MCDOWELL COUNTY, N.C. — Dozens of homes are now in place in one of the hardest-hit communities in western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene.
Families told Channel 9′s Dave Faherty they can stay in the homes for about 18 months. It’s providing a temporary option for many who lost their homes in the hurricane.
New homes are arriving at RV parks across the area, and many of them are arriving from a staging area in Hickory.
FEMA told Channel 9 that as of last week, 5,300 households are still using transitional sheltering assistance hotels because of Helene.
Faherty saw first-hand Monday morning where families have begun to move into some of those homes near Old Fort. Survivors from Swannanoa, McDowell County, and Chimney Rock said they are thankful to have a roof over their heads for the holidays.
Families, including Francisco Martinez and his two children, had 3-4 feet of water in their home in Old Fort.
“It’s a good thing, like I said. There was nowhere else to move, honestly. So I’m glad they stepped in. I just applied for the housing and I got approved,” he told Faherty.
As of last week, more than 5,000 households are still using transitional sheltering at hotels in western North Carolina.
There were still families in a hotel in the Banner Elk area on Monday.
FEMA reminds people that the first step to getting housing assistance is to apply with the agency.
(VIDEO: Driver from Hickory asks for help after race trailer, truck stolen from hotel)
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