Asheville Comes Together for Recovery After Hurricane Helene
Hey there, Asheville! It’s been a whirlwind since Hurricane Helene swept through our beautiful city, but there’s a lot of good news to share about recovery efforts that are currently underway. The community is uniting, and several resources are now available to help residents get back on their feet. Whether you’re looking for financial assistance, help with debris removal on your property, or even support for your furry friends, Asheville has got your back!
Debris Pickup Update
First up, if you’ve been wondering about debris removal from your private property, hang tight! The city is working on finalizing the details, and more information will be available soon. A consulting firm called Tetra Tech has been brought in to help spearhead this initiative. They’re designing a program that includes setting up intake centers throughout the county. This means you’ll have designated spots to go for help with debris and other recovery needs.
Daily Updates on Recovery
To keep everyone in the loop, Buncombe County is holding briefings every weekday at 11 a.m. You can join in to get the latest updates directly from the source. If you can’t make it in person, don’t worry! You can catch the livestream on social media or via local radio stations. It’s a great way to stay informed and feel connected during this recovery period.
Homeowner Grant Program
Another exciting opportunity for homeowners is the Homeowner Grant Program, which has reopened specifically to assist those affected by Hurricane Helene. If you own a home in Buncombe County, you can apply to receive up to $300 for housing-related costs. Residents of Asheville might even qualify for up to $500! Do remember, the application deadline is coming up fast on Friday, Nov. 15. Don’t miss out on this helpful financial support!
Get Help with Hazard Mitigation Grants
If you’re interested in longer-term fixes to prevent future damages, the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program might be just what you need. This FEMA-funded program aims to reduce risks through various means like structural reinforcement and even property buyouts. You can meet with Hazard Mitigation staff at the Disaster Recovery Center located in Asheville Mall this week. They’re ready to help from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Community Care Stations Open
As we navigate these challenging times, community care stations are open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. These stations offer accessible showers, bathrooms, laundry facilities, and more—everything you need to feel a bit more comfortable. Water and ready-to-eat meals are also being distributed from various locations, so be sure to check those out as well!
Assistance for Our Four-Legged Friends
And it’s not just humans needing help; our pets need care too! The Asheville Humane Society has set up two free distribution sites for pet food and supplies. If you’re looking for affordable pet care, you can bring your furry friend to their clinics on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Plus, if you’re thinking about adding a new pet to your family, their adoption center is open, and you can view the pets available online.
FEMA Support Extended
In additional good news, the deadline for applying for Disaster Assistance through FEMA has been extended to Tuesday, Jan. 7. Over 51,000 households in Buncombe County have already received assistance totaling $75 million, helping our community rebuild and recover.
Join the Recovery Effort
And while we’re all coming together, Tetra Tech is also looking to hire locals to assist in the recovery efforts. There are roles available in both office and field work, so if you’re looking for a way to contribute to the recovery process, this could be a great opportunity!
As Asheville bounces back, it’s so heartwarming to see how our community is rallying together. Don’t miss out on these valuable resources and programs available to help everyone on their path to recovery. We’re all in this together, and brighter days are on the horizon!
