Asheville Community Comes Together for Hurricane Helene Relief
In the beautiful city of Asheville, the spirit of community shines bright in the face of adversity. As the aftermath of Hurricane Helene continues to unfold, local organizations and volunteers are rolling up their sleeves to assist those in need, providing essential resources to help residents get back on their feet.
Free Meals and Essential Supplies
One fantastic initiative is being led by BeLoved Asheville. They are actively distributing food, water, and other necessary supplies at 32 Old Charlotte Hwy.. If you’re affected by the storm, don’t miss out! The McRig, a food truck providing free meals, will be serving between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. through Saturday, October 5.
Additionally, a Mobile Relief Diner will be stationed at the Lowe’s Home Improvement Center, located at 95 Smokey Park Hwy.. From 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., hot meals will be available from October 4 through October 8. This is a wonderful opportunity for anyone impacted by the hurricane to grab a warm meal.
Mark your calendars! There’s a special pop-up Mobile Market happening at the Asheville YMCA this Saturday, October 5, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.. You’ll find fresh produce along with shelf-stable goods, and supplies for everyone!
FEMA and Community Update
With the rising concerns among the community regarding false rumors about FEMA confiscating donations, it’s essential to clarify: this is simply not true. FEMA does not confiscate any donations, nor do they take food from survivors or organizations helping the community.
As of now, about 200 individuals remain unaccounted for in Buncombe County, and the tragedy has claimed 72 lives due to the storm. Search and rescue teams are continuing their efforts to find and assist those affected, having entered the 7th consecutive day of their mission.
If you need to report storm damage or are looking for resources, Buncombe County has set up the One Buncombe Call Center at 828-250-6100. It’s a great way to stay informed and get assistance without feeling lost.
Distribution Points and Medical Assistance
The city of Asheville is running distribution centers where you can grab supplies. Here are some key locations:
- Asheville Middle School: 211 S. French Broad Avenue, until 7 p.m.
- Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center: 121 Shiloh Road, until 7 p.m.
- Pack Square Park: 70 Court Plaza starting at 1 p.m. until dark.
- Lucy Herring Elementary School: 98 Sulphur Springs Road, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Buncombe County is also distributing supplies across various schools, with locations open from noon until 4 p.m. If you find yourself in need of medications, the Mission Hospital’s Outpatient Pharmacy is available 24/7 but is not filling prescriptions for controlled substances at this time.
Stay Safe and Help Each Other
As recovery efforts continue, Duke Energy reports that approximately 27,000 households in Buncombe County will have their power restored today, while another 69,000 households should regain electricity by Sunday. It’s vital to stay safe out there – avoid flooded areas and always check in for updates on road conditions.
Final Word
Let’s support one another during this tough time. Visit your local distribution center, grab some meals, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help or information about recovery programs. Keep your chin up, Asheville – we’re all in this together!
