Homeowners Impacted By Helene Invited To Apply For Relief Program

Yesterday, Buncombe County released a new flash for the Renew NC Single-Family Housing program. This program will distribute $1.4 billion in federal disaster relief programs to low-to-moderate income families impacted by Hurricane Helene.  

How do I Apply? 

There are three ways homeowners can apply: 

• Online at www.renewnc.org. 

• In-person at the Helene Resource Center at 94 Coxe Avenue, Asheville, open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  

• By phone 888-791-0207. 

For more information, including Q&As, visit www.renewnc.org. 

You may qualify if: 

• You owned and occupied your property at the time of Hurricane Helene and still own the property. 

• The property was your primary residence at the time of Hurricane Helene and was damaged 

• The property is in one of the impacted counties: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg (only from zip code 28214), Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Surry, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, Yadkin, and Yancey.  

What is covered? 

The program will offer repairs, stick-built reconstruction, manufactured home replacement, and reimbursement. The program will manage and complete construction on behalf of eligible and awarded homeowners. Homeowners may not select their contractors and will not contract directly with their selected builders. Additionally, the program will reimburse homeowners for repairs made to their homes, provided certain conditions are met. 

What you need to apply: 

• Valid Photo ID/Proof of Citizenship 

• Income Documentation 

• Proof of Insurance for Damaged Property (if applicable) 

• Proof of Ownership 

• Proof of Primary Residence 

• Proof of Disability (if applicable) 

• Power of Attorney/Communication Designee (if applicable) 

• Proof of Damage/Benefit Information 

• Other Documentation as Required 

Priority will be given to those with incomes below 60%, 60-80%, and over 120% of area median income, and at least one of the following: 

• Households with seniors ages 62 and older. 

• Households with children under 18 years old. 

• Households with individuals with disabilities. 

• Homeowners not in this priority group are still encouraged to apply.