When Brian and Susie Hill purchased a historic house along Cattail Creek in Yancey County, North Carolina, in 2023, they envisioned a future filled with cherished family moments. Their daughter, Lucy, would scamper through the expansive yard, chasing fireflies under the stars, while their beloved dog roamed freely, adding to the idyllic picture.
“It’s that feeling that you always wanted of going home,” Susie reflected. “Your little family, your little dog, your big yard, and the chickens.” However, this dream was shattered in September 2024 when Hurricane Helene struck with devastating force.
After days of relentless rainfall that saturated the mountainous landscape, Hurricane Helene unleashed its fury, transforming once-gentle streams into torrents that surged miles inland. The Hills watched helplessly from their truck, parked on a nearby slope, as Cattail Creek overran its banks, flooding their home and leaving behind a scene of destruction. What had once been their sanctuary was now unrecognizable, with logs replacing furniture and debris scattered where doors, windows, appliances, and portions of the floor had once been.
With their home rendered uninhabitable, the Hills faced an uncertain future. They embarked on the daunting journey of seeking disaster relief from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Although they received nearly $40,000 in federal aid—an amount that represented a crucial first step in their rebuilding efforts—it was far from sufficient to cover the total cost of repairs. The remainder of the funds needed for restoration would have to come from their own determination and the generous support of their community. Unfortunately, their experience was more fortunate than that of many others in the area, who struggled to navigate the complex federal disaster aid system.
In collaboration with The Assembly, ProPublica conducted an in-depth analysis of FEMA’s aid distribution across the ten North Carolina counties hardest hit by Hurricane Helene. Their investigation revealed stark income disparities in the allocation of housing assistance, despite the agency’s mandate that such aid should be income-neutral. In rural counties like Yancey, it was often the higher-income households that received the most FEMA aid, with some reports indicating that wealthier homeowners received two to three times the assistance compared to their lower-income neighbors.
Residents in these rural areas face particular challenges when seeking assistance, including limited access to reliable cellphone and internet services, difficult terrain, and financial constraints that hinder their ability to seek help.
In sharp contrast, urban areas like Buncombe County, which includes Asheville, displayed a different trend. There, lower-income residents typically received higher FEMA awards for housing assistance. This disparity can be attributed to the presence of numerous nonprofits in Buncombe that aid low-income families in navigating the often-complex FEMA application and appeals processes.
For the Hills, the past year has been a grueling ordeal. Since January, they have been living in a trailer, parked within view of their former home, dedicating their evenings to rebuilding after long days spent teaching in public school. They yearn for the simple comforts of their prior life—gathering in their living room for family movie nights, sharing laughter and warmth that now feels like a distant memory.
As the Hills inch closer to moving back into their home, their story serves as a poignant reminder of the obstacles that many families face in the aftermath of disaster. While some may find a way to rebuild, countless others remain ensnared in a struggle against inequality and bureaucratic hurdles that threaten to keep them from returning to the life they once knew.
In light of these experiences, the Hills’ journey is not just about rebuilding a house; it embodies the greater narrative of resilience in the face of adversity and the urgent need for more equitable disaster recovery systems. As they prepare to reclaim their home, their story underscores the reality that for many families affected by Hurricane Helene, the path to recovery remains fraught with challenges, and the fight for justice and support continues.
For those interested in a deeper exploration of this family’s experience, a short documentary titled “Rebuilding After Helene” captures their journey and the broader implications of disaster recovery efforts in our communities.
