Press Coverage
Amplifying voices, shaping narratives
THE NEWS & OBSERVER
A single mom in Durham needed help. Now, she offers free childcare to families.
Kristen Johnson | June 2026
"In the meantime, advocates from western North Carolina have continued to urge lawmakers to approve relief as quickly as possible. A group of small business owners and local government leaders, hosted by Rep. Lindsey Prather (D-Buncombe) and western Democrats, came to the legislative building last week to speak to members. And on Monday, the NC Inclusive Disaster Recovery Network held a press conference in an effort to keep their communities at front of mind. 'It is getting harder and harder, each time we come to Raleigh, to hear the words don’t worry, we’re just getting started,' said Sam Stites of Just Economics of Western North Carolina."
Read the ArticleABC11
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin visits Western NC as region recovers from Helene
April 2026
NC NEWSLINE
Applications for NC’s Helene homebuilding program open soon. Uncertainties abound from feds & state
Galen Bacharier | June 2025
"In the meantime, advocates from western North Carolina have continued to urge lawmakers to approve relief as quickly as possible. A group of small business owners and local government leaders, hosted by Rep. Lindsey Prather (D-Buncombe) and western Democrats, came to the legislative building last week to speak to members. And on Monday, the NC Inclusive Disaster Recovery Network held a press conference in an effort to keep their communities at front of mind. 'It is getting harder and harder, each time we come to Raleigh, to hear the words don’t worry, we’re just getting started,' said Sam Stites of Just Economics of Western North Carolina."
Read the ArticleNEWS FROM THE STATES
Tenant advocacy organizations call for 90-day ‘pause’ on evictions in disaster counties
Greg Childress | October 2024
"Tenant advocacy organizations across North Carolina are calling on Gov. Roy Cooper and Chief Justice Paul Newby to enact an emergency moratorium blocking evictions and foreclosures in the wake of Hurricane Helene. The NC Inclusive Disaster Recovery Network (NCIDR) and the NC Housing Coalition penned a letter to Cooper and Newby urging them to “prevent evictions and foreclosures in areas of the state impacted by Hurricane Helene for 90 days.”
Read the ArticleNC NEWSLINE
North Carolina lawmakers approve $273 million for initial Hurricane Helene recovery
Galen Bacharier | October 2024
"And in a letter sent Tuesday evening to lawmakers, a network of faith, health care and civic groups called the NC Inclusive Disaster Recovery Network outlined a range of recommendations for how funding is used. 'Policies should ensure relief and rebuilding efforts reach all North Carolinians by minimizing barriers to access and stabilizing conditions,' the letter said. They urged lawmakers to allow local governments flexibility to hire or expand communications as needed; to send funds 'for public interest law firms,' and to create an eviction moratorium 'similar to the response to COVID.'
Read the Article