15/01/2025
As we gear up for the winter storm that is predicted to hit WNC tomorrow morning, we rushed today to get more families into hotels and campers.
With FEMA vouchers ending this weekend, the timing couldn’t be worse. Our short term housing list started this week with 3 and quickly expanded to 26. It’s overwhelming, we’re overwhelmed. And we’re just one small organization.
It’s complex, but here’s our shot with explaining to those outside of WNC and one of many struggles we’re enduring. Yes, FEMA has extended some hotel vouchers. It’s all taken on a case by case basis. But here’s the reality we’re learning. If you were a renter and lost your home, your FEMA voucher has most likely been declined. FEMA is telling our families that they have had adequate time now to find replacement housing. But, again reality: there’s no housing. You see, many landlords to these renters are locals themselves, dealing with their own personal homes being damaged or destroyed. Many are not getting help from insurance because they didn’t have flood insurance (even though they weren’t in a flood zone) and they can’t afford to rebuild their “second home” that also is not getting government assistance. Again, this isn’t everyone but it’s a lot of cases we’re running into.
As a result, counties in WNC are trying to not only prepare for this winter storm this weekend, but also are preparing to have another short term housing crisis wave. We attended an EOC meeting in McDowell County yesterday and they had 128 families/individuals who vouchers were denied extension.
We have 8 maybe 9 campers coming in to fulfill our need (because of some amazing donors). And we’re working with a church to hopefully help pay some monthly lot rents for these families’ campers. Because again, they have no where to put them. But it’s still not enough. People ask us what we need, everyday and to be frank, it’s money. And building supplies. And propane. And campers. But mainly money. Campground monthly lot rents are around $750/month some not including a daily electric fee.
DDR and other grassroot organizations are so appreciative of individuals donating the past 100+ days. But we need your help in raising larger funds. Yes, the governor passed 5 bills last week, which also discussed the concert money. But that isn’t available immediately. We need funds, like yesterday. We NEED solutions. We know donation fatigue is a thing. If you’re able, just share. It takes 2 seconds to “share” or a tag a larger company who may could donate. Do you work for a corporate company? Maybe type up an email to your CEO of WNC needs.
We’ll save the story of a mother of 9 children (2 with special needs) who are living in a 24ft camper and need funds for a well and septic tank another day.
We need funds, like yesterday. We NEED solutions. We’re exhausted. We’re full of grief sometimes. And full of gratitude other times. And we’re just local volunteers. Imagine those survivors that are just trying to get by each day.
Keep the prayers going up, especially this weekend.
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3RH96NPTFLJEQ
*picture of a families tent we’re working to get a camper for in the next week
