Buncombe County Community Briefing | April 30, 2025

Buncombe County Community Briefing Recap: Hurricane Helene Recovery & Future Planning (April 30, 2025)

The Buncombe County Community Briefing held on April 30, 2025, focused primarily on ongoing recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene and outlined plans for the county's future strategic direction. The briefing, attended by various county officials and representatives from partner organizations like Duke Energy, ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project), and the City of Asheville, provided updates on a wide range of initiatives aimed at supporting residents impacted by the storm and shaping Buncombe County’s long-term resilience. The next briefing is scheduled for Wednesday, May 1st at 11:00 AM.

A significant development announced during the briefing was the approval of North Carolina’s action plan for a $1.4 billion Community Development Block Grant and Disaster Recovery Grant from HUD (Housing and Urban Development). These funds will be crucial for housing recovery, prioritizing low-to-moderate income residents affected by Hurricane Helene. Alongside this major funding announcement, the briefing highlighted a shift in support services for those displaced by the storm. The Owen Poole Community Care Station officially closed, but essential laundry and shower services are now provided through partnerships with Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministries (laundry) and Swannanoa First Baptist Church (showers). Residents are encouraged to utilize these alternative resources.

Several key action items were presented, impacting residents across the county. Farmers experiencing crop losses due to Hurricane Helene have until May 2nd to apply for a new agricultural assistance program, and residents with remaining debris on their property are urged to report it to the 1 Buncombe Call Center (828-250-6100) as the deadline for private property debris removal paperwork is May 15th. The briefing also detailed opportunities for eligible residents to purchase FEMA-provided travel trailers or manufactured housing units, emphasizing the importance of adhering to license agreements and securing hazard insurance. Furthermore, Duke Energy is providing $500,000 in grants to 20 local nonprofits focused on long-term recovery efforts within the region.

Beyond immediate recovery, the briefing emphasized a focus on future planning. Residents are strongly encouraged to participate in the "Envision Buncombe" survey (engage.buncombecounty.org/envisionbuncombe) to contribute their input on the county’s strategic priorities and recovery strategies moving forward. The City of Asheville is actively working on stream bank repair projects, rebuilding the French Broad River Park system (seeking design services), and providing a hard-to-recycle event on May 3rd. ASAP is also continuing its programs supporting local farms and preschools through the Appalachian Farms Feeding Families initiative, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable food systems within the county.

This briefing underscored Buncombe County’s ongoing dedication to supporting residents affected by Hurricane Helene and proactively planning for a resilient future. Residents are encouraged to utilize the resources outlined, participate in the "Envision Buncombe" survey, and stay informed through the 1 Buncombe Call Center (828-250-6100) and the county’s website (buncombecounty.org). The combined efforts of county government, partner organizations, and citizen participation will be crucial in navigating the recovery process and shaping a stronger Buncombe County.