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 supports residents whose homes were damaged by Hurricane Helene, providing options for rehabilitation, reconstruction, replacement, or reimbursement.
Governor Josh Stein urged eligible residents to act before the end of the month. “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 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 program is managed by the N.C. Department of Commerce’s Division of Community Revitalization (DCR). Since its launch in June, more than 6,000 applications have been received. Five construction projects have been completed so far—two mobile home replacements in Mill Springs and three home rehabilitations in Fairview, Fletcher, and Hendersonville—with additional projects underway in locations such as Black Mountain 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.”
To reach more applicants ahead of the deadline, Renew NC expanded neighborhood canvassing teams last month and increased call center support for a large-scale door-knocking campaign beginning in early November. Many team members are local residents who also experienced damage from Hurricane Helene.
The SFHP prioritizes low- to moderate-income families with seniors over age 62, children under 18, or disabled household members. It serves homeowners across 28 counties in western North Carolina plus one ZIP code (28214) in Mecklenburg County.
Even those who have already received aid from FEMA or insurance policies remain eligible if they still have unmet housing recovery needs after other sources are exhausted.
Once applications close at the end of December 2025, Renew NC will focus on reviewing submissions and moving eligible homeowners forward with repairs or rebuilding.
As of December 1st: there are 68 signed grant agreements; contractors assigned to 63 projects; Notices to Proceed issued for 13 projects; eight currently under construction; five completed; and three reconstructions expected 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, Renew NC is committed to helping families rebuild stronger after Helene.”
Since mid-June Renew NC has partnered with local governments and community organizations throughout western North Carolina.
In-person assistance—in English or Spanish—is available at intake centers located in Asheville, Boone, Marion (open Monday through Saturday), along with more than a dozen other sites throughout the region with varying hours each week.
Homeowners interested in learning more about eligibility or seeking help may visit RenewNC.org for details on locations and hours; call (888) 791-0207; download the Renew NC app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store; or find further information at CommerceRecovery.nc.gov.
Funding comes from a $1.4 billion allocation via Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery funds from HUD—of which $807 million supports this housing program.
