The Renew NC Single-Family Housing Program has received over 1,000 applications as it works to help homeowners in western North Carolina repair or rebuild homes damaged by Hurricane Helene. The program is administered by the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Division of Community Revitalization and is funded with $807 million from federal sources.
“Too many families in western North Carolina lost their homes after Hurricane Helene,” said Governor Josh Stein. “This program will help people rebuild their homes and their lives after the storm.”
The program targets long-term recovery needs for low- to moderate-income families in areas most affected by the hurricane. Eligible homeowners span 29 counties, including Alexander, Buncombe, Haywood, Swain, and others, as well as ZIP code 28214 in Mecklenburg County.
“Getting people home is where recovery really begins for survivors and their communities, and Renew NC is focused on getting our most vulnerable families home,” said North Carolina Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “We will continue working closely with our local and state partners to make sure that recovery reaches every corner of impacted areas in western North Carolina.”
Renew NC teams have conducted assessments at 207 properties to evaluate damage from Hurricane Helene. These assessments inform environmental reviews and support application approvals. Offices have been opened in Asheville, Boone, and Marion to connect residents with resources.
“Western North Carolina is rebuilding and recovering from Hurricane Helene, and it’s exciting to see Renew NC be a part of that,” said Division of Community Revitalization Deputy Secretary Stephanie McGarrah. “Through the Single-Family Housing Program, we’re dedicated to getting families back into their homes and on with their lives.”
Outreach efforts include hosting events, establishing intake centers, and canvassing neighborhoods to identify eligible homeowners who have not yet applied for assistance.
“Renew NC teams are working tirelessly to reach families across western North Carolina, including some of the hardest-hit areas,” said Maggie Battaglin, Director of Renew NC’s Single-Family Housing Program. “From local intake centers to community events to door-to-door outreach, we are committed to ensuring people know that help is available.”
Homeowners can learn more about the program at RenewNC.org or by calling (888) 791-0207. The Renew NC app is also available on major app stores.
Funding for these programs comes from a Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery grant provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In total, $1.4 billion has been allocated for disaster recovery needs in western North Carolina through this grant program.
Later this year, additional housing initiatives will be launched: Multi-Family Housing programs for both small rental projects (seven or fewer units) and larger developments (eight or more units), as well as Workforce Housing for Ownership aimed at increasing affordable homeownership opportunities for workers in the region. Infrastructure and Economic Revitalization programs are also planned.
Further details about administration can be found on the Division of Community Revitalization’s website at https://CommerceRecovery.nc.gov.
