The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has informed thousands of residents in western North Carolina that their temporary housing assistance has ended, despite a snowstorm impacting the region. FEMA's director, Deanne Criswell, has provided guidance on the next steps for those affected.
Background
Families whose homes were destroyed by Hurricane Helene in late September 2024 were granted temporary housing vouchers from FEMA, allowing them to stay in local hotels. The storm caused widespread devastation, with Asheville, North Carolina, experiencing unexpected flooding. Over 9,000 homes were destroyed in the city, part of more than 100,000 homes damaged statewide, according to the Asheville Citizen-Times.
Key Details
Local media reported last week that up to 3,500 households in western North Carolina had been notified that their temporary housing assistance would expire by the weekend. The program was originally set to end on January 11, and FEMA confirmed that no extensions would be provided, despite forecasts of a snowstorm arriving on January 10.
FEMA explained that the lapse in housing assistance was due to one of three reasons: the applicant's home was deemed habitable following an inspection, the applicant declined an inspection, or the agency could not reach the applicant.
FEMA Director Criswell discussed the issue during an appearance on Fox News Sunday, reassuring the public that FEMA makes every effort to contact applicants before sending out notices. She explained that FEMA calls every two weeks to check on the status of applicants, and if no response is received, the agency assumes the applicant has returned to their home. However, she emphasized that those who had not been able to speak with FEMA are still eligible for assistance and should reach out to the agency to discuss their unique circumstances.
What FEMA Is Saying
A FEMA spokesperson told Newsweek that individuals who still require housing assistance or believe their eligibility has ended in error should immediately contact the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-3362. The spokesperson clarified that as of January 14, about 3,600 households would still be eligible for FEMA-paid hotel stays. Since the beginning of the disaster response, nearly 13,000 families displaced by Hurricane Helene have stayed in FEMA-funded accommodations.
Political Reactions
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein announced on X (formerly Twitter) that FEMA had agreed to extend temporary shelter assistance until Tuesday due to the winter storm in western North Carolina. He vowed to use all available resources to ensure residents have access to safe and warm shelter.
Meanwhile, Karoline Leavitt, the incoming White House press secretary for former President Donald Trump, criticized the Biden administration's handling of the situation. She claimed that the administration's focus on housing illegal immigrants had undermined FEMA’s ability to assist American citizens affected by the storm.
What’s Next
FEMA will continue to address the ongoing situation in North Carolina while also managing its disaster response efforts in California, where wildfires have impacted Los Angeles County residents.
Comments
Post a Comment