Governor Josh Stein visited Saluda on January 9, 2026, to tour a home repaired by the Housing Assistance Corporation, a nonprofit organization focused on rebuilding homes in western North Carolina. The visit highlighted ongoing recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene, which left many families without safe housing.
In October, the Housing Assistance Corporation received a $300,000 grant to repair at least 20 homes in Polk, Henderson, and Transylvania counties. This funding is part of the state’s broader initiative to support volunteer organizations engaged in housing repair and replacement across the region.
“After Hurricane Helene, too many families across western North Carolina were left without a safe place to call home,” said Governor Josh Stein. “This grant program funded by the General Assembly is empowering nonprofits like the Housing Assistance Corporation to work alongside their neighbors to restore their homes. We are not letting up on the work of rebuilding.”
Margaret Fenton Lebeck, Chief Executive Officer of the Housing Assistance Corporation, commented on the impact of state support: “As a local housing nonprofit serving three WNC counties, we decided after Hurricane Helene to launch a new disaster recovery team to accompany the community through this chapter. North Carolina’s grant allows us to have an even greater impact – helping more families return home.”
In 2025, Governor Stein allocated over $16 million in grants for nonprofit volunteer organizations involved in housing repairs and replacements in western North Carolina. These funds assist with critical needs such as roof repairs, septic systems, and electrical wiring.
Eligible volunteer organizations had to be active in repair or reconstruction projects within counties affected by Hurricane Helene under the Federal Disaster Declaration. The grants were authorized through S.L. 2025-2 legislation signed by Governor Stein on March 19, 2025. Recently, an additional $18 million was added by the General Assembly for this program and a new notice of funding opportunity has been released.
Governor Stein also announced nearly $50 million last month for local governments to address storm-damaged infrastructure and $500,000 in winterization grants for two nonprofits working on housing rebuilds.
The VORG grants complement Renew NC—a state-led homebuilding and renovation program managed by the Division of Community Revitalization at the North Carolina Department of Commerce—which has received over 7,000 applications for single-family homes. The application deadline has been extended until January 31, 2025. Last month saw the launch of Renew NC’s Small Rental Rehabilitation Program.
Homeowners can access assistance at Renew NC intake centers located in Asheville, Boone, and Marion from Monday through Saturday between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., with additional locations available throughout western North Carolina.
For more information about Renew NC Single-Family Housing Program eligibility or services—including application support—homeowners can visit RenewNC.org or call (888) 791-0207. The Renew NC app is available via Google Play Store and Apple App Store; further details are also provided at CommerceRecovery.nc.gov.
The Office of the Governor of North Carolina dates back to 1776 as its oldest public office and manages statewide operations including law enforcement and budget oversight (official website). As chief executive officer for all residents (official website), Governor Josh Stein leads policy implementation across North Carolina.
