FEMA extends housing, rental aid for Helene survivors

Assistance now runs through Sept. 30 as hundreds remain in temporary housing

A sign is seen at the Federal Emergency Management Agency headquarters Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Associated Press(AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)A sign is seen at the Federal Emergency Management Agency headquarters Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved a six-month extension of direct temporary housing and rental assistance for survivors of Tropical Storm Helene in North Carolina, allowing eligible residents to continue receiving support through Sept. 30, 2026.

The extension allows residents living in FEMA-provided temporary housing to remain in those units on a month-to-month basis while they work toward permanent housing solutions. FEMA officials will continue meeting with residents to review their progress toward securing long-term housing.

The original 18-month housing assistance period was scheduled to end March 29, 2026.

Under FEMA housing program rules, residents who remain in temporary housing after March 29 will be required to begin paying rent. Monthly rates will vary depending on the size and location of the unit but will not exceed the fair market rate established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

FEMA said the rent will be phased in to ease the financial burden on residents:

April-May: 25% of the HUD fair market rate
June-July: 50%
August-September: 75%
October: 100%

The agency also approved a six-month extension of rental assistance for displaced survivors, allowing eligible households to continue receiving financial help for rent through Sept. 30, 2026. The additional time is intended to help families complete repairs to damaged homes, finalize insurance claims or find permanent housing.

Since the storm, FEMA has placed 243 families in mobile homes, travel trailers and other ready-to-occupy temporary housing units.

North Carolina requested the extension of direct housing assistance on Feb. 2, and FEMA approved it March 12. The state also requested an extension of rental assistance the same day, which FEMA approved March 13.

FEMA said it has provided about $23.6 million in rental assistance grants to more than 6,100 displaced households since the storm.

State and federal officials said they will continue coordinating housing assistance efforts as recovery from Tropical Storm Helene continues.