Asheville Mayor issues Thanksgiving message and recovery guides in the wake of Helene

As Thanksgiving approaches, I find myself reflecting on all we have endured and accomplished together in the wake of Hurricane Helene. I am deeply grateful for the tireless efforts of our city staff, first responders, private contractors, state and federal partners, community organizations, volunteers, and each of you who stepped forward to help your neighbors in this time of need. Your resilience and kindness are the heart of Asheville, and I could not be prouder of how we have come together. Yet, as we look ahead to the holiday season, I carry a heavy heart for those among us who have suffered profound losses—the loved ones, homes, and cherished memories washed away by the storm. For some in our community, this Thanksgiving will not feel like a celebration, and my heart is with those struggling to find joy amidst their pain.

Last weekend, I had the honor of serving as the Grand Marshal of the Holiday Jamboree and it was a joy to see so many smiling faces after weeks of hardship. Seeing Asheville begin to heal is a testament to the strength of our people. Potable water has been restored, debris removal is steadily progressing, and we are transitioning from immediate recovery to long-term rebuilding. Throughout this journey, our goal has been to provide clear, consistent information to guide you. From daily recovery updates to resource guides, we’ve worked to streamline information and deliver practical tools like the Small Business Resource Guide and the FEMA Resource Guide. Today, I’m proud to introduce the Individuals and Households Recovery Guide, designed to point you to critical resources for immediate assistance and long-term recovery. I encourage you to read it and especially take note of the time-sensitive resources such as food and water distribution and community care station closures on December 2, which is also the deadline to file for Disaster Unemployment.

As we move into the colder months and the holiday season, I encourage us all to continue supporting one another with compassion, kindness, and generosity. Recovery is not just about rebuilding structures; it’s about lifting each other up and ensuring that everyone has a chance to thrive in the Asheville we all love. I remain committed to advocating for Western North Carolina as your mayor and as co-chair of Governor-elect Stein’s Rebuilding Western North Carolina Advisory Committee. Together, we will continue to move forward, stronger and more united. I wish you a Thanksgiving filled with hope, healing, and the warmth of community.

With heartfelt thanks,

Mayor Esther Manheimer

Resource Guides:

The Individuals and Households Recovery Guide is a comprehensive resource designed to support residents navigating the recovery process from Hurricane Helene. This guide, also available in Spanish and Ukrainian, provides clear, step-by-step information on accessing immediate assistance, understanding FEMA resources, and connecting with local, state, and federal programs. It also offers tools for long-term recovery, including financial aid, housing options, and mental health support. Whether you’re seeking emergency help or planning for the future, this guide equips you with the contacts, websites, and guidance needed to rebuild with confidence and resilience.

FEMA Recovery Guide guide provides detailed information from FEMA’s website, outlining the comprehensive support available through their programs, from housing assistance to disaster unemployment benefits and legal services. It’s designed to make accessing federal assistance as straightforward as possible and is now available in Spanish and Ukrainian.

References to “we” and “our” within the FEMA guide specifically denote FEMA, not the City of Asheville, Buncombe County, or the State of North Carolina.