Topics Related to Individuals and Families

Individuals or local governments that own an airport can apply for funding to support infrastructure recovery projects or improve capacity for emergency preparedness. Airports must be either currently in operation or have been operational before Helene but not operating now due to damage caused by the storm.  

Grants will be limited to a maximum of $5 million for a single recipient. Total grants will be limited to two for a single county.

Projects can be 100% funded with no cost share and paid on a reimbursement basis. Grant administration costs are not eligible.  

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.

This listing of cold weather resources is offered as shared by United Way’s 211.org and Faith 360. Find your county to review available resources in the following categories:

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.

Dam owners can apply for grant funding to repair, modify, or remove an eligible dam to meet applicable North Carolina dam safety standards. The deadline to submit an application for the Dam Safety Grant Program (Round Two) is June 19 (no later than 5 PM).