As temperatures plunge below freezing across Western North Carolina, Hurricane Helene survivors are being forced out of their temporary housing. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced plans to end its Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program for nearly 2,000 households, leaving many scrambling for shelter in the midst of a severe winter storm.
This controversial decision has sparked outrage among residents and volunteers, as freezing temperatures and snowy conditions exacerbate an already dire situation.
Initially set to expire on Friday, FEMA extended the TSA program by a single day, giving affected families until Saturday to vacate their temporary hotel accommodations. This minor extension has done little to ease the fears of displaced residents, who face the prospect of homelessness as snow blankets the Appalachian region and temperatures dip below 20 degrees.
“It’s terrifying,” said Ryan McClymonds, founder of the volunteer group Operation Boots on the Ground. “Families are desperate, and FEMA’s 24-hour extension feels like a slap in the face. People don’t know where they’re going to sleep tonight.”
The storm has compounded the crisis. With power outages and potential water disruptions looming, survivors are bracing for a harsh winter without adequate shelter.
FEMA has stated that continued eligibility for TSA is determined on a case-by-case basis. Reasons for ineligibility include:
- Homes deemed habitable after inspections.
- Survivors declining inspections.
- Inability to contact survivors for updates.
In a press release, FEMA confirmed that approximately 3,600 households will remain eligible for the program beyond Saturday, up from earlier estimates. Those losing eligibility were reportedly notified seven days before their checkout date.
Still, critics argue that FEMA’s criteria and communication have left many families in the lurch.
The realities on the ground paint a grim picture. Many displaced individuals are living in tents or makeshift shelters, relying on propane and other donations to survive. Zach Bumgarner, vice president of Bumgarner Oil, highlighted the perilous situation.
“You have people in tents, and now you throw in freezing temperatures—it’s dangerous,” Bumgarner said. His company has donated over 22,000 gallons of propane since September to help those in need.
Meanwhile, long lines at donation sites underscore the urgent need for resources like propane, blankets, and food.
With FEMA assistance dwindling, local volunteers and community organizations have become a lifeline for many survivors.
Retired Asheville police officer Steve Antle has been at the forefront of relief efforts, delivering supplies to families in need. “Some areas are recovering well, but others look like the storm hit yesterday,” Antle observed. Even affluent neighborhoods remain littered with debris, a stark reminder of the storm’s devastation.
McClymonds, visibly emotional, pleaded with the public not to forget the victims. “It’s heartbreaking to see the lack of response. People are tired, and they need help. We can’t just abandon them.”
Hurricane Helene, which struck in September 2024, left a trail of destruction in North Carolina, killing 104 people and displacing thousands. FEMA has reportedly sheltered 13,000 families since the disaster, but the agency’s latest decision raises questions about its long-term commitment to recovery efforts.
Residents like Swannanoa’s Asha Wild, who lost her home to flooding, are left grappling with uncertainty. “We’re being told to expect power outages and possibly no water. It’s so cold, and I don’t know what we’re going to do,” Wild said.
Critics argue that FEMA’s approach to disaster recovery lacks compassion and foresight. The agency emphasizes the importance of keeping in contact to update housing needs, urging survivors to call the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-3362 for assistance. But for many, the damage has already been done.
The abrupt end of housing aid has left thousands wondering what the future holds. With freezing temperatures and limited resources, the plight of Hurricane Helene survivors underscores the urgent need for systemic changes in disaster response and recovery.
For now, displaced families are relying on the kindness of their communities and the dedication of volunteers to weather both the storm and FEMA’s decision. Whether additional support will come remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: these communities won’t stop fighting for the help they desperately need.
