In a heartwarming development for the Asheville community, Governor Josh Stein presented Velma Chapman with the keys to her newly constructed home. This gesture marks a significant milestone for Chapman, who lost her previous residence of 28 years to Hurricane Helene. The initiative was made possible through Renew NC‘s Single-Family Housing Program.
Governor Stein emphasized the impact of the program, stating, “Through Renew NC’s work and our partnership with volunteer organizations, we have repaired and rebuilt more than 1,000 homes for western North Carolinians. Each completed home represents the start of a new chapter in someone’s life, and we’re proud to be part of homecoming stories like Ms. Chapman’s.”
Stephanie McGarrah, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Commerce’s Division of Community Revitalization (DCR), highlighted the significance of the day’s events, noting, “Today is about Ms. Chapman and the joy of seeing her walk through the door of a safe, secure place she can call home.” With nearly 400 additional homes in pre-construction under the Renew NC Single-Family Housing Program, she anticipates many more celebratory moments in the near future.
The Renew NC program, under the administration of the DCR, focuses on home repairs, replacements, and reconstructions across western North Carolina. Efforts have resulted in the completion of 89 single-family homes, with 71 currently under construction and over 390 applications in the pre-construction phase. The program collaborates with the state, community partners, and contractors to provide temporary relocation assistance to applicants.
Recent Initiatives and Developments
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Signing a State Budget:
Governor Stein recently signed Senate Bill 257, enacting North Carolina’s first complete state budget in over two years. This budget allocates more than $700 million for Hurricane Helene recovery efforts, including temporary housing assistance.
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Calling for Federal Support:
In June, Governor Stein visited Washington, DC, to advocate for an additional $10 billion in federal funding to aid housing reconstruction, infrastructure enhancement, and small business support post-Hurricane Helene.
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Strengthening Infrastructure and Improving Resilience:
Renew NC announced a $55 million federal funding allocation to enhance local infrastructure resilience against natural hazards, with local government applications due by September 8, 2026.
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Supporting Families:
The Multi-Family Construction and Repair Program, launched by Renew NC, offers $70 million to support affordable rental housing projects in western North Carolina, with funding applications open until November 2.
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Expanding Economic Opportunity:
The Commercial District Revitalization Program aims to rejuvenate economies by restoring jobs and commercial districts damaged by Hurricane Helene. Eligible local governments and nonprofits can apply by August 4, 2026, with details available on the commercerecovery.nc.gov website.
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