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Published on January 17, 2025
North Carolina Expands Employment Program to Aid 39 Counties in Post-Hurricane Helene Recovery EffortsSource: Facebook/ Governor Josh Stein

In the wake of Hurricane Helene's destruction across North Carolina, the state's Department of Commerce has upped its commitment to aid those affected. Governor Josh Stein and Department Secretary Lee Lilley have announced an expansion of a temporary jobs program, designed to quickly and, importantly, effectively get residents back to work—this time reaching out to 39 counties. Initially launched to serve 25 counties, the program aims to address the spike in unemployment caused by the natural disaster, while also spearheading recovery and rebuilding efforts in the impacted communities.

"Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc on communities and devastated people’s livelihoods," said Governor Josh Stein. "Unemployment in the west has spiked. This program will get folks back to work while helping their neighbors recover and rebuild," he added.  The program is backed by a portion of a $10 million Disaster Recovery Dislocated Worker Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, secured to assist North Carolina's recovery from Helene's adverse effects.

Secretary Lee Lilley outlined the jobs included in this grant, which vary from clean-up duties to humanitarian aid. Eligible residents can be hired for a up to 12 months and could find themselves working with various organizations, whether they be state or local government agencies, non-profits, or even private businesses engaged in disaster recovery. This grant not only offers employment but also extends to absorb training expenses, helping citizens develop new skills for post-recovery careers.

"Through this grant program, we are already placing workers in jobs that address storm damage and serve their communities, thanks to strong collaboration by employers, local workforce development boards, and NCWorks Career Centers," Lee Lilley stated. Examples of the program's success stories include Springhouse Farm LLC in Watauga County, where staff have been hired to help quickly remove debris and engage in the rebuilding process, and Haywood Waterways Association, Inc., which has brought on personnel specifically to clean creeks and streams in Haywood County.

For those looking to avail of the program, eligibility extends to those who have been laid off either temporarily or permanently as a consequence of the hurricane, alongside fulfilling other designated criteria. With the grant scheduled to last for two years, the potential for long-term career advancement post-training is a beacon of hope for many residents still grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.