The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced a $3 million allocation to North Carolina to aid those experiencing homelessness in areas affected by Hurricane Helene. This funding comes from the Rapid Unsheltered Survivor Housing (RUSH) program, aimed at assisting individuals and families whose needs are not fully met by existing federal disaster relief programs.
"While we are still assessing the full impact of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, we know the breadth of destruction warrants immediate funding to supplement emergency assistance for people at risk of or experiencing homelessness," stated Acting HUD Secretary Adrianne Todman. She emphasized HUD's commitment to working with state and local leaders throughout their recovery process.
Despite efforts from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the American Red Cross, and local communities, North Carolina requires additional support due to severe damage and displacement. RUSH funding targets immediate unmet needs for homelessness assistance in declared disaster areas.
Eligible activities for this funding include emergency shelter and rapid re-housing for those already homeless before the disaster, as well as homelessness prevention measures such as rental and utility assistance for those at risk before the hurricane hit.
The RUSH program offers quick assistance under the Emergency Solutions Grant program for eligible declared disaster areas where FEMA has activated Transitional Sheltering Assistance. It supports outreach, emergency shelter, rapid re-housing, homelessness prevention assistance, and supportive services.
On July 1st, HUD introduced a streamlined process allowing recipients of annual HUD funding to request waivers that unlock their funds faster after a disaster is declared. This change aims to expedite recovery efforts by reducing administrative burdens on impacted jurisdictions.
"We have heard loud and clear—everyday counts when states, localities, and non-profits are working to get people safely housed," said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Marion McFadden for Community Planning and Development. The new waiver process is designed to cut weeks off response times following disasters.
This expedited process applies to several HUD programs including Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME), Housing Trust Fund (HTF), Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), and Continuum of Care (CoC).
HUD continues expanding its role in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery as disasters become more frequent and intense. Recent initiatives include establishing the Office of Disaster Recovery and Office of Disaster Management alongside publishing a report on pre-disaster housing planning with FEMA.
