This funding targets emergency repairs and cold-weather preparations for both damaged homes and temporary shelters, recognizing the urgency of the approaching winter season. The grants are distributed to local nonprofit organizations already engaged in relief efforts, allowing them to rapidly address critical needs like installing insulation, repairing roofs, and winterizing temporary campers and trailers to ensure safety and warmth for impacted residents.
🗣️ Statements on the Funding
Statements from Governor Stein and the leaders of the participating organizations:
Governor Josh Stein
“As families continue to recover from Hurricane Helene, winter weather can bring additional hardships,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Local organizations have gone above and beyond for their communities in the wake of the storm, completing crucial work like this quickly and efficiently. We’re proud to support these organizations as they work to keep families warm this winter.”
Matt Calabria, Director of GROW NC
“Western North Carolina is already experiencing winter weather, and home winterization is an an urgent need for so many residents impacted by Helene. However, winterization can be expensive, and many families are already struggling to make ends meet,” said Matt Calabria, Director of GROW NC. “We’re proud to present these grants to local organizations doing critical work to protect homes from severe winter weather. Together, we’ll continue to do everything we can to ensure impacted families have a warm and safe place to stay.”
Will Ray, NC Emergency Management Director
“The State Emergency Response Team is committed to using the resources available to help as many disaster survivors as possible,” said NC Emergency Management Director Will Ray. “The use of these funds to help Helene survivors is yet another example of the whole-of-community cooperation that North Carolina is known for.”
Linnea Van Manen, Case Manager and Grant Specialist at Rebuild Haywood
“Through the funding of the GROW NC grant, Rebuild Haywood will be able to provide critical winterization of homes and temporary shelters to Hurricane Helene-impacted families and households across western North Carolina who are facing impending severe weather conditions,” said Linnea Van Manen, Case Manager and Grant Specialist at Rebuild Haywood. “This funding will allow us to ensure these community members stay safe and keep the cold out throughout this season. We are incredibly grateful to the Stein Administration for recognizing the need in our community and providing us with the opportunity to make this possible.”
💰 Funding Distribution Details
$500,000 in Home Winterization Grants
Awarded to Rebuild Haywood and the Western North Carolina Conference of United Methodist Churches.
Funds are for emergency repairs like installing insulation, wrapping windows, and repairing roofs on storm-damaged homes.
Nearly $50,000 for Temporary Housing Winterization
Awarded to The Beacon Network and Rebuild Haywood.
Funds are for winterizing campers, trailers, and other temporary housing used by families displaced by Helene.
WNCTimes