Renew NC is reminding homeowners in western North Carolina that the deadline to apply for assistance through its Single-Family Housing Program (SFHP) is December 31, 2025. The program, which aims to help those affected by Hurricane Helene, is making efforts to reach potential applicants before the application period ends.
“Renew NC wants to help as many western North Carolina homeowners recover from Hurricane Helene as possible – but folks need to raise their hand so we can get it done,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Please spread the word so your family, friends, and neighbors know Renew NC may be an option to help them repair, reconstruct, or even replace their storm-damaged homes and get their application in this month.”
The SFHP is managed by the N.C. Department of Commerce’s Division of Community Revitalization (DCR). It provides support for rehabilitation, reconstruction, replacement, or reimbursement for homes damaged by Hurricane Helene. Since launching in June, Renew NC has received over 6,000 applications. Five home projects have been completed with more underway in locations such as Black Mountain, Hendersonville, and Gastonia.
“Every completed home represents a family who can rebuild their lives and a community that can heal,” said North Carolina Department of Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “Renew NC has knocked doors, made calls, and hosted countless sessions with Helene survivors to get them in our program, and we want to make sure no family that can be served is left behind.”
Last month saw an expansion of neighborhood canvassing teams and additional call center staff added to support outreach efforts. Local residents who experienced Hurricane Helene are involved in these campaigns aimed at helping their communities recover.
The program prioritizes low- to moderate-income families with seniors aged 62 or older, children under 18 years old, or disabled household members. Homeowners from 28 counties and one ZIP code in western North Carolina are eligible: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg (28214), Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Surry, Swain, Transylvania,Watauga,W ilkes,Yadkin,and Yancey.
Homeowners who have already received aid related to Hurricane Helene from FEMA or insurance policies may still qualify for assistance from Renew NC if there are unmet needs after other sources of aid have been exhausted.
Once the application window closes at the end of December 2025,R enew NC will focus on reviewing applications,budget assessment,and advancing eligible cases toward construction phases.
As of December 1,the program reports having signed 68 grant agreements with homeowners;63 projects assigned to contractors;13 issued Notices to Proceed;and eight currently under construction.Five projects have been finished,two involving mobile home replacements in Mill Springs,and three home rehabilitations in Fairview,Fletcher,and Hendersonville.Another three reconstruction projects are expected to finish by mid-to-late December.
“Our priority is to make sure every eligible homeowner knows help is available – and that applying is simple , accessible , and supported every step of the way,” said DCR Deputy Secretary Stephanie McGarrah.“From our intake centers to our door-to-door teams,R enew NC is committed to helping families rebuild stronger after Helene.”
Since June,R enew NC has worked with local governments,recovery groups,and community organizations throughout western North Carolina,to ensure access for those impacted by Hurricane Helene.Homeowners can seek assistance at intake centers located in Asheville,B oone,and Marion.Open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m.to 6 p.m.,case managers offer services in English or Spanish.More than a dozen additional locations operate across the region with varying hours.
Information about eligibility and how to apply can be found at RenewNC.org ,by calling (888)791-0207 ,or visiting an intake center.The Renew NC app is also available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store .
Funding for these programs comes from a Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) provided by the U.S.Department of Housing and Urban Development .Of $1.4 billion allocated for recovery needs,$807 million supports the Single-Family Housing Program.More information about program administration can be found on the Division of Community Revitalization’s website at https://CommerceRecovery.nc.gov .
