Several residents in Robeson County are waiting to go back home but say they have not received the assistance they need from FEMA.
“I lost everything in my home,” said resident Michael Thomas.
After Hurricane Florence hit the Carolinas back in September, some homeowners express they have not been able to go back home, and have been placed in hotels.
“I thought they were out here to really help us, but it makes us feel like they’re not helping the people that actually need it,” said resident Jerry Nichols.
Residents say they were told they would receive assistance for their hotel, but that was not the case for Mr. Nichols and Mr. Thomas.
“I actually paid out of pocket to stay at a hotel,” said Nichols.
FEMA helps those registered and designated to participate in the Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program cover the cost of hotel rooms that serve as a temporary shelter. Those who are not apart of the program will not receive FEMA assistance as the organization has no way of tracking those individuals, explains FEMA representative Pamela Saulsby.
Thomas has been living at the Red Roof Inn since September 23 and says he waited over two hours to receive assistance from FEMA and was told to come back next Tuesday.
“They just stuck us here and forgot all about us. They haven’t provided us with hot food,” said Thomas.
While FEMA does not provide food for victims of natural disasters, some local organizations have offered meals to the community.
Concerned residents are looking for answers and don’t know who to turn to for help.
“Close to 50 to 70 people are here at this hotel and also other locations provided in Lumberton, and our needs have not been met,” said Thomas.
FEMA says each case is unique, and they’re doing everything they can to help each individual. Residents who apply for FEMA will receive a determination letter confirming a grant amount, or if your application is on hold.
“They should not be confused or wondering what’s the next step. When they get a determination letter for instance, from FEMA about whether they’re eligible or not eligible. It’s a long letter and we ask people to read the whole thing because it explains where they are in the recovery process,” said Saulsby.
FEMA encourages survivors who are registered for assistance to stay in touch as events change throughout the recovery process by calling their hotline at 1-800-621-FEMA or visit the nearest assistance recovery center for more information.
