Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Funds Available for Homes Damaged by Hurricane Helene Flooding

Mecklenburg County was included in the Federal declared disaster for Hurricane Helene. As part of this declaration, voluntary Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding has been made available through FEMA and the State of North Carolina for both buy-outs and elevation projects where the structure is located in the FEMA Floodplain or has a history of damages from flooding. This funding is available even if the structure was not damaged during Helene. However, priority will be given to those directly damaged by Helene.  

Voluntary Buy-Outs:  

  • HMGP pays 100% of Pre-Disaster Fair Market Value (determined by independent real estate appraiser) for the property subject to certain conditions, such as no duplication of benefits.  
  • Flood insurance is not required to participate in this program.  

Elevation Projects:  

  • HMGP pays 100% of the cost of the elevation project subject to certain conditions.  
  • The project is not managed by the property owner, meaning the property owner does not have to find contractors to do the work and bids/quotes are not required.  
  • A current flood insurance policy is not required to participate in the program; however, participants will be required to maintain flood insurance after the project is complete.  
  • All owners shown on the tax card must be present to sign the HMGP application.  

Staff from the North Carolina Department of Public Safety Hazard Mitigation group are coming to Mecklenburg County to provide information and assist interested property owners with completion of HMGP applications. Residents interested in the program are strongly encouraged to meet with state representatives sometime during the following dates and times to learn more about the program and potentially apply. Applications filled out during these sessions will be given priority.  

Sessions will take place at 2145 Suttle Avenue, 4th Floor (Hal Marshall Room) Charlotte, NC, 28208 on:  

  • Tuesday, Jan. 7, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.  
  • Wednesday, Jan. 8, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Thursday, Jan. 9, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

This program is entirely voluntary, and property owners are able to withdraw their application at any point during the application and approval process.

For more information, contact [email protected].