For some among us, the idea of taking assistance from a person, organization or government agency can rub pride the wrong way.

Even in the wake of a disaster such as Hurricane Florence, those who take strong stock in self-reliance and independence may still find themselves unwilling to ask for help.

But now is not the time for pride, and there is no shame in asking for help.

Beginning this Friday, the Beaufort County Department of Social Services will be taking applications for Disaster Food and Nutrition Services in Chocowinity, Aurora, Belhaven and Washington. For those whose home was damaged, one month of temporary food assistance may be available.

Within the week, the Federal Emergency Management Agency will likely establish a Disaster Recovery Center in Washington. If your home suffered damages in the storm, you should file a claim with both your insurance company and FEMA. Even if your claim is rejected by FEMA, the act of applying still opens up the door for monetary assistance from other sources.

Even still, for the basic every day needs, for yard work and repairs and all the possible labor that needs doing after a storm, a recovery hotline at 252-495-6040 stands ready to connect you with the resources you need.

In the case of government agencies and programs, these are what your tax dollars pay for. You have every right as an American citizen to take advantage of these recovery programs, and if your home was impacted, you by all means should.

There are a lot of people out there willing to lend a hand and help meet the needs you may have and cant meet on your own. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.