Lowe's invests $2 million in additional programs to continue its support of rebuilding in Western North Carolina

Rhea-AI Summary

Lowe's (LOW) has announced a $2 million investment to support ongoing disaster recovery efforts in Western North Carolina, six months after Hurricane Helene. The investment includes $1 million for temporary housing in rural areas. This brings Lowe's total investment in Hurricanes Helene and Milton recovery to $14 million.

The funding will support three key initiatives: partnering with Appalachia Service Project (ASP) for temporary housing units, collaborating with the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) to launch a Rapid Recovery Construction Academy, and working with Purple Heart Homes to provide critical home repairs for veterans in disaster-impacted counties.

Additionally, Lowe's will reopen its East Asheville store on May 2, which was closed due to flood damage from Helene, with over 100 original employees returning to work.

Positive

• Additional $2M investment demonstrates continued commitment to community support
• East Asheville store reopening maintains market presence and preserves 100+ jobs
• Strategic investment in construction training program addresses labor shortage while supporting recovery

Negative

• Hurricane damage forced temporary closure of East Asheville store, impacting local operations

The investment expands its commitment to critical home repair for veterans, temporary housing and skilled trades education

MOORESVILLE, N.C., March 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Recovering from the destruction left in the wake of Hurricane Helene remains an uphill challenge for many communities in Western North Carolina, even six months after landfall. As a part of Lowe's commitment to help communities in need, Lowe's today announced a $2 million investment to continue its support of disaster recovery efforts, including an additional $1 million to build temporary homes that are urgently needed in some of the most rural parts of Lowe's home state.

Since Hurricane Helene made landfall, Lowe's has deployed its red vest associate volunteers and supported first responders, nonprofit organizations and small businesses to help both immediate and long-term needs across the impacted area. Including the announcement today, Lowe's has invested nearly $14 million in Hurricanes Helene and Milton response and recovery efforts.

"There's been ongoing progress toward recovery in the mountain communities devastated by Helene. However, we know many of our neighbors still face enormous challenges," said Marvin Ellison, Lowe's chairman and CEO. "Lowe's is committed to supporting recovery efforts by investing in solutions, like skilled trades education, that can accelerate the region's recovery while also helping those in need now."

The additional funding, together with Lowe's red vest associates, will support:

• Appalachia Service Project (ASP) and its work to provide temporary housing units for residents in rural Western North Carolina as the organization helps repair and rebuild permanent homes. The temporary solution helps individuals and families safely remain on their land and stay connected to their community. By addressing immediate and long-term needs, ASP is helping homeowners recover with dignity and resilience.
  
  
• National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) and its launch of its Rapid Recovery Construction Academy in partnership with Blue Ridge Community College in Flat Rock. The quick-start framework designed by NCCER provides free construction training and job placement services to individuals in areas impacted by natural disasters. Three, six-week training programs over the next six months will provide the opportunity for individuals who have lost their jobs to learn new skills, contribute to rebuilding efforts and jump-start a career in the high-demand field of construction trades. Those interested in learning more or registering for an upcoming training program, click here.
  
  
• Purple Heart Homes and its work to provide critical home repairs for veterans in disaster-impacted counties in Western North Carolina. Repairs will help service-connected, disabled veterans safely remain in their homes.

"Over the last six weeks, we've worked with Lowe's to deliver temporary housing units to people who lost nearly everything as a result of the hurricane – and the need for more persists," said Melisa Winburn, Appalachia Service Project president and CEO. "Seeing the joy on one homeowners face of being able to sleep in an actual bed – these temporary units are not just meeting basic needs but are helping to rebuild hope for so many." 

In addition, on May 2, Lowe's will reopen its East Asheville store, just seven months after flood damage from Helene forced the location to close its doors. Since Helene, the store has operated from a nearby temporary location in order to continue to serve the community. More than 100 of the store's original employees will return to the store they call home.

About Lowe's

Lowe's Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW) is a FORTUNE® 50 home improvement company serving approximately 16 million customer transactions a week in the United States. With total fiscal year 2024 sales of more than $83 billion, Lowe's operates over 1,700 home improvement stores and employs approximately 300,000 associates. Based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe's supports the communities it serves through programs focused on creating safe, affordable housing, improving community spaces, helping to develop the next generation of skilled trade experts and providing disaster relief to communities in need. For more information, visit Lowes.com.

Media Contact

Laurel Waller
Laurel.Waller@lowes.com

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SOURCE Lowe's Companies, Inc.

FAQ

How much is Lowe's (LOW) investing in Western North Carolina hurricane recovery?

Lowe's is investing an additional $2 million, bringing their total investment in Hurricanes Helene and Milton recovery efforts to $14 million.

When will Lowe's (LOW) East Asheville store reopen after Hurricane Helene damage?

The East Asheville store will reopen on May 2, 2025, seven months after being forced to close due to flood damage from Hurricane Helene.

What programs is Lowe's (LOW) funding for hurricane recovery in North Carolina?

Lowe's is funding temporary housing through ASP, construction training through NCCER's Rapid Recovery Construction Academy, and veteran home repairs through Purple Heart Homes.

How much is Lowe's (LOW) allocating for temporary housing in rural North Carolina?

$1 million of the new investment is specifically allocated for building temporary homes in rural areas of North Carolina.