Helene Resource Center now open, updates on debris removal program, roads and bridges

To date, FEMA has provided over $132 million in Individual and Household Assistance to Buncombe County residents recovering from Helene.

 This includes:

• Over $46 million in housing assistance (repairs, replacements, rental assistance, direct housing, and transitional sheltering)
• Over $85 million in other needs assistance (personal property, transportation, moving and storage, cleaning, and more)

For those needing help with existing FEMA applications, FEMA representatives will be available through Friday, April 11, at the Fairview Library. After that, services will move to the new Helene Resource Center (HRC) at 94 Coxe Ave. in Downtown Asheville.

Helene Resource Center Now Open
The Helene Resource Center (HRC) is now open to support survivors in one centralized location. Any resident is welcome to visit 94 Coxe Ave., Downtown Asheville, open Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Free parking is available across the street, and no appointment is needed.

The HRC offers access to:

• FEMA Individual Assistance
• Private Property Debris Removal
• N.C. Disaster Case Management
• SBA Disaster Loans
• Additional recovery support services

Reminder: The Fairview Disaster Resource Center will close on Friday, April 11. Recovery resources will relocate to the HRC starting Monday, April 14.

Helene Recovery Resource Event
Buncombe County hosts a Helene Recovery Resource event on Thursday, April 10, from 4:30–7:30 p.m. at Garren Creek Fire Department (10 Flat Creek Rd.).

Representatives from FEMA, Private Property Debris Removal, Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, and Disaster Case Management will be available.

Debris Removal Updates
As of April 1, right-of-way debris removal is complete in Buncombe County. Residents should no longer move debris to the roadside. However, contractors will continue to remove debris in hotspot areas as identified by County staff.

If residents still have storm debris on their property, they should apply now for the free Private Property Debris Removal program—open to both residential and commercial property owners—by Tuesday, April 15.

Apply online at www.buncombeready.org, by phone 828-250-6100, or in person at the Fairview Library or Helene Resource Center.

Residents should have these documents ready to apply:

• Insurance documentation (if applicable)
• A copy of your ID
• Proof of ownership
• A simple sketch of the property showing debris locations (hand drawn is accepted)

Residents who have applied for Private Property Debris Removal should make sure that they have submitted all the required paperwork. If residents have questions about the status of their application, they can call the One Buncombe Call Center at 828-250-6100 before resubmitting a new application.

Concerns about debris removal work completed on private property can be sent to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at DLL-CESAW-NC-Helene-PPDR@usace.army.mil.

N.C. Private Roads and Bridges Program
The North Carolina Private Road and Bridge Program (NC-PRB) was launched to assist property owners across western North Carolina with damages from Helene.

Per the legislation, NC-PRB will prioritize repairs to private roads/bridges that are the sole access for emergency services to residential properties occupied by the property owner for over six months of the calendar year and repairs to roads/bridges providing access to multiple residential homes, recreation, or commercial facilities. An interest form is now available at www.ncdps.gov/Helene/PRB.

As of April 9, over 2,100 intake forms have been received.

Helene Recovery Programs

• State Private Roads and Bridges Program: Residents can apply at www.ncdps.gov/Helene/PRB if their private road, culvert, or bridge was damaged—even if they have applied for FEMA assistance.
• Agriculture Crop Loss Program: Applications accepted by May 2. The Buncombe County Cooperative Extension can answer questions and help with applications at 828-255-5522.
• N.C. Disaster Case Management Program: Residents can connect with a case manager by calling 844-746-2326 or filling out the intake form at buncombeready.org.

Community Care Station
The Owen Pool Community Care Station remains open with showers, laundry, water, and restrooms. It is open on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on weekends from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.