One Year Since Helene: Interview with Carmen Ybarra of Swannanoa Communities Together
This week marks one year since Hurricane Helene hit Western North Carolina, devastating communities and altering the housing landscape in more than a dozen counties. A year later, many families still do not have safe housing or stable income. We are partnering with the NC Inclusive Disaster Recovery Network (NCIDR) to raise awareness of the ongoing recovery challenges and the need for continued federal and state investments.
We interviewed Carmen Ybarra, Director of Systems and Engagement with Swannanoa Communities Together, a grassroots effort helping Swannanoa residents recover after Hurricane Helene. Carmen brings both systems expertise and on-the-ground organizing experience to strengthen housing access, rental assistance, and long-term, community-driven solutions.
Organizational Updates
Housing Policy Update Recording
Thanks to those of you that attended our Housing Policy Update webinar last week! If you didn’t get a chance to join us, you can check out a recording of the webinar here: https://youtu.be/AlTgK6H4DBg
NC Housing Coalition Network Survey
Please consider taking our NC Housing Coalition network survey so that we can continue to improve our resources: https://airtable.com/apph0RwmT8bF8awtx/pagHDFQWp3jj68DRt/form
Federal Updates
Federal Government Shutdown Deadline Nears
The vote on the Republican-backed Continuing Resolution passed in the House last week but did not have enough votes to move forward in the Senate, where it requires bipartisan support to pass with 60 votes. Democrats also introduced a Continuing Resolution, which also stalled in the Senate. According to Politico, a meeting between Democratic Congressional leadership and President Trump to discuss government funding is set for this Thursday. If a compromise stopgap spending bill isn’t agreed on, we will have a government shutdown, which is looking increasingly possible. It’s unclear what a shutdown would mean for FEMA efforts in Western North Carolina.
State Updates
NC Legislative Updates
General Assembly Convenes
The NC General Assembly convenes in Raleigh this week. We’re keeping an eye on HB 926. A Committee Substitute passed in the Senate yesterday and is scheduled to be voted on in the House today. HB926 titled “Regulatory Reform Bill” was updated to include several land use reform items mostly applying wastewater permitting, to permit choice and vested rights and as quasi judicial zoning decisions.
Meetings we are watching – September 24, 2025 – Joint Governmental Operations Committee on Hurricane Recovery & Resilience – meeting at 9:00am.
Urge Lawmakers to Take Immediate Action to Fund Medicaid, the Healthy Opportunities Program, and Public Schools as Harmful Cuts Loom | North Carolina Justice Center
Disaster Recovery
Renew NC, state home repair aid program, encourages Henderson County residents to apply | Blue Ridge Now
NCDEQ starts $10M weatherization home repair program | NC Newsline
New Video Highlights Urgent Need for Age-Friendly Recovery in Western North Carolina | AAPR
Local Headlines
- Blair to head Winston-Salem Housing Department | hpenews.com
- Guilford County nonprofit looks to shift narrative on homelessness with High Point event | WUNC
- Greensboro City Council approves sale of controversial former motel property | WHQR
- Hillsborough lets developer build taller, denser to land affordable apartments | Yahoo
- Durham community unites to tackle affordable housing crisis | WRAL
- Community Welcomes New Housing Option for Former Foster Youth | Raleighnc.gov
- Town of Apex using popular land model to tackle affordable housing crisis | ABC 111
- $18.4 million affordable housing project expected to boost Ayden | reflector.com
- How would Wilmington enforce a ban on public camping? | Wilmington Star-News
Reports, Events, and Resources
Reports
- [issue brief] Advocacy with Public Housing Authorities: Expanding Affordable Housing Access for Formerly Incarcerated Older Adults | Justice in Aging
- [report] Improving Utilization in the Housing Choice Voucher Program | Terner Center for Housing Innovation & RAND Corporation ‘
Webinar
- Delinquent Property Tax Enforcement 101 | Center for Community Progress, October 9, 2025, 12 p.m. ET
- Local Solutions, Federal Tools: Utilizing Housing Choice Vouchers in a Shifting Landscape | Terner Center for Housing Innovation, October 7. 2025, 2-3 p.m. ET
Events & Conferences
- We look forward to seeing you on September 30–October 1, 2025 at the Raleigh Convention Center for the 2025 NC Affordable Housing Conference.Check out the agenda to see what we have in store for our attendees. Information about hotels, speakers, sponsors and more can all be found on our website.
- NCWAHN 3rd Annual Luncheon, Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at 1pm at The Stockroom at 203 in Raleigh. Cost: $25. Register here.
- American Planning Association – North Carolina Chapter (APA-NC) Fall Conference, October 15-17, 2025 in Charlotte. Cost: Varies Click here to learn more.
- Affordable Housing Seminar: Tools, Strategies, and Case Studies for Local Government Leadership | UNC School of Government, October 16, 2025 in Chapel Hill. Course registration cost: $265. Click here to learn more.
- 10th National Biennial Conference on Housing Mobility | Poverty & Race Research Action Council. October 17-19, 2025 in Chicago. Registration closes 10/3. Cost: $200. Click here to learn more.
- 2025 Conference for North Carolina’s Nonprofits | NC Center for Nonprofits, November 19-20, 2025 in Research Triangle Park. Early bird registration cost (through October 22) is $265. Click here to learn more.
