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On Jan. 2, Gov. Josh Stein enacted his first executive directive, aimed at increasing and enhancing the quantity of temporary housing units in Western North Carolina following the impact of Tropical Storm Helene in September.
The executive directive empowers the North Carolina Department of Public Safety to acquire as many as 1,000 units of mobile temporary housing units, which include travel trailers and campers, for individuals displaced due to the storm.
On Jan. 7, Stein mentioned that there were still “over 12,000” North Carolina residents affected by Helene as it was estimated that between 121,000 and 132,000 residences in WNC sustained damage from the storm, according to the N.C. Office of State Budget and Management. Stein stated that state expenditures would be reimbursed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, noting that three units had already been delivered and set up on Jan. 7, with “18 more currently being installed.” Here’s what you need to understand about the state’s temporary housing initiative:
How can you apply?
Residents of North Carolina affected by Helene can apply by calling the North Carolina Department of Public Safety hotline at 884-746-2326.
“Any family that is anxious about their housing situation is encouraged to reach out. Our Disaster Case Managers will collaborate with them to explore any available options,” stated NCDPS spokesperson Brian Haines to the Citizen Times.
What will the trailers resemble? Specific models?
The state will not be acquiring a single, specified model for the travel trailer initiative as “various models will be utilized according to family size and composition,” clarified Haines. The state is prioritizing units “designed for colder climates,” and state employees are enacting further winterization measures, such as thermal underpinning, insulation, and heat tape.
“In most cases, pipes will be insulated with electric heat tape to avert freezing, and the unit will be encased in insulated skirting to enhance heat retention and safeguard exposed utility connections,” Stein spokesperson Olivia Weidie expressed to the Citizen Times.
Connected to utilities?
For the state program, all temporary housing units must be connected to electricity and water prior to residents being able to occupy them, according to Weidie.
What actions did the executive directive take?
The directive suspended certain bidding protocols that the NCDPS usually adheres to for acquisitions, including advertising procurement, issuing bids, and dispelling the distribution of solicitation documents. The executive directive permits the program to be operational until the agency completes its purchase of 1,000 units or until Feb. 28, 2025. It can also be canceled, revoked, or substituted by other directives.
In need of housing but prefer not to have a camper?
Even if a resident is confronting uncertain housing conditions yet is disinterested in a camper, they are encouraged to contact the state for support.
“If any resident of Western North Carolina is troubled about their current living arrangements post-Hurricane Helene, please get in touch with North Carolina Emergency Management at 844-746-2326. Our office and the state are devoted to ensuring individuals are matched with housing that best suits their necessities,” Weidie stated.
Will Hofmann serves as the Growth and Development Reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Got any tips? Email him at [email protected]. Support this kind of journalism by subscribing to the Citizen Times
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