The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced nearly $4.8 million in funding to aid homeless individuals in North Carolina and South Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene. This allocation is part of HUD's Rapid Unsheltered Survivor Housing (RUSH) program, which aims to address needs not fully met by existing federal disaster relief programs.
Funding will be distributed as follows: Winston-Salem, NC will receive $548,000; Charlotte, NC will get $1,000,000; Greenville County, SC will obtain $162,699; Lexington County, SC will be allocated $108,780; and the State of South Carolina will receive the largest share with $2,957,704.
"When disaster strikes, people experiencing homelessness need immediate help," said HUD Agency Head Adrianne Todman. "HUD is committed to partnering with state and local leaders in South Carolina and North Carolina to deliver lifesaving assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene."
Despite efforts from FEMA, the American Red Cross, and local community members to assist survivors, the damage in South Carolina has surpassed local capacity for aid. The RUSH funding aims to meet immediate unmet needs for homelessness assistance and prevention in declared disaster areas.
"The RUSH program will fill the gaps in federal assistance," stated Marion McFadden, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development. "HUD remains committed to strengthening our support for disaster-impacted communities moving forward."
RUSH funding provides rapid assistance under the Emergency Solutions Grant program for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness in eligible declared disaster areas where FEMA has activated Transitional Sheltering Assistance. This support includes outreach services, emergency shelter provisions, rapid re-housing options offering up to 24 months of rental assistance along with financial help and supportive services.
As disasters become more frequent and intense, HUD continues expanding its role in supporting communities before and after such events. Recent initiatives include establishing an Office of Disaster Recovery and an Office of Disaster Management aimed at enhancing HUD's approach towards disaster recovery.
Additionally, HUD and FEMA have published a report on the Pre-Disaster Housing Planning Initiative that encourages collaborative approaches to housing recovery challenges post-disaster while promoting state planning for housing recovery before disasters occur.
