Governor Unveils Funding Initiative to Support Helene Recovery Efforts

North Carolina VOADs Receive $9 Million boost for Hurricane Helene Recovery

Published: 2025-10-06

Immediate Aid for Western North Carolina

Governor Josh Stein Recently announced substantial financial assistance for communities still recovering from the impacts of Hurricane Helene. Fourteen nonprofit organizations,designated as Volunteer Organizations active in Disasters (VOADs),will collectively receive more than $9 million in grants.

These funds are specifically earmarked for critical housing repair and reconstruction initiatives across Western North Carolina. The grants target areas that were included in the Federal Disaster Declaration following the storm.

Legislative Support and future Funding

The availability of these grants stems from the passage of S.L. 2025-2 by the North Carolina General Assembly. Recognizing the ongoing needs, legislators recently augmented support for these vital organizations with an additional $18 million. A forthcoming notice of funding opportunity will outline the process for accessing these supplemental awards.

progress Already Underway

Earlier this year, in January 2025, Governor Stein revealed an initial allocation of $6 million, distributed between Baptists on Mission and Habitat for Humanity. These organizations, leveraging state funding, have already successfully completed repairs on over 500 homes, demonstrating a rapid and effective response to the crisis.

Spotlight on Recipient Organizations

Operation Helo is among the nonprofits benefiting from this aid, securing $500,000 for its “Restoring Roots & Rebuilding Lives” program. This initiative will focus on repairing 20 to 30 homes in the Maiden area, directly impacting families in need.

The Western NC Conference of United Methodist Church has also been awarded $300,000. These resources will prioritize the repair and replacement of homes in the counties hardest hit by Hurricane Helene.

Did You Know? According to the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD), volunteer organizations play a crucial role in disaster recovery, often filling gaps where government assistance falls short.

Institution	Funding Amount	Focus Area
Baptists on Mission	$3 Million (part of $6M initial allocation)	Housing Repair
Habitat for humanity	$3 Million (part of $6M initial allocation)	Housing Repair
Operation Helo	$500,000	Maiden Area – 20-30 homes
western NC Conference of United Methodist Church	$300,000	Highest-Impacted Counties

What other support mechanisms do you think are most effective in post-disaster recovery efforts? How can communities better prepare for future natural disasters to minimize their impact?

Understanding VOADs and Disaster Relief

Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters (VOADs) are essential partners in responding to natural disasters. They operate at both the national and state levels, coordinating efforts between various nonprofits and government agencies. This collaboration ensures efficient resource allocation and avoids duplication of services.

the role of VOADs extends beyond immediate relief; they are involved in long-term recovery, including housing reconstruction, emotional support, and community rebuilding. Their impact is notably significant in vulnerable communities where resources are limited.

Pro Tip: If you are interested in supporting disaster relief efforts, consider donating to reputable organizations like those affiliated with NVOAD. Cash donations are often the most effective way to help, as they allow organizations to purchase needed supplies locally. Learn more at NVOAD.org.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hurricane Helene Recovery

share this story with your network to spread awareness about the recovery efforts in Western North Carolina. Leave a comment below with your thoughts on how we can better support disaster-affected communities.

What specific criteria will be used to determine eligibility for the $8 million in small business assistance?

Immediate Relief and Long-Term Rebuilding

Today, Governor Evelyn Reed announced a comprehensive $50 million funding initiative dedicated to supporting recovery efforts in communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. The funding, drawn from the state’s Emergency Relief Fund and supplemented by federal disaster assistance, will address immediate needs and facilitate long-term rebuilding projects. This declaration follows a week of damage assessments across coastal regions, revealing notable infrastructure damage and displacement of residents.

The Governor emphasized the state’s commitment to a swift and equitable recovery, stating, “We stand with the communities devastated by Helene. This funding is a critical first step in helping families rebuild thier lives and restoring our coastal areas.”

Breakdown of the $50 Million Fund

The funding will be allocated across several key areas:

* Emergency Shelter & Basic Needs ($15 Million): This portion will support temporary housing, food, water, and essential supplies for displaced residents. Partnerships with organizations like the Red Cross and local charities will be crucial in distribution.

* Infrastructure Repair ($20 Million): Focused on restoring critical infrastructure, including roads, bridges, power grids, and water systems. Prioritization will be given to areas with the most severe damage and those impacting essential services.

* Small Business Assistance ($8 Million): Grants and low-interest loans will be available to small businesses impacted by the hurricane, helping them to reopen and retain employees. This includes assistance with property damage, inventory loss, and operational costs.

* Mental Health Services ($5 Million): Recognizing the emotional toll of the disaster, this funding will expand access to mental health services for residents and first responders.

* Debris removal ($2 Million): Funding dedicated to the safe and efficient removal of debris, a crucial step in the recovery process.

Eligibility criteria & Request Process

Applications for assistance will be available online through the state’s disaster relief portal (disasterrelief.state.gov) starting October 10th, 2025. Eligibility requirements vary depending on the type of assistance sought.

* Individuals: Proof of residency in a declared disaster area, documentation of damages (photos, receipts), and identification will be required.

* Businesses: Proof of business registration, documentation of financial losses, and a detailed recovery plan will be necessary.

The state is establishing regional assistance centers to provide in-person support and guidance to applicants. Locations and hours of operation will be announced shortly. A dedicated hotline (1-800-RECOVER) will also be available to answer questions and provide assistance.

Long-Term Resilience & Mitigation Strategies

Beyond immediate relief, the Governor’s office announced a commitment to developing long-term resilience strategies to mitigate the impact of future storms. This includes:

1. Infrastructure Upgrades: Investing in more resilient infrastructure, such as elevating roads and strengthening power grids.
2. Coastal Restoration: Implementing coastal restoration projects,like dune rebuilding and wetland preservation,to provide natural buffers against storm surge.
3. Improved Early Warning Systems: Enhancing early warning systems and evacuation procedures to ensure residents have adequate time to prepare for future threats.
4. Community Planning: Working with local communities to develop comprehensive disaster preparedness plans.

Case Study: Lessons from Hurricane Iris (2017)

The state is drawing lessons from the recovery efforts following Hurricane Iris in 2017. A key takeaway from Iris was the importance of streamlined application processes and proactive dialog with affected communities. The disaster relief portal and regional assistance centers are direct responses to feedback received during the Iris recovery. Furthermore, the increased focus on mental health services reflects the long-term psychological impact observed in the aftermath of Iris.

Federal Disaster Assistance & Collaboration

The state is actively collaborating with FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) to secure additional federal disaster assistance. A joint assessment team is currently on the ground evaluating the extent of the damage and identifying unmet needs. Governor Reed has personally spoken with President Hayes, requesting a major disaster declaration to unlock further federal resources. this collaboration is vital for maximizing the resources available to support the recovery process. Details on FEMA assistance programs can be found at FEMA.gov.

Resources for Affected Residents & Businesses

* State Disaster Relief Portal: disasterrelief.state.gov

* Disaster Assistance Hotline: 1-800-RECOVER

* American Red cross: redcross.org

* Small Business Governance (SBA): sba.gov

* FEMA: fema.gov