Governor Josh Stein announced that applications are now open for a new program aimed at repairing or rebuilding homes in western North Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene. This initiative is part of the Renew NC program, managed by the North Carolina Commerce Department’s Division of Community Revitalization.
“Helene caused significant damage to thousands of homes across western North Carolina,” said Governor Josh Stein. “There is a lot of work to do, and the Renew NC Housing program is the next step in helping western North Carolinians recover. If your home was damaged by Hurricane Helene, you may be eligible for assistance depending on your income, so I encourage you to apply today.”
The Renew NC Single-Family Housing Program focuses on addressing long-term recovery needs and prioritizes low-to-moderate income families. Additional programs targeting multi-family housing and workforce housing will be introduced later this year, along with infrastructure and economic revitalization initiatives.
“We’re ready to get hammers swinging and home construction underway,” stated Lee Lilley, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Commerce. “Today’s opening of the application period for our Renew NC Housing program is an important milestone for Hurricane Helene survivors and western North Carolina’s recovery.”
Stephanie McGarrah, Deputy Secretary of the Division of Community Revitalization, emphasized urgency in their efforts: “We know the road to recovery from Hurricane Helene will be a long one,” she said. “We are moving with urgency and care to restore homes and rebuild communities through this program.”
The programs under Renew NC are funded by a Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery grant from HUD. Of the $1.4 billion allocated for recovery needs in western North Carolina, $807 million is designated for the Single-Family Housing Program.
Governor Stein urges homeowners whose properties were impacted by Hurricane Helene to check eligibility and apply at www.renewnc.org.
Eligible counties include Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell (only zip code 28214), Mitchell Polk Rutherford Surry Swain Transylvania Watauga Wilkes Yadkin Yancey.
For more information about eligibility or assistance from the program visit www.renewnc.org or call 1-888-791-0207. Details about administration can be found at CommerceRecovery.nc.gov.
