Asheville Faces Housing Crisis After Tropical Storm Helene
Asheville, North Carolina, is grappling with a serious housing crisis following the devastation left by Tropical Storm Helene. As if the *local residents* hadn’t already been facing challenges, the storm brought down trees, damaged homes, and pushed many families to the brink. With around 100,000 homes severely damaged or destroyed in Western North Carolina, the situation has taken a toll on more than just the structures; it has affected the lives and livelihoods of countless people in the community.
The Deepening Crisis
In the wake of Helene, the hardships just keep piling up. Evictions are on the rise, and the region’s job market is shrinking, leading to a skyrocketing unemployment rate. Many individuals who were already struggling to make ends meet are now facing *increased homelessness* as emergency shelters begin to close their doors due to overwhelming demand.
Nearly 4,900 families are still relying on hotels through FEMA’s temporary shelter assistance program, and another 59 families are accommodated in FEMA’s temporary trailer housing. While this support has been extended through the holiday season, it’s crucial to remember that these arrangements are merely *temporary*. Many community members are left wondering where they will go once these resources run out.
Eviction Rates and Housing Concerns
Even before Helene made its way through, Asheville had a *significant population* of homeless individuals. Now, tents and campers are beginning to dot popular areas like riverfronts and roads as the numbers begin to swell. With the absence of an eviction moratorium following the storm, landlords have filed nearly 500 eviction lawsuits since September 27.
“An eviction moratorium would have prevented a lot of needless displacement,” voiced David Bartholomew, a staff attorney at Pisgah Legal Services. But unfortunately, this much-needed support never materialized. The complaints don’t stop there. Southwood Realty Company, which has buildings throughout Asheville and surrounding cities, has accounted for a whopping 78 evictions on its own.
Community Voices Rising
Concern has grown as community members express their frustration. Calls to assist people facing eviction have surged, evidenced by the 150% increase in inquiries at Pisgah Legal Services in October and November. It’s a constant cycle: when people lose their homes, they often leave the area altogether, further damaging the local economy and sense of community.
“When you lose jobs, you lose people, you lose the tax base,” warns Bartholomew. “It’s not just about homes; it’s about our unique identity as a community.”
Paths Forward
Despite the grim overview, some community leaders are attempting to chart a path towards recovery. For instance, Barry Bialick, former chair of Asheville’s Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, now operates *Compact Cottages*, which offers tiny homes for those in need. He’s received interest from around 750 individuals, showing that there’s a strong community desire for solutions.
Recent city initiatives have been implemented, including a partnership with local organizations to offer more than $1 million in rental assistance. Unfortunately, funds are being depleted quickly, and many residents are left in a vulnerable state.
Many argue that local government actions lack urgency, especially since people are still feeling the impact of the storm. The pressures of rising housing prices were prevalent even before the storm, with over 30% of Buncombe County residents struggling due to housing costs.
Seeking Solutions
As the community continues to navigate this crisis, many residents are pleading for a more robust emergency housing response. For instance, Beth Trigg, a Swannanoa resident, expresses the community’s urgent need for additional rental assistance and consistent government support. “We need immediate and long-term solutions — or the chaos we’re witnessing will only worsen.”
Meanwhile, community leaders reiterate that it is crucial for anyone in a position of authority — from local governments to larger philanthropic organizations — to step in and provide aid. The recent storm has laid bare the vulnerabilities in the current housing infrastructure, and it is evident that swift actions are necessary to aid those impacted.
Looking Ahead
In summary, Asheville’s housing challenges are reaching critical levels following Tropical Storm Helene. With increased homelessness and rising evictions, the community is caught in a fierce tug-of-war between recovery and despair. As residents band together to advocate for solutions, they are hopeful that their voices will be heard and, ultimately, lead to meaningful change.
