Several nonprofit Volunteer Organizations in Disasters (VOADs) have received more than $9 million in grants for the repair, recovery, and reconstruction of areas devastated by Hurricane Helene.
The Category 4 storm hit the Florida coast in late September 2024, tearing a path through several states, including western North Carolina, which saw devastating floods claim the lives of 108 people.
Democratic Gov. Josh Stein said in a press release the people of North Carolina are fortunate to have so many volunteer organizations — 14 that are receiving funding — that have stepped up to help.
“Their tireless work is critical to our ongoing efforts to get western North Carolinians back in their homes,” Stein said.
Emergency Management Director Will Ray said the volunteer organization partners are part of the Emergency Response Team because of their unwavering support of the 10.8 million people who call North Carolina home, including the 3.5 million people who reside in the western region of the state.
“We appreciate the legislature helping to support the operations of these crucial partners in the recovery process,” Ray said.
The North Carolina Legislature made grants available through the passage of SL 2025-2 (HB 47), while recently adding $18 million in funding to the program to provide further support organizations actively involved in the ongoing recovery.
In January, Stein announced Baptists on Mission and Habitat for Humanity would receive $6 million in grants. The grants were used toward the completion of more than 500 homes.
Baptists on Mission was granted an additional $2.5 million through this round of funding for its Helene Rebuild program to complete a large number of projects across western North Carolina. Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity was granted $2 million for its Disaster Home Repairs for Hurricane Impacted Homeowners in Buncombe and Madison counties.
Also receiving funds in the latest round of grants are All Hands and Hearts, which received $435,000 to support its Resilient Repairs project in Buncombe and Haywood counties, aiming to restore critical home infrastructure, such as roofs, doors, windows, plumbing, sewer, and electrical systems for 25 to 30 vulnerable households annually.
Ashe County Recovery & Restoration has been granted $244,000 to repair and replace septic, roofing, and flooring in Ashe County. The Appalachian Service Project was granted $700,000 for the WNC Helene Recovery project for home repairs in Avery, Mitchell, and Yancey counties.
The Avery County Amy Wellness Foundation received $100,000 for repairs and to address urgent structural, electrical, plumbing, weatherproofing, and home access needs for 10 to 20 homes.
Camp Grier got $250,000 to repair 12 critically damaged homes in Old Fort. Fuller Center Disaster Rebuilders was awarded $700,000 to rebuild homes in Buncombe, McDowell, and Yancey counties, and to construct new homes in Black Mountain.
Transylvania Habitat for Humanity got $280,000 to elevate 10 flood-prone mobile homes near the Davidson and French Broad rivers. Henderson County Thermal Belt Habitat received $225,000 to complete eight essential home repairs in Henderson County.
The Housing Assistance Corporation was granted $300,000 to repair at least 20 homes in Henderson, Polk, and Transylvania counties. Operation Helo secured $500,000 to restore 20–30 homes in the Maiden area.
FUMC Waynesville received $850,000 to repair and replace homes in Waynesville, while Western NC Conference of United Methodist Church was awarded $300,000 to restore homes in the region’s hardest-hit counties.
