Cold weather intensifies FEMA housing need; Haywood leaders push against misinformation

HAYWOOD COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — With winter weather settling in, the push is on to find housing for Helene victims who were flooded out of their homes.

FEMA is actively working on securing shelter for the flood victims who need it, which can be a complex endeavor that takes time. But, Haywood County leaders say misinformation can get in the way.

FEMA representative Marty Baumbach brought Haywood County Commissioners up to date on Helene housing damage in Haywood County.

Baumbach says over 1,260 homes need repairs, over 190 have major damage and 209 households need transitional shelter assistance.

That transitional help, such as staying in motels, is now extended.

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“Right now, the extension date is through the 12th of December, and then there’s potential for further extension into January... Then, of course, the potential for further evaluation and extension beyond those periods, as well,” Baumbach said.

Baumbach says one family in Haywood County is in a FEMA-provided temporary housing unit, with many more available pending clearances.

“We've got several dozen site inspections underway,” he said.

John Ward with the Tennessee-based Appalachian Channel posted a video last week on YouTube, worried that those motel stays might abruptly end during cold weather.

“If that had stopped, they needed to go somewhere. So, my agenda was: 'Why not let them stay at the fairgrounds or lease property to FEMA for trailers,'" said Ward.

Commissioner Terry Ramey appeared in that video, which was shot inside the arena at Smoky Mountain Event Center, formerly known as the Haywood County Fairgrounds.

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“What he was talking about was that we could vote to do the tiny homes, which we can't because of state law – our hands are tied,” said Chairman Kevin Ensley.

He says the local board does not have jurisdiction and that state building codes must be followed. Ensley added that the video produced by Ward was misleading.

“He was like: 'Are they going to be Heroes or Zeroes?' And it's not our call. We have tried to help him and this fellow was indicating that we weren't, and we are,” Ensley said.

Ward feels that FEMA's initial response to housing needs has been slow, but he says that additional information from FEMA at the meeting was helpful.