Asheville Preparations for Reopening and Community Support Amid Recovery Efforts

Asheville Welcomes Residents Back Amid Recovery Efforts

Asheville, North Carolina, is buzzing with activity as the city prepares to reopen its county offices to the public. Starting on Wednesday, October 23, the facilities will welcome visitors during regular business hours. However, it’s worth noting that certain parks and two libraries will remain closed for now. On the bright side, only North Buncombe Fields and Hominy Valley Park will open to the public. The rest of the parks will have to wait a little longer to welcome visitors back. As for libraries, all will open except for the Oakley/South Asheville Library and the Swannanoa Library.

Community Care Stations Expanding Services

In good news for residents needing assistance, a new Community Care Station has officially opened at Owen Pool in Swannanoa. This station provides essential services such as laundry, food, and in some cases, medical care, all at no cost to the community. The care stations will operate daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. They aim to help those most affected during this tough time, so if you or someone you know needs a little extra support, don’t hesitate to swing by!

Power Restoration Updates

Despite widespread restoration efforts, as of October 22, about 127 Duke Energy customers in Buncombe County are still grappling with power outages. Meanwhile, Spectrum has done a commendable job restoring service to 90% of its customers, although some areas are still experiencing delays for approximately 10,000 customers.

Water Safety Notice

Residents in the City of Asheville and Town of Black Mountain are advised that a Boil Water Notice remains in place. This means any water used for drinking or cooking needs to be boiled vigorously for one minute before consumption. While it’s safe to shower, using bottled or boiled water for brushing teeth is highly recommended.

Voting Times and Locations

If you’re looking to participate in the upcoming elections, early voting sites are now open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Residents can easily access information such as ballots and wait times by visiting the official Buncombe County voting site.

Waste Management Services Resuming

Additionally, WastePro is back to running its normal trash and recycling routes where roads are accessible. The landfill on Panther Road in Alexander is operating Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The transfer station on Hominy Creek Road in Asheville is also open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for residents needing to drop off bagged trash and recyclables, although regular fees apply.

D-SNAP Food Assistance Available

Buncombe County residents still in need of assistance can apply for the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). This program is designed for individuals who were impacted by Hurricane Helene and are not currently receiving food assistance. The application deadline is quickly approaching, so those interested should head to Buncombe County Health and Human Services to apply in person or visit their website to pre-register and gather more information.

Community Support and Volunteer Opportunities

It’s heartwarming to see the community come together during this challenging time, as local organizations report an inundation of donations, including clothes, shoes, and blankets. However, they are currently unable to accept more physical donations due to limited storage space. Instead, monetary contributions to reputable organizations assisting in recovery efforts are encouraged. For those looking to volunteer, the county asks that individuals only come if called upon by government agencies or if you’ve made prior arrangements with community organizations.

DMV and Environmental Health Updates

In terms of recovery efforts, most of the driver license offices and license plate agencies in Western North Carolina are now open, with minor exceptions. Environmental Health received an impressive 900 water sample applications, ensuring peace of mind for many residents relying on well water. Starting today, they will focus only on sampling wells that were flooded or damaged during the storm for further assurance.

As Asheville rises to the occasion during recovery, residents are encouraged to stay updated on all protocols and available services to ensure a smoother transition back to normalcy. Let’s keep supporting one another and move forward together!