Leicester Resident Receives New Home Key as North Carolina Steps Up Housing Recovery Efforts
In a heartwarming moment for Leicester resident Dennis Fultz, Governor Josh Stein presented him with the keys to his newly constructed home, a significant step in recovery efforts under the Renew NC’s Single-Family Housing Program. Fultz’s homecoming follows the loss of his previous residence of 10 years due to Hurricane Helene.
Governor Stein emphasized the importance of accessible and safe housing, stating, “Getting families back into safe housing that they can afford is essential to long-term recovery.” The governor highlighted ongoing efforts to rebuild and repair housing, noting that 1,250 homes, akin to Fultz’s, have been restored through collaboration with volunteers.
Two years post-Hurricane Helene, Governor Stein remains a vocal advocate for further federal assistance, urging Congress to authorize a $10 billion funding package, including $3 billion dedicated from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for housing reconstruction.
“At Renew NC, we’re seeing month-to-month growth as we’re moving more homeowners through review and into pre-construction,” said Stephanie McGarrah, Deputy Secretary of the Division of Community Revitalization. She emphasized the focus on speedily providing families with secure and sustainable housing options.
The governor extended his outreach efforts by visiting Mars Hill University and participating in the Governor’s Advisory Committee on WNC Recovery meeting. He also joined volunteers from Methodist Churches to assist in home reconstruction for disaster survivors.
Progress Through the Renew NC Initiative
Under Governor Stein’s leadership, more than 1,250 homes have been successfully repaired or rebuilt. The Renew NC’s Single-Family Housing Program has seen the completion of over 150 homes, with 167 under construction and more than 600 in pre-construction stages, marking rapid development and recovery.
In another significant stride, Governor Stein announced a major initiative involving ten new large-scale housing projects, expanding the availability of affordable rental units in western North Carolina. This development offers the largest single increase in affordable housing in counties impacted by Hurricane Helene.
Funding and Infrastructure Initiatives for Long-Term Recovery
Governor Stein’s signing of a new state budget allocates over $700 million toward Hurricane Helene recovery efforts, including support for temporary housing programs. This financial commitment marks the state’s third recovery package, with the overall appropriated amount exceeding $3 billion.
Renew NC has also launched several programs to fortify community resilience and support economic recovery, including:
- Community Infrastructure Program: A new initiative with an initial $55 million federal funding allocation to bolster infrastructure against natural hazards.
- Housing Construction and Repair: The program is committed to the development of resilient rental housing with $70 million in federal funding.
- Workforce Housing Ownership: More than $53 million is available for developing workforce housing, ensuring continued local residency and employment.
Efforts to boost economic recovery include a commercial revitalization program aimed at restoring and invigorating local economies and commercial districts affected by Hurricane Helene.
While the state’s recovery advances, Governor Stein calls for continued federal support to fully restore infrastructure and bolster community resilience, urging a $10 billion appropriation request to rebuild damaged homes and support local governments. Click here to learn more about these federal recovery efforts.
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