Asheville Community Updates: Services and Support in Action
Greetings from Asheville! As our community works its way through recent challenges, we have some important updates to share about services and resources available to all residents. Let’s dive right in!
Daily Briefings to Keep You Informed
Starting this Monday, public officials will hold news briefings every weekday at 11 a.m. You can join in live on Facebook at facebook.com/buncombeGov or tune in to Blue Ridge Public Radio at 88.1 FM. For those who prefer a different frequency, don’t forget to check out Asheville Media Group stations at 105.9, 96.5, 98.1, 105.5, and 97.3 for Spanish speakers. If you’re on the go, you can also catch the updates on iHeart Radio stations, including 99.9, 104.3, 105.1, and 570 AM.
ART Bus Service Resumes
Good news for commuters! ART bus services have resumed their normal schedules for most routes. The N2, 170, and WE1 Eastbound routes are back, albeit with some modifications. Keep in mind that the buses will no longer be offering flag stop service. The best part? Buses are still free of charge to all riders until further notice, making it easier for everyone to get around.
No Fees for Parking
The city is also offering free parking in all city garages and metered spaces for the time being. If you need long-term parking, please consider using one of the city garages. This small gesture can help out our local businesses as they work hard to recover and start welcoming visitors back.
Food and Water Distribution
Food, bottled water, and bulk water for flushing are being distributed throughout Asheville and surrounding areas. Here are some locations and times:
- Sky Lanes Bowling Alley, 1477 Patton Avenue – 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Black Mountain Ingles, 550 NC-9 – 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
- Fairview Ingles, 225 Charlotte Highway – 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
- Swannanoa Ingles, 2299 US 70 – 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center, 121 Shiloh Road, Asheville – 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. (no bulk water for flushing)
- Pack Square Park, 70 Court Plaza – 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Buncombe County Sports Park, 58 Apac Dr., Candler – 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- 980 Brevard Rd in the At Home store parking lot – 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- 85 Tunnel Rd in the Innsbruck shopping center parking lot – 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Storm Debris Management
As we come together to address the aftermath of recent storms, the city is prioritizing debris removal. This effort is vital for community safety; it reduces fire hazards and supports the reopening of businesses. Temporary sites are set up for processing debris and will be monitored closely to ensure safety and compliance with environmental rules.
Community Care Stations
For anyone needing extra assistance, Community Care Stations are available daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. These stations offer hot showers, laundry, Wi-Fi, bathrooms, charging stations, and meals—all free of charge. Just remember to bring your own towels and toiletries!
Water Utility Update
The City continues to work hard to provide safe water to everyone, though all customers are under a Boil Water Notice. Be sure to bring water to a boil if you plan to drink or cook with it. Meanwhile, it’s safe for laundry and showering, as long as you don’t swallow any. The city is not currently charging late fees or sending delinquent notices, so there’s no need to worry about that for now.
Disaster Recovery Centers Now Open
Two Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) are now open to assist residents needing help from FEMA or the Small Business Center. The locations are:
- Buncombe County Sports Park, 58 Apac Dr.
- Cane Creek Pool, 590 Lower Brush Creek Rd.
Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the Sports Park and until 7 p.m. for Cane Creek Pool.
Help is Just Around the Corner
In closing, Asheville, we are all in this together! Whether you need transportation, food, water, or support as we navigate this recovery process, rest assured that help is available. Remember to stay informed by tuning in to daily briefings and utilizing the many resources provided by the city and county. Let’s keep looking out for one another as we rebuild and move forward!
