Hurricane Helene Community Briefing: Monday, Dec. 9, 2024

Hurricane Helene Community Briefing Recap: Key Updates and Assistance Programs

On December 9, 2024, Buncombe County held a Community Briefing to update residents on recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. The meeting, attended by key county officials and representatives from the City of Asheville, focused primarily on outlining available assistance programs and crucial deadlines for residents impacted by the storm. This recap summarizes the key information shared, outlining what actions residents should take and why.

A significant portion of the briefing centered on federal assistance through FEMA. Officials strongly emphasized that residents should apply for FEMA disaster assistance before the January 7, 2025 deadline, even if they don't currently believe they need it. This proactive step can be beneficial for future assistance needs. FEMA is also offering rental assistance to those displaced from their homes, covering costs associated with housing and utilities.

Beyond FEMA, several local programs are available to support recovery. The Helene Recovery Housing Assistance Grant provides up to three months of rent, mortgage, or utility support. Applications are due December 18th at 5 p.m. Eligibility is based on residency in Buncombe County prior to September 26, 2024, financial impact from the storm, and an income within 80% of the area median income (for example, $74,800 for a family of four). The Private Property Debris Removal Program (PPDR) assists with debris removal and demolition of unsafe structures on private property, while the USDA Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP) addresses damage to critical infrastructure like roads and waterways. Residents seeking heating assistance can apply for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP), with an extended application period until March 31st.

The meeting also addressed the transition to a new waste management provider, FCC Environmental, replacing WastePro. Residents are encouraged to register with FCC at FCCenvironmental.com/Buncombe to ensure uninterrupted service in the new year. Updates on debris removal were provided, noting that 453,870 cubic yards have been collected to date. Residents are asked to separate debris and place it in the right-of-way, away from new FCC carts.

A concerning update was shared regarding water quality following the storm. Initial testing revealed detectable levels of lead in nine out of 159 samples, though subsequent flushing for 30 seconds eliminated the presence of lead. Residents are advised to flush their faucets for 30 seconds after periods of non-use as a preventative measure. Finally, the briefing included an overview of damage to the watershed at North Fork, highlighting high turbidity levels expected in the near future.

What's Next? (Action Items for Residents):

• FEMA Application: Apply before January 7, 2025 (www.disasterassistance.gov).
• Housing Assistance Grant: Apply by December 18th at 5 p.m. (bunkumready.org).
• Debris Removal: Submit damage information via the county’s property damage form (QR code provided at the briefing).
• LIEAP Application: Apply online at epass.nc.gov or by phone/in-person.
• Waste Management: Register with FCC at FCCenvironmental.com/Buncombe.
• Stay Informed: Monitor City Council meetings, particularly the Recovery Work Session on December 10th.

This briefing served as a vital resource for residents seeking information and assistance following Hurricane Helene. By understanding the available programs, deadlines, and next steps, residents can navigate the recovery process effectively and access crucial support. For further information or to report concerns, contact the One Buncombe call center at 828-250-6100.