FEMA Assistance Deadline Passed for Buncombe County Residents

News Summary

Buncombe County residents are reminded that the deadline for FEMA Individual Assistance and North Carolina Disaster Unemployment Assistance has passed as of April 7. While applications are closed for this round, FEMA continues to provide over $132 million in support for hurricane recovery. Residents with ongoing applications can still receive help at the Fairview Library until April 11. The new Helene Resource Center will open thereafter to assist further recovery efforts, along with upcoming community events and resources available for those affected.

Buncombe County Residents Take Note: FEMA Assistance Deadline Has Passed!

Hey there, Buncombe County! It’s time to catch up on what’s been happening in our neck of the woods, especially regarding disaster support after Hurricane Helene. As many of you know, the deadline to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance and North Carolina Disaster Unemployment Assistance was April 7. Unfortunately, if you missed the deadline, you’ll need to look for other recovery options.

FEMA Assistance Arrives

Despite the deadline, there’s still good news to share! FEMA has been hard at work, providing over $132 million in Individual and Household Assistance to residents impacted by the hurricane. If you have an existing application with FEMA, don’t worry! Representatives will be at the Fairview Library until April 11 to help residents navigate their applications.

Helene Resource Center Opens Doors

After April 11, all FEMA services will transition to the new Helene Resource Center (HRC), located at 94 Coxe Ave, Downtown Asheville. The HRC is here for you, open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Not to mention, there’s free parking right across the street, making it even easier for you to swing by!

Upcoming Community Events

Mark your calendars! A Helene Recovery Resource event is set for April 10 from 4:30–7:30 p.m. at the Garren Creek Fire Department. This is a fantastic opportunity for residents to gather resources and get the support they need for recovery.

Debris Removal Update

On a different note, as of April 1, Buncombe County has finished right-of-way debris removal. Residents no longer need to move debris to the roadside, as contractors will take care of removal in hotspot areas. However, if you still have storm debris on your property, you can apply for the Private Property Debris Removal program until April 15. Applications can be submitted online, via phone at 828-250-6100, or in person at either the Fairview Library or Helene Resource Center.

Road and Bridge Program Launch

For those who experienced damage to roads and bridges, the North Carolina Private Road and Bridge Program has kicked off to assist property owners. Great news: over 2,100 intake forms have already been received as of April 9, showing the community’s proactive efforts to recover.

Community Care Station Services

The Owen Pool Community Care Station continues to serve our residents by providing free showers, laundry, water, and restrooms, operational on both weekdays and weekends. If you need a helping hand, this is a warm and welcoming place to stop by.

Participate in Local Recovery Initiatives

Don’t forget! The N.C. Department of Transportation’s Litter Sweep is coming up from April 12–26. Residents are encouraged to pitch in and participate in local cleanup initiatives as we come together as a community.

More Information

If you have questions or concerns about debris removal, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is available via email. Furthermore, for additional recovery resources, visit buncombeready.org or get in touch with the One Buncombe Call Center at 828-250-6100.

Next Community Briefing

Finally, don’t miss the upcoming Community Briefing on April 16 at 11 a.m. on the Buncombe County Government Facebook page. Stay informed and involved as we continue to navigate this recovery process together!

Take care, Buncombe County! It’s all about sticking together and moving forward!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Asheville Opens Helene Resource Center for Storm Recovery
Buncombe County Lifts Open Burning Ban Amid Recovery Efforts
Asheville Residents Share Economic Concerns at Town Hall
Buncombe County Authorities Investigate Credit Union Fraud
Asheville Launches $225 Million Recovery Plan for Community
Asheville’s Ongoing Recovery from Hurricane Helene
Asheville Police Seek Community Help to Find Break-In Suspects
Asheville’s Housing Crisis Deepened by Hurricane Helene: A Call for Action!
Asheville Unites for Recovery After Hurricane Helene
Asheville Businesses Invited to Participate in Impact Survey After Hurricane Helene

Additional Resources

• WLOS: FEMA Delivers Trailers in Buncombe County
• WPDE: FEMA Aid Continues Past Deadline
• Fox Carolina: FEMA Opens New Disaster Recovery Center
• WLOS: Helene FEMA and Red Cross Emergency Recovery
• Wikipedia: Hurricane Helene
• Google Search: Hurricane Helene recovery