In response to Tropical Storm Helene, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has decided to extend hotel stays for almost 3,000 people who were stranded in Western North Carolina. Until January 25, 2025, impacted individuals are permitted to stay in their temporary housing.
FEMA’s social media account on X, formerly known as Twitter, was used to publicly publish the announcement, which was made on January 13, 2025.
The news was made shortly before 8:15 p.m., which was a critical time because many families were about to be forced to leave their temporary housing the following day.
FEMA has now rescheduled the Transitional Sheltering Assistance program for the third consecutive week in order to better serve the needs of displaced residents.
The prior extension, which added 48 hours, was issued in reaction to a powerful winter storm that hit Western North Carolina on January 10. Check-out times for hotels were set for January 14 under that arrangement.
According to FEMA’s social media post, families who would be leaving hotels on January 14 are doing so either because they are returning to homes that have been deemed habitable or because they have voluntarily withdrawn from the agency’s assistance programs.
The public now has a better understanding of the requirements for ongoing support thanks to this explanation.
On January 13, FEMA provided additional clarification on the specifics of the Transitional Sheltering Assistance program in an email correspondence with the Citizen Times.
For displaced families and households who match the eligibility requirements, the program, which provides temporary hotel rooms, is scheduled to continue until March 2025.
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However, FEMA listed several circumstances in which a household might no longer qualify for the program.
Instances where a home inspection found the property to be habitable, where residents refused to have their property examined, or when FEMA has repeatedly reached out to a household without receiving a response are examples of these circumstances.
The agency also revealed that on January 3, notices on eligibility status adjustments started to be sent out. Families who were found to be ineligible were notified as soon as possible to give them time to take any necessary corrective action or provide clarifications.
Anyone who is still in need of housing help is asked to call FEMA’s hotline. Residents who would need more assistance or have questions regarding their eligibility are encouraged to contact FEMA directly at 800-621-3362.
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The agency stressed that it is dedicated to supporting impacted families during this trying time and making sure individuals in need of aid have access to the services they require.
