Henderson County opens a FEMA disaster recovery center

Henderson County press release: Henderson County has secured a location for a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). The DRC will be located at 2111 Asheville Highway, Hendersonville NC 28791, and  will open Wednesday from 1:00pm to 7:00pm and then daily beginning Thursday from  8:00am to 7:00pm. The DRC will provide federal, state and local resources […]

Biden-Harris administration approves $825 Million to Helene survivors and communities

FEMA press release: FEMA remains fully committed to assisting survivors affected by Helene and Milton as response teams work tirelessly to address immediate needs. Yesterday, FEMA experienced a record-breaking day with over 250,000 applications, making it the busiest day in FEMA history for registrations inclusive of all storms. Applying online at disasterassistance.gov is the best […]

Mobile Vet center available for veterans affected by Helene

From U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: The Western North Carolina VA Health Care System (WNCVAHCS) has partnered with the Greensboro Vet Center and Veteran Service Officers to launch a Mobile Vet Center. This coordinated effort aims to expand access to services for Veterans affected by Hurricane Helene. “Our Veterans have given so much to our […]

Explore Asheville launches Love Asheville From Afar

Explore Asheville press release: Explore Asheville is partnering with community organizations to launch Love Asheville From Afar, an initiative that connects the global community with Asheville area and Buncombe County small businesses and creatives to support regional economic recovery. This website allows users to shop from stores with online retail options, buy gift cards for […]

Hurricane relief for WNC’s fermented foods businesses

Press release from Fermenti Foods: Asheville, N.C. – Fermenti, The organizers of WNC Fermenting Festival, are raising funds to support our fermentation family & community here in WNC. Your generosity will support us while we recover from the devastation brought by Hurricane Helene. We have lost friends & community members, homes, businesses. Please help us […]

Restaurants Impacted by Helene can apply to operate under emergency operations plans

NC Department of Health and Human Services press release: The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and local health departments are working with restaurants and food establishments impacted by Hurricane Helene to help them reopen and feed their communities. Local and state public health staff are working to help them reopen safely while […]

Garren Creek community appreciates overwhelming support

From Garren Creek Fire District: On the morning of September 27, Hurricane Helene unleashed historic winds and rainfall on the Garren Creek Community, resulting in significant flooding, landslides and loss of life. Garren Creek Fire District Chief Wade Wright stated “we are a small community and we mourn the loss of our beloved neighbors and […]

Buncombe County update Oct. 11

Buncombe County press release: Today is the last day to register to vote. Visit www.buncombecounty.org/vote or call 828-250-4200 to register. Early voting starts on Thursday, and you can also register and vote at any early voting location. Please note, you cannot register on Election Day. Find early voting locations on our buncombecounty.org/vote or by calling […]

From NC State Board of Elections: Despite the hardship that Hurricane Helene has brought to our communities and the rest of Western North Carolina, the Madison County Board of Elections is hard at work preparing for the November 5, 2024, general election. Though the hurricane has caused significant disruptions, our election staff and the bipartisan […]

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 […]