Hurricane Helene caused widespread destruction in western North Carolina, leaving many residents without homes. Brian and Susie Hill, public school teachers, lost their century-old farmhouse to floodwaters, but did not have flood insurance as it was outside the 100-year floodplain. They received nearly $40,000 from FEMA for rebuilding, a significant amount but below the maximum.Other residents in Yancey County faced difficulties with FEMA applications, including withdrawn applications without explanation and errors in personal information. The application process itself is often complex and demanding, especially for those with fewer resources. An analysis by ProPublica and The Assembly found that higher-income households in the hardest-hit rural counties typically received more FEMA housing assistance than lower-income households.This income disparity is particularly evident in Yancey County, where the storm caused the highest per-capita loss of life in North Carolina. While the Hills are not high-income earners, their steady employment provided them with the time to navigate FEMA's bureaucracy. In contrast, lower- and middle-income households often received less aid.The aid is intended for essential repairs, not full restoration, and theoretically should not depend on the value of the home. FEMA has been aware of these disparities for years, with internal analyses and reports indicating that lower-income homeowners receive significantly less assistance. Factors contributing to this include the complexity of documentation, the appeals process, and potentially undervalued damage assessments for modest homes.In Haywood County, higher-income homeowners received more than double the housing assistance compared to those below a certain income threshold. The Parkers, who experienced flooding from a previous storm, faced challenges with FEMA rental assistance after Hurricane Helene, ultimately giving up due to overwhelming wait times and personal tragedy. Lower-income households often lack essential resources like reliable internet, transportation, and funds for professional assistance, exacerbating their difficulties in navigating disaster aid processes. Legal aid organizations confirm that individuals with lower incomes are at a significant disadvantage.