Governor Josh Stein visited Saluda to observe the work of the Housing Assistance Corporation, a nonprofit organization focused on repairing homes in western North Carolina. The visit highlighted ongoing recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene, which left many families without safe housing.
In October, the Housing Assistance Corporation received a $300,000 grant to repair at least 20 homes in Polk, Henderson, and Transylvania counties. This funding is part of a broader state initiative supporting volunteer organizations involved in housing repair and replacement activities across the region.
“After Hurricane Helene, too many families across western North Carolina were left without a safe place to call home,” said Governor Josh Stein. “This grant program funded by the General Assembly is empowering nonprofits like the Housing Assistance Corporation to work alongside their neighbors to restore their homes. We are not letting up on the work of rebuilding.”
Margaret Fenton Lebeck, Chief Executive Officer of the Housing Assistance Corporation, stated: “As a local housing nonprofit serving three WNC counties, we decided after Hurricane Helene to launch a new disaster recovery team to accompany the community through this chapter. North Carolina’s grant allows us to have an even greater impact – helping more families return home.”
In 2025, over $16 million in grants were distributed by Governor Stein’s office to nonprofit volunteer organizations engaged in housing repair and replacement efforts in western North Carolina. These funds support essential repairs such as roofs, septic systems, and electrical wiring.
Volunteer organizations could apply for these grants if they were active in Federal Disaster Declaration areas affected by Hurricane Helene. The funding was authorized through S.L. 2025-2, signed into law by Governor Stein on March 19, 2025. Recently, an additional $18 million was allocated for this program and a new notice of funding opportunity has been released.
Governor Stein also announced nearly $50 million last month for local governments to address storm-damaged infrastructure and $500,000 in winterization grants for two nonprofits working on housing projects in western North Carolina.
The VORG grants supplement Renew NC—a state homebuilding and renovation program led by the Division of Community Revitalization within the Department of Commerce—which has received over 7,000 applications for single-family homes. The application deadline has been extended until January 31, 2025. Last month saw the launch of Renew NC’s Small Rental Rehabilitation Program.
Homeowners can access assistance at Renew NC intake centers located in Asheville, Boone, and Marion from Monday through Saturday between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., with additional locations operating throughout western North Carolina.
For more information about Renew NC’s Single-Family Housing Program or eligibility requirements, homeowners can visit RenewNC.org or call (888) 791-0207. An app is available on both Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Further details about administration are provided at CommerceRecovery.nc.gov.
The Office of the Governor of North Carolina dates back to 1776 as its oldest public office and manages operations within the state including enforcing laws and overseeing budgets (official website). As chief executive officer (official website), it leads statewide policy initiatives such as these disaster recovery programs.
