Hurricane Helene Community Briefing: Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024

Hurricane Helene Community Briefing Recap: Recovery Efforts & Available Resources

On Wednesday, November 20, 2024, Buncombe County and Asheville City officials held a community briefing to update residents on ongoing recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. The meeting, attended by key county and city staff including Asheville City Manager Deborah Campbell and Planning Director Nathan Pennington, focused on providing information about available assistance programs, debris removal progress, and upcoming community events. The briefing also acknowledged the end of terms for Buncombe County Commissioners Brownie Newman and Jasmine Beach-Ferrara, recognizing their leadership throughout the recovery process.

A significant portion of the meeting centered on decisions made by the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners earlier that day. These included approving contracts to administer crucial relief programs: $1.5 million for a rental assistance program through Grace Covenant and Buncombe County Economic Services, and the Small Business Relief Fund via Mountain BizWorks. Commissioners also approved an amendment to county ordinances allowing for temporary emergency housing solutions, a vital step in addressing immediate needs following the storm.

Discussions highlighted several key areas of ongoing recovery. Residents were strongly encouraged to apply for FEMA assistance through disasterassistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362, and information was provided on the availability of Hazard Mitigation funding to help homeowners reduce future risks from natural disasters (buncombecounty.org). Updates were given on the debris removal process, with details shared about online application availability, a dedicated call center (828-250-6100), and designated intake locations. The "Cold Purple Initiative," a coordinated effort to provide emergency shelter for the homeless during colder weather, was announced and intake began at ABCCM locations. Asheville City Manager Deborah Campbell outlined a comprehensive framework for recovery across seven key areas: housing, storm debris, economic recovery, water recovery, infrastructure, arts and cultural resources, and functional support. The substantial storm damage assessment process was also discussed, particularly within floodplains, with officials explaining the appeals process for affected property owners.

While no direct public comments were formally recorded, questions from Asheville Watchdog regarding rebuilding restrictions and water testing prompted officials to address concerns and direct residents to the Water Customer Service Department for further information.

Looking ahead, several action items were outlined for both residents and city/county staff. Residents are encouraged to apply for FEMA assistance, explore Hazard Mitigation funding opportunities, and utilize debris removal resources. Those experiencing homelessness are urged to participate in the Cold Purple Initiative. City and county staff will continue debris removal, complete substantial damage assessments, refine data sets related to storm damage, and address water quality concerns. Future briefings will provide updates on billing restoration for affected residents.

This briefing served as a vital update for Buncombe County and Asheville City residents, providing clarity on available resources and outlining the ongoing efforts to rebuild and recover from Hurricane Helene. Residents are encouraged to utilize the provided contact information and online resources to access assistance and stay informed about future developments.