FEMA extends housing aid for Hurricane Helene survivors in North Carolina until January 25, providing crucial support for thousands of displaced families.
At a Glance
- FEMA extends Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) Program to January 25 for North Carolina residents
- Over 3,000 families eligible for the program’s extension
- Extension allows households more time to find alternative housing or repair homes
- Program provides temporary housing in hotels and motels for those displaced by Hurricane Helene
- Concerns arose among residents due to cold temperatures in North Carolina
FEMA Extends Vital Housing Support
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced an extension of its Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) Program for North Carolina residents affected by Hurricane Helene. The program, which provides temporary housing in hotels and motels for displaced individuals and families, will now continue until January 25. This extension comes as a relief to thousands of survivors still struggling to find permanent housing solutions in the aftermath of the devastating hurricane.
The decision to prolong the TSA program underscores FEMA’s commitment to supporting disaster survivors through their recovery process. With over 3,000 families eligible for this extension, the agency is providing a crucial lifeline to those who have yet to secure long-term housing options or complete necessary repairs to their damaged homes.
Impact and Scope of the TSA Program
The scale of Hurricane Helene’s impact on North Carolina communities is evident in the numbers. FEMA reports that more than 10,000 households initially accepted temporary shelter through the TSA program following the hurricane. While a significant portion of these families have since transitioned to longer-term housing solutions, thousands still rely on the program for their immediate shelter needs.
“NC communities still struggling from Hurricane Helene. More than 10,000 households accepted temporary shelter in hotels participating in the TSA program following the aftermath of the hurricane, FEMA said last month, but most have since moved to longer-term housing,” read a statement from the agency.
The TSA program covers room costs, taxes, and non-refundable pet fees, providing a comprehensive solution for displaced residents. This support is particularly crucial given the cold temperatures North Carolina has been experiencing, which have heightened concerns for those without stable housing.
Eligibility and Challenges
While the extension brings relief to many, it’s important to note that not all hurricane survivors qualify for the TSA program. Eligibility requirements include maintaining contact with FEMA, having an unsafe home, not receiving rental assistance, and not having insurance for living expenses. These criteria ensure that the aid reaches those most in need while encouraging progress towards permanent housing solutions.
“Come this Saturday, I’m going to use my paycheck Friday and I’ve already been in contact with the animal shelter to take my dog because I’m not going to put my dog out here in these streets, you know. I don’t even know what’s going to happen in two days, not to be able to sleep in a bed or be warm at night, you know,” said Maryjo Tucker, a resident displaced by the hurricane.
For those who find themselves ineligible or facing challenges with the program, FEMA advises contacting their helpline or visiting a Disaster Recovery Center for assistance. The agency has completed nearly 91,500 inspections, with 98% of current requests fulfilled, demonstrating their ongoing efforts to process claims efficiently.
Looking Ahead
As the January 25 deadline approaches, FEMA encourages survivors to update their housing status and contact information to avoid delays in assistance. The agency’s extension of the TSA program provides a critical buffer for those still navigating the complexities of post-disaster recovery. However, it also serves as a reminder of the long-term challenges facing North Carolina communities in the wake of Hurricane Helene, and the ongoing need for support and resources to help residents rebuild their lives.
Sources:
- https://abc11.com/post/helene-aftermath-residents-call-fema-extend-housing-aid-hurricane-victims-asheville-north-carolina/15792506/
- https://www.foxnews.com/us/fema-extends-transitional-housing-program-north-carolina-residents-displaced-hurricane-helene
- https://www.newsnationnow.com/us-news/southeast/fema-extends-north-carolina-hotel-aid/
- https://www.oann.com/newsroom/fema-extends-transitional-housing-assistance-for-north-carolina-hurricane-helene-survivors/