After Hurricane Helene hit Western North Carolina, Carmen and her family, who are undocumented, faced challenges accessing federal assistance due to their status. The storm destroyed their home and left them relying on friends and nonprofits for help. Carmen’s husband worked in landscaping, but after the storm, they struggled to find housing, beds, clothes, and food.
Undocumented and mixed-status families like Carmen’s are among the most vulnerable during natural disasters. Many fear seeking help from government agencies due to the risk of deportation. The limited federal assistance available excludes undocumented individuals from accessing cash aid from FEMA.
Nonprofits like Q’Pasa Appalachia stepped up to help Carmen replace furniture and essentials for her family. However, the lack of resources for undocumented people in the aftermath of hurricanes remains a pressing issue. With the increasing intensity of hurricanes due to climate change, there is a need for more outreach and support for vulnerable communities like Carmen’s.
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