Helene Survivor Finds Hope in FEMA Housing Program

After losing her “forever home” in Bat Cave, North Carolina, after devastating flooding caused by Tropical Storm Helene, Kendall faced the overwhelming challenge of starting over. With the help of FEMA’s Direct Lease program, she and her two dogs Millie and Milo moved into a fully furnished apartment last week.
Alongside our state and county partners, FEMA’s Direct Housing mission is focused on ensuring that survivors have access to temporary housing as they rebuild their lives. The Direct Lease program pays property managers to provide existing, ready-to-occupy residential properties for survivors.
If you’re a North Carolinian affected by the storm, there’s still time to apply for FEMA assistance before the January 27, 2025, deadline. Visit DisasterAssistance.Gov, call the FEMA Helpline at [phone], or stop by a Disaster Recovery Center near you to apply. Find locations at FEMA.Gov/DRC.