According to FEMA, 33 families have temporary homes to call their own in Western North Carolina as of Thanksgiving and nearly 500 families have been approved for housing. FEMA is paying hotel costs for almost 12,000 survivors in the state. The federal agency has already paid more than $ 940,000 to help survivors with their rent.

North Carolina Gov.-elect Josh Stein (D) said he is “eager” to work with the incoming administration to access federal relief for his state as it recovers from the devastation left by Hurricane Helene.

Hurricane Helene took out critical infrastructure in western North Carolina, specifically water systems that were already under much strain.

The lawmaker representing Haywood and Madison counties told Queen City News he has not been approached by Republican leadership about any changes to the bill, but said he had not decided how he will vote if an override is pursued by the supermajority.

The flooding that devastated western North Carolina knocked out water systems, and some small towns still don't have water.

Some communities more socially vulnerable to disasters According to an October report from the U.S. Census Bureau, more than half a million North Carolinians living under disaster declarations during Hurricane Helene were already highly vulnerable to disasters.

Toys for Tots anticipates a greater need this year for donations in western North Carolina after the Helene disaster.