New reviews underway in WNC for FEMA’s transitional housing program

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — New details emerge as FEMA continues to review the status of Western North Carolina residents enrolled in the Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program.

This past weekend, FEMA began contacting Helene survivors who remain in hotel rooms paid for by FEMA within the TSA program.

The short-term sheltering program began by paying for hotel rooms for almost 13,000 Western North Carolina homeowners and renters displaced by Helene. The program includes eligibility reviews, which occur every two weeks to ensure that rooms are being used by those in need.

“I want to be clear: This program is not ending for Western North Carolina,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Brett Howard. “We understand the great need survivors have at the time and this program will last as long as necessary. That said, the length of eligibility for an individual survivor will be based on their individual circumstances.”

FEMA EXTENDS TRANSITIONAL SHELTERING ASSISTANCE FOR HURRICANE SURVIVORS THROUGH MAY 2025

FEMA staff tells News 13 that they are working with survivors to find permanent housing solutions.

Due to the extenuating circumstances in Western North Carolina, FEMA representatives will call survivors who may become ineligible for TSA, to work with them and to give them additional time to check out of their hotel room.

Now, instead of seven days, survivors who are no longer eligible for the program will have three weeks’ notice. According to Rep. Chuck Edwards, the change was made at his urging.

According to FEMA, the following conditions indicate a survivor or household no longer needs this assistance:

• A home inspection indicated no eligible damages to a home or rental unit caused by Helene.
• A home inspection determined their home is now habitable.
• FEMA has been unable, after multiple attempts from case worker or inspector, to reach the survivor.
• A survivor has missed multiple home inspections.
• A survivor withdrew from FEMA’s Individual Assistance program.
• A survivor was unhoused prior to the disaster.

After a review of FEMA’s eligibility, out of the 2,700 households checked in, approximately 740 are no longer eligible to remain in the TSA program.

RESIDENTS DISPLACED BY HELENE CAN APPLY FOR FEMA’S RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

FEMA is in contact with these individuals to let them know that they are no longer eligible and that they need to relocate.

If a family feels they are eligible and that they need to remain in the program, they should contact FEMA at 1-800-621-3362 or visit a Disaster Recovery Center.

A list of centers can be found here or by texting “DRC” and a ZIP code to 43362.

FEMA has provided more than $316 million in cash grants to Western North Carolina survivors, including more than $6.2 million in rental assistance. FEMA, the state of North Carolina, other federal agencies and volunteer organizations continue working with families to help them in their recovery.