Months after Hurricane Helene's devastation on September 27, 2024, some North Carolina residents are still grappling with displacement, living in temporary shelters. As winter storms bring freezing temperatures and potential power disruptions, Governor Josh Stein has pledged ongoing support to ensure residents affected by Helene have access to warmth and safe housing.

With FEMA's temporary housing assistance set to expire, thousands of North Carolinians, particularly in the Appalachian Mountain region, face uncertainty. While the deadline has been briefly extended to Tuesday due to the winter storm, the situation remains precarious.

The image above depicts the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Marshall, N.C., on September 30, 2024, where workers, community members, and business owners are engaged in cleanup efforts. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

The Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program, a lifeline for many since October, is slated to conclude. This leaves residents with limited options as FEMA’s disaster recovery centers remain closed due to the inclement weather.

Governor Stein has reiterated his commitment to utilizing all available resources to secure safe and warm shelter for those in need. Earlier this month, residents began receiving notifications about the impending termination of hotel and motel coverage under the TSA program.

Thousands of individuals impacted by Hurricane Helene continue to rely on this assistance in western North Carolina.

This image captures the extensive flooding and damage caused by Hurricane Helene in Asheville, N.C., on September 28, 2024. (Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)

Currently, FEMA reports approximately 5,600 households are housed in hotels. For those with questions about their eligibility or needing further assistance, FEMA's helpline is available at 1-800-621-3362.