RALEIGH, N.C. (828newsNOW) – Newly inaugurated North Carolina Governor Josh Stein began his term by lending a hand to those affected by Tropical Storm Helene by extending and expanding housing options for those who lost their homes.
On Thursday, Jan. 16, as one of his first acts in office, Gov. Josh Stein pressured FEMA director Deanne Criswell to extend temporary housing provisions for Helene victims in North Carolina for six months.
FEMA responded to the governor on Sunday, Jan. 19 by granting the new governor’s request in part, settling on shorter time frame than Stein initially asked for.
Previously, the special housing options for survivors of the worst natural disaster in Western North Carolina in a century were set to terminate on Mar. 31, 2025. Due to the governor’s letter, FEMA has offered to help until May 26, although automatic enrollment is not guaranteed.
“FEMA reviews disaster survivors’ eligibility on a rolling basis to determine their continued participation in the program or to determine if other FEMA disaster survivor programs may better serve their needs,” the press release explained. “FEMA must also give a 21-day advanced notice for those being asked to leave their hotel provided by TSA.”
Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) provided by FEMA can continue until either the May 26 deadline passes or one of the following becomes apparent upon inspection:
- The recipient’s home is habitable again
- A home inspection is declined by the recipient
- FEMA is unable to contact the recipient
In addition to the existing housing accommodations, the governor signed an executive order to offer travel trailers to victims wishing to live on their property while their homes are being reconstructed. For more information on this program, click here.