Temporary Shelter for Families Displaced by Hurricane Helene

FEMA Mobile Home Park Established in Old Fort, N.C., to Assist Displaced Families Post-Helene

OLD FORT, N.C. (WLOS) — In a significant development following the destruction wrought by Hurricane Helene, a local volunteer has brought attention to a FEMA-operated mobile home park located in Old Fort, North Carolina, that is currently providing shelter for families displaced by the storm. Approximately 46 new trailers have been installed at this facility, which is situated about 45 minutes east of Asheville, with additional pads available for further expansion if necessary.

Residents of Asheville, Black Mountain, and Swannanoa—areas that suffered extensive damage—have been relocated into this temporary housing solution. One resident, who opted to remain anonymous, shared the challenging circumstances that led to their displacement: “A huge tree fell on my home, and my furnace was destroyed. This has meant a great deal for me and my family,” they stated, reflecting on their recent relocation to the park.

The park, previously an RV facility, has undergone an urgent transformation since the storm’s impact. According to its owner, FEMA has committed to leasing the entire park for an initial minimum of one year, with a likelihood of extending the lease to two years. This decision underscores FEMA’s proactive approach to addressing the immediate housing needs of those affected by the disaster.

Jeremy Slinker, FEMA’s Deputy Coordinating Officer responsible for overseeing mobile home allocations in the wake of Helene, indicated that a total of 62 units currently house 59 families, with plans for additional units. “The established trailer units are essential, but the process of setting them up involves construction and contracting efforts that can lead to delays,” Slinker explained, acknowledging the complexities involved in providing rapid housing solutions in disaster situations.

While the establishment of the mobile home park represents a vital step in addressing housing insecurity for displaced families, some individuals still find themselves living in motels as they await more permanent arrangements, indicating a gap in the immediate response capacity. Numerous families have reported requesting temporary trailer housing but have yet to receive any definitive information regarding their status.

FEMA officials have also shared their intentions to expand temporary housing options by leasing mobile homes for families within existing mobile home parks. However, no FEMA-contracted properties have been identified as of yet, raising questions about the agency’s broader strategy to adequately shelter those still seeking refuge after the storm.

Neighbors of the mobile home park, such as Shanna Rickman, have expressed relief at the swift transition to providing safe housing following the flooding that affected the campground. “All these people are safe; it actually happened pretty quickly,” Rickman noted.

As the winter months approach, the need for secure and stable housing remains paramount for many families still grappling with the aftermath of Helene. The establishment of the FEMA mobile home park in Old Fort marks a critical step toward meeting these urgent housing needs during a turbulent time.