In response to the unprecedented damages caused by Hurricane Helene, the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) has officially launched the HEARTS Georgia (Housing Emergency Assistance and Recovery Through Sheltering) program to support survivors of Hurricane Helene. This state-run, first-of-its-kind program provides temporary shelter to survivors whose primary residences were majorly damaged, destroyed, or deemed uninhabitable.
The HEARTS Georgia program provides non-congregate sheltering in hotels or motels for eligible survivors in the 61 counties federally declared for FEMA’s Public Assistance and Individual Assistance programs. This program will help survivors transition into long-term housing solutions, supplementing the immediate efforts undertaken in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
“The HEARTS Georgia program is about helping our neighbors get back on their feet after Hurricane Helene turned their lives upside down,” said GEMA/HS Director Chris Stallings. “By providing safe and comfortable temporary sheltering, we’re giving families the breathing room to focus on rebuilding their homes and lives. Our priority is to stand by Georgia’s communities throughout this recovery process, reminding them that we’re here with them every step of the way.”…