SWANNANOA, N.C. — When 12-year-old Natalie Briggs surveyed the debris of her home after Hurricane Helene, grief overwhelmed her. Navigating what was once her bedroom, she recalled the moment saying, “This isn’t my house.” This sentiment echoed a sobering reality for thousands of students in western North Carolina, where a year after the hurricane, the scars of land destruction and loss of housing remain raw.
The storm, which unleashed fierce floods and landslides, directly left over 2,500 students homeless across North Carolina, according to state data. With schools reopening while homes remained uninhabitable, the psychological impact on these young students is profound. Natalie experienced panic attacks at school, a clear indication of the mental toll imposed by the disaster.
The displacement caused by Helene has highlighted existing vulnerabilities in these communities. Cassandra Davis, a public policy professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, emphasized the challenge for families already struggling with issues such as food insecurity and housing affordability. “I would almost argue that they don’t get the opportunity to recover,” she stated.
Finding Stable Housing
Bonnie Christine Goggins-Jones and her grandchildren faced significant hardships after Helene flooded their rental home. Forced to abandon their belongings, they moved through a series of temporary accommodations before finally relocating into a new apartment. Despite the disruptions, they maintained school attendance, though learning was not a priority.
Many families had to split up after their homes were rendered uninhabitable. For example, America Sanchez Chavez, 11, found herself living in different situations with various relatives after the storm wrecked her trailer. This kind of instability, unfortunately, isn’t unique; reports show a surge in U.S. students living in precarious conditions post-disasters.
Displaced Students Across North Carolina
The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has been a catalyst for increased student homelessness. In Yancey County alone, the number of identified homeless students accounted for a staggering jump from 21 to 112 in just one academic year. The challenges continued to grow as families navigated bureaucratic obstacles for support, such as FEMA assistance that often fell short.
Students like Gwendolyn Bode, a pre-law student at Appalachian State University, faced the dual challenge of displacement and academic demands. After moving multiple times, she found it difficult to focus on her studies, sharing, “I can’t even tell you when I went to class, because (mentally) I wasn’t there.” More stable times came only after moving into permanent housing.
The Lasting Impact of Housing Instability
Within their shared struggles, families have found ways to connect and support each other. Natalie Briggs, while sharing a basement with her grandparents, expressed newfound appreciation for family, saying, “I give her hugs and stuff, and I’ll tell her I love her, more than I did.” This emotional bonding underscores how adversity can lead to stronger family ties.
Despite the hardships, the resilience of these students and their families shines through. While many are still in the struggle, with ongoing mental health challenges and persistent housing issues, the community's determination to heal and rebuild remains evident.
