The federal government says there is enough money to go around for the victims affected by Hurricane Helene applying for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), but there are questions surrounding how long FEMA’s money will hold out.

What You Need To Know

  • The federal government says there is enough money to go around for the victims affected by Helene applying for FEMA assistance
  • There are questions surrounding how long FEMA’s money will hold out
  • Experts say there are ways to stretch resources but how long funds last depends on any potential future disasters 
  • Some say FEMA's priorities are wrong

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas sounded an alarm this week telling reporters that FEMA does not have enough funding to make it through the hurricane season.

What would that mean for the folks coping with Helene and for anyone who may face a potential upcoming disaster this year?

“One of the things that's really, really striking about what's happening with Hurricane Helene is just how widespread and extensive the damage is,” said Samantha Penta, associate professor at University at Albany’s Department of Emergency Management at Homeland Security.

The unpredictable nature of disasters makes it difficult to know how much money FEMA needs in the bank. 

For now, the agency reassures Americans that it does currently have enough funds for Helene’s immediate response and recovery needs and is accepting applications for disaster assistance from affected residents.

Penta explains the challenges FEMA faces.

“It's very difficult to get resources in when we're talking about such a large area that's been damaged and disrupted by an event,” she said. “And then we're also going to require a lot of resources, from money and personnel to just the labor and time that it's going to take to rebuild a lot of these communities. And we're looking at a lot of help needed and a long path to recovery.”

“This is a moment where FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, should be fully equipped and ready to help Americans in their darkest hour in their time of need,” said Rep. Nick Langworthy. 

At a news conference on Friday he weighed in, stating, “There are families in places like North Carolina and Georgia who don't know how they're going to know where they're going to sleep tonight or where their next meal is coming from. And they have loved ones that are missing or dead. It's a grave situation. American families are being told to fend for themselves. Meanwhile, what are the people that have been ravaged by Hurricane Helene getting? Well, they've been told they're going to get a check for $750; $750, and that's supposed to cover groceries and basic necessities; $750 to rebuild their lives, to get a start after their life has been completely devastated. This is an insult to American families that have lost virtually everything.”

Penta explains some complexities and options.  

“So there are ways to try to stretch resources and try to add more resources, make more available for disaster relief. But how far those are going to go is really going to depend on how many more hurricanes or other types of disasters that we get in the coming months and just how damaging they are,” she said.

FEMA says the $750 Langworthy references is considered serious needs assistance and helps with essential needs like food and water. There are other forms of assistance that those impacted may qualify to receive once they apply for disaster assistance.