FEMA's Housing Assistance Falls Short: Unequal Access for North Carolinians After Hurricane Helene

Arduous and Unequal: The Fight to Get FEMA Housing Assistance After Helene In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, thousands of North Carolinians turned to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for housing assistance. However, an analysis by ProPublica and The Assembly reveals that the process has been marred by red tape and unequal treatment, with wealthier households receiving significantly more aid than lower-income ones. According to data obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request, in some rural counties hardest hit by Helene, homeowners with the highest incomes received two to three times as much FEMA housing assistance as those with lower incomes. For instance, in Brunswick County, where median household income is around $60,000, households earning above $100,000 received an average of $34,600 in FEMA aid, while those earning below $30,000 received just $12,300. "It's like they're picking and choosing who gets help," said Susie Hill, a Brunswick County resident whose home was destroyed by flooding from Helene. "We've been waiting for months to get our paperwork processed, but it seems like the ones with more money are getting priority." The unequal distribution of aid is not unique to North Carolina. A 2020 report by the Government Accountability Office found that FEMA's housing assistance programs often favor wealthier households, perpetuating existing inequalities. FEMA officials attribute the disparity to a variety of factors, including differences in property values and insurance coverage. "We're trying to provide assistance to those who need it most," said a FEMA spokesperson. "However, we also have to follow federal guidelines and ensure that aid is distributed fairly." The Trump administration's cuts to FEMA's workforce have also contributed to the delays and inefficiencies in the aid process. Between 2017 and 2020, FEMA lost over 1,000 employees, including many who worked on housing assistance programs. As the one-year anniversary of Helene approaches, thousands of North Carolinians remain without permanent housing solutions. While some have received temporary rental assistance or trailers, many others are still waiting for their applications to be processed. "It's a nightmare," said Brian Hill, Susie's husband. "We're just trying to get back on our feet, but it feels like FEMA is making it as hard as possible." In response to the criticism, North Carolina lawmakers have introduced legislation aimed at streamlining the aid process and ensuring equal treatment for all applicants. As the state continues to recover from Helene's devastating impact, one thing is clear: the fight for fair and equitable housing assistance has only just begun. *Reporting by Propublica.*