New Home Marks Milestone in Recovery Efforts After Hurricane Helene
In a heartening moment for western North Carolina, Governor Josh Stein presented Dennis Fultz with the keys to a brand-new home, a significant step forward in recovery efforts following the devastation of Hurricane Helene. Fultz, who had lost his home of a decade to the hurricane, now has a secure residence, thanks to the Renew NC Single-Family Housing Program.
Governor Stein highlighted the importance of providing safe and affordable housing as a cornerstone of long-term recovery. “Getting families back into safe housing that they can afford is essential to long-term recovery,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Through Renew NC and with our volunteer partners, we’ve repaired or rebuilt 1,250 homes like Mr. Fultz’s. There’s still so much more we must do to support our neighbors who are recovering from Hurricane Helene, and we need more federal support to keep bringing western North Carolinians back home.”
Two years after Hurricane Helene hit, Stein continues to advocate for a $10 billion aid package from Congress to support recovery, including $3 billion dedicated to housing restoration from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Stephanie McGarrah, Deputy Secretary of the Division of Community Revitalization, noted, “At Renew NC, we’re seeing month-to-month growth as we’re moving more homeowners through review and into pre-construction. We know families impacted by Helene need homes, and we’re focused on getting them into safe, resilient homes as quickly as possible.”
Progress and Initiatives in Housing Recovery
Under Stein’s leadership, over 1,250 homes have been rebuilt through Renew NC’s efforts, supported by the Department of Commerce’s Division of Community Revitalization (DCR). The Single-Family Housing Program has completed more than 150 homes, with another 167 under construction and over 600 in pre-construction. North Carolina’s rapid establishment of its HUD-supported program has set a benchmark for other states impacted by the hurricane.
In August, Stein announced ten new large, multi-family projects to create 828 new rental units, marking the largest single expansion of affordable housing in the affected areas’ history. This initiative aims to provide resilient rental housing in western North Carolina.
- Signing a State Budget: The state budget signed by Governor Stein allocates over $700 million for Hurricane Helene recovery, including funding for temporary housing assistance. To date, more than $3 billion has been allocated for recovery efforts.
- Strengthening Infrastructure and Resilience: Renew NC launched a funding program to allocate $55 million for infrastructure improvements in western North Carolina, with applications closing in September 2026.
- Supporting Families: The Multi-Family Construction and Repair Program makes $70 million available for affordable rental housing, with applications open until November 2.
- Building More Workforce Housing: The Workforce Housing for Ownership Program offers $53 million to develop housing for homeownership in 16 HUD-Identified counties, with applications closing December 13, 2026.
- Expanding Economic Opportunity: The Commercial District Revitalization Program aims to revitalize economies and restore jobs in hurricane-affected areas, with applications having closed in August 2026.
Governor Stein remains steadfast in his commitment to restoring western North Carolina. As of July, the Department of Environmental Quality has dedicated $1 billion to enhance water infrastructure, with 99% of systems restored. However, unmet needs totaling $758 million remain for full recovery. Additionally, over $105 million has been disbursed to small businesses to safeguard nearly 15,000 jobs. Click here to read more about ongoing recovery efforts.
Governor Stein urges federal commitment to the region’s recovery with a $10 billion request, including $3 billion from HUD for housing restoration. Click here to read more about Governor Stein’s federal request.
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