Lowe's commits another $2 million toward N.C. storm recovery
Recovering from the destruction wrought by Hurricane Helene remains an uphill challenge for many communities in Western North Carolina, even six months after landfall.
To support ongoing recovery efforts, Lowe's is investing $2 million, including an additional $1 million to build temporary homes that are still urgently needed in some of the most rural parts of Lowe's home state.
Lowe's says it has now invested nearly $14 million in Hurricanes Helene and Milton response and recovery efforts.
"There's been ongoing progress toward recovery in the mountain communities devastated by Helene. However, we know many of our neighbors still face enormous challenges," said Marvin Ellison, Lowe's chairman and CEO. "Lowe's is committed to supporting recovery efforts by investing in solutions, like skilled trades education, that can accelerate the region's recovery while also helping those in need now."
The additional funding, will support:
- Appalachia Service Project (ASP) and its work to provide temporary housing units for residents in rural Western North Carolina as the organization helps repair and rebuild permanent homes. The temporary solution helps individuals and families safely remain on their land and stay connected to their community.
- National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) and its launch of its Rapid Recovery Construction Academy in partnership with Blue Ridge Community College in Flat Rock. The quick-start framework designed by NCCER provides free construction training and job placement services to individuals in areas impacted by natural disasters. Three, six-week training programs over the next six months will provide the opportunity for individuals who have lost their jobs to learn new skills, contribute to rebuilding efforts and jump-start a career in the high-demand field of construction trades. Those interested in learning more or registering for an upcoming training program, click here.
- Purple Heart Homes and its work to provide home repairs for veterans in disaster-impacted counties in Western North Carolina. Repairs will help service-connected, disabled veterans safely remain in their homes.
"Over the last six weeks, we've worked with Lowe's to deliver temporary housing units to people who lost nearly everything as a result of the hurricane – and the need for more persists," said Melisa Winburn, Appalachia Service Project president and CEO. "Seeing the joy on one homeowners face of being able to sleep in an actual bed – these temporary units are not just meeting basic needs but are helping to rebuild hope for so many."
In addition, on May 2, Lowe's says it will reopen its East Asheville store, roughly seven months after flood damage from Helene forced the location to close its doors. Since Helene, the store has operated from a nearby temporary location in order to continue to serve the community. More than 100 of the store's original employees will return to the store, per Lowe's.
