Residents of Western North Carolina are reeling from FEMA’s decision to cut off temporary housing assistance for thousands of Hurricane Helene survivors—just as a fierce winter storm sweeps through the region. With temperatures plunging below 20 degrees and snow blanketing the Appalachian Mountains, families are being forced out of hotels and into uncertainty, sparking widespread anger and despair.
The Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program, which provided temporary hotel accommodations for displaced survivors, was originally set to expire on Friday. However, FEMA extended the deadline by just one day, leaving nearly 2,000 households scrambling to find shelter by Saturday.
“It’s heartless,” said Ryan McClymonds, founder of Operation Boots on the Ground, a volunteer group aiding hurricane survivors. “People are terrified. They’re being told to leave their hotels with nowhere to go while a snowstorm rages on.”
For those deemed ineligible for continued assistance, the situation is dire. FEMA cited several reasons for ending support, including homes being ruled habitable, survivors declining inspections, or the agency being unable to contact them.
Critics argue these bureaucratic hurdles are leaving vulnerable people out in the cold. Many displaced individuals are now living in tents or makeshift shelters, relying on propane donations and volunteer support to survive freezing temperatures.
“You’ve got people freezing in tents,” said Zach Bumgarner, vice president of Bumgarner Oil. His company has donated over 22,000 gallons of propane since September to help those in need. “When you add this cold weather, it becomes a life-or-death situation.”
As FEMA assistance fades, local volunteers and organizations have stepped in to fill the void. Retired Asheville police officer Steve Antle has worked tirelessly with others to deliver supplies to families.
“There are areas recovering well, but some look like the storm just hit yesterday,” Antle explained. Piles of debris and fallen trees still line streets, even in wealthier neighborhoods.
McClymonds, visibly emotional, called on the public to remember the survivors. “Don’t forget about them,” he pleaded. “These people are tired, heartbroken, and desperately need help.”
Hurricane Helene struck North Carolina in September 2024, leaving 104 people dead and thousands homeless. The storm caused catastrophic flooding, destroyed infrastructure, and uprooted entire communities.
Since then, FEMA claims it has provided temporary shelter to 13,000 families. However, as the agency winds down its support, many survivors feel abandoned.
One of them is Swannanoa resident Asha Wild, who lost her home in the hurricane’s flooding. “We’re being told to expect power outages and no water during this storm,” Wild said. “It’s terrifying, and we don’t know what we’re going to do.”
FEMA has defended its decision, emphasizing that TSA eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis. The agency reported that 3,600 households will continue to receive assistance beyond Saturday, an increase from earlier estimates.
“Survivors losing eligibility were notified seven days before their checkout date,” FEMA stated, urging affected individuals to call their helpline at 1-800-621-3362 for assistance.
But for many, this reassurance rings hollow. Long lines have formed at donation sites as residents seek propane, blankets, and other essentials to brave the cold.
The winter storm has exacerbated an already challenging recovery effort. Freezing temperatures, snow, and the threat of power and water outages have left many residents feeling abandoned by FEMA and government authorities.
“This community has been through so much already,” said Bumgarner. “We’ve been doing everything we can, but we need more support from the government to get people through this.”
FEMA’s decision to cut off housing aid has sparked outrage among survivors and advocates alike, highlighting flaws in the nation’s disaster recovery system. Critics argue that the agency’s reliance on rigid criteria fails to account for the human toll of disasters like Hurricane Helene.
As thousands of North Carolinians face an uncertain future, the burden of recovery has fallen largely on volunteers and community groups. For now, these grassroots efforts are the only safety net standing between displaced families and the freezing cold.
Whether FEMA will reconsider its policies or offer additional support remains uncertain. But one thing is clear: for the survivors of Hurricane Helene, the battle for stability and shelter is far from over.
