Hurricane Helene Community Briefing | November 7, 2024

Hurricane Helene Recovery Update: Key Information for Buncombe County Residents

On November 7, 2024, the Buncombe County Government held a community briefing to update residents on recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. The meeting, attended by various county officials and representatives from partner organizations like the American Red Cross, Western Carolina Rescue Mission, Working Wheels, and Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity, focused on essential services, debris removal, shelter transitions, and available assistance programs. While no formal votes were taken, the briefing provided crucial information for residents navigating the aftermath of the storm.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to outlining ongoing debris removal efforts. County officials reported that approximately 95,000 cubic yards of debris have already been collected, with trucks operating seven days a week to tackle the estimated 10 million cubic yards remaining. Residents were reminded that debris pickup is separate from regular leaf collection and that there's no set schedule – multiple passes will be made throughout the county. In response to citizen requests, an updated map detailing debris collection zones is expected soon. A new program aimed at assisting homeowners with private property debris removal, particularly those without insurance coverage or facing financial hardship (excluding vacant land and agricultural properties), is also in development, with details on eligibility and application processes to be announced shortly.

Regarding shelter transitions, the American Red Cross is handing over operations to the Western Carolina Rescue Mission. The WNC Ag Center will close on November 10th, and residents currently staying there will relocate to Gold's Gym, which will serve as a shelter location through December 31st, 2024. Currently, 164 individuals are receiving shelter assistance. Residents were also strongly encouraged to register with FEMA for disaster relief through DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362, and reminded that Disaster Recovery Centers are operating at Cane Creek Pool (Fairview) and Buncombe County Sports Park. A boil water advisory remains in effect for most of the county, with regulated establishments needing to follow guidance from their regulatory agencies.

Beyond immediate recovery efforts, the briefing highlighted community support initiatives. Working Wheels is providing free vehicle repairs for those involved in relief efforts and raising funds to replace cars for flood-impacted families, while Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity is back in full swing focusing on new home construction and a disaster repair program for low-income homeowners, partnering with Mana Food Bank to provide food assistance. A moment of recognition was given for the dedication of National Guard personnel working at community care sites, particularly on Veterans Day.

What's Next? Several key action items were identified: the announcement of the private property debris removal program application process, release of the updated debris collection zone map, and continued efforts to remove debris across the county. The next briefing is scheduled for next week, where updates on Code Purple sheltering and information regarding hazard mitigation funding will be shared. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about these ongoing efforts and utilize available resources as needed.

This briefing underscored the county's commitment to supporting residents through this challenging time and highlighted the collaborative efforts of various organizations working together to rebuild our community.