Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce President Kit Cramer addresses Helene recovery

From Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce:

Slowly but surely we are seeing signs of progress: more people get power, a cell tower goes up that provides connection, federal relief is beginning to be felt, as is the work of a wide variety of philanthropies. What has been more immediate is the kindness and care of neighbors. The sharing of water, food, the use of a chain saw the outreach to family members by strangers trying to convey that they’re safe. It has been inspiring to witness. We hope the Chamber staff will soon have enough access to resources to be able to staff the office. Right now neighbors are gathering in our parking lot accessing WiFi and power. We will soon have a handful portable restrooms up and operating. We plan to expand offerings to include opportunities to meet with the Small Business Administration (SBA) and apply for loans, to use space to meet with others because our original spaces are no longer viable, and to join together in sharing ideas, resources and the creative spirit of our community. If you’re in contact with the rest of the world and are asked about ways to support business I respectfully request your consideration of directing them to the Chamber’s 501c3 arm, the Community Betterment Foundation. You can donate here. Also, you can find more information on our Mountain Strong storm resources page, which is being updated regularly. We will update you as progress continues and we begin the process of rebuilding so many parts of our lives, personally and professionally. – Kit Share Your Businesses Needs & Resources The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce is compiling a list of businesses with needs AND those with resources available. Whether your business needs extensive support or you have help or resources to offer, please share with us! Please fill out this form, and we will coordinate responses with city and county officials. Share Needs/Resources Donate to Local Businesses through our Community Betterment Foundation If you’d like to support Asheville and Buncombe County businesses, please make a donation to the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce Community Betterment Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. All donations are tax-deductible and you will receive an email confirming the value of your donation. DONATE SBA Disaster Assistance for Helene Victims The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering disaster assistance for homeowners, renters, nonprofits, and businesses of all sizes impacted by Hurricane Helene. Eligible areas in North Carolina include: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, Mcdowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, Yancey. Contiguous Counties (other counties that may have been affected): Cherokee, Graham, Iredell, Mecklenburg, Surry, Swain, Yadkin Types of SBA Disaster Loans: Home Disaster Loans: For homeowners or renters to repair or replace disaster-damaged property, including personal belongings and vehicles. Business Physical Disaster Loans: For businesses and nonprofits to repair or replace damaged property, including real estate, equipment, and inventory. Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL): Working capital loans for small businesses, agricultural cooperatives, aquaculture businesses, and nonprofits to meet financial obligations during recovery. Apply online or call the SBA at 800-659-2955 for assistance. For more information and federal updates, visit sba.gov/hurricane-helene. NOTE: The Chamber is working with the SBA to arrange in-person assistance and information at the Chamber offices/Visitor Center at 36 Montford Ave. We will share more information as soon as it is confirmed. Apply for SBA Loans FEMA Assistance Available to WNC FEMA support is available for Hurricane Helene survivors in western North Carolina. Homeowners and renters can apply from: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey counties, and the Qualla Boundary/Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Apply online here, use the FEMA App or call 800-621-3362 from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. (EST) daily. To apply, you will need: A current phone number where you can be contacted Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying Your Social Security number A general list of damage and losses Banking information if you choose direct deposit If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name If you have homeowners, renters or flood insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If your policy does not cover all your disaster expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance. Apply to FEMA Mountain Strong – Storm Resources You can find more resources on our Storm Resources page. This page will be updated regularly. View the master list of resources courtesy of Asheville Relief here. Local Media: AVL Watchdog BPR – 88.1 FM (Asheville), 107.5 (Black Mtn), 90.5 (Marshall), 99.3 (Hendersonville) Citizen Times Mountain Xpress WLOS Mountain Strong – Storm Resources All Chamber Events Canceled All Chamber events (including PROpel AVL, Venture Asheville, EDC) have been canceled until further notice. We will update you when we begin to reschedule events. Thank you for your patience. Staff Safety and Communication Channels We want to assure you that all of our staff is safe and accounted for in the wake of Hurricane Helene. We’re working hard to restore our communication channels as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, MyNewsletterBuilder, the local company we rely on to send newsletters and other important communications, has been impacted by the storm as well. We ask for your grace and patience as we navigate these challenges and work to get everything back on track. Thank you for your understanding during this time of recovery. Stay safe, and we’ll be in touch soon!