Raleigh, N.C. – Residents in 39 North Carolina counties affected by Hurricane Helene will now have greater access to temporary jobs aimed at aiding disaster recovery efforts. Governor Josh Stein and N.C. Department of Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley announced the expansion of the program, which initially covered only 25 counties.

“Hurricane Helene caused widespread devastation, leaving many without work and in need of assistance,” Governor Stein said. “With unemployment rising in the western regions, this program will provide job opportunities while supporting communities in their rebuilding efforts.”

The initiative is funded by a $10 million Disaster Recovery Dislocated Worker Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. Administered by the N.C. Department of Commerce’s Division of Workforce Solutions (DWS), the grant supports temporary employment for individuals affected by the storm.

Expanded Job and Training Opportunities

Under this grant, eligible residents in the 39 counties can secure temporary jobs focused on storm clean-up, rebuilding efforts, and humanitarian assistance. Participants may be employed for up to 12 months with organizations such as nonprofits, state or local government agencies, and private businesses involved in disaster recovery work.

Additionally, the program provides funding for job training and employment services, including opportunities at community colleges to help residents transition into new careers.

“Recovering from the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene is North Carolina’s top priority, and that includes helping people find work and rebuild their careers,” Secretary Lilley said. “Through this grant, we are already placing workers in jobs that address storm damage and serve their communities.”

Counties Eligible for the Program

Residents in the following counties can apply: 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.

Real-World Impact

The grant is already making a difference. For example, Springhouse Farm LLC in Watauga County has hired workers for debris removal and rebuilding, while the Haywood Waterways Association, Inc. is using the funds to clean up creeks and streams in Haywood County.

How to Apply

Residents interested in participating should contact their local NCWorks Career Center for assistance. More information is available at www.ncworks.gov.

This project is fully funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration through the Disaster Recovery Dislocated Worker Grant program.