NORTH CAROLINA — A new housing recovery program aimed at helping homeowners repair or rebuild their homes after the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene is now accepting applications. The initiative, called the Renew NC Single-Family Housing Program, is designed to support families in western North Carolina still recovering from the storm’s lasting impact.
Thousands of homes across the region suffered significant damage during Hurricane Helene, leaving many families in limbo. Now, help is on the way.
“This is a big step forward in getting homes and lives back on track,” said Stephanie McGarrah, Deputy Secretary for the state’s Division of Community Revitalization and a native of western North Carolina. “We’re moving quickly and carefully to make sure people get the help they need.”
The program is the first of several to launch under the broader Renew NC recovery initiative, which will include additional support for multi-family housing, workforce housing, infrastructure, and economic revitalization in the months ahead.
The single-family program focuses on long-term recovery needs and gives priority to low-to-moderate income (LMI) households. A total of $807 million in federal disaster recovery funding has been earmarked specifically for this effort, part of a larger $1.4 billion package from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Lee Lilley, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Commerce, emphasized the importance of the moment: “We’re ready to get hammers swinging and homes rebuilt. This program represents real hope for families who’ve been waiting for relief.”
Residents in the following counties are eligible to apply: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg (zip code 28214 only), Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Surry, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, Yadkin, and Yancey.
Local homeowners whose primary residence was damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Helene are encouraged to visit www.renewnc.org or call 1-888-791-0207 to learn more about the program and begin the application process. Trained staff are available to help families determine eligibility and guide them through the steps.
“This recovery has been a long road,” said McGarrah. “But with programs like Renew NC, we’re starting to rebuild — one home, one family, one community at a time.”
