The Haywood County Commissioners held a regular meeting on January 6, 2025, focusing primarily on the ongoing challenges related to housing and recovery efforts following recent disasters. The meeting highlighted frustrations with the slow response from FEMA and the urgent need for action to support families still displaced from their homes.

Commissioner Best expressed significant frustration over the delays, noting that it has been 90 days since the disaster, and FEMA has yet to make substantial progress. He emphasized the need for the agency to expedite its processes and communicate effectively with property owners regarding their eligibility for assistance. The discussion revealed that many families have not received timely updates from FEMA, leaving them in limbo regarding their housing situations.

The commissioners discussed the difficulties in finding suitable properties for temporary housing, particularly the challenge of establishing a trailer park for displaced families. They acknowledged that if a centralized solution is not feasible, alternative arrangements must be made to place individual units on available properties. The urgency of the situation was underscored by the fact that many families are still living in motels or with relatives, which is not a sustainable long-term solution.

The conversation also touched on the historical context of recovery efforts, with references to past disasters such as Tropical Storm Fred. The commissioners noted that recovery efforts have often been slow, with lingering issues from previous events still unresolved. They expressed a collective frustration with the bureaucratic hurdles that hinder timely assistance for affected residents.

In response to the ongoing housing crisis, the county has been exploring options with state officials to facilitate temporary housing solutions. The commissioners highlighted the importance of direct funding from state and federal sources to enable the county to take more proactive measures in addressing the needs of displaced families.

The meeting concluded with a call for continued advocacy at higher levels of government to ensure that Haywood County receives the necessary support and resources to aid its residents effectively. The commissioners reiterated their commitment to working with local nonprofits and community organizations that have stepped up to assist those in need during this challenging time.