When Hurricane Helene hit western North Carolina, many Christmas tree farms, a major source of income in that part of the state, suffered major damage.

According to FEMA, 33 families have temporary homes to call their own in Western North Carolina as of Thanksgiving and nearly 500 families have been approved for housing. FEMA is paying hotel costs for almost 12,000 survivors in the state. The federal agency has already paid more than $ 940,000 to help survivors with their rent.

Hurricane Helene took out critical infrastructure in western North Carolina, specifically water systems that were already under much strain.

Equipment operators from across the country came to Western North Carolina to assist in cleanup from Tropical Storm Helene.