Update from Helene Response Team
Disaster Response Flyer for Renters
Update: October 9, 2024Subject: Helene Storm Damage Update and Restoration Progress
Dear Residents,
We are pleased to provide an update on the ongoing restoration efforts following the recent storm. Thanks to the hard work of our teams, significant progress has been made:
Power, water, and internet services have been fully restored to the community.
Remediation of apartment homes has begun, and many residents have already returned to their homes.
Only those in the hardest hit areas of the property are still awaiting clearance for return. Rest assured; we are working diligently to restore these units as quickly as possible.
For those with garage damage, we are aiming to complete all repairs by the end of the month if weather and supply chains are not a factor.
We are also working closely with each impacted resident to provide individualized updates and address specific needs.
We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to our partner companies, Universal Development & Construction, Mitch Cox Construction, and First Restoration of Asheville for their hard work and dedication during this time. Having our in-house construction teams has greatly helped expedite the restoration process. After a major event like this, its common for properties to experience delays while waiting for third-party contractors to become available due to high demand.
By having our own teams in place, we were able to begin repairs quickly, allowing us to swiftly address damage, prioritize urgent needs, and manage the restoration process efficiently. This approach has helped us get many residents back into their homes sooner than anticipated. We are also grateful for the prompt mobilization of resources once the roads were cleared, ensuring that recovery efforts could start as quickly as possible.
Thank you for your continued patience and cooperation. If you have any concerns or require additional information, please reach out to our management team.
Sincerely,
Universal Living Property Management Team
Update: October 2, 2024
Subject: Helene Storm Damage Update and Restoration Progress
Dear Universal at Lakewood Residents,
We hope this message finds you safe. We want to provide an update on the ongoing efforts to restore our community following the damage caused by storm Helene.
Since Monday, restoration teams have been onsite, assessing the extent of the damage and developing a comprehensive plan to get everyone back into their homes as soon as possible. Where it has been deemed safe, electricity has already been restored.
Today, an electrician is on the property assessing meters and wiring. Our goal is to restore power to all remaining homes as quickly and safely as possible. We will continue to provide updates as the situation progresses.
We are incredibly grateful for the donations that have been dropped off; these are available for any resident in need and can be found at the clubhouse in the laundry center.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation during this time. Please remember to contact our corporate office at 423-282-0640 (Our phone lines are experiencing outages at times, but please send an email during these times.), or email us at HeleneResponseTeam@udctn.com with any questions.
Sincerely,
Universal Living Management Team
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Special Update: September 30, 2024
Dear Universal at Lakewood Residents,
We are writing to express our concern and solidarity with all of you who have been affected by the devastating floods in western North Carolina. It is with heavy hearts that we witness the widespread destruction that surrounds us, both in our region and in nearby communities. We are working closely with local authorities and emergency services to coordinate response efforts for our communities.
This natural disaster has undoubtedly impacted us all, and we want to assure you that your safety and well-being are our top priority. For those of you whose apartments have been affected, we will be reaching out to you individually to provide specific support and assistance. If your home has experienced damage, please contact our corporate office at 423-282-0640 or email us at HeleneResponseTeam@udctn.com so we can track your incident.
We understand that communications have been disrupted and that travel within western North Carolina and Tennessee has been prohibited. As soon as it is safe to do so, we are committed to getting our crews on the ground to assess the damage and provide necessary assistance. You may file individual assistance claims through FEMA at https://www.fema.gov/disaster/3617 , HUD at https://www.hud.gov/states/north_carolina/library/disasterrelief and Red Cross at https://www.redcross.org/local/north-carolina.html
Thank you for your patience as we work through this unprecedented situation.
Sincerely,
Universal Living Management Team