As Hurricane Helene's devastating impact leaves entire communities reeling, the victims who lost their homes and belongings are now facing another challenge: accessing the federal aid they were promised. Vice President Kamala Harris assured the public that $750 in emergency relief funds would be provided to help families meet their immediate needs, such as food and baby supplies. However, weeks after the announcement, many survivors are still waiting for the funds, while others have received only a fraction of what was promised.
In early October, Harris stood before a crowd and emphasized the Biden administration's commitment to helping hurricane victims recover. "We are working to make sure that federal resources are on the ground as quickly as possible," Harris declared, mentioning that FEMA would be distributing $750 in "Serious Needs Assistance" for those in desperate need of essentials.
Florida Troopers rescued a dog that was tied to a fence in Hurricane Milton’s path.
Thankfully this pup is in safe hands now and has already been to the vet. pic.twitter.com/Qk5ns25p4V
— Yashar Ali 🐘 (@yashar) October 9, 2024
However, the administration’s pledge has fallen short for many. Derek Roberts, the mayor of Newland, North Carolina, expressed outrage after his daughter, whose house was destroyed by Helene, only received $300 instead of the promised $750. Speaking to Fox News, Roberts described his daughter's struggle, explaining how she applied for federal aid, but FEMA's assistance amounted to just $300—a sum that wouldn't even cover the cost of lost food.
"What is $300 going to do?" Roberts asked during his interview. "Her entire first floor was wiped out, and all she got was $300 for personal items. It doesn’t even cover what's in her refrigerator, let alone help her rebuild." His daughter's story is just one of many surfacing across the region, as storm victims feel abandoned by the slow and insufficient federal response.
This is what a 15 foot hurricane storm surge looks like. It's terrifying. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/PKAtoN6Hv8
— Nature is Amazing ☘️ (@AMAZlNGNATURE) October 10, 2024
FEMA’s $750 payment, as Harris described, was intended to be a quick and flexible form of assistance, designed to cover emergency items like water, baby formula, and medication while families wait for further support. Yet, this sum pales in comparison to the extensive needs of those who have lost everything. For many, the reality is that $750—if they even receive it—won't come close to helping them rebuild their homes or recover from the financial devastation left in the storm's wake.
Meanwhile, criticism is mounting as the Biden administration faces accusations of neglecting American citizens in favor of sending billions of dollars abroad. Many Americans are frustrated, pointing out that while the federal government can find resources to provide free housing and services for migrants and foreign aid to Ukraine, they are dragging their feet when it comes to helping U.S. citizens impacted by natural disasters.
One local resident voiced her disappointment, saying, "It's unbelievable that in a country as rich as ours, the federal government can't spare more than $750 for people who have lost everything." Others have taken to social media, sharing similar experiences and venting their frustration with the slow response from FEMA.
As the federal government continues to roll out its relief program, the victims of Hurricane Helene remain in a state of limbo. Many are still waiting for aid, while those who have received it are left wondering how they will make ends meet with such a small sum. For families like Roberts', the path to recovery is long, and the promised $750, even if eventually delivered, seems like little more than a symbolic gesture from an administration that many feel has lost touch with its citizens.
