Western North Carolina is facing catastrophic damage in the wake of hurricane Helena. Our staff are all safe and we’re focusing our work toward supporting our community through this challenging time. All Just Economics meetings and events are canceled until further notice. We are compiling a list of resources here that we will keep updated. You can also follow us on social media for resources and updates.
We need you to take action for a WNC rent, mortgage and eviction moratorium!
Regional Resources:
Here are three incredibly comprehensive resource lists for WNC:
- Helene Response & Rebuild WNC Resource Guide
- WNC Response and Recovery Resources
- Disaster Relief Project at Legal Aid NC
FEMA Assistance:
FEMA Assistance
You can apply for FEMA assistance at https://www.disasterassistance.gov or call (800) 621-3362.
This week FEMA will be at fixed locations in the community. Starting today and through Wednesday FEMA sites include:
- Black Mountain Ingles and Swannanoa Community Care Center Ingles Parking Lot from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- 572 Fletcher Martin Road in Asheville, Swannanoa Library, Food Lion in Fairview, EMMA Community Center, 1675 Barnardsville Highway, New Bridge Baptist Church, Nesbitt Chapel Church, and 44 Broad River Road in Black Mountain From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Pack Square Park and AC Reynolds High School from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Montford North Star Academy from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- The Disaster Recovery Center at AC Reynolds High School is open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
To avoid delay, please follow the following tips:
1. One of the questions that FEMA will ask when you register is “Do You Have Emergency Needs”? This means during your evacuation or since staying at home during the disaster, do you need help with Gas, Medication, Food (meals, water, had no power and everything spoils), Shelter (you are staying with friends, family or in a hotel); Clothing; or Durable Medical Equipment (oxygen, walkers, cane, glasses, all major equipment, etc). If this is true, say “YES” to this question. That will result in your receiving Displacement / Critical Needs Assistance, which is $750.
2. When asked if your home is/was accessible, answer “NO” if there was debris, tree branches, continued flooding, loss of power, damage or destruction that prevented you from staying there after Helene. This question is asking whether you can stay at your home or apartment and will trigger the ability for you to receive assistance to pay for hotels or provide funding to use while you stay with family or friends.
3. When asked if utilities are out, say “YES” even if your utilities were out for a few days. This triggers assistance $ to stay somewhere other than your home or to buy fuel to power a generator.
4. When asked “Are you willing to relocate” say “YES” if you cannot live in your home due to damage, loss of power, etc. This question means you are willing to stay in a hotel or apartment temporarily, and triggers that funding for you. It is not asking if you are willing to move away from your home permanently.
5. If you bought or buy a generator, FEMA will reimburse you up to $629, but you must submit the receipt. If you bought a chainsaw, FEMA will reimburse you up to $219. Again, you need to provide the receipt.
Para evitar retrasos, siga los siguientes consejos (en español)
If you are denied FEMA assistance, the city of Asheville is asking that people report it via this link. You can also appeal by calling FEMA directly.
Apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance: www.des.nc.gov
Mental Health Resources:
- Mental Health ProBono Referrals for WNC Survivors
- 24/7 Crisis Counseling Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990, DisasterDistress.samhsa.gov
Support for Small businesses:
- Mountain BizWorks Helene Business Recovery Fund
- SBA Disaster Loans
- Explore Asheville Always Asheville Emergency Grants
- Emergency grants for craft artists from Craft Emergency Relief Fund
Voting:
We are working on compiling information for WNC voters heading into the election, as so much has changed for our community and will be sharing that information soon.
Buncombe County Resources:
City of Asheville: Regular updates are here and you can sign up for AVL alerts here.
Water Safety: On October 13th, the City of Asheville Water Resources Department issued a Boil Water Notice for Asheville water customers.
A Boil Water Notice means there is contamination due to impacts from Hurricane Helene. This water IS NOT SAFE FOR DRINKING. The city says this water is safe for laundry, showering (do not swallow water while showering), handwashing, washing dishes and flushing toilets. Your water may look cloudy and/or have a chlorine odor.
The City of Asheville is not assessing late fees for water bills, sending delinquent notices, creating new bills, or doing any cuts-offs for non-payment at this time.
Buncombe County: Regular updates in English and Spanish here. Sign up for Buncombe County alerts by texting “BCalert” to 99411 then follow the link.
Asheville Transit Service
On Monday, October 14, ART will increase the span of service with select routes operating in areas where road conditions have improved. For weekday and Saturday service, the span of service will be extended with select routes operating from approximately 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Sunday service hours will resume as normal.
ART services will continue to be free of charge during this phase until further notice. The modified routes will have flag-stop service, allowing passengers to board at their preferred location along the route.
For alerts, text “NextART” to 41411
