FEMA expands program for North Carolina residents displaced by Hurricane Helene


FEMA is extending its Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) Program through January 25 for residents of North Carolina, said a statement on Monday.

The program, which ends Tuesday, will fund temporary housing, such as hotel or motel rooms, for thousands of people displaced from their homes by Hurricane Helene.

The federal assistance gives households additional time to find alternative housing solutions or make repairs to their homes.

FEMA ADMINISTRATOR ENCOURAGES VICTIMS OF HURRICANE HELENE TO TAKE ACTION AGAINST RISK OF LOSS OF TEMPORARY HOUSING

Asheville, NC Helene Damage

A drone shot shows damage after Hurricane Helene, in Asheville, North Carolina, on September 29. (Reuters/Marco Bello)

According to FEMA, more than 3,000 families are eligible for the program extension.

The agency said people who left their temporary housing on Tuesday are returning to habitable homes or have withdrawn FEMA assistance.

North Carolina’s governor is urging FEMA to extend temporary shelter assistance as the winter storm arrives

More than 10,000 households accepted temporary shelter at hotels participating in the TSA program aftermath of the hurricaneFEMA said last month, but most have since moved into longer-term housing.

Houses damaged by the hurricane in Chimney Rock

Houses are seen in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on October 2, 2024 in Chimney Rock Village, North Carolina. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Each county also has its own shelters and nonprofits to help people who do not qualify for the FEMA program.