Buncombe County Update Helene Recovery

Buncombe County -- December 19, 2024: Press Release Buncombe County: Small Business Recovery Grants, Storm 

Debris Removal Updates, and Mental Health Resources 

Buncombe County Government offices will observe holiday closures on Dec. 24-26 and Jan. 1. Despite the closures, the County remains under a state of emergency, and essential services will have modified hours. Visit this article for a complete list of closures. 

Storm Debris Removal Updates 

As of Dec. 19, 563,299 cubic yards of storm debris have been removed from public rights-of-way in Buncombe County, the Town of Black Mountain, and the City of Asheville. Residents are reminded to separate debris for easier collection and place debris within 10 feet of the right-of-way but away from low-hanging lines. 

For Private Property Debris Removal, applications are open to residents unable to move debris to the right-of-way or without sufficient insurance coverage. Intake centers are located at the Asheville Mall, Black Mountain Library, Barnardsville Fire Department, Swannanoa Fire and Rescue at the Bee Tree Substation, and the Fairview Library. Online applications are available anytime. 

Rebuilding Together Business Grants 

The Asheville-Buncombe Rebuilding Together Grant Fund awarded $3.69 million in grants to 276 small businesses in Buncombe County, providing critical support for recovery from Hurricane Helene. Applicants reported a combined $215 million in damages and economic losses, with 843 businesses seeking $18 million in assistance. 

The fund, offering grants up to $25,000, prioritized local businesses severely impacted by the storm, especially those committed to retaining and rehiring employees. This first round of funding will support 2,935 jobs, including restoring 1,035 local positions. Notably, 71% of the awards went to businesses with 10 or fewer employees, ranging from sole proprietorships to restaurants, manufacturers, and retailers. 

The initiative is made possible through contributions from Buncombe County, the City of Asheville, the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce Mountain Strong Fund, and the Mountain BizWorks WNC Strong Fund, along with hundreds of donations from local, regional, and national supporters. 
For information on additional small business recovery resources, including grants, loans, and guidance, visit wncstrongtogether.org

Support for Farmers and Ranch Hands 

North Carolina farmers and ranch hands with disaster-damaged tools or equipment may qualify for assistance. Eligible items include tractors, plows, harvesters, and more. Applications can be submitted at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362, or in person at the Asheville Mall Disaster Recovery Center.   
Helene Recovery Housing Assistance Grant 
The grant program, which closed Dec. 18, received over 6,000 applications. Processing has begun and applicants will be notified on a rolling basis. 

Community Care Stations 

Providing essential resources such as showers, laundry, and bottled water, these stations remain open daily (except holiday closures) at Morgan Hill Baptist Church, Bethel United Methodist, Owen Pool, and Fairview Ingles by Reynolds High School. 

Mental Health Resources 

Acknowledging the challenges of recovery during the holiday season, Buncombe County encourages residents to access free mental health resources: 
Disaster Distress Helpline: Call1-800-985-5990 for 24/7 crisis counseling after a natural disaster or emergency.
988 Crisis Line: Call, text, or chat 988 for immediate support from trained counselors. 
Peer Warmline: Reach out to 1-855-PEERS NC (855-733-7762) for 24/7 non-clinical support from Peer Support Specialists. 
Hope4NC Helpline: First responders and volunteers can call1-855-587-3463 anytime for free, confidential mental health support.
Somethings for Teens: Connect with Certified Peer Support Specialists or get therapy referrals at somethings.com