Though they were seven hours away, their suffering felt like his own. He couldn’t bear the thought of watching his home swallowed by floodwaters, losing friends and family to a sudden disaster, or spending Thanksgiving alone,

Rising Light Relief is making sure people have meals and smiles this Thanksgiving despite the hardships in the recovery process.

According to FEMA, 33 families have temporary homes to call their own in Western North Carolina as of Thanksgiving and nearly 500 families have been approved for housing. FEMA is paying hotel costs for almost 12,000 survivors in the state. The federal agency has already paid more than $ 940,000 to help survivors with their rent.

Shawn Hendrix, known as Mr. Beast, spoke to Top Story about ongoing relief efforts in North Carolina following Hurricane Helene. He noted significant cleanup and rebuilding progress but emphasized that those struggling before the storm are now facing even greater challenges.

Hurricane Helene took out critical infrastructure in western North Carolina, specifically water systems that were already under much strain.

Some local North Carolina officials are concerned the provision could impact the way cities manage their growth.

The nonprofit is working hard to get people back into homes for the holidays after Hurricane Helene destroyed many western North Carolina homes in September. Andy Barnett is the Executive Director, Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity and tells us how the organization is helping people recover.