Buncombe County Board Reviews Hurricane Recovery Efforts and FEMA Support

Update on Buncombe County’s Hurricane Response

Asheville, NC – At a recent meeting held on November 7, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners received an important update on the ongoing response and recovery efforts following Tropical Storm Helene. With one commissioner, Martin Moore, absent, the board listened to a series of presentations aimed at outlining how the county is supporting residents affected by the storm.

FEMA’s Continued Support for Displaced Families

One of the standout moments of the meeting was a presentation from Hannah Vick, who serves as the assistant federal coordinating officer with FEMA. Vick emphasized that the agency’s top priority is to ensure that displaced families have a “safe and sanitary place to stay.” This concern addresses the significant housing needs in the area that have arisen due to the storm.

According to Vick, more than 50,000 households in Buncombe County have been approved for FEMA assistance, with the agency providing over $73 million in aid to local families. This financial assistance is crucial, helping residents cover temporary housing costs, make essential home repairs, and replace personal property that was lost or damaged during the storm. “As we complete home inspections,” Vick shared, “we can approve survivors for more money or programs based on their specific damages or needs.” She noted that additional support includes payment for moving and storage costs that might not be covered by insurance.

In addition to this assistance, FEMA is also covering hotel stays for over 1,500 people in the local area, ensuring that those who have been most affected by the storm have a roof over their heads.

Economic Development Initiatives

The meeting also featured a presentation by E.B. Odderstol, Buncombe County’s economic development program analyst, who provided updates on the Mountain Community Capital Fund (MCCF). This program offers loans to small business owners who lack collateral, further aiding community resilience in the face of challenges like the recent storm.

Odderstol proposed some edits and updates to the MCCF’s operating agreement, noting that these changes would allow the Operating Committee to more easily accept additional funds for future needs, possibly including relief efforts related to Helene. “The program is not specific to the Helene response,” he mentioned, but the provisions would enhance the county’s ability to respond to such needs in the future. The board plans to consider these updates at their next regular meeting on Tuesday, November 19.

Continuing Commitment to Community Journalism

As Asheville continues to recover from the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene, local journalism plays a crucial role in keeping residents informed about ongoing developments and needs in the community. For over 25 years, there has been a commitment to providing in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. The absence of paywalls ensures everyone has equal access to important stories that impact their lives.

However, like many media outlets today, local journalism faces challenges with funding. Advertising isn’t covering the entire cost of operations. As such, there’s a growing call for community members to support local news. For as little as $5 a month—the price of a craft beer or kombucha—community members can make a significant difference in ensuring a healthy local news environment.

Engaging in respectful dialogue is key, and community members are encouraged to participate in discussions while keeping a civil tone. The moderation of comments is essential to maintain constructive exchanges and encourage a spirit of cooperation.

As Buncombe County continues to navigate the recovery from Tropical Storm Helene, updates like these help keep the community informed and connected.