As a lifelong resident of my home state, I’ve watched with both pride and heartbreak as our community continues to recover from the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. The storm left an indelible mark on our homes, infrastructure, and lives. Families are still struggling to rebuild their homes and livelihoods. Yet, just as we were starting to see a glimmer of hope, former President Donald Trump’s recent actions have made it even more difficult for our state to move forward.
The Aftermath of Hurricane Helene
When Hurricane Helene struck, it left widespread destruction across our state. Thousands of homes were damaged or destroyed, roads were impassable, and essential services were disrupted. In the months following the storm, recovery efforts have been slow but steady. Local and state officials, alongside federal agencies, have worked tirelessly to assist affected communities, providing financial aid, temporary housing, and rebuilding efforts.
Despite the challenges, we’ve seen resilience in the face of disaster. Neighbors helping neighbors, volunteers stepping up, and local businesses doing what they can to provide for those who’ve lost everything. It’s been a long and difficult road, but the spirit of community has been undeniable. We’ve come a long way in rebuilding our homes and our lives, but the journey is far from over.
How Trump’s Policies Are Hurting Our Recovery
While the state has made some progress, the federal government’s role in the recovery process has been critical. However, recent actions taken by the Trump administration have made this recovery harder, delaying much-needed funding and assistance. In particular, cuts to vital disaster relief programs, including funding for housing repairs and infrastructure rebuilding, have left our state struggling to keep up.
One of the most troubling aspects of the Trump administration’s stance is its decision to limit federal disaster relief funds. Despite the clear need for assistance, the administration has implemented restrictions on how these funds can be allocated. This has caused a bottleneck in the distribution of financial aid to those who need it most. Families who lost everything are left waiting for help that should be arriving immediately. Businesses, some of which are still trying to rebuild their physical structures, are also suffering due to delays in funding.
Additionally, Trump’s policies have undermined environmental protections, which are critical to rebuilding in a sustainable way. As we rebuild our infrastructure, it’s essential that we ensure our state is better equipped to withstand future storms. However, rolling back environmental regulations has put us in a position where rebuilding could be more prone to damage in the future. This is not just about our current recovery—it’s about ensuring we have a future that’s resilient and sustainable.
A Community Struggling for Justice
The actions taken by the Trump administration have made it clear that they are not prioritizing the recovery of communities like ours. With each delay in funding, each cut to essential services, and each regulatory rollback, it feels like we’re being forgotten in the broader conversation about national recovery efforts.
Our community deserves better. We are not asking for handouts, but for the resources and support to rebuild what was lost and ensure our safety in the future. The reality is that recovery from a disaster like Helene takes time, but it also requires consistent and meaningful support from all levels of government. Instead, we are left fighting for the same resources that other areas have received more readily.
The Way Forward
Despite the setbacks caused by the Trump administration’s policies, we can’t afford to give up. Our state and our people have always shown resilience, and we will continue to fight for the resources and justice we deserve. It’s crucial that our leaders—both at the state and federal levels—take action to ensure that the recovery from Hurricane Helene is not only swift but equitable.
This is not just about one storm; it’s about ensuring that our community can thrive in the face of future disasters. We need federal support that prioritizes long-term recovery and resilience, not political agendas that harm those already suffering. Only then can we truly begin to rebuild, and rebuild in a way that will make us stronger for years to come.
For more information on disaster recovery efforts and federal aid programs, visit FEMA’s Disaster Recovery Resources.
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