Lauren Kay

🚨#BREAKING: MASS PANIC is setting in across #WNC as FEMA is refusing to extend hotel vouchers for 3,500 families, with nowhere to go. Protests have erupted in across #WNC as FEMA is kicking people out of hotels, in 14° weather, many still waiting on FEMA to inspect their homes.

I can’t even put into words how horrific what is happening to people in #WNC today. FEMA kicking thousands of people out of hotels in sub-freezing temperatures. Massive car lines for propane and buddy heaters. People in donated RVs can't keep warm. Complete panic.

So let me get this straight: We have billions of dollars for Ukraine... ...but this is what my kids see when they look out the window on our way to school every morning, in #WNC. I don't understand.

FEMA seems to be very confused about why so many #WNC business owners are closing up shop forever. Let me explain: a) You own a coffee shop along a small creek in Black Mountain NC, it's a local favorite. b) Helene causes the creek to rise 21 feet and it washes away all your equipment and your building caves in. c) You call insurance, they deny you. You didn't have flood insurance because you live 2,300ft above sea level. d) You submit a claim to FEMA. You are instantly rejected and told call the Small Business Administration. e) You call the Small Business Administration, they say, "hey sorry, we ran out of money October 3rd, maybe FEMA can help?" f) You call FEMA back and they don't answer the phone for 11 days. g) Finally you email your contact at FEMA telling them what the SBA told you. h) FEMA says, "Sorry wish we could help you, but we don't handle business stuff!" i) You say, "Ok, but my business is gone, my house is in ruins, I've got 3 kids to provide for... what do I do?" j) FEMA goes, "Wait a minute, I'm seeing here that your business is in a floodplain... tell you what, we can't help you rebuild your business, but we will buy it from you." k) You stare at your phone stunned, "Wait, you have enough money to BUY my business but you won't help me rebuild it?" l) FEMA goes, "Yes, that's correct. We will buy from it, but we will not help you rebuild it." m) You say, "That's insane though, if you have the money to buy it, why won't you help me rebuild it?" n) FEMA goes, "Those are the rules, sorry. If you want a loan to rebuild call the SBA, but it sounds like they are out of money." That's why business owners are pissed at FEMA.

Just a gentle reminder to those in Washington DC... this is what #WNC looked like only 77 days ago. Maybe STOP giving out billions of dollars overseas when we are still shoveling mud out of businesses.