FEMA administrator advises Hurricane Helene victims to act promptly to avoid losing temporary housing.

The devastating news for Western North Carolina families left without homes after Hurricane Helene hit the Appalachian Mountain region last year is that their temporary FEMA housing assistance could soon end, leaving them with nowhere to turn as temperatures drop below freezing.

Some families staying in hotels or motels are no longer eligible for the Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program because their homes have been deemed habitable, they declined an inspection, or FEMA has been unable to reach them to update their housing requirements.

The deadline for FEMA housing assistance has been moved from Friday to January 14. FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell confirms that those who receive the notification and are still in need of housing are still eligible, but they must contact the agency.

Criswell explained on Sunday that there could be several reasons why someone received that notification.

We call everyone every two weeks to check in on their status and whether their home is ready for occupancy. If we don't hear from them, we assume they've been back in their home. However, if someone has received a notification but hasn't talked to FEMA and their situation is still in need, they are still eligible. We just need them to get in touch with us so we can assist them. Everybody's circumstances and situations are unique.

"To ensure the safety of those in need, we must work with them individually to provide the necessary resources until their homes are rebuilt or made accessible."

Those in North Carolina who require help can contact 1-800-621-FEMA or visit a disaster recovery center for a personal conversation.

FEMA is currently under strain due to the crisis left by Helene, and now must also address the needs of families displaced by the ongoing wildfires in southern California, which have caused billions of dollars in damage.

To receive help, California residents should register on disasterassistance.gov and contact their insurance company for coverage details.

"However, in order to be eligible for various programs within our system, they will not cover certain aspects," she stated.

Planet Chronicle' Audrey Conklin and Brooke Singman contributed to this report.