How to get help from FEMA if you can’t live in your home
Originally posted Nov. 1; updated November 18, 2024
FEMA can help homeowners and renters who can’t return to their home because it was damaged by Helene. The first step in receiving assistance is to apply at disasterassistance.gov.
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Direct Temporary Housing Assistance
Direct Temporary Housing Assistance can provide safe, secure housing to eligible disaster survivors who have no other temporary housing solution and for whom financial assistance is insufficient to meet the need. This assistance may be provided by FEMA directly leasing properties for survivors or transportable temporary housing units. These options take time, and individuals will be contacted by FEMA if they are eligible.
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Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA)
Through the Transitional Sheltering Assistance program, FEMA pays directly to participating hotels and motels to cover the cost of room, taxes and non-refundable pet fees to provide short term accommodations for eligible disaster survivors. If you are eligible for TSA, FEMA will notify you using the contact information you provided on your application.
Displacement Assistance
Displacement Assistance is money that can be used to stay in a hotel, stay with family and friends or for other options while you look for temporary housing. It is a one-time payment, and FEMA will let you know if you are eligible for this money. If you have used your Displacement Assistance, and you still have housing needs, you can request Rental Assistance from FEMA by calling 800-621-3362 or visiting a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC).
Disaster Recovery Center near Black Mountain
A. C. Reynolds High School
1 Rocket Drive
Asheville, NC 28803
To find another Disaster Recovery Center, go to fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” plus a zip code to 43362.
Rental Assistance
Rental Assistance can help individuals pay for somewhere to live while home repairs are made, or a permanent housing solution is identified. The initial payment for Rental Assistance may be up to two months, and additional help can be requested by submitting a Continued Temporary Housing Assistance form. If you have used your initial Rental Assistance and are unable to return to your pre-disaster residence, upload the completed form and supporting documentation to disasterassistance.gov, mail them to FEMA, PO Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055 or fax them to 1-800-827-8112. You can also submit your documents at a DRC. To request a form, you can call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.
Apply for FEMA Individual Assistance
Homeowners and renters affected by a disaster can apply for federal assistance in several ways: Online at DisasterAssistance.gov (fastest option), via the FEMA App or calling 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. If you need more help, visit a Disaster Recovery Center.
View this information on the FEMA website:
fema.gov/fact-sheet/if-you-cannot-live-your-home-after-tropical-storm-helene
