Asheville, North Carolina, September 14, 2025
News Summary
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality has introduced a $10 million Home Repair Weatherization Readiness Program to assist over 575 households affected by Tropical Storm Helene. The program aims to enhance energy efficiency and provide vital recovery support in western counties. Managed by the State Energy Office, funding will target areas identified as most impacted by the storm, facilitating essential home repairs and improvements.
Asheville, North Carolina – The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality has launched a $10 million Home Repair Weatherization Readiness Program aimed at aiding families in western counties adversely affected by Tropical Storm Helene. This initiative is set to assist more than 575 households in recovering from the storm while also enhancing energy efficiency within their homes.
The funding distribution will be managed by the State Energy Office, which will allocate $6 million to the Western Piedmont Council of Governments and $4 million to nine weatherization service providers across the targeted regions. This program complements the existing Weatherization Assistance Program, aimed at reducing utility bills through various energy-efficient improvements such as enhanced insulation, HVAC system replacements, and the sealing of air leaks.
Financial aid will specifically target counties deemed to be “most impacted and distressed” by Tropical Storm Helene as identified under the state’s recovery plan. DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson underscores the significance of this funding for facilitating long-term recovery and bolstering energy resilience in the affected communities.
The program is designed to lower utility expenses while ensuring the homes of vulnerable families are safer, healthier, and more energy-efficient. Priority will be given to families who have previously qualified for weatherization assistance but were deferred or placed on waiting lists due to outstanding home repair needs.
This funding initiative arises from the state’s 2024 Disaster Recovery Act, which aims to mitigate carbon emissions while fortifying resilience in the areas impacted by the storm. Community leaders, including the state energy office director, have expressed confidence that this effort will significantly improve the soundness and efficiency of the housing stock in Western North Carolina.
Program Highlights
- Total Funding: $10 million
- Households Assisted: Over 575
- Management: State Energy Office
- Distribution Allocations: $6 million to Western Piedmont Council of Governments, $4 million to weatherization service providers
- Primary Goals: Support recovery from Tropical Storm Helene, improve energy efficiency
- Focus Areas: Counties identified as most impacted by the storm
Background Context
Tropical Storm Helene hit North Carolina particularly hard, prompting a need for robust recovery initiatives. The Weatherization Assistance Program is already in place to help low-income families enhance their energy efficiency; however, many families have not been able to access these resources due to repair needs that were not addressed in prior assessments. The new funding is set to alleviate these barriers, ensuring broader access to necessary improvements.
By focusing on sustainable practices, the program not only addresses immediate recovery needs but also contributes to long-term energy savings and environmental goals. As North Carolina continues to face climate-related challenges, programs like this are key to safeguarding vulnerable populations and promoting community resilience.
FAQs
What is the Home Repair Weatherization Readiness Program?
The program is a $10 million initiative designed to assist families in western North Carolina with rebuilding efforts following Tropical Storm Helene while also improving home energy efficiency.
Who will benefit from this program?
More than 575 households in the most affected counties will receive support for repairs and energy efficiency upgrades.
Where will the funding be allocated?
The State Energy Office will allocate $6 million to the Western Piedmont Council of Governments and $4 million to various weatherization service providers.
How does this program relate to the Weatherization Assistance Program?
The Home Repair Weatherization Readiness Program supplements the existing Weatherization Assistance Program, specifically targeting those families who were deferred due to unaddressed repair needs.
Key Features of the Program
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Total Funding | $10 million |
| Households Impacted | Over 575 |
| Management | State Energy Office |
| Distribution | $6 million to Western Piedmont Council of Governments, $4 million to providers |
| Primary Goals | Recovery and energy efficiency |
| Target Area | Counties impacted by Tropical Storm Helene |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Watauga Online: Hurricane Helene
- WLOS: FEMA Disbursement for Helene Recovery
- 828 News Now: FEMA Approves More Funds
- Local 3 News: Farmers Affected by Helene
- Agriculture.com: USDA Support for NC Farmers
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Helene
- Google Search: Hurricane Helene News
- Google Scholar: Hurricane Helene Impact
- Google News: Hurricane 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.
