ASHEVILLE — Nearly two years after Storm Helene damaged her home, longtime Asheville resident Velma Chapman has moved into a newly rebuilt house through the state’s Renew NC program, officials said Friday during a visit by Gov. Josh Stein.
State program steps in where insurance and repairs fell short
Chapman, who has lived in Asheville for more than five decades after moving from eastern North Carolina, said the storm’s winds and rain left her house damaged and her insurance claim denied. Renew NC, administered by the North Carolina Department of Commerce and funded with federal dollars, offered options after the rehabilitation funding was deemed insufficient.
"I'm just overjoyed. Overjoyed. Elated," Chapman said. "Ready to get started and moving in."
Chapman said she accepted an offer to tear down the damaged structure and build a new house. While construction was underway, she stayed with a friend who took her and her son in.
Local leaders underline the broader stakes
Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer called Chapman’s new home an important step toward stabilizing neighborhoods where homeownership often represents a household’s primary asset and retirement plan. Manheimer also criticized the uneven nature of disaster recovery funding, saying it is frustrating that large parts of recovery hinge on whether Congress approves additional aid.
The state budget has allocated more than $700 million for Helene recovery, and Renew NC recently opened a $55 million grant program aimed at strengthening infrastructure in western North Carolina, according to program announcements.
- Resident: Velma Chapman — Asheville resident of more than 50 years.
- Program: Renew NC — administered by the N.C. Department of Commerce, federally funded.
- Funding: State budget includes more than $700 million for Helene recovery; Renew NC announced a $55 million grant program for western North Carolina infrastructure.
What this means for residents
Officials say programs like Renew NC aim to fill gaps when insurance or local resources do not cover the cost of repair or replacement. For homeowners whose property is their primary financial asset, timely rebuilding or buyout programs can be crucial to long-term financial stability and neighborhood recovery.
| Milestone | Detail |
|---|---|
| Storm damage | Home damaged by Storm Helene; insurance claim denied |
| Program decision | Rehab funds insufficient; Renew NC offered teardown and rebuild |
| Outcome | Chapman received keys to a rebuilt home during Gov. Stein's visit |
Chapman’s case highlights ongoing questions about the structure of disaster recovery in North Carolina — the mix of federal funds, state programs and local support, and the limits of insurance coverage — matters that will shape recovery plans in western counties still rebuilding from Helene.
— Trevor Sloan, North Carolina Correspondent
