New Program Launched to Aid Hurricane Helene-Affected Rental Properties in Western North Carolina
The State of North Carolina is now accepting applications for a groundbreaking disaster recovery initiative aimed at rehabilitating small rental properties that were impacted by Hurricane Helene. Governor Josh Stein announced the launch of the Small Rental Rehabilitation Program, a key part of the Renew NC recovery effort, managed by the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Division of Community Revitalization.
According to Governor Stein, “Helene caused significant damage to rental homes in western North Carolina.” He expressed enthusiasm for the program, which is designed to create affordable rental units for families with low to moderate incomes who are still recovering from the hurricane.
The program specifically targets property owners with one to four rental units that suffered damage from Hurricane Helene. To qualify for assistance, property owners must commit to maintaining affordable rent levels for ten years following the completion of repairs.
North Carolina Department of Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley emphasized the program’s importance, stating, “Recovery housing must serve both homeowners and renters. The launch of this program is another important step in our western North Carolina housing recovery initiatives.” The program follows the rapid launch of the Single-Family Housing Program.
Stephanie McGarrah, Deputy Secretary of the Division of Community Revitalization, highlighted the urgent need for the program, mentioning, “This program will deliver critical relief for the rental housing supply in western North Carolina.”
The program is open to property owners in the following counties: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg (28214 ZIP code only), Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Surry, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, Yadkin, and Yancey.
For more details on eligibility and the application process, interested parties can visit www.renewnc.org, call 1-888-791-0207, or apply via the app. Assistance is available through various methods, including online and over the phone with a case manager.
This initiative is funded by a $1.4 billion Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), with $57.4 million specifically allocated to the Small Rental Rehabilitation Program.
North Carolina set a national precedent by being the first state to launch a home rebuilding and renovation program using HUD CDBG-DR funding shortly after Hurricane Helene struck. More information about the administration of the Renew NC programs can be found at the Division of Community Revitalization’s website at CommerceRecovery.nc.gov.
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