North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has recently declared the launch of a new housing recovery program, designated as the Renew NC Single-Family Housing Program, aimed at assisting homeowners affected by Hurricane Helene in the western part of the state. According to information released by the Office of the Governor, this initiative marks just the beginning of a broader recovery effort orchestrated by the North Carolina Commerce Department’s Division of Community Revitalization. Homeowners whose properties were damaged or destroyed by the hurricane are encouraged to look into their eligibility and consider applying for aid.
Running through a significant portion of $1.4 billion in Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds allocated to North Carolina by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), this program allocates a hefty $807 million to the Renew NC Single-Family Housing Program. As noted in a statement obtained by the Office of the Governor, Stein urges especially those homeowners of low-to-moderate income in the affected western regions to apply at the program's official website, www.renewnc.org.
Upholding a sense of urgency and care, the state seeks to promptly aid in the rebuilding of communities and restoration of homes through the Renew NC Housing program. The Division of Community Revitalization's Deputy Secretary Stephanie McGarrah, native to western North Carolina, emphasized the drawn-out nature of recovery. "We know the road to recovery from Hurricane Helene will be a long one," McGarrah told the Office of the Governor, reinforcing the commitment to move swiftly yet diligently in providing help to those impacted.
Eligibility to apply extends to numerous counties within the state, including Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, and over a dozen more. Officials are ready to swing hammers and launch construction efforts, as mentioned by North Carolina Department of Commerce Secretary, Lee Lilley, in anticipating the application window's opening, which indicates a significant turn for survivors on their journey to recovery. For additional details, the Renew NC Housing program is accessible online at www.renewnc.org or through a direct helpline at 1-888-791-0207, where program staff are prepared to assist in determining eligibility and navigating the application process.
