Everblue Joins Statewide Effort to Repair Homes Impacted by Hurricane Helene

Everblue partners with the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) and the Western Piedmont Council of Governments (WPCOG) to support the state’s new $10 million Home Repair Weatherization Readiness Program, preparing hundreds of homes for long-term energy savings.

Everblue, a veteran-owned North Carolina business specializing in process improvement, software, and workforce development, will support the statewide initiative as communities continue recovering from the impacts of Hurricane Helene.

Preparing Storm-Damaged Homes for Energy Efficiency Upgrades

The program is designed to repair storm-damaged homes in counties identified as “Most Impacted and Distressed” by the State of North Carolina following Hurricane Helene and to prepare those households for full weatherization and energy-efficiency upgrades.

As part of the initiative, NCDEQ has awarded $6 million to WPCOG to serve 256 homes across the Western Piedmont region. The remaining funding supports additional Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) providers, with the statewide effort expected to reach more than 575 households.

Supporting Recovery Through Energy Saver NC

“We are proud to support WPCOG and NCDEQ in restoring damaged homes, strengthening local contractor networks, and preparing communities for long-term energy savings,” said Josh Woodruff, project manager at Everblue. “This work helps families recover after Helene while ensuring each home is ready for future weatherization through Energy Saver NC.”

Energy Saver North Carolina provides financial support for income-eligible homeowners and renters to complete energy-efficiency and electrification improvements, including heat pumps, electrical panel upgrades, and insulation.

Eligible Repairs Included in the Program

Eligible repair projects under the Home Repair Weatherization Readiness Program include:

• Roof, wall, ceiling, and floor repairs
• Plumbing and electrical system repairs
• Moisture intrusion remediation
• Reinforcing or upgrading the building envelope
• LED lighting improvements
• Indoor air quality upgrades, including installation of exhaust fans
• Installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

These repairs ensure homes are safe, functional, and fully ready to receive energy-efficiency upgrades through Energy Saver NC.

Addressing Deferred Weatherization Households

The Home Repair Weatherization Readiness Program focuses on households currently placed on WAP deferral lists, where storm damage or structural issues prevented traditional weatherization services.

Repairing these homes will enable families to access deeper energy-efficiency upgrades, reduce utility bills, and improve indoor health and safety.

Expanding Contractor Participation Across North Carolina

Everblue is supporting the program by helping expand contractor engagement, streamline participation, and ensure homes are prepared for Energy Saver NC pre-weatherization services.

Although the program is not yet fully launched, contractor signups are already underway. Everblue’s expertise in workforce development and energy-efficiency program support strengthens the pipeline of qualified contractors needed to repair homes efficiently and at scale.

By helping bring contractors into the program and preparing homes for energy-efficiency measures, Everblue is contributing to:

• Local job creation
• Faster home-repair timelines
• Expanded weatherization capacity
• Long-term energy savings and resilience

Contractor Requirements for Participation

“Everblue is committed to supporting the families, workers, and communities who are still rebuilding,” added Woodruff. “We’re honored to contribute our expertise to a program that will help North Carolina recover.”

Everblue is assisting with contractor engagement for WPCOG and the statewide effort. To become a registered contractor, individuals or firms will need to:

• Have at least two years of business experience
• Submit required documents, including:
  • Letter of Good Standing (NCDOR)
  • Certificate of Insurance
  • W-9
  • Applicable trade licenses
• Hold a minimum Building Performance Institute Building Science Principles certification
• Complete required training if eligible
• Review and sign the Registered Contractor Manual and the Energy Saver NC Contract
• Complete BPI training within 90 days
• Pass license verification and a reputation check

Learn More About Contractor Participation

For more information on the program or contractor participation, contact Josh Woodruff at josh@goeverblue.com.