Hurricane Helene Community Briefing: Friday, Nov. 15, 2024

Hurricane Helene Community Briefing: A Recap for Buncombe County Residents

On November 15, 2024, a Community Briefing was held to update residents on recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. The meeting, attended by key officials from Buncombe County and the City of Asheville, focused on providing information about available financial assistance programs, debris removal initiatives, and updates regarding the ongoing water quality concerns. This recap summarizes the key takeaways for residents seeking to understand the current situation and access available support.

A significant portion of the briefing centered on financial assistance opportunities for both homeowners and businesses impacted by the storm. The Buncombe County Homeowner Grant Program, a locally funded initiative, concluded applications today, November 15th. For those seeking long-term hazard mitigation, the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program remains open until December 2025 and offers funding for elevation projects, reconstruction on new foundations, or even property acquisition – all at no cost to homeowners thanks to FEMA and state funding. For-profit businesses can apply for grants up to $25,000 through the Asheville Buncombe Rebuilding Together Grant Fund until November 27th, while small businesses in the Southeast can pursue a $5,000 grant from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce before November 17th. Residents needing immediate assistance can find resources at the Disaster Recovery Center (Asheville Mall) or a mobile recovery center located at Boncom County Sports Park, which operates through Monday.

The meeting also provided detailed updates on debris removal efforts. The Army Corps of Engineers is actively working to clear right-of-way debris, having already removed over 200,000 cubic yards. Residents are encouraged to properly segregate debris, avoiding black plastic bags and ensuring hazardous waste and electronics are handled separately. A new Private Property Debris Removal Program launches on Tuesday, November 19th, with details on application processes and a dedicated call center to be released next week. Contractors will soon begin collecting "rights of entry" from homeowners, allowing for debris removal on private property.

Addressing concerns about water quality, Clay Chandler from Asheville Water Resources reported that turbidity levels in the North Fork Reservoir have decreased and treated water is now being used throughout the system. Sampling will commence this weekend, with a hopeful timeline for lifting the boil water notice by Tuesday or Wednesday. Residents are advised to continue flushing their taps regularly, especially those with older plumbing systems.

Finally, the City of Asheville announced a change to its traditional holiday parade due to ongoing recovery efforts. Instead, a Holiday Jamboree will be held at Pack Square Park on November 23rd, providing an alternative celebration for the community. Deborah Campbell, City Manager, emphasized the city's commitment to prioritizing resources and supporting residents through this recovery period.

What’s Next? Residents are encouraged to visit the following resources for more information and assistance:

• Homeowner Grant Applications: Deadline passed November 15th.
• Hazard Mitigation Grant Program: Open until December 2025 – https://www.fema.gov/hazard-mitigation
• Business Grant Applications: Deadline November 27th – https://mountainbizworks.org/abgrants
• Small Business Hurricane Recovery Program Applications: Deadline November 17th – https://www.uschamber.com/small-business-recovery
• Private Property Debris Removal Program: Launches November 19th – Details to be released next week.
• Disaster Assistance: https://www.disasterassistance.gov/ or 800-621-3362

This briefing highlighted the ongoing efforts to support Buncombe County residents in the wake of Hurricane Helene. By staying informed and utilizing available resources, individuals and businesses can navigate the recovery process effectively.