North Carolina is still waiting on millions in reimbursements from the Department of Homeland Security for hurricane recovery. Meanwhile, the Center for Disaster Philanthropy awarded $6.8 million in grants to organizations in western North Carolina supporting small business development and housing recovery.
Pisgah Legal Services received $400,000 to provide free disaster-related legal services to survivors and nonprofits. Here’s Center for Disaster Philanthropy CEO Patty McIlreavy:
“All too often, once you get into, like, ‘I need a lawyer for this,’ a lot of people will step away,” said Patty McIlreavy.
Other recipients include the Appalachian Community Capital Development Foundation, Colaborativa La Milpa in Buncombe County and MountainTrue, a nonprofit that’s cleaning and restoring rivers damaged by Helene.
“That drives the outdoor recreation economy, and [MountainTrue] monitors and helps restore water quality,” McIlreavy said.
The money comes from the Truist Foundation. The center is still accepting applications for the remaining $10 million in grants. Interested organizations are encouraged to reach out via the Center’s website.
