It is often said that natural disasters like hurricanes do not discriminate when it comes to rich or poor, young or old, good or bad.

While everyone is experiencing the same storm, not everyone is in the same boat. As we’ve 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 limbs, money to fill expensive generators with gas, or funds to stay in a hotel for a week while they wait for power to return.

Add that many of these people are working jobs that are often closed during the short- and long-term recovery.

At a company dedicated to creating more affordable housing opportunities in our region, it’s frustrating as the storms underscore the issues we know our communities face every day.

Some of the issues:

• Affordable housing units are often 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 can be compromised, windows broken 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 not have the financial resources to find temporary housing, especially if they are renters without stable support systems. Evacuations can be chaotic, leaving families scrambling for safe haven. The emotional toll of losing your home, combined with the uncertainty of where to go next, can lead to increased stress and anxiety. In the worst cases, this can lead to homelessness, leaving vulnerable individuals and families with few options.

• The financial pressure 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 own their homes, insurance coverage may be minimal or non-existent. Even renters who may not have renters insurance face significant financial burdens if they lose their personal belongings or their home becomes unlivable. 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-profit organizations mobilize to provide assistance, but navigating that 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, resulting in missed opportunities for financial aid. Language barriers, lack of transportation, and limited Internet access can further hinder efforts to access critical resources. This is of particular concern to marginalized communities, who may already face systemic inequities in access to services.

The challenges facing these communities require urgent attention and coordinated efforts from governments, non-profit organizations 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 a disaster. In a world where climate change continues to amplify the frequency and severity of hurricanes, it is critical that we prioritize resilience in affordable housing to protect the most vulnerable among us.

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

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