As a bitter cold front grips Western North Carolina, families displaced by Hurricane Helene face a dire situation. Nearly two months after the hurricane’s devastation, over a thousand people, including children, remain in makeshift shelters like tents or their vehicles. The upcoming cold blast is raising concerns about FEMA’s faltering response and the survival of these vulnerable communities.
Critics argue that FEMA’s inefficiency has exacerbated the crisis, with mismanagement blamed for the prolonged suffering. Public outcry intensified after reports revealed federal resources had been diverted to support accommodations for illegal immigrants while American hurricane survivors endure freezing temperatures in tents.
“American victims of Hurricane Helene are now being forced to live in donated tents during freezing temperatures in Western North Carolina while the federal government pays for illegal immigrants to live in hotels. Infuriating,” shared one commentator on social media, highlighting the stark contrast in treatment.
Meteorologist Joe Bastardi added to the calls for action, urging the administration to focus on providing immediate shelter before the cold snap worsens conditions. Writing on X (formerly Twitter), Bastardi stated:
“Attention Joe Biden or whoever is running this country: It’s 24/7, all hands on deck this week for Helene-ravaged areas to ensure people are sheltered properly for the coming cold. The blundering so far has been inexcusable. You have a chance to finish strong here.”
Many have echoed similar sentiments, calling for FEMA to prioritize the displaced families in Helene-affected areas.
With winter temperatures plummeting, those forced to remain in tents or cars are at high risk of hypothermia and frostbite. Local charities and community groups have stepped in to provide blankets, propane heaters, and warm clothing, but these efforts can only go so far without federal assistance.
The disaster underscores broader systemic issues with FEMA’s disaster response strategy. Critics suggest the agency’s leadership lacks the expertise or resources to manage large-scale crises effectively, especially when priorities appear divided.
As freezing temperatures approach, the need for effective federal intervention has never been more urgent. Whether FEMA and the administration rise to the occasion remains to be seen, but for now, the displaced families of Western North Carolina can only brace for the cold.
Bastardi’s weather models forecast that a cold blast will descend into the region next week.
The incoming cold weather coincides with a report from local media outlet WLOS stating that “hundreds of local families are left with nowhere to go” in Western North Carolina, adding, “Now some of these children are living in tents and cars…”
Bloomberg data shows temps across Asheville are expected to crash to sub-freezing levels through the end of the month into early December.
This is shocking, as WLOS provides new figures:
The Buncombe County Family Resource Center tells News 13 that they’ve identified 878 new homeless students since the storm. That is in addition to the 274 students identified in Buncombe County as homeless before Helene. It totals 1,152 kids without permanent homes, some living in tents, cars and campers.
Scenes on the ground show “tent cities” in Swannanoa, North Carolina…
‼️TODAY IN TENT CITY
Swannanoa, North CarolinaDo you see FEMA?
Countless families in North Carolina have been left without safe shelter. Shawn Hendrix, a survival expert, first responder and community advocate, is leading on the ground action for Operation Shelter, a… pic.twitter.com/DheZljRPrv
— Erin Derham (@HistoryBoutique) November 19, 2024
Whole families live in tents with children. These people need help.
I hate that I even have to post this.
Here is aerial footage I shot this morning of one of the many “tent cities” in #WNC due to Helene.
FEMA says these don’t exist. Yet, here it is.
So, where are you FEMA? Why have you abandoned us?
I don’t understand. pic.twitter.com/afH5mLobpp
— Matt Van Swol (@matt_vanswol) November 18, 2024
“Do you realize that it’s gonna be below freezing in Asheville, North Carolina tonight? And in some parts of North Carolina it’s already below freezing. Do you realize how many people are living in tents? . @fema workers (who aren’t doing anything) are hanging out in heated trailers. While at the same time, we’re housing illegal immigrants in luxury hotels,” one X user said.
Do you realize that it’s gonna be below freezing in Asheville, North Carolina tonight? And in some parts of North Carolina it’s already below freezing. Do you realize how many people are living in tents?
.@fema workers (who aren’t doing anything) are hanging out in heated… pic.twitter.com/iWWBXfxSN9— Jason. (@3INSTE3IN) November 22, 2024
Meanwhile, the controversies at FEMA are piling up for the American people to see:
FEMA ran out of money promoting “equity.”
FEMA ran out of money promoting “equity”. pic.twitter.com/1q81BIHGGr
— Robert Sepehr (@robertsepehr) November 18, 2024
Pushing free money to illegal aliens for luxury hotels and food.
Yet residents of storm-ravaged North Carolina received??
More proof that people are currently living in tents after losing their homes in North Carolina from Helene.
Ground Force Humanitarian Aid: pic.twitter.com/dUZAlCdwK8
— Frank Fighting For Freedom 🇺🇸 (@thinktankfranks) November 18, 2024
Biden Harris and all democrats should be in prison for what they did to this country. We have American citizens still with no place to live in freezing cold weather and FEMA and Biden are sending more money to Ukraine. Something is wrong with this country and it’s democrats destroying our country. Biden might have presidential immunity but Harris doesn’t indicate her for Treason.
Ukraine is not the issue. Illegal immigration and unlawful use of federal funds to pay for their HOTEL rooms and food is the problem.
Yes, Harris belongs in jail…but not the same way BIDEN does. Biden was caught as aCRIMINAL in China and in UKRAINE when he was VP. The FBI, and justice department gave him and Hunter a PASS and then had him elected president while working with social media to vilify all conservatives.
This is just a symptom of the disease. The disease is LEFTISM and lack of honor and duty and determination to violate one’s oath of office.
It is time to end this madness. Those that work for Federal alphabets need to be TERMINATED with prejudice, and listed against ever working for government again.
most of the “gov’t.” officials seen on you tube at house hearings, don’t have a clue about what their job description is, what their numbers are or how much money they have spent and where it went. I hope Trump cleans this evil empire of WASTE & FRAUD. Do you still wonder why we are $35 trillion in debt?
Its a Shame That People Have To Depend On a CORRUPT System To Save Them!-Corrupt and Rotten To The Core!-Forget FEMA!-Forget The Imbeciles Still Hanging on To Power!-Start a Go Fund Me And Bring The Amish Back Quick Before Winter Sets In!-They Are Like Beavers And Can Build Your Entire Town a Long House In Days!!-Live Like The Vikings Until The Spring!-Hope You ALL Can Get Along!!-Survival Is a TEAM Effort! Time To Back It Up With Force!!