When a hurricane blows over, the problems with affordable housing are magnified

It is often repeated that natural disasters such as hurricanes do not discriminate when it comes to who is rich or poor, young or old, good or bad.

Even though everyone is going through the same storm, they are not all in the same boat. As we have seen, especially in our region, the recovery is not the same for everyone, especially those who qualify for affordable housing.

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They don’t necessarily have access to chainsaws to remove tree branches, money to fill expensive generators with gas, or money to stay in a hotel for a week while they wait for the power to return.

Add to that, many of these people have jobs that are often shut down for the short to long term during the recovery.

For a company dedicated to creating more affordable housing options in our region, it’s frustrating because the storms underscore the issues our communities face every day.

Some of the problems:

• Affordable homes are often older or built with budget constraints in mind. This often means they don’t have the robust construction standards seen in more expensive developments. As a result, these homes are more susceptible to structural damage from high winds and flooding during a hurricane. Roofs can be damaged, windows shattered and foundations eroded. For many residents, the destruction of their homes could lead to immediate displacement, forcing them to seek temporary shelter or live with friends and family.

• When affordable housing is damaged or destroyed, residents often face displacement. Many may not have the financial resources to find temporary housing, especially if they are renters without stable support systems. Evacuations can be chaotic, leaving families struggling to find safe shelter. The emotional toll of losing your home, combined with the uncertainty of where to go, can lead to increased stress and anxiety. At worst, this can lead to homelessness, leaving vulnerable individuals and families with few options.

• Financial pressures on affordable housing residents can be exacerbated by the aftermath of a hurricane. Many people in these communities live paycheck to paycheck, making it difficult to save for emergencies. For those who do own a home, insurance coverage may be minimal or non-existent. Even renters, who may not have renters insurance, face significant financial burdens if they lose personal property or if their home becomes uninhabitable. The costs of repairs can be enormous, and without sufficient financial support, many residents become stuck in a cycle of debt and instability.

• Access to recovery resources is another key challenge. After a hurricane, government agencies and nonprofits mobilize to provide relief, but navigating this assistance can be difficult for low-income residents. Many may not have the knowledge or resources to apply for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), leading to missed opportunities for financial assistance. Language barriers, lack of transportation and limited internet access can further hinder efforts to access critical resources. This is especially concerning for marginalized communities, who may already face systemic inequalities in accessing services.

The challenges these communities face require urgent attention and coordinated efforts from governments, nonprofits and local organizations.

By addressing these issues, we can ensure that all residents have the resources and support they need to recover and rebuild after a disaster. In a world where climate change continues to increase the frequency and severity of hurricanes, prioritizing resiliency in affordable housing is essential to protect the most vulnerable among us.

Mario Brown is co-founder and director of Affordable Upstate.

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Opinion: After the storm, affordable housing needs come into focus