NC governor asks FEMA for 6-month Helene extension on temporary shelters

North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein (D) asked for an extension on funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on Thursday to support temporary shelters for residents who lost their homes due to damage from Hurricane Helene.

“The people of western North Carolina are experiencing chaos and uncertainty that is untenable,” Stein said in a statement.

“That is why I am urging FEMA to extend its Transitional Sheltering Assistance program for six months to get folks through the winter in safe, secure shelter as they rebuild their homes.”

The governor suggested the Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program allow for North Carolinians' continued eligibility for short term accommodations until Sept. 30. He outlined his requests in a letter addressed to FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell.

“People in the mountains of North Carolina are facing below freezing temperatures. Next week, our state will experience another cold snap that may bring more winter weather. I know that you agree that people are entitled to pass the winter safely and securely as they rebuild their damaged or destroyed homes,” he wrote in the statement.

“The shock of the damage Hurricane Helene caused is still very real for the people of western North Carolina. They need assurance that they will have shelter during this time so long as their home is still uninhabitable. We owe them support, not fear or confusion.”

Criswell has not publicly responded to the letter but supported the state throughout the disaster. She’s currently heading response efforts for hurricanes Helene and Milton in addition to the Los Angeles wildfires.

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