Hurricane Helene Community Briefing: Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024

Hurricane Helene Community Briefing Recap: Key Updates and Resources for Buncombe County Residents

On Tuesday, November 12, 2024, the Hurricane Helene Community Briefing was held to provide residents of Buncombe County with updates on ongoing recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. The meeting, primarily an informational briefing, focused on outlining available resources and addressing concerns related to the storm's impact. No formal votes were taken, but several important decisions and timelines were announced that residents should be aware of.

A major focus of the briefing was on assisting homeowners impacted by the storm. The application period for the Homeowner Grant Program has been extended to Friday, November 15th, giving residents a short window to apply. Residents can find more information and begin the application process at buncombecounty.org/homeowner grant or by calling 828-250-5500. Beyond immediate assistance, the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program was highlighted as a crucial opportunity for residents to reduce their vulnerability to future natural disasters. Staff from North Carolina Emergency Management will be available at the Asheville Mall (between JCPenney and Foot Locker) this week to provide information and assist with applications.

Beyond financial assistance, the briefing detailed a range of support services available to residents. Daily Community Care Stations are operating from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., offering essential services like showers, laundry facilities, and meals at various locations throughout the county (a full list was provided in the meeting transcript). Distribution sites are also providing daily access to water and ready-to-eat meals. For those needing medical attention or vaccinations, a Public Health Mobile Team will be visiting key locations throughout the week. Residents are also reminded to exercise caution when navigating roads, as debris removal continues and contractors are active throughout the area.

A significant announcement concerned the Private Property Debris Removal (PPDR) program, a partnership between Buncombe County, FEMA, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This program will assist residents with debris cleanup on their property, and details regarding intake centers and the application process are expected to be finalized soon. Tetra Tech is assisting with this program, providing community navigator assistance and hiring for various recovery-related roles. Finally, residents were strongly encouraged to register with FEMA at disasterassistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362 by January 7th, as FEMA has approved significant funds for North Carolina and Buncombe County to aid in recovery efforts.

The meeting concluded with a reminder from officials like Stacey Wood (Public Information Officer) about the importance of utilizing available resources and registering with FEMA. Hannah Vick from FEMA emphasized the substantial financial assistance now accessible, while John Burry (Tetra Tech) detailed Tetra Tech’s role in the upcoming PPDR program. For those seeking employment opportunities related to recovery efforts, FCC Environmental will be hosting hiring events on November 19th & 20th at the Hilton Garden Inn.

This briefing provided a comprehensive overview of resources available to Buncombe County residents following Hurricane Helene. By understanding these options and deadlines, residents can access vital support to aid in their recovery process.