This news item expired on Friday, May 9, 2025 so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.
Owen Pool Community Care Station Closing Today
Today marks the final day of operations for the Owen Pool Community Care Station. Since the first Community Care Station opened on Oct. 10, 2024, in Swannanoa, these stations have served as hubs of support for survivors by providing access to showers, laundry, water, and more. Although this site is closing, Buncombe County is committed to ensuring continued access to services through partnerships:
Laundry support: Residents can receive free, pre-loaded laundry cards through Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministries at 101 N. Ridgeway Ave. in Black Mountain. Cards are available Monday–Friday from 9 a.m.–3 p.m., or by filling out the intake form online. The laundry cards can be used at Black Mountain Coin Laundry, located on Highway 70 near Pepperoni’s, and is open 24/7.
Showers: For those in need of shower access, a new shower trailer is now available at Swannanoa First Baptist Church in Beacon Village. Operating hours are:
- Monday–Saturday: 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Weeknights: 7–9 p.m.
- Sunday: 1–4 p.m.
Envision Buncombe Survey
More than 1,000 Buncombe County residents have shared their vision for the community through the Envision Buncombe Survey. To shape recovery efforts, Buncombe County and its municipalities have launched Envision Buncombe, a community survey that will guide the upcoming five-year Strategic Plan and identify priority projects. Residents are encouraged to participate by completing the short survey at: engage.buncombecounty.org/envisionbuncombe.
FEMA Housing Sales Program
FEMA is offering eligible residents currently living in temporary FEMA housing the option to purchase their units. Participants must meet criteria, including a lack of permanent housing and agreement to conditions such as securing insurance and code compliance. Occupants will receive detailed instructions from FEMA if eligible. Those not wishing to purchase may remain in their unit temporarily if they are actively pursuing long-term housing.
Debris Removal Updates
The deadline to apply for Private Property Debris Removal has passed, and for those who have applied, the deadline to submit required paperwork is May 15.
Previously, we asked County residents to email concerns about Private Property Debris Removal work to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; however, due to technical difficulties, these emails have not been going through. We apologize for the inconvenience this causes, but we ask residents to forward or resend concerns to DebrisManagementHelene@buncombecounty.org.
To report right-of-way debris piles and for questions about Private Property Debris Removal Application Status, call the One Buncombe Call Center at 828-250-6100.
Helene Recovery Resources
U.S. Small Business Administration: While the SBA Resource Center at the Asheville Chamber has closed, residents can still receive assistance:
Call: (800) 659-2955
Email: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov
TTY users: Dial 7-1-1
Learn more and apply: SBA.gov/disaster
Support for Private Roads and Bridges: The North Carolina Private Road and Bridge Program is available to help homeowners repair roads and bridges damaged by Tropical Storm Helene, especially those that are critical for emergency access. Learn more and apply at buncombeready.org.
Helene Resource Center: visit 94 Coxe Ave. in downtown Asheville for one-on-one recovery support, including FEMA, SBA, North Carolina Disaster Case Management, home resiliency programs such as the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, and more. The center is open Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., with free parking and access via ART transit.
Agricultural Assistance: The Agriculture Crop Loss Program is accepting applications through May 4. This funding supports local producers impacted by Helene. For help, contact Buncombe County Cooperative Extension at 828-255-5522.
Free Disaster Case Management: The North Carolina Disaster Case Management Program is available at no cost to help survivors build a personalized recovery plan and connect with services. Begin by calling 844-746-2326 or visiting buncombeready.org.
Appalachian Farms Feeding Families: ASAP has relaunched an initiative to support farmers and the community by getting fresh, locally grown food to people impacted by the storm, while providing cash flow for farms that are in the process of rebuilding or have lost market outlets. Two open programs focus on early care and education sites and restaurants. Click here to learn more.
The May Community Briefing will be on Wednesday, May 7, at 11 a.m. and will be streamed at www.facebook.com/buncombegov.