Western North Carolina is receiving a significant boost in its ongoing recovery from Hurricane Helene, as Governor Josh Stein, together with the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina (GROW NC) and North Carolina Emergency Management, announced a package of $500,000 in home winterization grants. The funding will assist in readying storm-damaged homes for the winter, targeting emergency repairs and preparations through two key nonprofit organizations, Rebuild Haywood and the Western North Carolina Conference of United Methodist Churches. These groups focus on a range of projects, from installing insulation to fixing roofs, as outlined by the Governor's Office.
In addition to the larger sum, nearly $50,000, will be directed to The Beacon Network and Rebuild Haywood, both Western North Carolina-based nonprofits, to winterize campers, trailers, and other forms of temporary housing for displaced residents. "As families continue to recover from Hurricane Helene, winter weather can bring additional hardships," Governor Josh Stein stated. He commended the local organizations for their efficient and important work, ensuring families are kept warm during the challenging winter months. The concern is not just for comfort, but also the urgent need arising from the fast-approaching winter season, described by GROW NC Director Matt Calabria, as per the Governor's Office.
According the Governor's Office, collaboration is key in these recovery efforts. NC Emergency Management Director Will Ray highlighted the whole-of-community cooperation, crucial in maximizing the impact of available resources to assist as many survivors as possible. The state's emergency management strategies are seen to embody a community spirit, leveraging partnerships to facilitate recovery.
Residents of Western North Carolina, particularly those affected by Hurricane Helene, have a reason to feel hopeful as organizations like Rebuild Haywood commence critical work underpinned by the new grants. Linnea Van Manen, a case manager and grant specialist at Rebuild Haywood, told the Governor's Office about the significance of the GROW NC funds, “This funding will allow us to ensure these community members stay safe and keep the cold out throughout this season.”
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