Haywood County officials want to address recent misinformation circulating in the community regarding the use of the Smoky Mountain Event Center for temporary housing. To clarify, there are no campers or individuals residing at the fairgrounds. The County is committed to following building codes to ensure safety and avoid potential legal liabilities in the event of accidents or fatalities.
We understand the urgency of securing temporary housing for those in need and want to assure the public that the County has been working diligently with both state officials and FEMA to address this critical issue. A FEMA representative in our county overseeing temporary housing efforts has been working tirelessly, including through this Thanksgiving holiday, to expedite the delivery and setup of appropriate temporary housing units in Haywood County. This dedication gives us hope that solutions are on the horizon.
In addition, Haywood County has launched a Property Owner Interest Survey for Temporary Flood Housing to identify potential sites for temporary housing. To qualify for consideration, all sites must meet the following requirements:
- Be available for at least 18 months
- Be located outside the Special Flood Hazard zone
- Be accessible by road
- Comply with local zoning codes and regulations
- Have all utility connections in place:
- Electric
- Water
- Sewer
We ask for patience and understanding as we navigate these complex challenges. Our priority remains the safety and well-being of Haywood County residents, and we are doing everything within our power to provide assistance to those impacted. The County will continue to collaborate with FEMA and state partners to finalize housing sites and bring relief to our community as quickly as possible.
For accurate updates and information, we encourage the public to rely on official County communications, including ReadyHaywood.com. Together, we can ensure that resources are deployed efficiently and effectively to support our residents.