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Buncombe County Welcomes FEMA Aid for Hurricane Helene Victims

Families gather in front of FEMA-provided mobile homes in Buncombe County.

News Summary

Buncombe County has begun receiving FEMA assistance as mobile homes have been delivered to help families affected by Hurricane Helene. 26 trailers arrived at Laurelwood Mobile Home Park as part of a broader effort to provide shelter for over 500 families impacted by the storm. In addition to mobile homes, FEMA has established a rental assistance program to support families for up to 18 months. Recovery efforts continue, with further assistance and resources available to encourage a return to stability for those affected.

Buncombe County Welcomes FEMA Aid for Hurricane Helene Victims

Residents of Buncombe County have received a much-needed boost as FEMA has delivered mobile homes to assist those impacted by the devastating Hurricane Helene. On December 14, 2024, trailers arrived at the lovely Laurelwood Mobile Home Park, where 26 pads have been secured to house families in urgent need. It’s a small but significant step forward for families who are eager to settle into their new homes as soon as possible.

But Buncombe County isn’t going through this alone. Close by in McDowell County, nearly 50 additional FEMA trailers are being utilized to provide shelter for more victims of the hurricane. FEMA’s emergency coordinating officer for Western North Carolina has shared that these trailers are just a slice of the housing support being rolled out to aid over 500 families affected by the disaster. This dedicated effort aims to pave the way for quicker recovery for all.

Rental Assistance Program Available

To widen the safety net, FEMA has rolled out a rental assistance program that can potentially accommodate qualifying families for up to 18 months. It’s an essential lifeline, especially considering that a staggering 433 families across North Carolina are eligible for mobile homes or travel trailers following the hurricane’s wrath. But the challenges don’t stop there, as more than 5,000 individuals still find themselves living in transitional housing or hotels, attempting to navigate life after the disaster.

Good news is on the horizon, however! By January 11, 2025, it is estimated that around 1,200 individuals will begin moving back into their repaired homes, as the local community comes together to restore stability. Meanwhile, FEMA isn’t slowing down; they are preparing 20 additional contracts for mobile home sites across various counties, including Caldwell, Haywood, McDowell, and Rutherford. In times like these, every effort counts.

Finding Help and Resources

Despite the hustle and bustle of recovery efforts, residents have reported limited resources when it comes to reaching FEMA. Unfortunately, there isn’t a dedicated FEMA call center in Western North Carolina for Hurricane Helene victims, which means some families have experienced frustrating wait times for assistance. To combat this, those needing help are encouraged to visit FEMA’s Disaster Response Centers for hands-on guidance and support.

Property Tax Updates Following the Storm

2025 property reappraisal deadline until January 1, 2026. This extension takes into account the uncertainty in market values resulting from the hurricane’s impact, offering residents some relief during these challenging times.

While current property tax bills in Buncombe County must still be settled by January 6, 2025, it is important to note that the county cannot extend this deadline according to state law. Although property tax bills will not be prorated following the disaster, property owners whose homes sustained damage should see a reduction in their taxable value.

Reporting Storm Damage

For those with storm-damaged property, there’s a straightforward way to report it through a form provided by the county’s Emergency Management Agency. Also, it’s worthwhile to consider that FEMA disaster assistance could cover basic home repairs and losses of unsaved property—applications can easily be submitted online or in person at Disaster Recovery Centers.

Hazard Mitigation Program

Mark your calendars! Applications for Hazard Mitigation Grants will be available at the Asheville Mall from November 12 to November 15, providing yet another opportunity for those looking to rebuild securely.

As Buncombe County continues to recover, it’s heartening to see the community come together and support one another through these tough times. Every small step taken helps families rebuild their lives while reaffirming the strength of solidarity and resilience.