Asheville Takes Steps Towards Recovery After Helene
Asheville, North Carolina, is buzzing this week with news regarding the city’s recovery efforts from the recent impacts of Helene. On Tuesday, November 19, the Asheville City Council participated in one of Buncombe County’s daily briefings aimed at keeping residents informed and addressing their concerns. This particular meeting focused primarily on housing—one of the most pressing matters facing the community.
Housing Assistance for Displaced Residents
With many residents still feeling the aftereffects of Helene, city staff are stepping up their game to create temporary housing solutions. This will include a push to allow RVs on private properties as a means of providing immediate shelter for those who have been displaced. The city recognizes the urgent need for quick solutions and is determined to pave the way for these permits to be issued soon.
Another core topic was financial support for home repairs, with city officials announcing a significant funding package. They are working on finalizing contracts totaling $750,000 that will be utilized for home repairs via a partnership with the Asheville Regional Coalition for Home Repair (ARCHR). In addition to this, $500,000 will be allocated for rent assistance through Eblen Charities, giving a much-needed lifeline to those struggling to find stable housing.
Council Discusses Lien Waivers
A point of interest during the meeting was the discussion around liens and lien waivers. Asheville’s Community and Economic Development Department Director, Nikki Reid, walked council members through the potential benefits and drawbacks of implementing lien waivers specifically for disaster-related repairs. If approved, these waivers could allow homeowners to access up to $50,000 for repairs on properties affected by the storm. The hope is that this will ease the financial burden many homeowners are currently facing.
Funding Allocations for Recovery
Perhaps the most crucial topic of the day was the allocation of $1.748 million in Declared Disaster Recovery Funding (DDRF). City officials discussed how these funds should be divided among various needs, such as rent assistance, business grants, emergency homeless shelters, and home repairs. The city plans to thoroughly evaluate the best way to utilize these funds and will officially allocate them during a formal meeting scheduled for December 10.
Community Impact
The numbers tell a compelling story: at least 200,000 people have been impacted by Helene, with many still struggling to find shelter and stability. The Asheville City Council, along with local organizations, is dedicated to doing everything they can to support these residents. With ongoing discussions and planning, it seems that the city is making strides towards recovery; however, the journey is far from over.
Looking Ahead
Residents of Asheville can expect more updates and a continued focus on addressing the housing crisis as the city navigates the post-Helene landscape. Whether it’s facilitating temporary housing, ensuring money for repairs, or tackling the issue of homelessness, the Asheville City Council is committed to working hand-in-hand with the community to ensure a brighter future for all.
As the city looks forward to implementing these changes, the spirit of community and resilience shines brightly in Asheville. It’s a testament to the strength of a city coming together in the face of adversity.
