Hurricane Helene Community Briefing: Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024

Hurricane Helene Community Briefing Recap: Recovery Efforts & Resources for Buncombe County Residents

On November 21, 2024, the Buncombe County government held a community briefing to update residents on recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. The meeting, attended by key county officials and representatives from partner organizations like the Red Cross and City of Asheville, focused on providing information about available resources and outlining ongoing support for those impacted by the storm. While no formal votes or decisions were made during the briefing, a wealth of information was shared that residents should be aware of.

A significant portion of the meeting centered on debris removal. County Manager Avril Pender detailed the Private Property Debris Removal Program, a crucial initiative allowing eligible property owners in unincorporated areas and parts of Asheville to have storm-related debris removed at no cost. Residents can apply online at buncomeready.org or visit one of four application centers located at the Asheville Mall, Barnersville Fire Department, Swannanoa Fire Department, and Fairview Library. Officials stressed the importance of registering with FEMA (disasterassistance.gov or 800-621-3362) for those displaced by the storm, and highlighted the adjusted hours of operation (8 am-6 pm weekdays, 9 am-2 pm Saturdays; closed Sundays and Thanksgiving weekend) for the Asheville Mall Disaster Recovery Center (DRC).

Beyond immediate recovery, discussions also focused on long-term resilience. Residents were informed about the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, an opportunity to apply for funding to make homes more resistant to future hazards like floods and storms. Applications, available at buncomeready.org, are open for a year and can support projects like elevating homes or acquiring properties in flood-prone areas. Small business owners impacted by the storm were reminded of the Asheville Buncombe Rebuilding Together Grant, with applications due November 27th at mountainbizworks.org/abgrants.

The briefing also addressed vital community support systems. Code Purple, a collaborative effort between the city and county, was explained in detail by Nikki Reed. This program expands emergency shelter capacity during cold weather (October 15 – April 30) at Transformation Village (for women/children) and 20th Street. Free transit is provided, and residents can receive notifications via email ([email protected]) or the city website. Community Care Stations, providing laundry, showers, and support, remain open daily (7 am-7 pm) except on Thanksgiving Day.

During the Q&A portion, citizen concerns about missing persons and potential lead contamination were raised, demonstrating active community engagement. Officials directed residents with lead concerns to their primary care providers or the Department of Health and Human Services, emphasizing a commitment to addressing these concerns.

What happens next? Here's what residents should know:

• FEMA Registration is Key: If you were displaced by the storm, register with FEMA as soon as possible.
• Debris Removal Applications: If you’re eligible, apply for the Private Property Debris Removal Program.
• Resilience Planning: Explore the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to protect your home from future storms.
• Stay Informed: Sign up for Code Purple notifications to receive alerts about cold weather shelter information.
• Support the Effort: Consider volunteering with organizations like the Red Cross or the city's Homeless Strategy Division.

This briefing provided a comprehensive overview of ongoing recovery efforts and available resources for Buncombe County residents following Hurricane Helene. By understanding these initiatives, citizens can access vital support and contribute to a stronger, more resilient community. Detailed information on free parking and transit will be provided at the Monday briefing.