Equipment operators from across the country came to Western North Carolina to assist in cleanup from Tropical Storm Helene.

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.

Some tenants who could barely afford rent in western North Carolina before Hurricane Helene have fallen behind and are now facing the possibility of eviction.

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. The most exciting part of the day at Spruce Pine Montessori School is when the truck arrives to empty the porta-johns.