Matt Calabria

Learn about Governor Stein's Helene Phase Three Budget Recommendations: the next phase of Hurricane Helene recovery and support for western North Carolina’s families.

In March, 13 local projects in Ashe, Caldwell, Jackson, and Mitchell counties were awarded nearly $8.5 million in new infrastructure grants to support small business recovery in western North Carolina. Learn more in this April newsletter from GROW NC: mailchi.mp/nc/wnc-recover…

On Tuesday in West Jefferson, @nc_missions celebrated their first complete home rebuild following Hurricane Helene. Baptists on Mission received state funding through the Volunteer Organizations Active in Rebuilds Disaster Grant Program to help make projects like this possible.

After Hurricane Helene devastated western NC, organizations like Baptists on Mission were among the first on the ground helping repair and rebuild. Earlier this week, Baptists on Mission dedicated its first full Helene rebuild, thanks to funding from the General Assembly. These programs work, and that’s why I’ve included an additional $20 million in my third Helene Budget Request to partner with more nonprofit organizations to build more homes in WNC.

On March 6, NC DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson and GROW NC Director Matt Calabria traveled to Lady Marian Dam in McDowell County to highlight recent awards of $7.3 million to address high-risk dams damaged by Hurricane Helene.

Thank you to @Lowes for supporting western North Carolina recovery, providing $50,000 to advance the work of winterizing travel trailers and campers. Two local organizations will each receive a gift card for $25,000 for their winterization efforts. bit.ly/4quqHMA

February news from GROW NC: Find a booklet of resources offered at the Behavioral Health Education Forum at @appstate. Read about @Lowes support for winterization in WNC. Learn more about the seven newly appointed advisory committee members. And more: mailchi.mp/nc/wnc-recover…

January news: upcoming deadlines related to housing recovery, reimbursement for private road/bridge repair, and more. Learn about WNC regional recovery coordinators. Access local resilience trainings. Offer public input on the NC Rail Plan. And more! mailchi.mp/nc/wnc-recover…

I am grateful to Sens. Budd and Tillis, members of North Carolina’s Congressional delegation, and acting FEMA Administrator Evans for meeting with Sen. Corbin, Mayor Manheimer, and me today in Washington, D.C. and for their work to help western NC rebuild. 
 
I look forward to continuing to work in strong bipartisan partnership with leaders at every level to make sure western North Carolina is not forgotten.

Baptists on Mission was granted $2.5 million for its Helene Rebuild program through a state-funded grant for volunteer organizations active in home repair. To date, the organization has repaired more than 430 homes and has active rebuild centers across the region. @nc_missions

Important reminder! Western North Carolina homeowners have until Dec. 31, 2025, to apply for housing recovery assistance through the Renew NC Single-Family Housing Program (SFHP). More: commerce.nc.gov/news/press-rel… #HeleneRecovery #RenewNC

Governor Josh Stein, NCDHHS, and the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western NC (GROW NC) announce an additional investment to build on the success of the WNC Thrive initiative, one of many NCDHHS efforts to help children and families recover from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene. This announcement brings the total investment in additional resources for children, youth, and families in the 22 counties hit hardest by Helene, including free after-school, weekend, and summer camp programs, to a total of $3.75 million. Participants in the programs receive mental health support to help cope with post-disaster trauma. Learn more: ncdhhs.gov/press-releases

The @NCDEQ is providing up to $25 million in grants to support WNC communities in rebuilding and strengthening waste reduction and recycling systems following Helene. Local governments can apply for up to $5 million per project. No local match required. bit.ly/48oLZW0

One year ago, western NC was devastated by Helene's unprecedented damage, forever changing lives. We’re so thankful to first responders and volunteers for their contributions. As @NC_Governor said, recovery is a marathon, and we'll be with the people of WNC every step of the way.

We’re honored to be featured on the GROWNC Recovery Resources Hub for helping NC families with disaster-related legal issues. 💙 Thanks to @WNCRecovery & @NC_Governor for spreading the word! 🔗 wncrecovery.nc.gov/recovery-resou…

This is a huge milestone for western NC! Let’s keep swinging hammers and getting more families back into their homes.

The Renew NC Single-Family Housing Program is accepting applications to help eligible homeowners in western North Carolina repair or rebuild homes damaged by Hurricane Helene. There are 4 ways to apply. Visit renewnc.org for more information.

ICYMI: Intercity bus service has returned to Asheville less than a year after Hurricane Helene destroyed the original bus stop. The service once again reconnects Asheville to Charlotte, Raleigh and Greensboro and provides riders access to destinations across the U.S.

In April, thanks to the legislature, we announced a $55 million Small Business Infrastructure Grant Program to help Main Streets across western North Carolina rebuild their infrastructures so small businesses can thrive. Today, I’m proud to announce that the Town of Clyde is one of the first recipients of the grant! These funds will help restore sidewalks, curb appeal, and parking in downtown Clyde so businesses can welcome new and returning customers.

More than $48 million in state funding was directed to help students remain enrolled after Helene. Nearly half of those funds supported community college students. Thank you to @McDowellTechCC students for sharing their stories of impact: bit.ly/43WflsI