JCSU closes Greenfield Residence Hall after Helene storm damage

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Over 200 students from Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte are living in a hotel after their residence hall suffered storm damage caused by Helene, according to the school.

The 213 students typically live on-campus in Greenfield Residence Hall, which houses freshman females at the university, but have been relocated while the school addresses “storm-related water damage and increased moisture” the severe storm caused in late September.

The impacted students are living at nearby hotels and apartment complexes.

It’s far from an ideal start for first-year students. 

“Majority of the girls be like, ‘This is not what I expected from my HBCU experience,’” freshman student Jawan Devine said.

“Our top priority is the safety of our students, faculty, and staff; thus, we are taking steps to address the issue,” the school said in a statement sent to WCNC Charlotte. “Our university leadership met with affected students and their families and are working diligently to resolve these issues.”

The school said it has applied for FEMA assistance to help address the issues.

But a similar incident happened in 2018. Mold was found inside Greenfield Residence Hall after what the school called record-breaking rainfall and unusual climate conditions from two hurricanes.

Current students are hopeful university officials can find a solution to keep students safe and on campus. 

“Maybe they should probably tear down Greenfield and build a new building,” Devine added.

Earlier this month, eligibility for FEMA assistance was extended to include Mecklenburg County.

Contact Myles Harris at mharris5@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.

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