The Disaster Mitigation Program reduces heightened wildfire risk in communities impacted by Hurricane Helene by providing wildfire risk reduction treatments at no cost to eligible private and public landowners in 39 federally declared disaster counties, designated as of Dec. 18, 2024, under FEMA Disaster 4827: North Carolina Tropical Storm Helene.
Topics Related to Individuals and Families
Find a list of wildfire mitigation and preparation resources offered by the North Carolina Forest Service.
Find a list of wildfire readiness tips offered by ReadyNC, the official North Carolina Emergency Management website and mobile app designed to help residents and visitors prepare for, stay informed about, and recover from disasters.
Very-low-income and low-income homeowners are eligible to apply for support for home repair through the USDA Single-Family Housing Rural Disaster Home Repair Grant Program. Homes must be owner-occupied and located within an eligible rural area. The maximum grant award is $32,420. Grant recipients must certify there is no duplication of benefits with other funding or awards. Contact a USDA home loan specialist in your area.
The Renew NC Small Rental Rehabilitation Program helps eligible rental property owners (landlords) repair, reconstruct, or replace small rental properties (1–4 units) damaged by Hurricane Helene.
If you have a creek, stream, or river on your property that needs cleaning up, you may request help from MountainTrue.
Visit the MountainTrue website or call 828-617-0829.
MountainTrue is a community-powered nonprofit working across the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains to protect forests, safeguard clean water, and build healthier communities. They clean up litter, trash, tires, and smaller man-made debris that can be removed by hand. They will not address trees, logs, natural vegetation, or large objects that require heavy equipment to move.
This booklet was created for schools, families, and communities in western North Carolina recovering from Hurricane Helene. This guide is meant to be practical, easy to share, and accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds.
You can use this booklet to:
The Energy Savers Network serves income-qualified Duke Energy clients with FREE energy-efficiency upgrades — weatherization, HVAC heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, insulation — and home repairs with the help of our dedicated volunteers, and funding from Duke Energy, grants, and private donations. Learn more and apply for energy savings.
Residents can use Manna’s Food Finder Map to view hours, locations and information for food pantries, meal programs, and distribution partners. The map is available in English, Spanish and Ukrainian. Help can also be accessed through the Food Helpline by calling 800-820-1109.
The MANNA Partner Network of more than 220 nonprofit pantries, meal sites, and other community-based organizations helps neighbors access free food across 16 western North Carolina counties including the Qualla Boundary.
Charitable organizations across western North Carolina have year-round access to an inventory of tools and equipment from the Charlotte ToolBank. Borrowing ToolBank tools is inexpensive, convenient and fully functional, intended to improve community engagement and achieve greater impact.