Hurricane Helene Community Briefing: Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024

Hurricane Helene Community Briefing Recap: What Residents Need to Know

On December 11, 2024, Buncombe County held a community briefing to update residents on recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. The meeting, attended by representatives from the county government, City of Asheville, and various state agencies, focused on addressing ongoing challenges and outlining available resources for those impacted by the storm. While no formal votes were taken, a significant amount of information was shared regarding debris removal, financial assistance programs, and essential services.

A major focus of the briefing was addressing concerns surrounding the transition to FCC Environmental Services for trash and recycling. County officials acknowledged challenges with the changeover, but highlighted improvements including an expanded call center staff (now over 20 employees). Residents experiencing issues with trash pickup, particularly those without carts, are advised to place bagged trash on the curb for collection and contact the One Buncombe Call Center at 828-250-6100 if they require assistance. Beyond trash, discussions centered on the ongoing debris removal process, with two programs in place: free right-of-way pickup and a program for private property debris requiring a signed right of entry form. Residents are encouraged to report any missed areas or hot spots for debris pickup.

Several crucial financial assistance programs were detailed, providing residents with options to alleviate storm-related financial burdens. The Helene Recovery Housing Assistance Grant, offering up to three months of support for rent, mortgage payments, or utility bills, remains open until December 18th. Eligibility is based on income (up to 80% of the area median income – an example given was $74,800 for a family of four). The Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) program has been extended to January 7, 2025 and reopened for those impacted by the storm. Finally, residents can apply for Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) to help with heating bills. Deadlines vary based on age and service status, so residents are encouraged to check eligibility requirements at epass.nc.gov or call 828-250-5500.

Beyond immediate recovery, the briefing also addressed ongoing efforts to restore community services and ensure safety. All county libraries are open (except Swannanoa, which is reopening soon), and community care stations remain operational from 7 am to 7 pm daily at four locations: Morgan Hill Baptist Church, United Methodist Church, Bethel United Methodist Church, and Fairview Ingalls. Parks & Recreation is actively working to clear debris and evaluate tree safety in parks, with the Festival of Lights at Lake Julian continuing through December 23rd. A notable reminder was issued regarding potential localized flooding due to altered stream behavior following the storm, urging residents to remain vigilant.

The City of Asheville provided an update on their recovery efforts, including the collection of over 175,685 cubic yards of debris and the launch of the Asheville Recovers Engagement Hub (www.publicinput.com/AshevilleRecovers) for ongoing updates and community feedback. The meeting concluded with a Q&A session, addressing media inquiries about debris removal timelines and FCC transition challenges.

What’s Next? Residents are encouraged to take action by applying for available grants and assistance programs before the deadlines, reporting property damage through the county’s form or call center, and staying informed about recovery efforts via the Asheville Recovers Engagement Hub. The county emphasized a collaborative approach to rebuilding, and residents are encouraged to utilize available resources and report any concerns to the One Buncombe Call Center.