Buncombe County Community Briefing | March 12, 2025

Buncombe County Community Briefing Recap: Hurricane Helene Recovery and Important Updates (March 12, 2025)

The Buncombe County Community Briefing, held on March 12, 2025, provided a comprehensive update to residents on ongoing recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene and addressed other important county matters. The meeting, attended by various county officials and representatives from partner organizations like the Small Business Administration (SBA) and Legal Aid of North Carolina, focused primarily on assisting residents impacted by the storm while also informing the public about administrative changes within Buncombe County. No formal votes were taken, with the focus remaining on disseminating information and resources.

A major topic of discussion was Hurricane Helene recovery, with a significant emphasis on financial assistance programs. Residents were strongly encouraged to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance before the April 7th deadline, even if they believe their damage was minimal. The program covers a wide range of expenses, including rent assistance, home repairs, and property replacement – ensuring residents don’t miss out on potential support. Beyond FEMA, updates were provided regarding the Disaster Energy Assistance Program (funds still available for heating costs and energy efficiency improvements) and the USDA Emergency Watershed Protection Program, which assists landowners dealing with erosion and damage (expecting repairs to take 1-3 years). The SBA also presented information on loan programs for both businesses and homeowners, with a 60-day grace period for in-person applications.

Beyond disaster relief, the briefing included important administrative updates. The Buncombe County Tax Department and Property Assessment Office are relocating to a new location at 182 College Street, beginning March 17th and 20th respectively. Free parking is available in the adjacent garage, easing access for residents needing to visit these offices. A reminder was also given about the deadline for Arts Business Relief Grants (March 14th), demonstrating ongoing support for local artists and businesses affected by the hurricane.

The meeting also highlighted several key safety and mitigation efforts. Residents were warned about increased fire danger due to dry conditions and high winds, urging caution and discouraging burning within municipal limits. The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program was promoted as a voluntary program with no income limits, encouraging property owners to apply and reduce future risks from flooding and landslides. Finally, the City of Asheville provided updates on their recovery efforts, including the Asheville Recovers website and a partnership with Western Carolina University to assess Riverside Cemetery.

What’s Next for You? (Action Items)

• Hurricane Helene Impacted Residents: Apply for FEMA assistance before April 7th. Explore Disaster Energy Assistance options (40 Cox Avenue or 828-250-5500). Consider applying for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
• Landowners with Erosion/Damage: Report damage at buncombecounty.org or call 828-250-6100 to assess eligibility for USDA assistance.
• Businesses/Homeowners: Investigate SBA loan options before April 27th.
• Artists/Arts Businesses: Visit artsavl.org for Arts Business Relief Grant information.
• Legal Assistance Needed? Attend the free clinic at AB Tech on March 17th or contact Legal Aid of North Carolina’s Helene hotline.

Stay Informed: For the latest updates and resources, visit engage.bunkumecounty.org/buncomrecovers or sign up for alerts at buncombecounty.org/codered. This briefing underscored the County’s commitment to supporting residents through recovery and providing vital information for a resilient community.