Community Resources Aid Buncombe County Residents in Storm Recovery

Community Resources Available in Buncombe County

As the residents of Buncombe County continue to recover from recent storms, there are several essential resources and support programs available to help those in need. Whether you’re facing challenges with housing, need assistance after the storms, or are concerned about water safety, there’s support out there for you.

Helene Recovery Housing Assistance Grant Deadline Today

First up, if you’ve been affected by the storms and need help with housing costs, don’t forget that the application for the Helene Recovery Housing Assistance Grant closes today, December 17, at 5 p.m.!

This grant offers up to three months of assistance for rent, mortgage payments, or utility bills, which can be a real lifesaver for families looking to get back on their feet. To apply, simply head over to buncombecounty.org before the deadline. Every bit of help counts, so make sure to get your application in!

Hazard Mitigation Assistance

If you’re thinking long-term about safeguarding your home against future natural disasters, there’s good news! Starting January 6, employees from North Carolina Emergency Management will be in Buncombe County to offer guidance on the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

These dedicated staff members will be stationed at the Asheville Mall alongside the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center. They’ll be there to assist homeowners from January 6-17, operating daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (except on Mondays, when they’ll open at 1 p.m.).

The state has already received over 200 applications for various mitigation assistance projects, showing just how committed the community is to becoming more resilient in the face of natural adversity.

Community Care Stations

You may already know about the Community Care Stations that are set up to aid residents recovering from the storms. These stations provide critical resources such as showers, laundry facilities, and bottled water, all designed to help your family feel a little more at home during this tough time. They’re open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., so don’t hesitate to take advantage of these useful resources.

Report Property Damage

Buncombe County residents are also encouraged to report any storm-related damage using the County’s Property Damage Form. This is essential for county, state, and federal partners to assess needs and direct resources accordingly. If you need assistance with the form, don’t worry—just call the One Buncombe Call Center at 828-250-6100. When you report your damage, try to include photos if you’re able to; this will help the teams assess your situation more effectively.

City of Asheville Water Updates

Lastly, if you’re a resident in the City of Asheville, don’t forget about the ongoing water safety initiatives. Customers are encouraged to return their lead test kits by January 31, 2025. You can grab these testing kits at several locations, including Asheville City Hall and the local libraries in North, East, and West Asheville. Being proactive can greatly contribute to your family’s health.

A Community Effort

Buncombe County is pulling together in a remarkable way, showing resilience and compassion during these difficult times. Each program and initiative offers a lifeline for those in need, proving that we’re all in this together. Make sure to take advantage of these programs while they are available! Remember, today is the last day to apply for the Helene Recovery Housing Assistance Grant, so if you haven’t already, make it a priority!

Stay strong, Buncombe County, and let’s keep supporting each other!