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Buncombe County Government

Disaster Assistance & Resources

NC Department of Health and Human Services
Hurricane Helene Recovery Resources >>

NEW - Private Roads and Bridges - Updated Nov. 15

Can FEMA assist with damaged private roads or bridges?

  • FEMA funding is available to support repairs on private roads and bridges, even if the owner’s home is not damaged. To receive assistance for privately owned access routes, the following conditions must be met:
    • A FEMA inspection determines repairs are necessary to provide drivable access to the primary residence.
    • The homeowner is responsible (or shares responsibility with other homeowners) for maintaining the privately owned access route to their primary residence.
    • The privately owned access route is the only way to reach the homeowner's primary residence; repair (or replacement) of a secondary route is necessary for practical use (for example, it is impossible to access the residence without a bridge or road); or the safety of the occupants or the residence would be adversely affected because state or local government emergency equipment (ambulances, firetrucks) cannot reach the residence.
       
  • Applicants should note that if they receive between $179 - $195 after reporting damage to FEMA, this money may be intended to pay a contractor to inspect and provide a repair estimate. After getting the estimate, they would need to file an appeal. Your FEMA letter will provide more details about any additional documents you need to submit. 
     
  • The maximum amount a homeowner can receive through the Individual Assistance program for home repair and replacement is $42,500. However, homeowners in a community may combine any money received toward permanent repair costs. Individuals whose needs are not met by FEMA may be referred to voluntary agencies or longer-term recovery organizations that may have available resources.
     
  • Homeowners may also apply for a low-interest disaster loan to permanently repair a private road or bridge through the U.S. Small Business Administration. Please note that FEMA’s Individual Assistance program benefits cannot be duplicated by other assistance provided for the same purpose, such as insurance payments.

NEW - Hazard Mitigation Grant Program & Homeowner Grant Program

Updated Nov. 12

FEMA

FEMA representatives always have branded uniforms and badges. FEMA assistance is intended to support basic needs of households for uninsured or underinsured necessary expenses and serious needs. Apply for assistance at disasterassistance.gov or call FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. FEMA provides assistance to all disaster survivors regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, citizenship or residency, English proficiency, or economic status.
FEMA individual assistance is distributed as grants not loans and is as follows:

  • Housing Assistance - Money to help you with expenses for damage that impacted your home, which may include:
  • Rental Assistance: Money you can use to rent housing if you are displaced from your home because of the disaster. Learn more
  • Lodging Expense Reimbursement: Money to reimburse you for emergency lodging expenses, such as hotel or motel.
  • Home Repair or Replacement
  • Accessibility Needs: Money to help survivors with a disability with specific repairs to make sure their home is accessible.
  • Privately-owned Roads, Bridges, Docks: Money for survivors whose only access to their home has been damaged by the disaster.
  • Other Needs Assistance - Money to help you with necessary expenses and serious needs caused by the disaster, such as:
  • Serious Needs: Money to help you pay for lifesaving and life-sustaining items such as water, food, first aid, prescriptions, infant formula, breastfeeding equipment, diapers, personal hygiene items and fuels for transportation.
  • Displacement: Money to help with housing needs if you cannot return to your home because of the disaster.
  • Personal Property: Money to help you repair or replace appliances, room furnishings, and a personal or family computer damaged by the disaster. This can also include money for books, uniforms, tools, additional computers and other items required for school or work, including self-employment.
  • Medical/Dental: Money to help you pay for expenses because the disaster caused an injury or illness.
  • Funeral: Money to help you pay for funeral or reburial expenses caused by the disaster.
  • Child Care: Money to help you pay for increased or childcare expenses caused by the disaster.
  • Transportation: Money to help you repair or replace a vehicle damaged by the disaster when you don’t have another vehicle you can use.
  • Moving and Storage Expenses: Money to help you move and store personal property from your home to prevent additional damage, usually while you are making repairs to your home or moving to a new place due to the disaster.
  • Clean and Sanitize: Money to help you pay for very minor damage caused by the disaster to prevent additional loss and potential health or safety concerns.

FEMA Rumor Response

CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION ABOUT NORTH CAROLINA RECOVERY

FEMA Disaster Recovery Center

Updated Nov. 20: Important updates for the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center at the Asheville Mall. Starting on Monday, Nov. 25, the center at the Asheville Mall will be open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturdays. 

Note: Today, Dec. 5, this location will not open until 1 pm. due to maintenance issues. 

Disaster Recovery Center location:
Asheville Mall, 3 S. Tunnel Road
Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

The DRC is a one-stop-shop where you can get support from FEMA and the Small Business Center. This location is open Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. At the DRC, you can:

  • Apply for FEMA assistance
  • Meet directly with FEMA representatives
  • Get referrals for local resources
  • Apply for SBA low-interest disaster loans

FEMA financial assistance may include money for basic home repairs, personal property losses or other uninsured, disaster-related needs, such as childcare, transportation, medical needs, funeral or dental expenses.

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Buncombe County 

 FEMA will open a Mobile Disaster Recovery Center in Buncombe County Monday, Dec. 2, to provide one-on-one help to North Carolinians affected by Tropical Storm Helene.

It will be in three locations convenient to residents, allowing them to visit and register for FEMA assistance:

Barnardsville Fire Department Station 15

100 Dillingham Rd.

Barnardsville NC, 28709

Open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2- Thursday, Dec. 5

 

Fairview Public Library

1 Taylor Rd.

Fairview NC, 28730

Open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6-, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, and 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Tuesday, Dec. 9-10.

 

Weaverville Town Hall

30 Main St.

Weaverville NC, 28787

Open 8a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11- Friday, Dec. 13


A DRC is a one-stop shop where survivors can meet face-to-face with FEMA representatives, apply for federal assistance, receive referrals to local assistance in their area, apply with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for low-interest disaster loans and more.  

FEMA financial assistance may include money for basic home repairs, personal property losses or other uninsured, disaster-related needs, such as childcare, transportation, medical needs, funeral or dental expenses. The deadline for households to apply for FEMA assistance is Jan. 7, 2025.

FEMA DISASTER SURVIVOR ASSISTANCE

FEMA’s Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams provide critical, on-the-ground support, helping survivors access federal assistance programs, assess needs, and assist with registration for grants, loans, and other recovery services.

Disaster team for Dec. 5

DSA teams may also be canvassing in several neighborhoods throughout the county. 

Reminder: Any FEMA representatives will be clearly marked. Be aware of anyone representing themselves that do not have on any clearly labeled article of clothing. 

FEMA TRANSITIONAL HOUSING

Hotels available for eligible survivors. Through Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA), FEMA pays directly to participating hotels and motels to cover the cost of room, taxes and non-refundable pet fees to provide short-term accommodations for eligible disaster survivors
TSA in N.C. has been extended until Dec. 12. This will allow households additional time to identify another housing solution or make repairs to their home. FEMA will notify participants three to seven days before their checkout dates after determining if they are able to return to their residences. Ask about TSA at a Disaster Recovery Center or apply online at disasterassistance.gov

GOODWILL COMMUNITY RESOURCES AND VOUCHERS 

Goodwill’s community response includes opening three community hub locations, serving as a centralized site for Goodwill to provide programs, services, and retail resources. The Asheville location is at 1616 Patton Avenue in Asheville. At this hub, team members will help file for Disaster Unemployment Assistance, provide information on applying or reapplying for FEMA, and submit insurance claims. 

The Goodwill Good Neighbor Voucher program provides $25 to individuals who have need for goods, clothing, household items. Learn more 

ASSISTANCE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

Updated Nov. 13

The United States Small Business Administration has opened an assistance center at the Chamber of Commerce. The center is focusing on providing disaster relief in the form of low interest loans for businesses, nonprofits, homeowners and renters impacted by the storm. Visit sba.gov for more information or visit a SBA representative in person at the Asheville Chamber of Commerce (36 Montford Ave). Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

NON-PROFITS: NC DISASTER RELIEF FUND

The North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund will help provide for immediate unmet needs through reimbursements to nonprofits working with disaster survivors. For immediate, unmet needs, the United Way of North Carolina will provide grants to nonprofits or reimburse nonprofits working in impacted communities. If sufficient donations are collected to support long-term recovery work, the North Carolina Community Foundation’s affiliate foundations and statewide grants committee will work to ensure that all donations are distributed to nonprofits that can best serve unmet needs in affected communities.

How to apply: 

Click here to review frequently asked questions about the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund. If your organization is eligible, please complete the short application below to request a grant for up to $10,000. Questions? Contact disasterrelief@unitedwaync.org

Apply Here 

PRICE GOUGING AND SCAM REPORTING

North Carolina Consumer Protection Agency lines are open to report price gouging and other Helene-related concerns. To report, call 1-877-5-NO-SCAM (1-877-566-7226).

Victims of scams, wage theft, etc., contact North Carolina Attorney General's Office.

Call (877) 5-NO-SCAM toll-free within North Carolina or file a complaint online. You can also contact the Attorney General's Office for help with a complaint about disaster repair or a contractor. Learn more about fraud and scams.

DONATED CLOTHING, HYGIENE SUPPLIES, AND COLD WEATHER ACCESSORIES

  • Eblen Charities, a community-based organization at 23 Hamilton Street in Asheville, is providing gasoline vouchers, warm winter clothing and other essential items such as hygiene and cleaning supplies, menstrual products, diapers, and more. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It also provides rent and mortgage assistance, medical needs including prescription costs and copays. Applications can be submitted in-person or online at eblencharities.org/programs. For those who would like to donate, Eblen is accepting blankets and hygiene items. To provide comfort to many with the upcoming holidays, Eblen will continue its Thanksgiving turkey giveaway, and its Christmas Toy Drive. For updates on this and more, visit its website at eblencharities.org or at its Facebook page
  • Goodwill Donation Centers are providing vouchers for clothing for those in need accepting clothing donations and providing vouchers for those in need. 

DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available for those affected by federally declared disasters, including job loss, injury, or inability to reach work due to the disaster. DUA is currently open for residents in multiple North Carolina counties affected by Hurricane Helene, with deadlines to apply by December 9, 2024. To apply, create an account online or call the DUA hotline. Weekly certifications are required to maintain eligibility. Applicants must verify their identity and provide proof of employment if self-employed. Learn more and apply 

DES also has a dedicated hotline for Disaster Unemployment Assistance in both English and Spanish. 

English 919-629-3857    |     Spanish 919-276-5698
 

Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday Noon - 4 p.m.

FARMERS ASSISTANCE

Updated Oct. 23 with Grants for Farmers information (see immediately below)

Grants for farmers

Farmers impacted by Helene can receive up to $3,000 for the Helene Recovery Grant from EmPowering Mountain Food Systems. The Grant covers necessary recovery supplies such as generators, fencing, hoop house repair/replacement, and more.

To be eligible, farms must have sustained damages from Helene, and must be in Buncombe, Burke, Cleveland, Haywood, Jackson, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Qualla Boundary, Rutherford, Swain, Watauga, and Yancey. Visit cefs.ncsu.edu to apply online.
 


Farmers with emergency needs like hay, feed, fencing, animal rescue, should call the Ag Emergency Hotline at 866-645-9403. 

If you are experiencing difficult emotions or mental stress, the NC Farm Help Line is available now for you by phone or text at 844-325-3276.

Farm businesses with damages directly related to Hurricane Helene are eligible to apply for the WNC Communities’ Immediate Disaster Needs grant program. This grant is meant to provide resources quickly for farms with urgent needs that impact the ability to get the farm business back in operation as soon as possible. Go to wnccommunities.org or please email: grants@wnccommunities.org.

UNEMPLOYMENT

  • CareerOneStop.org or NCworks.gov to view available jobs
  • Disaster assistance from FEMA at Disasterassistance.gov; deadline to apply is December 2
  • Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available for those affected by federally declared disasters, including job loss, injury, or inability to reach work due to the disaster. DUA is currently open for residents in multiple North Carolina counties affected by Hurricane Helene, with deadlines to apply by December 9, 2024. To apply, create an account online or call the DUA hotline. Weekly certifications are required to maintain eligibility. Applicants must verify their identity and provide proof of employment if self-employed. Learn more and apply 

The Division of Employment Security also has a dedicated hotline for Disaster Unemployment Assistance in both English and Spanish. 

English 919-629-3857
Spanish 919-276-5698
 

Hours of Operations: 
Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday Noon - 4 p.m.

UTILITY PAYMENT ASSISTANCE

Duke Energy Progress: Share the Light Fund. Accepts donations and offers financial assistance. To receive financial assistance, you must be a Duke Energy Progress residential customer and have a past due balance, unpaid deposit for utility service or unpaid reconnection charge. Call 800-662-7020 to give or get help. 

Dominion Energy: energy assistance at 877-776-2427 or online for more

Water bills

The Water Resources Department paused all billing activities at the onset of Hurricane Helene until the full system achieved a return to potable water. As customers return to regular service operations, billing will resume. The “Water Consumption Charge” for water usage on all bills has been changed to $0. This covers all water usage from the last bill, before the storm, through the meter reading for the current bill. It encompasses the full period of non-potable water from the end of September through mid November. The City of Asheville will not assess any delinquent fees for utility statements until after March 1, 2025. 

Customers are encouraged to contact Water Customer Services at 828-251-1122 if they have billing questions or if additional time is needed to pay the bill. Payment plans will be made available to customers who request them.  

Regular rates will resume beginning with the next billing cycle. For more information, visit ashevillenc.gov. 

Low Income Energy Assistance Program

CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION ABOUT NORTH CAROLINA RECOVERY

 

Updated Dec 05, 2024 08:59 AM

Due to the state of emergency caused by Hurricane Helene, we've modified the Buncombe County website homepage to make disaster-related content easy to load and access on devices that have limited bandwidth or connection. Please click here to access the full Buncombe County website or select the 'View Full Buncombe County Website' link above'.

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