Hurricane Helene Community Briefing: Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025
January 1, 2025 at 7:00 PM
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Event Recap
Hurricane Helene Community Briefing Recap: January 2, 2025
On Thursday, January 2nd, 2025, Buncombe County held a Community Briefing to update residents on ongoing recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. The meeting, attended by County officials including County Manager Avril Pender and Interim Property Assessor Eric Kreger, focused on providing crucial information regarding assistance programs, debris removal, and upcoming deadlines impacting property owners. No formal votes or decisions were made during the meeting; rather, it served as a comprehensive update for those affected by the storm.
A significant portion of the briefing centered on available assistance programs. Residents were reminded about applying for FEMA aid through DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362, covering expenses like rental assistance and utility bills. The deadline for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) has been extended to February 6th, offering support to those who lost their jobs due to the hurricane. The Hazard Mitigation Grant program was also highlighted, providing funding for homeowners to make their properties more resilient against future natural disasters – a voluntary program with representatives available at the Asheville Mall from January 6th to 17th. Community Care Stations, offering essential resources like showers and laundry facilities, remain operational daily at several locations across the county.
Debris removal continues to be a priority, with over 624,000 cubic yards already collected. Residents are asked to separate debris and place it within 10 feet of the right-of-way. A Private Property Debris Removal Program is available for those unable to manage the cleanup themselves, with intake centers located at various libraries and fire departments. A transition in solid waste collection occurred on January 1st, with FCC now handling trash and recycling. Residents experiencing issues can contact FCC directly or utilize the online issue tracker on the Buncombe County website.
Finally, important deadlines were announced regarding property assessments and permits. The 2025 property listing period runs from January 1st to 31st, with business and rental owners needing to report their personal property. For those who received emergency flood permits between September 27th and December 3rd, contact the planning and development department via [email protected] to complete the necessary paperwork. Real estate owners can expect a notice of value regarding any storm-related property damage in late February or March.
What's Next? Residents are encouraged to take action on several key items: apply for FEMA assistance before February 6th, utilize the debris removal program if needed, explore hazard mitigation grants to protect their homes, and ensure they are aware of the upcoming deadlines for property assessments. The next community briefing is scheduled for Monday, January 6th, providing an opportunity to receive further updates and ask questions. For detailed information on all programs and deadlines, visit BuncombeReady.org or buncombecounty.org/solidwaste.
This briefing provided a vital update for Buncombe County residents navigating the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, ensuring they are informed about available resources and upcoming deadlines to aid in their recovery.