People living in flood-prone areas of Mecklenburg County can take advantage of federal funding to mitigate future damage from natural disasters.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Residents in Mecklenburg County whose homes were damaged by Hurricane Helene can now apply for disaster relief.
For those living with the county’s floodplain or with a history of flood damage, the funding provided through FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) could be a critical resource.Â
The program allows eligible property owners to reduce future flood risks by selling their property at the fair market value of their home before Helene or elevate their homes at no cost.
Jonathan Beller, construction project manager with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services Mitigation Program, said homeowners do not need flood insurance for this benefit, as the state will cover 100% of the costs and oversee the project from start to finish.
“This is a rare opportunity for Mecklenburg County residents to qualify for buyout and elevation projects managed by the state,” Beller said. “While the process may take time, it significantly reduces stress for homeowners.”
The North Carolina Department of Public Safety will have representatives in Charlotte this week to assist residents in completing HMGP applications. The sessions will take place over three days:
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When: Tuesday, Jan. 7, Wednesday, Jan. 8, Thursday, Jan. 9
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Time: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
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Where: 2145 Suttle Avenue, 4th Floor, Hal Marshall Room
Mecklenburg County residents interested in applying should attend one of the sessions and all parties on the property deed should be present.
Applications submitted during these sessions will be forwarded to FEMA within four to six weeks.Â
State officials have indicated that priority will be given to those directly impacted by Hurricane Helene.
The deadline to apply for this federal funding is in December 2025.
Mecklenburg County also has its own buy-out program. Residents interested can contact Jonathan Beller at jonathan.beller@mecklenburgcountync.gov.
The county’s retroFIT program includes elevation projects and interested property owners can fill out the online interest application by clicking the box “check eligibility.”
Contact Destiny Richards at drichards5@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
