Long Delays in Rebuilding Efforts

A program aimed at rebuilding homes in North Carolina following hurricanes Florence and Matthew has left many families waiting for more than seven years to return to their homes. The delays have been largely due to administrative issues within the program, which struggled with expense management and holding contractors accountable.

Challenges of Past Programs

The ReBuild NC program, established after Hurricane Florence, aimed to help low- and moderate-income homeowners by hiring contractors to rebuild their homes. However, reports indicate significant issues in budget management and oversight. The program could not keep track of expenses or enforce contractor timelines, resulting in extended delays and increased costs.

“The response from North Carolina to hurricanes Matthew and Florence was a disaster,” said State Auditor Dave Boliek.

Complications also arose from the program’s stringent rules and insufficient staffing, which hindered project progress. For example, many homeowners were required to vacate their homes long before construction began, forcing them into temporary accommodations unnecessarily.

New Initiatives and Continuing Issues

Governor Josh Stein introduced a new program, Renew NC, as a response to the ongoing issues. This program, begun in 2025, promises better oversight and contractor accountability. Nevertheless, similar problems are arising, including rigid regulations and staffing shortages.

Renew NC started accepting applications in June 2024. It plans to repair and rebuild 2,700 homes, although it has only completed work on 16 homes so far. Structural and regulatory issues continue to cause delays, with many families, especially those hit by Hurricane Helene, still waiting for help.

Systemic Issues and Accountability

The previous home rebuilding initiative, ReBuild NC, set a precedent in mismanagement. Contractors weren’t held to deadlines, and excessive paperwork slowed progress. An internal report pointed out that staff spent too much time on procedural tasks instead of actual construction work.

Changes in leadership and management strategies are aimed at addressing these issues. For instance, Renew NC’s office is now located within the disaster-stricken area to ensure better oversight.

Financial and Logistical Hurdles

Renew NC’s new approach attempts to address contractor accountability, but challenges remain. Homeowners frequently encounter complicated guidelines that prefer complete demolition over cheaper repairs. Additionally, logistical problems like a lack of staff for handling permits pose significant delays.

The program also avoids covering expenses for temporary housing, placing the burden on homeowners. This policy has raised concerns among local communities about housing affordability during repairs.

Community Impact and Reactions

The effects of these extensive delays on families are significant. For many, like Willa Mae James, the inconvenience compounded with personal hardships, such as serious family illnesses. Meanwhile, new recovery efforts strive to minimize such ordeals, though systemic issues threaten these goals.