The catastrophic effects of Hurricane Helene on western North Carolina on September 27, 2024 are unimaginable.
It has been reported damages exceed $53 billion across the 29 western counties of our state…126,000 homes have been damaged…there were 1400 landslides…1000 bridges will need to be rebuilt…160 water systems will need to be repaired or replaced…and 6000 miles of roads will need to be reconstructed. Complete towns were destroyed…the rebuilding process is going to take years for many of these communities.
We are so appreciative of all the ways our members stepped up to help provide immediate relief and supplies for impacted communities…making financial contributions…and providing general labor to help with clean-up efforts.
Mission and faith groups remain in place focused on general recovery and clean up. Current emphasis is helping people get in some form of housing to get through the winter, including RVs and trailers. Assessments of homes and buildings will continue to occur throughout the winter with most rebuilding efforts starting in the spring.
Rebuilding Volunteers
As an industry, we know this is going to be a lengthy process ahead for these communities to rebuild. Volunteers, both skilled and non-skilled labor, will be needed to help with these efforts. Jim Sandknop has volunteered to coordinate rebuilding teams for our association. Several builders have committed to lead teams. We will be working with established groups in communities to identify rebuilding opportunities, especially those with the greatest needs.
If you would like to volunteer to help when these opportunities become available, please sign up below. We will send information with proposed rebuilding dates and the scope of work to be accomplished. Most trips will be 2-3 days with accommodations provided.
NCHBA Hurricane Recovery Fund
The North Carolina Home Builders Association initiated a Hurricane Recovery fund with an initial $100,000 contribution. These funds are being used to help industry members across western NC as they start the process of rebuilding their businesses. The Greensboro Builders Association contributed $5,000 to this fund. Contributions have exceeded $340,000 to date.
You can make a donation by clicking this link or send a check payable to the NCHBA Educational and Charitable Foundation – mail to 5580 Centerview Drive, Suite 415, Raleigh, NC 27606.
Applications for Recovery Grants are can be found on the NCHBA Hurricane Helene Recovery page. Grants are being reviewed and allocated weekly ranging from $1,000 – $5,000.
NCHBA also partnered with the Raleigh-based US Veterans Corps to assist with relief efforts in western NC. The US Veterans Corps has been traveling back and forth to communities affected by Hurricane Helene to deliver supplies, prepare meals and more since day one. NCHBA committed $25,000 to assist with their travel expenses.
Donations of Supplies
Special thanks to MI-BOX Mobile Storage for providing a storage unit at our office…and to all the members who dropped off donations. Supplies were distributed to communities with the greatest needs.
Watch for additional information and updates on recovery initiatives on this page and in Member News emails.