Asheville, NC, September 8, 2025
News Summary
United Way of North Carolina has announced the allocation of $4 million in grants to aid families affected by Tropical Storm Helene in Western North Carolina. The funds will focus on enhancing housing stability for the ALICE population, providing resources through the UW Helps NC Fund and the new Grace in Action Fund. Local organizations are encouraged to collaborate in recovery efforts, aiming for long-term stability and support for impacted families, including those in the tourism and service industries.
Asheville, NC – United Way of North Carolina has allocated $4 million in grants to support organizations assisting families in Western North Carolina affected by Tropical Storm Helene. This funding aims to enhance housing stability for individuals and families who have been grappling with the storm’s aftermath.
The funds will be distributed through the UW Helps NC Fund, which is specifically designed to support housing stabilization. Priority will be given to the ALICE population (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed)—those who are employed but struggle with limited income and assets. The funding must be utilized from September 1, 2025, to September 1, 2026, ensuring that assistance can be provided over a significant period.
The UW Helps NC Fund was initially created to bolster recovery after natural disasters throughout the state, and this year it has been reopened to address the urgent needs following Tropical Storm Helene. United Way of North Carolina expressed gratitude to the numerous agencies that applied for support, recognizing that the competitive application process was due to the limited resources available.
Local United Ways have been prioritized for this funding, and communities without a United Way office have been encouraged to collaborate with local nonprofits, faith groups, and government entities to ensure a broad approach to recovery efforts. This strategy is intended to create a united front in reinforcing the resilience of communities impacted by the storm.
In addition to the UW Helps NC Fund, the Grace in Action Fund has been established by Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church in partnership with the Land of the Sky Association of REALTORS. This initiative focuses on providing long-term housing stability for families impacted by Hurricane Helene. Grace Covenant Church has been notably active in recovery efforts, having contributed $5.5 million in rent support, utility assistance, and provision of free meals since the hurricane occurred.
Given the continued demand for housing assistance, the church has acknowledged that their current funding sources are exhausted. Consequently, they are actively seeking community support to further bolster their efforts. The Grace in Action Fund is tailored to transition households from emergency relief interventions to sustained recovery measures. Assistance efforts will specifically target workers in the tourism and service industries, families dealing with storm damage, as well as seniors and caregivers facing mounting utility costs, and individuals at risk of displacement.
Community members seeking assistance can either reach out directly to Grace Covenant or attend designated support times to learn more about available resources. Personal stories from community members reveal the tangible benefits of these recovery initiatives. For instance, one resident highlighted the positive impact of Grace Covenant’s support during his recovery process, illustrating the broader theme of community connection and collective action during challenging times.
This concerted effort reflects not only a response to immediate needs following Tropical Storm Helene but also a commitment to fostering resilience and stability within the community. With ongoing support from local organizations and community members, families in Western North Carolina are working towards rebuilding their lives and ensuring long-term housing stability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is eligible for the funding?
Eligibility for funding is prioritized for the ALICE population, including employed individuals with limited income and assets.
How long must the funds be utilized?
The funds must be utilized between September 1, 2025, and September 1, 2026.
What is the Grace in Action Fund?
The Grace in Action Fund aims to provide long-term housing stability for families affected by Hurricane Helene, focusing on transitioning from emergency relief to stable recovery.
How can individuals apply for assistance?
Individuals seeking assistance can contact Grace Covenant or attend designated support times to learn more about available resources.
What has Grace Covenant Church done for the community?
Grace Covenant Church has donated $5.5 million in rent support, utility assistance, and provided free meals since Hurricane Helene.
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Additional Resources
- United Way of North Carolina Awards $4M for Helene Recovery
- Civil Rights Organizations Hold News Conference
- Grace in Action: Local Realtors Unite for Housing Relief
- Cooler, Wet Weather to Continue Across Asheville Area
- Helene Causes More Than $19 Million in Damage to Buncombe County Forests
- Wikipedia: Tropical Storm Helene (2021)
- Google Search: Tropical Storm Helene
- Google News: Tropical Storm Helene
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
