EPA joins NC leaders to support Helene recovery efforts

Environmental Protection Agency press release: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael S. Regan joined North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, Senator Thom Tillis, Congressman Chuck Edwards, Asheville Mayor Esther E. Manheimer and local officials in Asheville, North Carolina, to assess federal and state recovery efforts in response to Hurricane Helene. The Administrator’s visit reinforced the Biden-Harris […]

Disaster preparedness and emergency benefits for older adults

National Council on Aging press release: People affected by hurricanes Helene and Milton can apply for Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP), which was created to help people recover from devastating natural disasters. Eligible households receive one month of benefits. This amount is equal to the maximum SNAP benefit amount typically issued to a SNAP […]

North Carolina Community College System provides $2 Million in relief for Western NC Colleges

From the North Carolina Community College System: Following Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact on Western North Carolina, the John M. Belk Endowment (JMBE) has committed $2 million in funding to support students, faculty, staff, and communities in their recovery efforts in partnership with the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS). This funding will address immediate needs and […]

Update on Great Smoky Mountains National Park following Helene

Press release from the National Park Service: The National Park Service continues to assess conditions and address damage following the impacts from Hurricane Helene in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park experienced substantial damage particularly in North Carolina, including Balsam Mountain, Big Creek and Cataloochee Valley. Within the park, the Cataloochee Valley saw the […]

Transylvania Tomorrow relaunching to support small businesses

Press release from Transylvania County: In response to the catastrophic impacts of Hurricane Helene, Transylvania Business Support Task Force has relaunched Transylvania Tomorrow Small Business Emergency Relief Fund (Transylvania Tomorrow) to support the small business community in Transylvania County, NC. Transylvania Tomorrow is a disaster relief fund that focuses on supporting small businesses in Transylvania […]

Hendersonville amends state of emergency to lift curfew

Press release from City of Hendersonville: The City of Hendersonville has lifted the curfew effective today, October 10, 2024, and special events permits previously granted for events beginning Monday, October 14, 2024 and following have been reinstated. The State of Emergency in the City of Hendersonville remains in effect. To view ongoing Hurricane Helene recovery […]

Better Business Bureau tips on what to do after a damaging storm

Press release from the Better Business Bureau: The moments after a storm or natural disaster can feel overwhelming. Cleanup and recovery begin after everyone is accounted for and safe from immediate threat (including pets). Storm victims should never feel pressured to make a hasty decision or choose an unknown contractor. Make temporary repairs if necessary […]

WNC Bridge Foundation’s Grants are available to support Hurricane Helene relief and recovery

WNC Bridge Foundation press release: WNC Bridge Foundation’s Community Initiatives and NOW Grants are available to support Hurricane Helene relief and recovery efforts. Community Initiatives: Our Community Initiatives (CI): assist underserved individuals in the 18 counties and Qualla Boundary of Western North Carolina with basic and medical needs to remain safely in their homes. In […]

Novant Health-GoHealth Urgent Care offers free services at its Black Mountain center

Press release from Novant Health-GoHealth Urgent Care: Novant Health-GoHealth Urgent Care will reopen its Black Mountain location to serve neighbors in need starting Friday, Oct. 11. Walk-in urgent care will be available at no charge at this location ONLY from 10/11-10/19 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ID required, no insurance will be collected Normal center […]

Buncombe County Board of Elections approves modified early voting plan

Buncombe County Board of Elections press release: In response to Tropical Storm Helene, the Buncombe County Board of Elections approved new times and locations for early voting under authority of an emergency resolution by the North Carolina State Board of Elections (NCSBE). On Oct. 7, the NCSBE authorized Buncombe and a dozen other counties that […]

Henderson County Public Schools and Fazio Family Boys and Girls Club of Henderson County support Atkinson Elementary School

Press release from Henderson County Public Schools: Henderson County Public Schools (HCPS) is excited to welcome back students next week after the impacts of Hurricane Helene. While 22 schools will resume their regular operations, Atkinson Elementary School experienced flooding during the storm, resulting in some damage that needs to be repaired before students and staff […]

ArtsAVL launches emergency relief grants for WNC Artists

Press release from ArtsAVL: Western North Carolina artists of all disciplines substantially impacted by Hurricane Helene are invited to apply for ArtsAVL’s Emergency Relief Grant. The grant is open on Monday, October 14  and will award $500 stipends to arts professionals working in visual arts, performing arts, literary arts, music, film, choreography, interdisciplinary arts, and […]

U.S. Congressman Chuck Edwards’ mobile office in Black Mountain Oct. 15

From U.S. Congressman Chuck Edwards: U.S. Congressman Chuck Edwards’ mobile office, the Carolina Cruiser, will be at the Black Mountain Police Department, 106 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC on Tuesday, Oct. 15 from 2 -3:30 p.m. The congressman’s staff will be parked outside with the Carolina Cruiser ready to meet with constituents and assist with casework, including […]

FEMA extends renewal period for flood insurance policyholders in seven states affected by Helene

Press release from FEMA: While renewal dates have passed for some National Flood Insurance Program policyholders in states affected by Helene may be able to take steps that will renew their policy and receive immediate help. Policyholders who received flood damage from Helene should be sure to ask their insurance agent or company about advance […]

Preservation grants available

Press release from the Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County: In light of Hurricane Helene, preservation grants from $500 – $5000 are currently available in the category of Brick-and-Mortar.  The following are some guidelines for this current grant cycle (see grant application below). There is currently no grant application deadline and applications will be reviewed […]

Hendersonville’s water system substantially restored to normal operations

Press release from City of Hendersonville: Hendersonville, NC (October 10, 2024) – The City of Hendersonville is pleased to announce that the water system has been substantially restored to normal operations. Today, water service was fully restored to the Hoopers Creek area, marking the completion of the system-wide restoration efforts. “The dedication of our staff […]