Richmond Observer news release: Hello all, We are a small news site in Richmond County North Carolina. https://richmondobserver.com Our team would like to help Western North Carolina where possible. To that end, I have attached a Google form asking those affected by Hurricane Helene what they need along with their general location. The goal is to […]
News Bulletins
Flush-AVL fills a need in WNC
From ABC News 13: A new group is helping people in Buncombe County in need of non-potable water for flushing. Flush-AVL is using intermediate bulk containers, or IBC totes to provide large amounts of flushing water to neighborhoods. For the full story, visit avl.mx/e7y.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House to serve free meal to first responders Oct. 15
Press release from Ruth’s Chris Steak House: October 14, 2024 – In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Asheville has shown determination in reopening its doors to serve the community. After being hit by the powerful storm, the family-owned restaurant has resumed operations, offering daily takeaway service seven days a week […]
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 […]
Plan ahead to vote post-Helene
From U.S. Congressman Chuck Edwards: As we enter week three since Hurricane Helene devastated our mountains, all of our attention is focused on putting our lives back together and helping our neighbors. But during this time of rebuilding a better future, we are still reminded of the election that is ahead, and the effects of […]
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 […]
Helene recovery resources Oct. 11
From Asheville City Councilwoman Maggie Ullman: I can’t get over the rapid responses to assistance requests! So much movement in the last 24 hours alone means you’ll be seeing many changes in today’s informative guide. The number of areas all getting specific attention is testament to the power of the human spirit. It’s incredible how […]
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 […]
