As North Carolina continues to recover from the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, Governor Josh Stein has reached out to FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), asking them to extend the hotel voucher program. This program, which provides temporary housing for families affected by the hurricane, is set to expire on January 25, 2025. However, Governor Stein is pushing for an extension to help these families rebuild their lives after the disaster.
The hotel voucher program, also known as Transitional Sheltering Assistance, has played a vital role in helping survivors find temporary accommodation while their homes are repaired or they search for permanent housing. When the program was about to expire on January 11, 2025, it was extended for a brief period due to the snowstorm that hit the region. The current extension is now set to end on January 25.
Governor Stein is now requesting that FEMA extend the program until September 30, 2025, to provide much-needed stability for the affected families. In his letter to FEMA, Stein emphasized the ongoing struggles of the families in western North Carolina, where the hurricane’s impact was particularly severe.
The Devastating Impact of Hurricane Helene
Hurricane Helene caused significant damage to homes, roads, and infrastructure, especially in the western part of the state. The storm’s aftermath has left many families without safe places to live, and the cold winter months have made the situation even more challenging. Temperatures in the region often dip into the teens and single digits, making it difficult for families to stay in homes that are not yet safe for occupancy.
The hurricane’s impact has been tragic, with over 100 lives lost in North Carolina alone. The damage continues to be felt, as many areas remain in need of long-term rebuilding efforts. For families who are still in need of shelter, the extension of the hotel voucher program is critical to their recovery process.
Governor Stein’s Request for Support
In his letter to FEMA, Governor Stein stated that the people of western North Carolina are facing “incredible tragedy and hardship” and need more time to recover. He highlighted that many homes in the region are still unsafe to live in and will require extensive repairs that could take months or even years. Stein’s request is a direct response to the continued uncertainty that families are experiencing about their temporary housing options.
“The people of western North Carolina are experiencing chaos and uncertainty regarding temporary housing that is untenable,” Stein wrote. “We owe them support, not fear or confusion.”
Governor Stein has been actively involved in the recovery efforts since taking office in January 2025. He has traveled multiple times to the affected regions and signed several executive orders aimed at helping the area rebuild. His support for the hotel voucher program is just one of many steps he is taking to assist the community in its recovery.
The Need for Continued Shelter
The hotel voucher program is not just a temporary solution; it is a lifeline for families who are struggling to rebuild their homes and lives. Governor Stein’s request for an extension underscores the importance of providing ongoing support for these families during this difficult time. The extension of the program would ensure that they continue to have access to safe, temporary housing until they are able to return to their homes.
With many families still facing uncertainty about their future, extending the hotel voucher program would provide them with much-needed peace of mind. It would also give local communities more time to recover from the storm’s devastating effects and begin the long process of rebuilding their homes and lives.
Conclusion: A Call for Continued Support
The impact of Hurricane Helene is still being felt in western North Carolina, and Governor Stein’s request for a FEMA extension is an important step in ensuring that families have the shelter and support they need to recover. As the region continues to face difficult challenges, the need for extended assistance remains clear. Governor Stein’s call for a six-month extension of the hotel voucher program is a reminder that in times of disaster, we must continue to support each other as we rebuild and recover.
(Source : wbtv.com)
