FEMA Gives NC Hurricane Victims the Boot, Cuts Housing Help During Winter Storm [WATCH]

Residents of Western North Carolina are voicing confusion and frustration over the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) plans to end temporary housing assistance for many Hurricane Helene survivors.

The deadline for the Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program, originally set for Friday, was extended by one day to Saturday, even as a snowstorm brings temperatures below 20 degrees across the Appalachian Mountain region.

Approximately 2,000 households in North Carolina will be required to leave their temporary hotel accommodations on Saturday.

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FEMA stated that continued eligibility for the TSA program is determined on a case-by-case basis.

100% people are freezing to death in tents in North Carolina and today FEMA offices are closed !!!!!! pic.twitter.com/cGADr5AbHS

— America In Focus (@tacokiwi2024) January 10, 2025

Reasons for ineligibility include homes deemed habitable after inspections, survivors declining inspections, or FEMA being unable to contact them for updates.

“I’m actually talking to several people that are losing the FEMA vouchers,” said Ryan McClymonds, founder of the volunteer group Operation Boots on the Ground.

“They’re terrified that they’re going to have nowhere to stay for their families after today. But we did find out last night pretty late … that FEMA is extending it a whole whopping 24 hours.”

FEMA | BLIZZARD conditions ~ North Carolina! pic.twitter.com/kfBpF6o0VQ

— TRACY ♥️ ✊ (@TracyhvFun) January 10, 2025

FEMA confirmed that approximately 3,600 households will remain eligible for the program beyond Saturday, an increase from earlier estimates.

However, for those losing eligibility, FEMA said they were notified approximately seven days before their checkout date.

The region is bracing for severe winter weather that could lead to power outages and disruptions in water services. “We are told to expect power outages and possibly water outages. Yeah, I’m not thrilled about that. And in the cold,” said Swannanoa resident Asha Wild, who lost her home to flooding during Hurricane Helene.

The storm caused catastrophic damage, leaving 104 people dead in North Carolina and thousands without homes.

With infrastructure still fragile in many areas, residents fear being left without essential services.

Long lines have formed at donation sites for propane and other necessities as volunteers work tirelessly to support affected communities.

Bumgarner Oil, a local company, has provided 22,000 gallons of propane for free since September through donation drives.

“You do have people in tents and you do have temporary shelters,” said Zach Bumgarner, vice president of Bumgarner Oil. “And then you throw really cold temperatures on top of it, and it does make for a dangerous situation.”

Community volunteers have been a lifeline for many survivors.

Retired Asheville police officer Steve Antle has worked with others to deliver thousands of dollars worth of supplies to those in need.

“Some areas are recovering well, while others remain frozen in time,” Antle said.

He noted that even affluent neighborhoods still have piles of debris and downed trees months after the storm.

McClymonds became emotional when discussing the struggles of those he’s assisted.

“Don’t forget about them,” he pleaded.

“Coming out here and seeing the lack of response and the lack of help is so heartbreaking. I’ve prayed with I don’t know how many people. … They’re tired. And they need help.”

FEMA reported sheltering 13,000 families since Hurricane Helene made landfall in September 2024.

The agency emphasized the importance of keeping in touch to update housing needs and eligibility status. Survivors with questions are encouraged to contact the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-3362.

As the deadline looms and temperatures drop, many residents are left wondering what the future holds.

For now, they are relying on the support of their communities and volunteers to weather the storm, both literal and figurative, in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

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