200 Burke families still living in hotels

“I’ll be home for Christmas” is a sentiment that approximately 200 Burke County families won’t be able to share this year.

These residents are among more than 5,000 in western North Carolina currently staying in FEMA-funded hotel or motel rooms through Transitional Sheltering Assistance.

“These survivors have a safe comfortable place to stay while their homes are being repaired or they find a longer-term housing solution,” said La-Tanga Hopes, FEMA media relations specialist.

The most challenging and time-consuming option, Hopes said, is when the Federal Emergency Management Agency installs a travel trailer or manufactured housing unit on private property or a commercial site.

“FEMA must obtain the proper local permits and ensure compliance with all applicable local (and state) codes,” she said.

According to Wendy Smith, director of Morganton’s Development and Design Services department, at least one local family has been approved for a FEMA trailer.

“One household has been approved for a temporary trailer that they have reported has come from FEMA,” Smith said. “The City’s zoning ordinance allows for temporary housing on-site in cases of emergency. For City requirements, it is not necessary to know who has provided the emergency housing.”

Many Burke residents have also contacted FEMA for assistance with disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance.

“In Burke County, $11.1-plus million has been approved for 7,000 homeowners and renters,” Hopes said.

She added that FEMA dollars are being used to replace the home or make repairs, cover personal property losses, and remediate mold. Statewide, more than 140,000 homeowners and renters have utilized the agency’s Individual Assistance program to the tune of $278 million so far.

In Morganton, the month following Hurricane Helene saw 375 residential and commercial storm-related construction permits issued, totaling $10.9 million. The permits range from full renovations to replacing exterior sheds damaged by a fallen tree.

Smith said the department continues to receive permit requests related to the storm. State law requires all Helene-related permit fees to be waived through Dec. 31.

The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is fast approaching. North Carolinians have until Jan. 7, 2025, to apply for Helene-related disaster assistance.

Homeowners and renters may be eligible for FEMA financial assistance for displacement, basic home repairs, personal property losses, and other uninsured or underinsured disaster-caused expenses. Disaster survivors who have not yet applied for FEMA assistance should apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov. The toll-free FEMA Helpline is 800-621-3362.

Residents impacted by the storm continue to utilize the Disaster Recovery Center for in-person, one-on-one help applying for assistance and to follow-up on their applications. The county’s DRC opened Oct. 19 at the Foothills Higher Education Center.

Since that time, more than 2,100 people have been assisted there. Burke’s local center is one of 25 across 22 counties.