--- title: "Still Rebuilding Two Years After Hurricane Helene: Where Recovery Stands, Help That Is Still Open, and Psalm 13 for the Long Wait" description: "Two years after Hurricane Helene: dated recovery figures, help still open, and Psalm 13." url: "https://biblenudge.com/blog/still-rebuilding-after-a-hurricane" lang: "en" published: "2026-09-28" modified: "2026-09-28" author: "Cal Hewitt" tags: ["hurricane helene","disaster recovery","waiting","psalm 13","rebuilding","long recovery"] image: "https://biblenudge.com/og/blog-still-rebuilding-after-a-hurricane.jpg" alternates: es: "https://biblenudge.com/es/blog/reconstruir-dos-anos-despues-de-un-huracan.md" --- # Still Rebuilding Two Years After Hurricane Helene: Where Recovery Stands, Help That Is Still Open, and Psalm 13 for the Long Wait [Cal Hewitt](https://biblenudge.com/about/cal-hewitt)Published September 28, 2026 - hurricane helene - disaster recovery - waiting - psalm 13 - rebuilding - long recovery ![Still Rebuilding Two Years After Hurricane Helene: Where Recovery Stands, Help That Is Still Open, and Psalm 13 for the Long Wait](https://biblenudge.com/blog/still-rebuilding-after-a-hurricane/featured.jpg) If you are still waiting on a contractor, a grant, a permit or an insurance decision two years after Hurricane Helene, you are in the long middle, past the first headlines. Helene came ashore near Perry, Florida, at about 11:10 p.m. EDT on September 26, 2024, as a Category 4 hurricane, and the [National Hurricane Center's report](https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/data/tcr/AL092024_Helene.pdf), updated April 8, 2025, names seven states, Florida to West Virginia. The [Associated Press](https://apnews.com/article/887a1e0cff335445a2fb3a35ccaa1184) reported on September 16, 2026 that Helene killed more than 250 people and caused nearly $80 billion in damage from Florida to the Carolinas. For the first days see [after floodwater gets into your home](https://biblenudge.com/blog/after-floodwater-gets-into-your-home), and for the storm, [Bible verses for storms](https://biblenudge.com/blog/bible-verses-for-storms). Robert Preston Jr., a Coffee County, Georgia resident, wrote in a [Douglas Now opinion piece](https://douglasnow.com/its-been-two-years-and-hurricane-helene-is-still-here/) on September 27, 2026, "Two years later, Hurricane Helene's impact remains omnipresent" and "Tarps still cover roofs of houses." ## If you only have a minute ### Words for the wait [Psalm 13:1-2](https://biblenudge.com/context/psalm-13-1-2) asks "How long?" four times. ### This week One call or one page from the help list. ### Any heavy night 988 in the United States, call or text. ## Psalm 13:1-2, words for the wait itself Psalm 13 is a short prayer of complaint. It opens with repeated questions about delay and about God seeming hidden, and turns toward trust later. > How long, Yahweh? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart every day? How long shall my enemy triumph over me? Verses 3 to 5: > 3 Behold, and answer me, Yahweh, my God. Give light to my eyes, lest I sleep in death; 4 Lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed against him”; Lest my adversaries rejoice when I fall. 5 But I trust in your loving kindness. My heart rejoices in your salvation. How long is allowed to be the question. It is your own question, asked four times in the Bible's own words by a person still in the middle of it. [Enduring Word](https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/psalm-13/), evangelical, quoting Spurgeon, reads the repetitions as "very intense desire for deliverance, and great anguish of heart." The [US Conference of Catholic Bishops](https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/13) calls it a typical lament and notes "the force of the repetition of 'How long.'" Read it aloud once, holding one question: What have you been waiting for longer than you expected? Psalm 13:1-2 sits [with the verses around it](https://biblenudge.com/context/psalm-13-1-2). [Waiting on God's timing](https://biblenudge.com/blog/waiting-on-gods-timing) and [waiting on God when nothing is happening](https://biblenudge.com/blog/waiting-on-god-when-nothing-is-happening) read waiting more generally. ![A coiled extension cord and a stepladder beside bare wall studs in an unfinished room](https://biblenudge.com/blog/still-rebuilding-after-a-hurricane/the-unfinished-room.jpg) *The work is still going on.* ## Where recovery stands, by date Each office counts in its own way, so each figure carries its date. Your own case manager or program page holds the figure for your house. [WRAL](https://www.wral.com/news/investigates/renew-nc-applicants-waiting-homes-two-years-helene-sept-2026/) reported on September 25, 2026, updated September 28, that North Carolina's Renew NC had 2,211 active applications as of September 25, with 329 completed or under construction, and a dashboard total of 7,924, most inactive or ineligible. [The Assembly](https://www.theassemblync.com/news/politics/renew-nc-application-status-hurricane-helene/) reported on September 24, 2026 that 163 houses were being repaired and more than 600 applicants were in pre-construction. In South Carolina, the [Office of Resilience](https://scor.sc.gov/news/2026-01/scor-celebrates-completion-first-hurricane-helene-rapid-rebuild-home) said on January 21, 2026 that its first Rapid Rebuild home was complete, and that its recovery program was "serving" 3,460 homes. Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Charlotte [reported on September 27, 2026](https://catholicnewsandherald.com/news/90-news/local/13038-at-2-year-mark-church-tells-helene-victims-we-re-still-here-to-help) that it had helped repair, rebuild or replace 208 homes as of July 2026. CEO Dr. Joseph Boeckermann said, "Some neighborhoods are still rebuilding, and in other places there's food insecurity or people are struggling with the general cost of living." ## Help that is still open Choose one, and call or open the page this week. - North Carolina: the Renew NC single-family window closed January 31, 2026, and [Commerce said on January 22](https://www.commerce.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2026/01/22/deadline-apply-renew-nc-post-helene-housing-recovery-jan-31) that people who applied before then could receive additional time. The [July 15, 2026 release](https://www.commerce.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2026/07/15/governor-stein-welcomes-asheville-resident-back-home-after-helene) reported 89 single-family homes completed and 71 under construction, and announced $70 million for rental housing, with a November 2, 2026 deadline. The [state action plan](https://www.commercerecovery.nc.gov/plans-policies-and-reports/state-north-carolina-action-plan) says the Division of Community Revitalization, not NCORR, runs Helene programs. - South Carolina: the [Office of Resilience](https://scor.sc.gov/news/2026-01/scor-celebrates-completion-first-hurricane-helene-rapid-rebuild-home) lists 803-898-2511 for disaster case management, and 844-410-8560 or SCStormRecovery.com/Helene for housing assistance. - Georgia: the [HEARTS Georgia Disaster Case Management Program](https://gema.georgia.gov/assistance/hearts-georgia-dcmp) serves households in 63 designated counties; case managers are the primary contact for housing and repair plans. - Loans: the [SBA Hurricane Helene page](https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance/hurricane-helene), last updated August 1, 2025, lists home and business disaster loans, 800-659-2955. - Free help: [Disaster Legal Services](https://www.americanbar.org/groups/young_lawyers/resources/disaster-legal-services/) from the American Bar Association gives free legal help to eligible survivors who cannot afford a lawyer; [North Carolina VOAD](https://ncvoad.org/) describes local recovery groups coordinating case management, repair and volunteers; [211](https://www.211.org/) gives local referrals. On repair fraud, the [Federal Trade Commission](https://consumer.ftc.gov/features/weather-emergencies) says scammers may ask for payment before work begins, [FEMA](https://www.fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/fact-sheets/fema-warns-disaster-survivors-scams) says to verify anyone claiming to be a FEMA inspector, and the [North Carolina Attorney General](https://ncdoj.gov/protecting-consumers/home-repair-and-improvement/) lists large deposits; the [Department of Insurance](https://www.ncdoi.gov/consumers/homeowners-insurance) takes complaints. ![A folded blue tarp on a stack of lumber beside a closed front door](https://biblenudge.com/blog/still-rebuilding-after-a-hurricane/the-tarp-and-the-lumber.jpg) *Waiting on the next step.* ## What the long middle is like [SAMHSA](https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/images/fema-ccp-guidance.pdf) describes a disillusionment phase, when people see the limits of disaster assistance, and a reconstruction phase that often begins around the anniversary and may continue beyond it. The [National Center for PTSD](https://www.ptsd.va.gov/disaster_events/for_providers/disaster_reaction_phases.asp) calls the long reconstruction a "second disaster" that may last months or years. Its [self-care page](https://www.ptsd.va.gov/disaster_events/for_everyone/selfcare_after_disaster.asp) says there is no standard timeline and suggests focusing on small areas of control. A [2011 study](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3138333/) of adults who developed PTSD after Hurricane Katrina found most had not recovered within 18 to 27 months, an association drawn from one storm. For a parent whose children have spent two years in temporary housing, [APA's Katrina summary](https://www.apa.org/topics/disasters-response/children-families-aftermath.html) reports unmet needs at one and two years and names schools and routines as steadying. ## What people still rebuilding say On Reddit's r/asheville, May 26, 2026, one [person wrote](https://www.reddit.com/r/asheville/comments/1tnwca3/everything_has_changed_and_it_all_seems_impossible/), "The past two years have been absolutely life altering." and "It's such a heavy weight to carry." Some lines land badly; the site's own better wording follows each. "At least you're alive" and "It's only stuff" shrink a loss; try "Two years is a long time to live like this. What is the hardest part this week?" "Aren't you done yet?" asks for a finish line; try "I'm still here, and I'll bring dinner Thursday." "God has a plan" hands over an explanation; try "I don't know why this happened, and I'm here." "You should be grateful" can become "You can be thankful for the people who helped and tired of all of it, both at once." If you have been silent, [what to say when you do not know what to say](https://biblenudge.com/blog/what-to-say-when-you-do-not-know-what-to-say) helps. ## If you are watching someone wear down The National Center for PTSD and APA name social support and routines. For a struggling child, start with the school counselor or the family doctor. Ideas of our own: a standing weekly visit or call, one form or phone call taken off the tired person's list, and asking the helper who is helping them. The National Center for PTSD says [rescue workers, volunteers and other helpers](https://www.ptsd.va.gov/disaster_events/for_everyone/effects_de_risk_factors.asp) are affected too. [Lutheran Disaster Response](https://lutherandisasterresponse.org/), of the Lutheran tradition, says recovery can last years. If you are far away, ask one local recovery group what it needs now. [Bible verses for being tired](https://biblenudge.com/blog/bible-verses-for-being-tired) and [what to say to a caregiver](https://biblenudge.com/blog/what-to-say-to-a-caregiver) are for heavy weeks. ## People in Scripture who kept going tired In Nehemiah 4:6 the wall reaches half its height, then Judah says, "The strength of the bearers of burdens is fading, and there is much rubble; so that we are not able to build the wall." That is company: rebuilders who said aloud that strength was failing. Paul writes to the churches in Galatia, "Let us not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don’t give up" (Galatians 6:9). In [Lamentations 3:19-24](https://biblenudge.com/context/lamentations-3-19-24), the speaker remembers affliction, recalls hope, and says, "They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness." In Ruth 1:19-22, Naomi returns home after loss and says, "I went out full, and Yahweh has brought me home again empty." ![A single mug and a pair of reading glasses on a camper table by a small window](https://biblenudge.com/blog/still-rebuilding-after-a-hurricane/the-camper-table.jpg) *A quiet corner of a long week.* ## Where to go next These lines are for any night that feels too heavy, however long the recovery has gone on, and many people carry this. In the United States, call or text [988](https://988lifeline.org/), or the [SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline](https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/helplines/disaster-distress-helpline) on 1-800-985-5990, a year-round disaster crisis counseling service. The [Crisis Text Line](https://www.crisistextline.org/) prints "Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a live volunteer Crisis Counselor." In Canada, call or text [9-8-8](https://988.ca/). In the United Kingdom and Ireland, [Samaritans](https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/) is on 116 123. In Australia, [Lifeline](https://www.lifeline.org.au/) is 13 11 14. Elsewhere, [Find A Helpline](https://findahelpline.com/) lists lines by country. This week, make one call or open one page from the help list, and read Psalm 13:1-2 once aloud. If this is not quite what you carry, [Bible Nudge](https://biblenudge.com/) can take a line in your own words and come back with one passage and what surrounds it. [Find a passage](https://biblenudge.com/nudge). ## Words that come up here Tap a term to see what it means. **Yahweh.** God's name in the Hebrew Bible, often printed "the LORD". ## Share this page If somebody you know is carrying this, the link goes straight to the passage and what surrounds it. Nothing here asks them to sign up for anything. [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbiblenudge.com%2Fblog%2Fstill-rebuilding-after-a-hurricane)[Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbiblenudge.com%2Fblog%2Fstill-rebuilding-after-a-hurricane&media=https%3A%2F%2Fbiblenudge.com%2Fblog%2Fstill-rebuilding-after-a-hurricane%2Ffeatured.jpg&description=Still%20Rebuilding%20Two%20Years%20After%20Hurricane%20Helene%3A%20Where%20Recovery%20Stands%2C%20Help%20That%20Is%20Still%20Open%2C%20and%20Psalm%2013%20for%20the%20Long%20Wait) ## Related Articles - [How Do I Know God Is Speaking to Me? What People Mean, How Traditions Test a Sense or a Thought, and Psalm 13 for the Quiet](https://biblenudge.com/blog/how-do-i-know-god-is-speaking-to-me): A thought that felt too clear, a verse that keeps returning, or only quiet? Psalm 13 for the quiet, and how several traditions test a sense. - [Is Sally a Biblical Name? Sarah Behind It, Her Long Wait, and Psalm 13 for the Question How Long](https://biblenudge.com/blog/is-sally-a-biblical-name): Sally comes from Sarah. Where the name comes from, how to say it, Sarah and Hagar in their own right, and Psalm 13 for the question how long. - [Prayer for Families of the Missing After a Flood or Storm: Where to Ask, What Helps, and Psalm 13 for the Wait](https://biblenudge.com/blog/prayer-for-families-of-the-missing-after-a-disaster): Somebody you love has not been found after the Nepal floods, Typhoon Dujuan or the Java Sea ferry. Where to ask tonight, what helps, and Psalm 13 for the wait.