Renew NC Rebuilds Homes Damaged by Hurricane Helene in North Carolina

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, numerous families in western North Carolina have been grappling with the devastation left behind. A ray of hope has emerged in the form of Renew NC, a pivotal initiative aimed at restoring homes and fostering community resilience. Governor Josh Stein and NC Department of Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley recently showcased the success of this endeavor by visiting a rehabilitated home in Fairview.

Western North Carolinians whose homes suffered damage from Hurricane Helene have until December 31, 2025, to submit an application for assistance through the Renew NC Single-Family Housing Program (SFPH). During their visit, Governor Stein met Fairview artist Lee Pantas, whose home was impacted by Helene, and observed his newly constructed home courtesy of Renew NC.

“Standing here with Lee in his new home is what this work is all about,” said Governor Josh Stein. “After Helene, so many folks across western North Carolina lost their homes, and their sense of stability. Thanks to the Renew NC program, these families are finally able to come home.”

“Throughout western North Carolina, Renew NC is helping families get back home and get their lives back on track,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “Our program is the fastest in the country, but we’re committed to going even faster to get communities back together.”

Division of Community Revitalization Deputy Secretary Stephanie McGarrah highlighted the tangible progress being made: “Renew NC is helping communities regain their footing one household at a time, and each home represents progress you can see and touch.” Her emphasis remains on establishing safe, resilient homes for the region.

The Renew NC initiative, overseen by the Division of Community Revitalization within the North Carolina Department of Commerce, is funded through a Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Notably, North Carolina was the first state to implement such a program post-Hurricane Helene, setting a record for rapid reconstruction post-disaster using HUD funds.

The Renew NC Single-Family Housing Program dedicates $807 million in federal funding to assist homeowners in western North Carolina, emphasizing support for low- to moderate-income families in the areas hardest hit by Helene. Homeowners in 29 counties may be eligible to apply for assistance.

Further details about the program’s progress can be tracked via the RenewNC’s Single-Family Housing dashboard.

For homeowners interested in the Renew NC Single-Family Housing Program, additional information is available at RenewNC.org. Alternatively, they can reach out via phone at (888) 791-0207 or visit an in-person location to assess their eligibility. The Renew NC app is accessible on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.