As Western North Carolina marks a year since Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc, significant strides have been made to aid recovery and rebuild. Spearheading these efforts, Governor Josh Stein’s administration has launched initiatives affecting thousands of residents and businesses, illustrating a profound commitment to revitalization.
In the aftermath of the storm, the state has effectively mobilized $1.4 billion in federal funds through a newly established division within the Commerce Department. This strategic move has seen over 3,400 homeowner applications for recovery assistance, showcasing a robust recovery framework aimed at empowering families, workers, and enterprises to bounce back stronger.
Governor Josh Stein noted, “As we reach the one-year milestone of Hurricane Helene, western North Carolina has made encouraging progress, but my goodness, the work is far from over.” Emphasizing the ongoing recovery needs, he added, “We must continue to get people back into their homes, support small businesses, and repair critical infrastructure so communities can rebuild and thrive.”
The Renew NC Single-Family Housing Program stands out as a beacon of recovery, receiving over 3,400 applications for home repairs and replacements. The first home repair was completed in late August, marking the fastest response using HUD disaster recovery funds in over a decade. The program prioritizes community participation with outreach efforts including local staff, canvassing, intake centers, and mail-in applications, all while maintaining transparency via an online dashboard tracking progress by county.
Efforts to rejuvenate the workforce have also been substantial. The Helene Disaster Recovery Dislocated Worker Grant Program has provided temporary employment and training to over 260 individuals, complemented by nearly 250 hiring events facilitated by NCWorks Career Centers and their mobile unit. These endeavors have linked thousands to new employment opportunities. Additionally, over 36,000 disaster-related unemployment claims have been processed, with more than $96 million disbursed—a figure exceeding previous hurricane relief efforts.
Support for local businesses has been robust through the Small Business Infrastructure Grant Program (SmBIZ), which is empowering local governments to rebuild vital infrastructure with grants of up to $1 million currently being utilized across the region.
N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley remarked, “We’re committed to standing with Western North Carolina throughout this recovery, and these programs represent the collaborative effort of state and local partners. Our work is making a difference in the lives of families and businesses across Western North Carolina, and we won’t quit until every community has the resources it needs to fully recover and thrive.”
The region’s tourism sector is also experiencing a revival, driven by the VisitNC “Rediscover the Unforgettable” initiative. This campaign draws visitors to enjoy the scenic mountains, vibrant arts, breweries, wineries, and other attractions, reinforcing the area’s resilient spirit and aiding the local economy.
Although these accomplishments are noteworthy, the journey to full recovery continues. State officials remain engaged with communities, visiting project sites, and sharing information on available resources and programs. The state remains steadfast in its dedication to ensuring Western North Carolina emerges as a resilient and robust community.
For further details about the recovery programs, including the Renew NC Single-Family Housing Program, visit commerce.nc.gov/recovery.
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