News

Deadline is Dec. 31 to apply for Renew NC grants

By Lightning Reports, Published: October 27, 2025

The deadline is Dec. 31 to apply for grants through Renew NC, a state program offering free assistance with home repair and rebuilding for those affected by Hurricane Helene and one of the last chances for homeowners who are still struggling with home damage and loss a year after the storm.

“Too many of our neighbors are still living in unsafe or temporary housing after Helene,” said Julia Horrocks, managing attorney at Pisgah Legal Services. “The Renew NC Single-Family Housing Program offers real help for homeowners and will also have a long-term impact on our communities. When homes are repaired and rebuilt, families have safe, stable housing, local contractors are paid for their work, and property taxes flow back into our counties.” 
Although it is not affiliated with Renew NC, Pisgah Legal provides disaster-related legal assistance, including help with Renew NC applications, and recognizes how vital this program is for many across the region. WNC residents may qualify if they meet eligibility criteria, including:

• Owned the damaged home on Sept. 27, 2025, and still own it (includes both stick-built homes and mobile homes)
• Proof of primary residence
• Low-to-moderate income
• Damaged property is in one of the 29 identified Helene-impacted counties
• U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents are eligible

Pisgah Legal staff and trained volunteers are available to help individuals complete their Renew NC applications and connect clients with other possible disaster recovery resources. In addition, Pisgah Legal provides free legal assistance with disaster-related issues, such as debt, mortgage issues, help for tenants impacted by Helene, FEMA appeals, insurance and contractor problems, and fraud and scams.
 
“We’ve seen some homeowners hesitate to apply to Renew NC because they are unsure if the program is a scam or actually real,” Horrocks said. “This is a genuine opportunity to rebuild and recover. A Renew NC grant may not be right for every WNC homeowner facing home damage from Helene. However, we encourage everyone to explore this option as soon as possible if they are still struggling to rebuild.”

 
Residents can learn more and apply online at renewnc.org, by calling 1-888-791-0207 or visiting a local Renew NC intake center. WNC residents can apply for free legal assistance and help with Renew NC applications at Pisgah Legal Services anytime online or by calling 828-253-0406. For additional resources visit pisgahlegal.org/helene.