Hurricane Helene Community Briefing: Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025

Hurricane Helene Recovery Update: Key Information from Community Briefing

On January 29, 2025, Buncombe County held a Community Briefing to update residents on the ongoing recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. This recap summarizes key updates, decisions, and resources available to those impacted by the storm. The meeting provided a comprehensive overview of debris removal, facility changes, financial assistance programs, and community resources.

Recovery Progress & Key Updates: The briefing highlighted significant progress in debris removal, with collection rates exceeding 98% in Swannanoa. Residents were reassured that stickers placed on titled property (like vehicles) are not parking tickets but a method to contact owners regarding debris removal. The Army Corps of Engineers is preparing to begin waterway cleanup, and residents were reminded to avoid open burning due to windy conditions. A crucial update concerned the Asheville Mall FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC), which closed at 6 p.m. on January 29th. Residents needing assistance can now visit the Fairview Public Library (1 Taylor Road) and Weaverville Town Hall (30 South Main Street), both open Monday through Saturday.

Financial Assistance & Support Programs: Several vital assistance programs were detailed, offering crucial support to those struggling in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The Disaster Energy Assistance program can help with heating costs, covering utility bills and repairs (up to $5,247 monthly income limit). Residents are encouraged to apply at BuncomReady.org or call 828-250-5500. Important deadlines were announced for FEMA assistance (February 6th – disasterassistance.gov or 1-800-621-3362) and Disaster Unemployment Assistance (des.nc.gov). The Transition Shelter & Assistance (TSA) program, providing temporary hotel stays, continues through May 26, 2025. For those needing case management to navigate recovery resources, the Disaster Care Management Program is available (844-746-2326 or buncomready.org).

Community Initiatives & Future Planning: Beyond immediate assistance, the briefing showcased community-led initiatives. The "Come Hell or High Water" project is actively collecting and preserving stories of those impacted by the storm, inviting residents to contribute to a digital archive at buncombecounty.org/library. A "Resources for Recovery" series will be held throughout February at various locations, offering assistance from multiple agencies. The Parks and Recreation Department provided updates on park damage, noting significant damage to Owen Park. A community outreach plan is underway to engage residents in planning the park’s rebuilding, exploring FEMA funding opportunities.

What's Next & How to Stay Informed: Several key action items were outlined for residents:

• Farmers/Agricultural Workers: Attend the Agriculture Recovery Fair at AB Tech on January 30th.
• Seeking Assistance: Attend "Resources for Recovery" events in February.
• Complete Property Listing Form: Submit by January 31st to avoid late penalties.
• Share Your Story: Contribute to the "Come Hell or High Water" Digital Memory Bank.

Residents are encouraged to sign up for alerts at buncombecounty.org/codered to stay informed about ongoing recovery efforts and future updates. While no formal votes were taken, the meeting emphasized a commitment to rebuilding and supporting residents throughout this challenging recovery process. The County Manager acknowledged concerns about potential funding impacts, assuring staff is monitoring the situation and working to minimize disruption for survivors.

This briefing provided a valuable update on Buncombe County's recovery efforts, highlighting available resources and outlining next steps for residents impacted by Hurricane Helene. By staying informed and utilizing the offered programs, community members can navigate this recovery period with greater confidence and support.