North Carolina Expands Hurricane Helene Recovery Jobs Program
North Carolina expands hurricane recovery employment program to 39 counties, offering temporary jobs and income to residents affected by Hurricane Helene.
In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact on North Carolina, a crucial employment program is expanding its reach to help more residents rebuild their lives and communities. The temporary jobs initiative, which initially covered 25 counties, will now extend to 39 counties, offering affected residents opportunities to participate in recovery efforts while earning an income.
Expanded disaster recovery employment program
North Carolina Department of Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley announced the expansion of a federally-funded employment program aimed at supporting communities hit by Hurricane Helene. The initiative is backed by a $10 million Disaster Recovery Dislocated Worker Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, administered through the state’s Division of Workforce Solutions (DWS).
Governor Josh Stein emphasized the program’s significance, stating, “Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc on communities and devastated people’s livelihoods. Unemployment in the west has spiked. This program will get folks back to work while helping their neighbors recover and rebuild.”
Program details & eligibility
The grant provides temporary employment opportunities for up to 12 months in positions supporting storm cleanup, recovery efforts, and humanitarian assistance. Eligible participants can work for nonprofit organizations, government agencies, or private businesses involved in disaster recovery work.
Several organizations have already benefited from the program, including Springhouse Farm LLC in Watauga County and Haywood Waterways Association, Inc. These entities have employed workers for tasks such as debris removal, rebuilding, and cleaning waterways.
The program now covers 39 counties, including Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Forsyth, Gaston, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Iredell, Jackson, Lee, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Nash, Polk, Rowan, Rutherford, Stanly, Surry, Swain, Transylvania, Union, Watauga, Wilkes, Yadkin and Yancey counties.
How to apply
Residents who have been temporarily or permanently displaced by the hurricane may be eligible for the program. Those interested in applying should contact their local NCWorks Career Center. Contact information can be found at www.ncworks.gov.
Secretary Lee Lilley noted, “Through this grant program, we are already placing workers in jobs that address storm damage and serve their communities, thanks to strong collaboration by employers, local workforce development boards, and NCWorks Career Centers.”
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