The state of North Carolina opened applications this week for a new assistance program for homeowners damaged by the Hurricane Helene.
Is Renew NC Single-Family Housing , a federally funded initiative that offers repairs, total reconstruction, mobile home replacement, and reimbursements in some cases.
The program has $807 million in funding from a federal disaster recovery grant. Those who were owners and primary residents of their homes at the time of the hurricane and remain so are eligible to apply.
The property must be located in one of the 27 counties included, including Buncombe, one of the hardest hit. Furthermore, the work will be coordinated by the program: beneficiaries will not be able to choose their own contractors or hire contractors.
According to the North Carolina government, the program is specifically aimed at people who were unable to access or complete their repairs. through prior federal aid.
Requirements and priorities
The program accepts applications only from U.S. citizens. Priority will be given to households with individuals over 62, individuals under 18, or individuals with disabilities. Income level will also be assessed: applicants must earn less than 120% of the area median income.
For a family of four, the maximum income can reach:
- $111,720 in Buncombe County
- $106,200 in Haywood
- $105,960 in Transylvania
- $91,680 in Ashe
Priority will also be given to those below 80% or 60% of the median income. However, other individuals who meet property and casualty requirements may also apply.
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Documentation and how to apply
Applicants must provide proof of citizenship, proof of income, proof of ownership, proof that the home was their primary residence, and evidence of damage. A permit may also be required. insurance information, disability or legal representation, if applicable.
Applications can be made:
- Online: www.renewnc.org
- By phone: 1-888-791-0207
- In person, at any of the designated resource centers, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.:
- Asheville : 94 Coxe Avenue
- Boone : 379 New Market Boulevard, Suite 1
- Marion : 364 US Highway 70, Suite 3
A program addressing an urgent need
More than 126 homes were damaged by Hurricane Helene in the western north carolina., according to official estimates. In addition, nearly 12 people were left without a stable place to live.
The launch of Renew NC represents the largest investment to date in the home repair effort in the region devastated by Hurricane Helene.
The money comes from federal CDBG-DR (Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery) funds, distributed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
North Carolina received a total of $1.4 billion in funding to address the aftermath of the hurricane. Of that money, more than $800 million was allocated to Renew NC, and additional programs for multifamily housing, infrastructure, and other projects are expected to be launched in the coming months. economic development in the affected areas.
“The Renew NC Housing program is an important milestone for Hurricane Helene survivors and the recovery of the western part of the state,” said Lee Lilley, North Carolina Secretary of Commerce, in the official release announcing the program.
In which counties can you apply and how can I get help?
Homeowners must live in a damaged home located in one of the following counties to be eligible:
Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg (ZIP code 28214 only), Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Surry, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, Yadkin and Yancey.
For more information, interested parties can consult the program website Renew NC Single-Family Housing or call 1-888-791-0207.
PODCAST
After the storm
A year ago, Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina. The Latino community responded with something stronger than the storm: solidarity.
🎧 In this episode, learn how Latino organizations transformed crisis into resilience.
▶️Press play to listen!
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