Hurricane Helene-impacted communities can request to receive on-site economic recovery assistance through one- to two-day Resource Team visits that are tailored to meet communities’ unique needs. The Rural Economic Development Division of the NC Department of Commerce will provide ongoing assistance and direct support to help communities implement strategies identified during visits.
Topics Related to Local Governments
Local governments can access assistance with Hurricane Helene recovery through the UNC School of Government. Topics include Local Government Authority, Mutual Aid, Finance, Procurement, Utilities, Public Health, and Planning and Permitting.
Attend weekly trainings offered for first responders, health care workers, volunteers, and others who are looking for tools to support their friends, neighbors, and loved ones during this difficult time. This resource is offered by Resources for Resilience in partnership with Vaya Health.
The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) is a FEMA-funded program designed to reduce or eliminate future damages and loss following a disaster. HMGP can potentially help with mitigation methods such as structure elevation, structural reinforcement, and the buyout of damaged properties.
The Hurricane Helene Business Edge Fund offers $500,000 in grant funding for local workforce boards most impacted by the storm to help western North Carolina communities retain jobs and businesses. Workforce development boards in the region may apply for funding and then may provide grants of up to $10,000 each to eligible businesses and community-based organizations. To apply, businesses should contact their local workforce development board or NCWorks Career Center.
Golden LEAF is making resources available to organizations to support immediate relief for individuals and families, including repairing homes, addressing unmet needs, and helping with the transition out of FEMA-supported housing programs.
The US Economic Development Administration (EDA) FY 2025 Disaster Supplemental Grant Program makes approximately $1.45 billion in disaster recovery funding available to American communities nationwide that received major disaster declarations due to hurricanes, wildfires, severe storms and flooding, tornadoes, and other natural disasters occurring in calendar years 2023 and 2024.FY 2025 Disaster Supplemental Grant Program
Local governments in North Carolina located in areas impacted by Hurricane Helene can now apply for grants from the new Small Business Infrastructure Grant Program (SmBIZ), a $55 million fund designed to rebuild the damaged infrastructure that small businesses rely on to operate and thrive. Examples of qualifying projects include water, sewer, gas, telecommunications, high-speed broadband, electrical utility, sidewalk and curb infrastructure, and other repairs that remove barriers and restore or increase access to impacted small businesses.