Helene Buyouts Approved

FEMA Approves $26M for Helene-Damaged Property Buyouts in Western NC

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (Federal Emergency Management Agency) has announced more than $26 million in funding to help purchase 75 properties damaged by Hurricane Helene across Western North Carolina.

According to an April 6 news release, FEMA will cover 75% of the total cost through its Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, with the state responsible for the remaining share.

Where the Funding Will Go

The funding will support buyouts in three counties hit hard by flooding and landslides:

• Yancey County: 53 homes in Burnsville and Green Mountain

• Henderson County: 18 homes in Fletcher, Gerton, and Hendersonville

• Polk County: 4 homes in Tryon and Saluda

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North Carolina officials say the program will help homeowners who lost everything begin to recover financially.

“A Lifeline for Families”

“A lot of people have moved to Western North Carolina to retire. Their life savings are in their homes,” said Henderson County Response and Recovery Director Natalia Santana-Pollard. “When Helene destroyed those properties, many were left with nothing.”

Yancey County Manager Lynn Austin confirmed the county is among the first to receive approval.

“These funds are incredibly important to our homeowners. Now they can begin moving forward and rebuilding their financial stability. It’s truly a blessing for these citizens,” Austin said.

Why Buyouts Matter

Property buyouts are often a critical step in disaster recovery. Many homeowners are left paying mortgages, taxes, and insurance on homes that are no longer livable.

By purchasing these properties:

• Families are relieved of long-term financial burdens

• Land can be preserved to prevent future flood damage

• Communities become more resilient to future storms

“Every person who can recover and move forward strengthens the entire community,” Santana-Pollard added.

Push to Speed Up Recovery

The announcement comes as Markwayne Mullin, who recently stepped into the role of Secretary of Homeland Security, has directed FEMA to clear a backlog of pending buyout requests and speed up approvals.

“FEMA is taking swift, decisive action to help survivors,” said Senior Official Performing the Duties of FEMA Administrator Karen S. Evans. “But our work is not finished. We remain committed to helping every community recover.”

More Funding on the Way

FEMA says additional buyout funding could be announced in the coming weeks. Some projects were delayed last year due to eligibility issues, but officials say progress is now accelerating.

This latest round of funding follows a March 2026 announcement of $66 million for hazard mitigation efforts statewide, including more than $47 million for 150 additional property buyouts.

The Bottom Line

For dozens of families across Western North Carolina, this funding represents more than just financial relief — it’s a chance to start over after devastating loss.