Support for Asheville Residents Affected by Hurricane Helene
Asheville stands united in the wake of Hurricane Helene, a storm that left its mark on our beautiful community. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is stepping in to help those affected, and residents are encouraged to apply for disaster recovery grants before the application period closes on January 7, 2025. The city is urging everyone to consider applying, even if immediate needs aren’t apparent. Sometimes, impacts related to Helene may surface later, so it’s better to be safe than sorry!
How to Apply for FEMA Assistance
Applying for FEMA assistance is straightforward. You can do it online at DisasterAssistance.gov, call 1-800-621-3362, or visit in-person at the Asheville Mall any day from Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. If you were displaced from your home, you may qualify for various forms of assistance, including rental help, security deposits, and coverage for utilities.
Local Financial Assistance Options
Asheville isn’t stopping at FEMA support. The city has launched several local assistance programs specifically for those impacted by the storm:
- Helene Recovery Housing Assistance Grant: Residents affected by Helene can apply for financial assistance covering up to three months of rent, mortgage, or utility bills. But hurry! Applications close on December 18 at 5 p.m. You can apply at buncombeready.org.
- Private Property Debris Removal Program: Buncombe County is actively collecting debris from public rights-of-way. More than 1,100 residents have already applied for free debris removal on private properties. You can apply online or visit the Asheville Mall, Barnardsville Fire Department, Swannanoa Fire on Bee Tree Road, and Fairview Library for assistance.
- USDA Emergency Watershed Protection Program: If your property is facing threats due to water issues caused by Helene, you may qualify for help regarding debris-clogged waterways or streambank erosion. You can submit damage reports via the Property Damage Form or by calling 828-250-4785.
- Low-Income Energy Assistance Program: While not directly related to Helene recovery efforts, this state program is here to assist with heating bills. If you have someone aged 60 or older or a person with a disability in your household, you can apply until December 31. Other households can apply from January 1 to March 31 or until funds run out.
Waste Management and Water Testing
The new waste pickup service provider, FCC, is handling cart replacements. If you haven’t received your cart for a few days, don’t fret! You can contact FCC at 828-820-7022 in the meantime and place bagged trash on the curb for your scheduled pickup. For FAQs about service changes, visit buncombecounty.org.
In addition, the City of Asheville is prioritizing lead and copper testing for homes built before 1988. More than 6,600 requests for lead testing have been received since December 9, and the city is working to meet the demand. This testing is particularly important for those who are pregnant or have young children, as lead can be harmful to little ones. The city is currently offering just one lead test kit per household and only to those who receive their water from the City of Asheville. For more information, check the city’s website.
Community Care Stations Open
For those still facing challenges, four Community Care Stations are keeping their doors open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. These stations provide crucial resources like laundry, showers, and bottled water in heavily impacted areas:
- Morgan Hill Baptist Church, 594 Barnardsville Highway
- Bethel United Methodist, 1050 Riceville Road
- Owen Pool, 117 Stone Drive, Swannanoa
- Fairview Ingles, 225 Charlotte Highway
Continuing Recovery Efforts
Since the storm, crews have successfully removed an impressive 453,870 cubic yards of debris throughout Buncombe County, Black Mountain, and Asheville. The city is dedicated to addressing the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Helene, and these recovery efforts are just one example of a community coming together in tough times.
We encourage all residents to take advantage of the resources available to them and to help spread the word. Together, we can navigate the aftermath of this storm and help our community heal.
