Buncombe County Host Final Helene Community Briefing
This week, Buncombe County held its final Tropical Storm Helene Community Briefing. This was the 86th briefing since the storm struck in September 2024. These briefings provide a central forum for community members to learn about resources to recover from the storm, especially when the only reliable way of communicating was via radio.
“While the storm has taken so much from us, it has not claimed our spirit,” said Amanda Edwards, Chair of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners. “In most cases, residents are rebuilding and recovering their homes, businesses, and communities. We have not forgotten the 43 people lost to Helene.”
At the briefing, the Buncombe County leaders highlighted the work the county did to help Buncombe recover from the storm. Here are some of the key metrics reported out.
Natural and Cultural Resources – 477 field visits completed through the Emergency Watershed Protection Program; safe reopening of parks continues.
Infrastructure and Access – 344 Hazard Mitigation Grant Program applications and 892 state private road/bridge applications received; 55 landslide inspections completed.
Housing – More than 2,000 damage assessments conducted, and more than 600 emergency repair permits issued.
Debris Management – Over 3 million cubic yards of debris removed; more than 6,000 applications processed through the Private Property Debris Removal program; demolitions underway.
Economic Revitalization – 137 small businesses awarded over $1.5 million in grants.
Health and Social Services – Four shelters and eight Community Care Stations opened; more than 48,000 showers and 61,000 laundry loads provided at these stations; about $2.3 million in Disaster Energy Assistance dispersed.
While this is the last briefing, The Helene Recourse Center and One Buncombe Call Center will continue to provide support. Hazard Mitigation Grant Program applications open through October 15, Disaster Case Management, Private Roads and Bridges, which is now accepting reimbursement applications, Renew NC home repair and replacement program, and more. The HRC is located at 94 Coxe Avenue in Asheville, and the One Buncombe Call Center can be reached at (828) 250-6100. Both are open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
City of Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer sent a message to the briefing to thank everyone who worked hard to help the community recover.
