FEMA has extended hotel stays for over 3,000 residents displaced by Tropical Storm Helene in Western North Carolina until January 25. The announcement was made on January 13, just before many families were set to check out.
This marks the third extension for these residents, following a 48-hour extension granted after a winter storm passed through the region on January 10.
FEMA clarified that families checking out on January 14 would be returning to habitable homes or withdrawing from FEMA assistance.
The Transitional Sheltering Assistance program, which began notifying families about eligibility changes on January 3, will run through March for eligible households.
Ineligible households may be removed from the program due to home inspections indicating homes are habitable, failure to accept an inspection, or the agency’s inability to contact the family.
FEMA encourages those still needing housing assistance to call 800-621-3362. Meanwhile, local volunteers are working to raise funds to continue providing hotel stays for residents impacted by the winter storm, and some displaced families have turned to campers as temporary housing solutions.
