Buncombe County Provides Updated List of Helene Recovery Resources
Yesterday, Buncombe County released an updated list of the programs that Buncombe County residents can access to help recover.
Rebuilding programs
NC Private Roads and Bridges Program – Residents who need assistance with a private road, culvert, pipe, or bridge that was damaged or destroyed following Tropical Storm Helene should complete the NC Private Roads & Bridges Interest Form before August 31. Starting in September, the program will begin accepting requests for reimbursements of up to 50% for completed home repair projects. More information, including the interest form, can be found on the state’s website: www.ncdps.gov/Helene/PRB.
Renew NC Program – A state program to help cover home repair and rebuilding costs. Renew NC aims to address the long-term recovery needs of homeowners with repairs, stick-built reconstruction, manufactured home replacement and reimbursement, and construction management on behalf of eligible and awarded homeowners. Residents can apply at the Helene Resource Center (94 Coxe Ave.), by phone at 888-791-0207, or at renewnc.org.
2025 Homeowner Grant Program – Financial assistance that can go toward property taxes, mortgage, or homeowner’s insurance. Apply by September 30 at buncombenc.gov/homeownergrant or call (828) 250-5500.
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) – Long-term investments to reduce future flooding risks. This can include things such as elevating homes, buying out properties in high-risk flood zones, or making other improvements so residents are better prepared. Call 919-873-5888 or visit buncombenc.gov/helene.
Reduce to Rebuild Program – This program provides a 50% permit fee reduction for repairs and rebuilding through December 31, 2025. This includes permits for residential additions/renovations, retaining walls, water supply watershed, and more.
Energy Saver NC Program – An energy rebate program from the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality that helps cover the cost of making homes more energy efficient. Eligible households can access up to $16,000 in rebates for upgrades such as insulation, energy-efficient HVAC systems, heat pump water heaters, and more. Apply at energysavernc.org or call 866-998-8555.
NC Disaster Case Management Program – Free, one-on-one support to guide residents through recovery. Apply at the Helene Resource Center, call 844-746-2326, or visit ncdps.gov/helene/dcm.
Mental Health Resources
Call or text 988 for immediate crisis support. This line is available 24/7 and is confidential.
Hope4NC Helpline: Call 1-855-587-3463 for mental health and resilience support for North Carolina residents.
Disaster Distress Helpline: Call or text 1-800-985-5990 (press “2” for Spanish) for emotional support after a disaster.
NC Alcohol and Drug Council: Call 1-800-688-4232 for referrals and help finding treatment or harm reduction services.
Seek Healing ListeningLine: 828-547-4547 (Seek Healing, a nonprofit that provides resources and mental health support, has been hosting listening training, recovery meetings, and a listening line, and more.)
Debris Updates
The Private Property Debris Removal Program (PPDR) is wrapping up in Buncombe County and the City of Asheville, and demolitions are taking place shortly. Homeowners who applied for PPDR and did not meet eligibility criteria are beginning to receive letters explaining the determination and providing resources for next steps. The waterway debris removal mission in Buncombe County has been completed with the removal of 1,291,767 cubic yards of debris from the water. So far, 4,774 parcels have been completed for PPDR.
Land Recovery Series
Buncombe County Sil & Water Conservation is hosting a Land Recovery Series that explores home vegetation and rehabilitation after Hurricane Helene.
The events are free and will be held monthly from August to November.
August 27: What Tree Should I Plant? Tree Selections in Western North Carolina
April Wilson - Stump Sprout Tree ConsultingSeptember 24: Invasive Species Management Post-Helene
Luke Owen - Buncombe Co. Cooperative ExtensionOctober 22: Phytoremediation & Streambank Restoration
Marc Williams - Botany EverydayNovember 19: Replanting in Storm-Damaged Areas with Meadows and Native Grasses - Registration link coming soon.
Nathan Buchanan - Wildbud Natives & Kim Bailey - Milkweed Meadows
