Renew NC Housing Program Opens for Helene Survivors

WNC --   Western North Carolina residents whose lives and homes were upended by the devastating force of Hurricane Helene last fall can now breathe a sigh of relief.

The state has officially opened applications for the "Renew NC Housing" program, a crucial step in helping families rebuild and recover from the catastrophic storm.

Governor Josh Stein announced on Monday that applications for single-family homes are now being accepted, marking a significant milestone in the long road to recovery for the mountain communities. "There is a lot of work to do, and the Renew NC Housing program is the next step in helping western North Carolinians recover," Governor Stein stated. "If your home was damaged by Hurricane Helene, you may be eligible for assistance depending on your income, so I encourage you to apply today.”

Hurricane Helene left an unprecedented trail of destruction across Western North Carolina, with some areas experiencing record-breaking rainfall and widespread flooding that triggered over a thousand landslides. The storm, which struck in late September, damaged or destroyed tens of thousands of homes, caused significant loss of life, and disrupted vital infrastructure, leading to an estimated $59.6 billion in damages and needs across the state.

Who is Eligible and How to Apply?

The Renew NC Housing program is designed to assist homeowners with the repair, reconstruction, or replacement of their storm-damaged homes. It prioritizes low-to-moderate income families, especially those with seniors (62 and older), children, or household members with disabilities.

Applications will be evaluated based on several factors, including:

Location: Priority will be given to residents in counties designated as “most impacted and distressed,” which includes the majority of Western NC counties affected by Helene.
Income: Households below their area's median income will receive priority.
Needs: Households with members under 18, over 62, or individuals with disabilities will be prioritized.
Status of Repairs: Whether home repairs are completed or still needed will also be a factor.
The application process is designed to be accessible. Homeowners can apply through:

Online Portal: Visit www.renewnc.org
Phone: Call a case manager at 1-888-791-0207
Mobile App: Download the Renew NC app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

In-person: Visit one of three office locations in Western North Carolina (open 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Mon-Sat).
When applying, be prepared to provide essential documents such as valid photo ID, proof of citizenship or permanent residency, income documentation for all adult household members, proof of insurance, proof of property ownership, and documentation of primary residence. You will also need to provide evidence of damage, such as insurance claims, FEMA award letters, or photos.

State officials intend to keep applications for single-family housing open through the end of 2025. It's important to note that at this time, applications are only open for single-family homes. Separate programs for multi-family and workforce housing will be launched "later this year."

The Renew NC programs are funded through a Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), with $807 million specifically allocated to the Single-Family Housing Program.

For more information and to check your eligibility, visit www.renewnc.org or call 1-888-791-0207. You can also reach Renew NC officials by email at HeleneRecovery@RenewNC.org. The launch of the Renew NC Housing program is a beacon of hope for Western North Carolina, promising to help families rebuild their lives and communities stronger than before.