It’s often repeated that natural disasters such as hurricanes don’t discriminate when it comes to who is rich or poor, young or old, good or bad.
While everyone suffers 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.
They don’t necessarily have access to chainsaws to remove tree limbs, money to fill up expensive generators with gas, or funds to stay in a hotel for a week while they wait for power to return.
Add in that many of these people work jobs that often get shut down during the recovery for short to long terms.
At a company dedicated to creating more affordable housing opportunities in our region, it is frustrating because the storms underline the problems we know that our communities face every day.
Some of the issues:
- Affordable housing units are frequently older or built with budget constraints in mind. This often means they lack the robust construction standards seen in more expensive developments. As a result, during a hurricane, these homes are more susceptible to structural damage from high winds and flooding. Roofs may be compromised, windows shattered, and foundations eroded. For many residents, the destruction of their homes can lead to immediate displacement, forcing them to seek temporary shelter or live with friends and family.
- When affordable housing units are damaged or destroyed, residents often face displacement. Many may lack the financial resources to find temporary housing, particularly if they are renters without stable support systems. Evacuations can be chaotic, leaving families scrambling to find safe refuge. The emotional toll of losing one’s home, combined with the uncertainty of where to go next, can lead to increased stress and anxiety. In the worst cases, this can result in homelessness, with vulnerable individuals and families left with few options.
- The financial strain on residents of affordable housing can be exacerbated by the aftermath of a hurricane. Many individuals in these communities live paycheck-to- paycheck, making it difficult to save for emergencies. For those who do own their homes, insurance coverage may be minimal or nonexistent. Even renters, who may not have renters’ insurance, face significant financial burdens if they lose personal belongings or if their housing becomes uninhabitable. The cost of repairs can be daunting, and without sufficient financial support, many residents find themselves trapped in a cycle of debt and instability.
- Access to recovery resources is another significant challenge. After a hurricane, government agencies and non-profits mobilize to provide assistance, but navigating this aid can be difficult for low-income residents. Many may not have the knowledge or resources to apply for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance, leading to missed opportunities for financial relief. Language barriers, lack of transportation, and limited internet access can further hinder efforts to access critical resources. This is especially concerning for marginalized communities, which may already face systemic inequities in access to services.
The challenges faced by these communities require urgent attention and coordinated efforts from governments, non-profits, and local organizations.
By addressing these issues, we can help ensure that all residents have the resources and support they need to recover and rebuild after disaster strikes. In a world where climate change continues to amplify the frequency and severity of hurricanes, it is essential to prioritize resilience in affordable housing to safeguard the most vulnerable among us.
Mario Brown is a co-founder and principal at Affordable Upstate.
