Several North Carolina counties opened warming shelters for people without heat access or who were displaced by Hurricane Helene last September. Some are enduring the cold while living in tents as they wait for more aid.

According to FEMA, 33 families have temporary homes to call their own in Western North Carolina as of Thanksgiving and nearly 500 families have been approved for housing. FEMA is paying hotel costs for almost 12,000 survivors in the state. The federal agency has already paid more than $ 940,000 to help survivors with their rent.

December has delivered snow and biting cold, a different type of storm from Hurricane Helene, which ravaged western North Carolina in late September. Hundreds of people whose homes were destroyed are still living in campers and tents amid the cold temperatures.

North Carolina Gov.-elect Josh Stein (D) said he is “eager” to work with the incoming administration to access federal relief for his state as it recovers from the devastation left by Hurricane Helene.

Hurricane Helene took out critical infrastructure in western North Carolina, specifically water systems that were already under much strain.

Shawn Hendrix, a Mr. Beast employee, spoke to Top Story about ongoing relief efforts in North Carolina following Hurricane Helene. He noted significant cleanup and rebuilding progress but emphasized that those struggling before the storm are now facing even greater challenges.

Freezing temperatures are typical this time of year, but they are less than welcome in communities still recovering from Helene. Emergency management officials across the mountains have plans in place to ensure residents have a warm place to stay.