For Immediate Release
Contact: Laurie Powell, WPCOG Housing Program Manager
828.485.4249 | Laurie.powell@wpcog.org
WPCOG announces regional effort to repair homes damaged by Hurricane Helene
Western Piedmont Council of Governments to deploy $6 million through Home Repair Readiness Program
The Western Piedmont Council of Governments (WPCOG) is leading a regional effort to repair storm-damaged homes as part of North Carolina’s Home Repair Readiness Program.
The readiness program will provide critical repairs to homes located in counties identified as “Most Impacted and Distressed” following Hurricane Helene, preparing households for future weatherization and energy-efficiency upgrades.
Through this regional initiative, the NC Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) awarded $6 million to WPCOG to help prepare for weatherization services to a minimum of 275 homes across Western North Carolina’s hardest-hit areas, including Burke and Caldwell counties. To ensure that staff meet the specific needs of the region, the WPCOG is partnering with the High Country, Foothills, Land of Sky, and Southwestern Councils of Governments. The collaboration allows the WPCOG to provide a more localized, hands-on experience for residents.
“This initiative allows us to address urgent housing needs while positioning households for long-term energy improvements,” said Ben Willis, Director for Community and Economic Development for WPCOG. “By coordinating resources at the regional level, we can help more families recover safely and efficiently.”
Eligible repair projects under the program include, but are not limited to:
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Roof, wall, ceiling, and floor repairs
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Plumbing and electrical system repairs
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Moisture intrusion remediation
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Building envelope improvements
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LED lighting upgrades
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Indoor air quality improvements, including exhaust fan installation
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Smoke and carbon monoxide detector installation
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HVAC repairs
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Septic repairs
These repairs ensure homes are safe, functional, and ready to receive energy-efficiency upgrades.
The Home Repair Readiness program prioritizes households currently on Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) deferral lists, where existing damage has prevented WAP services. By addressing these barriers, WPCOG aims to expand access to energy-efficiency upgrades, reduce utility costs, and improve indoor health and safety.
Eligible households may receive up to $25,000 in repair assistance for essential fixes needed to support readiness repairs.
To qualify, applicants must:
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Own and occupy the home as their primary residence
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Demonstrate that repairs needed are not already covered by insurance or other disaster-recovery programs
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Meet income eligibility requirements
Priority will be given to low to moderate-income households earning below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI), with eligibility extending up to 120% AMI, whose homes were damaged by Hurricane Helene. Comprehensive program details and online applications are available at WNCready.org. To learn more about the program or to begin your application, please reach out to your local Council of Governments.
| Council of Government | Contact | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western Piedmont COG | Laurie Powell | laurie.powell@wpcog.org | 828.485.4249 |
| High Country COG | Judson Blevins | jblevins@hccog.org | 828.265.5434 |
| Foothills COG | Lori Simpson | lsimpson@frcnc.gov | 828.351.2326 |
| Land of Sky COG | Jane Pies | jane@landofsky.org | 828.470.0257 |
| Southwestern COG | LeNay Shular | lenay@regiona.org | 828.586.1962 |
Press Release - WNC Readiness Launch.docx (219.8 KB)