Renew NC has received over 1,000 applications for its Single-Family Housing Program (SFHP), marking a milestone in the state’s efforts to help homeowners affected by Hurricane Helene. The program is managed by the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Division of Community Revitalization and is designed to assist residents whose homes were damaged or destroyed by the storm.
“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 SFHP focuses on long-term recovery needs for homeowners in western North Carolina, with $807 million in federal funding allocated to the effort. The program prioritizes low- to moderate-income families in communities that experienced significant damage from what officials describe as the most destructive storm in state history. Homeowners across 29 counties are eligible to apply for assistance.
“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.”
Since launching, Renew NC teams have been active throughout the region, working directly with residents and opening offices in Asheville, Boone, and Marion. These efforts include partnerships with local governments, nonprofits, and community organizations.
So far, Renew NC has assessed 207 properties for unrepaired hurricane damage. These site visits are used to gather information needed for environmental reviews and application approvals.
“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.”
Homeowners can apply if they live in Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Surry, Swain, Transylvania,Watauga,W ilkes,Yadkin,and Yancey counties or ZIP code 28214 in Mecklenburg County.
Renew NC has also implemented outreach strategies such as hosting events and canvassing neighborhoods to identify eligible homeowners who have not yet applied.
“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.”
Those seeking more information can visit https://renewnc.org/, call (888) 791-0207 or go to an intake center.The Renew NC app can be downloaded via Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Funding comes from a Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery grant provided by the U.S.Department of Housing and Urban Development.Of $1.4 billion allocated statewide,$807 million supports this single-family housing initiative.More details about program administration are available at https://commercerecovery.nc.gov/.
Later this year,R enew NC plans additional programs including multi-family housing options,both small-scale (seven units or fewer)and larger projects,economic revitalization initiatives,and workforce homeownership opportunities aimed at making affordable housing accessible for more workers.
