It’s been two months since Hurricane Helene cut a path of deadly destruction across the Southeast. Ahead of the holiday season, PBS News returned to the hard-hit region of western North Carolina, where despite the challenges they face rebuilding their lives,

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.

Rising Light Relief is making sure people have meals and smiles this Thanksgiving despite the hardships in the recovery process.

The lawmaker representing Haywood and Madison counties told Queen City News he has not been approached by Republican leadership about any changes to the bill, but said he had not decided how he will vote if an override is pursued by the supermajority.

Some local North Carolina officials are concerned the provision could impact the way cities manage their growth.

The nonprofit is working hard to get people back into homes for the holidays after Hurricane Helene destroyed many western North Carolina homes in September. Andy Barnett is the Executive Director, Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity and tells us how the organization is helping people recover.