North Carolina’s disaster‑recovery efforts have been marked by prolonged delays. After Hurricanes Matthew and Florence, the state’s ReBuild NC program left hundreds of families waiting more than seven years for a home, prompting Governor Josh Stein to launch a new initiative, Renew NC, for Hurricane Helene victims.
Why the original program faltered
ReBuild NC was created to aid low‑ and moderate‑income homeowners rebuild by hiring contractors and covering costs. Audits and investigative reports found the Office of Recovery & Resiliency could not effectively track its $779 million budget, rarely held contractors accountable for delays, and struggled to support understaffed local governments with permits and inspections.
State Auditor Dave Boliek called the response “a disaster,” noting that the agency’s paperwork and rigid rules often led to rebuilding homes that needed only cheaper repairs. Former FEMA administrator Craig Fugate echoed the criticism, saying officials spent too much time on process instead of “swinging hammers.”
Stories of prolonged displacement
Willa Mae James, a 69‑year‑traditional retired dietitian, spent 459 days in a Fairfield Inn after being sent there in July 2024. Her original home in Lumberton had been devastated by floodwaters in 2018, turning floorboards to pulp. More than 3,100 of the over 10,000 families who applied for assistance were still waiting for construction five years later, and as of November more than 300 families remained without a home.
James described her hotel stay as “like being in jail,” noting that she was the last of over 100 displaced homeowners still housed at the inn. She lost her husband, Christopher, to bone cancer while waiting, and she fears other survivors may endure similar hardship.
Renew NC: a new program with familiar challenges
Renew NC began accepting applications in June and has completed operate on 16 of the 2,700 homes it plans to repair or rebuild. However, public records and homeowner interviews show that the same problems—rigid rules, insufficient staffing, and limited temporary‑housing support—are already surfacing.
Stephanie McGarrah, a deputy state commerce secretary, pledged “robust financial oversight” and said the agency is learning as it goes. Yet many applicants face rules that push demolition and reconstruction even when less‑expensive repairs would suffice, and local counties struggle to staff permit and inspection offices.
Potential next steps
If Renew NC does not address staffing shortages and streamline its contractor oversight, the state could notice a growing backlog of homeowners awaiting repairs, especially as the $100,000 damage threshold for wood‑frame homes forces many to consider full demolition. Analysts expect that the pressure on local inspectors could increase, leading to six‑month to nine‑month permit delays.
Homeowners such as folk musician Chuck Brodsky, whose home now sits on a cliff after landslides, may face costly demolition mandates unless the agency adjusts its policies. McGarrah has indicated that each case will be evaluated individually, but the lack of temporary‑housing funding remains a concern for low‑income families.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many families are still waiting for ReBuild NC assistance?
As of November, more than 300 families remained waiting to return home, and 3,100 were still awaiting construction five years after the storms.
What is the budget for the ReBuild NC program?
The program was allocated $779 million, but auditors reported difficulties in managing and tracking expenses.
When does Renew NC aim to finish all repairs?
The program set an ambitious goal to complete all homes before June 2028.
What do you think should be the priority for North Carolina’s disaster‑recovery efforts moving forward?