As Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc across the Southeast, concerns have arisen over FEMA’s spending priorities leading up to the disaster. In May 2023, FEMA launched a $12 million grant program designed to promote equity by directing funds to communities defined as “underserved” by the Biden-Harris administration.
FEMA used the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST) to guide its investments, focusing on racial minorities, LGBT individuals, and rural residents. Applicants who centered their proposals on benefiting these communities received additional points in the grant evaluation process.
While FEMA aimed to increase equity in disaster preparedness, many areas hit hardest by Hurricane Helene were left out of the funding process. Some counties in North Carolina and Georgia, which suffered extensive damage, were excluded from FEMA grants due to CEJST designations. The storm left 227 people dead and caused an estimated $35 billion in damage.
FEMA officials, including emergency management specialist Tyler Atkins, highlighted that marginalized communities are often disproportionately affected by natural disasters, but critics argue that the agency’s equity focus diverted attention from areas in need of immediate support.
With FEMA already stretched thin due to $1 billion spent on migrant programs, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas warned that the agency may not have enough funds to cover the full hurricane season. As Hurricane Milton, a Category 5 storm, approaches the Florida Gulf Coast, FEMA’s spending practices are facing increased scrutiny.
