SWANNANOA, N.C. — A year has passed since Hurricane Helene devastated homes in western North Carolina, leaving numerous residents grappling with the furious impacts of the storm. Twelve-year-old Natalie Briggs reflects on the ruins of her family home, a scene far removed from the memories of her former life.
All I could think of was, ‘This isn’t my house,’ said Natalie after navigating her way through what remains of her bedroom. The psychological toll of displacement echoes in the halls of local schools, where students must face their evolving realities amid the debris of destruction.
After the storm, more than 2,500 students were noted as homeless in North Carolina, underscoring a broader trend where natural disasters leave significant scars on educational communities. Cassandra Davis, a public policy professor at the University of North Carolina, points out that many families in low-income neighborhoods are often already stretched thin by economic hardships, making their recovery from such disasters an uphill battle.
In the face of ongoing housing shortages, families like that of Bonnie Christine Goggins-Jones faced brutal choices after Helene's flood waters rendered their rental home unlivable. The ongoing struggle for stable housing is shared by many, leading to heightened anxiety for children who can no longer easily focus on their education.
School districts have faced challenges in accommodating the influx of homeless students, with federal support being limited and often outpaced by the rising need. “There’s a constant fight for transportation and resources that should be readily available,” says Barbara Duffield from Schoolhouse Connection, a nonprofit advocating for displaced students.
As students like America Sanchez Chavez attempt to regain normalcy, they wrestle with fears initially instigated by the storm. With inadequate funding, many school districts find it challenging to provide essential services to support these children. The ongoing effects can lead to cascading consequences for mental health and educational performance.
Despite the trials, families find moments of resilience. Natalie and her mother are learning to cherish small joys amid adversity, strengthening the bonds that hold them together through difficult times.
The reality remains stark: as climate-related disasters continue to rise, communities must not only heal from the immediate impacts but also prepare for the broader implications of displacement on future generations.
