Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts in North Carolina Advance as Aid Programs Gain Momentum

by Galen Bacharier

Relief initiatives for Hurricane Helene victims in North Carolina are making significant headway as multiple aid programs navigate essential bureaucratic challenges. Nearly a year after the devastating storm, thousands of residents in the mountainous regions are eagerly awaiting assistance for their homes and farms.

State-Funded Crop Reimbursement Program Makes Progress

A newly established fund aimed at compensating farmers for lost crops has already accrued over 7,000 applications. Moreover, the Renew NC program, which focuses on home rebuilding and repairs, is on the verge of securing necessary funding following a critical agreement with federal authorities.

State legislators initiated the crop reimbursement program as part of a March aid bill, allocating $300 million to cover losses incurred by farmers due to the storm. Notably, two-thirds of these funds are designated for farms heavily impacted by Helene, while the remainder addresses losses from other storms in 2024.

Application Process and Expected Timelines

With applications for the program closing in May, the Department of Agriculture reported receiving approximately 7,500 applications after accounting for duplicates and incomplete submissions, according to assistant commissioner Kaleb Rathbone, who addressed the governor’s committee on western recovery.

Officials are in the process of validating these applications, and reimbursement for losses will be calculated based on a state law-dictated formula. Payments are anticipated to commence in mid-summer.

“Our aim is to ensure that no one is overlooked in this process,” stated Rathbone. “We can’t distribute funds until we thoroughly review and verify all applications.”

It’s worth noting that of the total applications, around 6,400 pertain to damages from storms other than Helene. Approximately 1,100 applications are linked specifically to Helene, with around 500 addressing infrastructure damage on farms.

Renew NC Program Opens Applications for Home Repairs

Applications for the state’s primary home restoration initiative, Renew NC, remain open until the end of the year. While some home repairs in western North Carolina have started—funded through a mix of private resources, FEMA assistance, and philanthropic contributions—Renew NC stands as the state’s most significant effort aimed at aiding low-income families in rebuilding their homes.

Currently, only single-family housing applications are being accepted. The state has received 920 applications so far, according to Matt Calabria, the director of the governor’s recovery office. Of these, around 350 applications have been approved and will progress to scheduled inspections.

Federal Funding Agreement Paves the Way for Future Aid

While state officials have yet to access the anticipated $1.4 billion in federal grant funds earmarked for the Renew NC program, a recent agreement with federal representatives marks a decisive step toward unlocking these funds. Additional requirements, such as environmental reviews, must still be satisfied before the financial aid becomes available.

Calabria expressed optimism about the future, stating, “We are on the cusp of significant progress in getting the necessary work done.”

As North Carolina continues to work toward recovery from Hurricane Helene’s damaging effects, these evolving aid programs offer a beacon of hope for many affected residents striving to rebuild their lives and livelihoods.