senators: Richard Burr 202-224-3154, and Thom Tillis 704-509-9087 tell them to advocate for H.R. 2721 The Pathways out of Poverty Act, that would expand funding for temporary assistance programs.

Need Help:

1. Shelter – For temporary shelter call The Good Shepherd Center 910-763-4424.
2. Financial Assistance – For help with Financial Assistance call Lloyd Stiles from Coastal Community Action at 252-342-4831.
3. Other Resources – Consult this list. It provides a guide for general resources as well as resources specific to Craven County.