Department of Social Services
Economic Services / emergency assistance
40 Coxe Avenue
Asheville, NC 28802
(828) 250-5500
Buncombe County Department of Social Services oversees the distribution of Emergency Assistance funds as they become available to our community. These funds are for families in short-term financial crisis due to unusual circumstances.
Guidelines for Emergency Assistance
- Can pay deposits
- must be currently homeless to qualify for rental deposit
- must be currently living in the home without power in order to qualify for electric deposit
- Can pay occupancy costs
- Can pay past due bills for:
- rent
- electricity (must have final notice)
- gas for cooking or heating water
- water-past due balances
- Income eligibility is based on net income.
- Maximum payment is $300 once a year, within a 30-day time
period.
- Example: Applicant applies and receives assistance of $180.00 on Jan. 2nd, client has until Feb. 2nd to use the remaining $120.00.
- Must have a related child in household under age 18
- Must be a Buncombe County resident with income at or below 110% Federal poverty level.
- If two able-bodied adults live in the home one must be working.
Program Pays For:
- Rent
- Electric Bills
- Deposits
- Fuel Oil
- Kerosene
- Natural Gas
- Propane
- Water
- Wood
- Coal
- Moving in costs
Program Does Not Pay For:
- Rx (Prescription Meds)
Emergency Assistance Services include:
- Low Income Energy Assistance Program
A one-time cash payment to help eligible families pay their heating bills. Applications for this program are normally taken in October and November and the one-time cash payment is received in February.
- Emergency Assistance for Families with
Dependent Children
Temporary financial assistance for families in financial crisis due to unusual circumstances.
- The Crisis Intervention Program
Assists low-income persons with fuel purchases when a heating-related crisis situation occurs.
- CP&L Project Share
Assists low-income CP&L customers in heating related crisis. - General Assistance
- TANF-EA
Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday
8:00am - 5:00pm
Appointment Procedure
- Phone call
- Apply in person
- Documentation
- If deposit, must have statement regarding amount
What to bring with you
- Income Verification
- Shut -off/ Eviction Notice
How are services paid for?
Services are paid by Federal, State and County funds.
Contact Information
Eblen Charities
(828) 255-3066
For a listing of county-wide programs & services offered by Buncombe County Government, please visit our Services section.