Exciting New Grant Program Launched to Assist Asheville Residents Impacted by Storm Helene

Exciting New Grant Program to Support Residents Affected by Storm Helene in Asheville

Asheville, N.C. – The city is abuzz with hope and support as Buncombe County has rolled out a brand-new grant program to aid residents impacted by the recent storm, Helene. This initiative, known as the Helene Recovery Housing Assistance Grant, is designed to provide financial relief to those who have faced hardships due to the storm’s effects. It’s a ray of sunshine for many who are feeling the financial strain from lost income or mounting bills.

Grant Aims to Relieve Financial Burdens

Residents affected by the storm can apply for help with their rent, mortgage, or utility payments. The grant will cover assistance for up to three months, which could make a significant difference for families and individuals scrambling to make ends meet after the storm. Applications for this much-needed support opened on Thursday, giving residents a chance to regain some stability during these trying times.

How to Apply

There are a few requirements to qualify for the grant, and it’s crucial for residents to ensure they meet them before applying. The process is designed to be straightforward. Payments through this grant will be made directly to landlords, mortgage companies, or utility providers, which takes some of the burdens off the applicants themselves.

“This is a crucial step forward in our recovery process,” said Phillip Hardin, the county’s Health and Human Services Community Resources director. He shared that while the application window is open for just two weeks, applicants should be prepared as the county will utilize a lottery system to fairly distribute the funds. Once the application period closes, all submissions will be placed in a hat, and names will be drawn until the funding runs out. This means that although not everyone who applies may receive help, the county is committed to working through as many applications as possible.

Understanding the Impact

It’s important to remember that even if someone’s home or apartment wasn’t physically damaged by the flooding, the ripple effects of lost income can be profound. Hardin pointed out, “So many people lost income because so many businesses were closed.” For many folks, living paycheck to paycheck is a reality, and the loss of income can quickly lead to falling behind on rent or mortgage payments.

Funding Support and Where to Apply

The funding for this crucial grant comes from the reallocated American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, which the Buncombe County commissioners approved earlier this month. This financial boost is a lifeline for individuals and families navigating the aftermath of the storm.

For those interested in applying for the Helene Recovery Housing Assistance Grant, applications can be found on the county’s website. It’s a straightforward process, but prospective applicants are encouraged to act quickly due to the short application window.

Conclusion

With this new grant program, Buncombe County demonstrates a firm commitment to supporting its residents in times of crisis. As they work through the challenges left in the wake of Helene, community members are encouraged to explore this financial assistance option. Together, the Asheville community can rebuild and recover, one step at a time.