FEMA Approves Six-Month Extension of Direct Housing and Rental Assistance for Helene Survivors

ASHEVILLE, N.C. - FEMA has approved six-month extensions of direct temporary housing and rental assistance for survivors of Tropical Storm Helene in North Carolina.

The direct temporary housing extension allows eligible residents to remain in FEMA-provided temporary housing until September 30, 2026, on a month-to-month basis as they work toward permanent housing solutions. As part of the program eligibility requirements, FEMA representatives will continue to meet with residents to assess their progress toward permanent housing solutions.

The original 18-month housing period was set to end on March 29, 2026. With this extension, residents will have additional time to secure permanent housing solutions as recovery efforts continue.

In accordance with FEMA housing program rules and regulations, residents occupying FEMA temporary housing units after March 29, 2026, will be required to pay monthly rent. Rental rates will vary based on unit size and location but will not exceed the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Fair Market Rate. To reduce the financial burden on remaining occupants, rental rates will be offered on the following schedule:

• April and May: 25% of the HUD Fair Market Rate
• June and July: 50% of the HUD Fair Market Rate
• August and September: 75% of the HUD Fair Market Rate
• October: Full HUD Fair Market Rate

The rental assistance extension allows survivors receiving rental assistance to continue receiving financial support to cover the cost of rent through September 30, 2026, as needed. The original 18-month financial assistance period was scheduled to end March 29, 2026. With this extension, survivors will have additional time to complete repairs to their damaged home, finalize insurance settlements, or secure permanent housing.

Since Tropical Storm Helene, FEMA has provided 243 families with mobile homes, travel trailers and other ready-to-occupy units. On February 2, 2026, North Carolina requested an extension of direct housing assistance, which FEMA approved on March 12, 2026. FEMA, the state, disaster case management and all stakeholders will continue to coordinate the housing mission throughout the extension period.

Additionally, on February 2, 2026, North Carolina requested an extension of rental assistance to help displaced survivors temporarily cover the cost of rent. FEMA approved the extension on March 13, 2026. To date, FEMA has provided $23.6 million in grants to more than 6,100 displaced households to help with the cost of rent.

FEMA, the state and all stakeholders will continue to coordinate the housing mission throughout the extension period. FEMA remains committed to supporting North Carolina survivors of Tropical Storm Helene.