About the project
Where do I go for housing repairs? How do I find trusted information about the recovery process? Where can I offer support? This digital guide serves to address some of the most pressing and frequently asked questions from people living in Western NC about recovery and rebuilding in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The guide is produced by NC Local, a statewide news hub that launched in early 2025 to help people across the state understand the impact of statewide issues and how state-level decisions shape their lives. The hub provided support, resources and original reporting in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, working in partnership with news and information providers in Western NC. NC Local will continue to follow how state-level decisions about recovery and relief shape the region.
This project brings together a diverse group of local news, nonprofits and community organizations to distribute vital information about housing to residents across the region.
Questions? Contact NC Local at catherine@nclocal.org.
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What information do you need?
The guide is divided into three distinct areas: Temporary and Emergency Housing, Home Repair, and Support and Volunteering. Once you navigate to a section, you will find information specific to renters or homeowners, along with general information and county-specific guides.
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Translation by AI. Traducción por AI.
I need housing…
This section answers questions around emergency, temporary and transitional housing. You can find information on leases and mortgages, what to do if you have been evicted and more.
I need home repair…
This section answers questions for renters and homeowners. It provides information on insurance issues, how to find a qualified contractor, do-it-yourself home repair, zoning laws and more.
I want to help…
This section highlights vetted organizations and donation sites where you can support your neighbors and volunteer your time.
The information in this guide is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Please consult with an attorney regarding your specific legal situation.
A Collaborative Approach
NC Local is working with news and community organizations to answer community questions, review and vet resources, and promote this project to broaden its reach to residents in Western North Carolina.
WNC Housing News
Sylva warehouse — community hub during Helene — expanding for future aid, disasters
When Helene hit, many groups and individuals stepped up to provide crucial resources. Six months later, many of those groups are still active and redefining their roles in the community. Read more
Trump axed a rule designed to spare taxpayers the burden of future flooding
The change may speed up flood recovery, but it will leave communities — and taxpayers — facing the same problems over and over again.
Read more
A seis meses de Helene, estos son los recursos de ayuda que aún pueden accederse
En esta nota recopilamos los recursos de ayuda a los que todavía pueden acceder las personas afectadas por el huracán Helene en el oeste de Carolina del Norte, medio año después del desastre.
Leer mas
Asheville City Council OKs plan for $225M in disaster recovery funds
Asheville City Council approved, 7-0, a final plan on how to spend $225 million in disaster recovery funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) at its April 8 meeting.
Read more
Watch: BPR’s hurricane response featured at Knight Media Forum
The panel, moderated by NC Local‘s Shannan Bowen, featured news and information providers from North Carolina following Hurricane Helene. Read more
What questions do you have?
We realize that the housing situation in Western North Carolina continues to evolve. As emergency housing issues are addressed, our community will need to look at long-term housing solutions.
Do you have a question that wasn’t addressed by the Guide? Perhaps you have a solution you want to share, or know of an organization or resource we missed. Share them with us.
Our team
Shannan Bowen
executive director
nc local news workshop
Catherine Komp
editor
nc local newsletter
Chris Rudisill
Project Director
charlotte journalism collaborative
Jessica Wakeman
journalist
Sara Murphy
Journalist
Stella Mackler
CJC INTERN
Partners:
