NC expands hurricane recovery jobs program to more counties

RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina is offering more temporary jobs to help communities rebuild after Hurricane Helene. 

The program, which started in 25 counties, now covers 39 counties across the state.

The U.S. Department of Labor is funding the program with $10 million. This money helps put people to work on storm cleanup and community assistance projects.

“Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc on communities and devastated people’s livelihoods,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Unemployment in the west has spiked. This program will get folks back to work while helping their neighbors recover and rebuild.”

The program now includes residents from several more counties, stretching from Alexander to Yancey. 

People who lost their jobs because of the hurricane can apply for temporary work lasting up to 12 months. These jobs include cleaning up storm damage and helping affected communities.

Some examples show how the program works:

• In Watauga County, workers are helping Springhouse Farm clear debris and rebuild
• In Haywood County, new hires are cleaning up local creeks and streams

The program also offers job training and education opportunities, including courses at community colleges.

Anyone interested in these temporary jobs can apply at their local NCWorks Career Center or visit www.ncworks.gov.

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