At the June Community Helene Briefing, local leaders shared progress on recovery efforts from Tropical Storm Helene and emphasized the importance of preparing for the upcoming hurricane season. Speakers included Buncombe County Manager Avril Pinder, representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Explore Asheville, and the City of Asheville.
Preparing for Hurricane Season
June 1 marked the start of hurricane season, and preparedness looks different after a disaster. To prepare for the 2025 hurricane season, build a 72-hour emergency kit with food, water, copies of important documents, flashlights and more. Develop your family's emergency plan, and sign up for emergency alerts by texting BCAlert to 99411 or visiting buncombecounty.org/codered.
Storm preparation can also bring up feelings of grief and post-traumatic stress disorder. There are many mental health resources available for survivors that include:
- Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990
- NC Peer Warmline: 1-855-733-7762
- VAYA Health Behavioral Health Crisis Line 1-800-849-6127 | vayahealth.com
- 988: Call, text or chat 24/7
- All Souls Counseling Center: 828-259-3369
- Mobile Crisis: 888-573-1006
- Comprehensive Care Center: 828-254-2700, rhahealthservices.org
- MAHEC: 828-398-3601, mahec.net
Budget Supports Recovery and Education
County Manager Avril Pinder outlined the newly approved FY26 budget of $433.1 million. Despite post-storm revenue losses, the budget prioritizes recovery, education, and services for storm survivors. If approved by the NC legislature, Article 39 Sales Tax funds could restore school funding to pre-Helene levels.
The Helene Resource Center at 94 Coxe Ave., Asheville will continue to serve survivors through FY26, offering support Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
CASPER Survey Underway
The County’s CASPER survey, conducted with NC DHHS and local fire departments, will run through Friday. Trained staff in high-visibility vests will go door-to-door in randomly selected areas, collecting data on preparedness, needs, and health. The data will inform long-term recovery and resilience efforts. Staff will always have identification available, and participation is optional.
Call for Swannanoa Steering Committee Applications
Residents with ties to Swannanoa are encouraged to apply to join the Swannanoa Small Area and Resilience Plan Steering Committee by June 20. The committee will shape the area’s future in housing, health, transportation, and disaster resilience.
Long-Term Recovery Planning
More than 2,600 residents contributed to the County’s Envision Buncombe survey, helping guide both the 2030 Strategic Plan and the Long-Term Recovery Plan. County staff will return to the community this summer for input on specific recovery projects. Both the 2030 Strategic Plan and the Long-Term Recovery Plan are expected to be approved by the Board of Commissioners this fall.
Ongoing Recovery Resources
Resources for Helene recovery remain available:
- Disaster Case Management: Call 844-746-2326 or visit buncombeready.org
- Hazard Mitigation Grant Program: Apply now to reduce future storm risks. Call 919-873-5888.
- SBA Physical Damage Loans: Apply by June 26 at sba.gov/disaster
- NC Private Roads and Bridges Program: Apply by August 3. Help available at 844-746-2326.
Upcoming Town Halls
The Board of Commissioners invites the public to attend summer town halls for recovery updates, input, and connection to county and recovery resources:
- 5:30-7:30 p.m., June 26: North Windy Ridge School Cafeteria
- 5:30-7:30 p.m., July 24: AB Tech Ferguson Auditorium
- 5:30-7:30 p.m., August 7: Koontz Intermediate School Cafeteria
State of Emergency Ending
Buncombe County will lift its local State of Emergency at its next Commissioners meeting, marking a transition from immediate disaster response to long-term rebuilding.
Stay Connected
To stay updated:
The next community briefing is scheduled for Wednesday, July 9. Watch it at facebook.com/buncombegov.