The relief period was set to expire on March 27. The housing assistance will now last until May 26.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Federal officials approved a two-month extension for a program housing more than 2,700 North Carolina families displaced by Hurricane Helene, though they denied the governor’s request for a longer six-month extension.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will allow eligible hurricane survivors to remain in hotels through May 26, extending the Transitional Sheltering Assistance program that was set to expire March 27.
“Today’s decision will help eligible disaster survivors stay safe and sheltered as we continue the hard work of rebuilding in western North Carolina,” Gov. Josh Stein said in a statement. “FEMA’s decision to extend the Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program for two months is a positive step forward.”
Stein had requested a six-month extension through September, citing the extensive rebuilding needed and winter weather hampering recovery efforts. In a letter to the governor, Federal Coordinating Officer Brett Howard approved 60 additional days instead of the requested 180 days.
The extension doesn’t guarantee continued eligibility for all current participants. FEMA reviews cases regularly and requires residents to stay in contact about their housing needs. Those deemed ineligible must receive 21 days’ notice before being required to leave their FEMA-funded hotel rooms.
Survivors can lose eligibility if their homes are deemed safe to occupy, they decline FEMA inspections, or officials cannot reach them despite multiple attempts.
The state has also launched a temporary travel trailer program allowing eligible homeowners to live on their property during rebuilding. Residents must first register with FEMA before applying for the state program.
Displaced residents seeking assistance can visit disaster recovery centers, go to disasterassistance.gov, or call 1-800-621-3362.
