The Tuesday, Nov. 12, Buncombe County Helene recovery briefing covered homeowner grants, FEMA updates, a new company assisting in private property debris removal and more.
Also included were daily updates on food and water distribution and locations of Community Care Centers where showers, laundry and other essentials are available.
Briefings go live on the Buncombe County Facebook page at 11 a.m. on weekdays. You can also find recordings of past briefings on the page. Here’s what was covered in Tuesday’s briefing.
Buncombe FEMA updates
FEMA representative Hannah Vick provided an update on recovery programs. Vick said that FEMA has approved $227 million to more than 130,000 households and individuals post-Helene, including $75 million to more than 51,000 households and individuals in Buncombe County alone.
FEMA is also providing multiple temporary housing options. More than 4,500 households are checked into hotels and motels through FEMA, more than 1,600 of which are Buncombe households.
FEMA continues to encourage anyone affected by Helene to apply for FEMA assistance by going to disasterassistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621-3362, or by visiting a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center. Locations of DRCs include:
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Asheville Mall at 3 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville 28805 – open 8 a.m.-7 p.m. daily.
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(Mobile DRC location) Swannanoa Fire Rescue Bee Tree Substation at 510 Bee Tree Road, Swannanoa 28778 – open 8 a.m.-7 p.m. from Nov. 11-14
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(Coming soon) Buncombe County Sports Complex parking lot at 58 Apac Drive – open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 15-18
The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance has been extended to Jan. 7 for N.C. residents. Finally, Vick reminded that FEMA is hiring in Asheville, Durham, Hickory and Raleigh. Visit usajobs.gov and type in the keyword “FEMA.”
2024 Homeowner Grant Program
Applications for the 2024 Homeowner Grant Program are now reopened to give the community impacted by Hurricane Helene more time to complete and submit applications, with new eligibility requirements. Mobile homeowners may also now apply.
Applications can be submitted through Nov. 15 and can be obtained at buncombecounty.org/homeownergrant or by calling 828-250-5500.
More: Buncombe County homeowners can apply for Helene help through 2 more programs
Well water testing notice
During the week of Thanksgiving, well water testing will only be conducted on Monday, Nov. 25.
Hazard Mitigation Program
Hazard Mitigation staff from NC Emergency Management will be available this week in Buncombe County to assist property owners at the Asheville Mall from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
This program helps protect against further damages and losses following a disaster with options such as buyback of houses at the value they were worth before the storm, elevating houses above the estimated level of a 100-year storm and more.
Where are debris collection trucks today?
There are 41 trucks in operation in unincorporated areas of Buncombe County in the eastern part of the county today, Nov. 12. Active zones today are B, C, D, E, H and G.
A Private Property Debris Removal and Demolition Program is being established with the help of FEMA, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the state.
Tetra Tech is a new partner in this work, acting as disaster recovery consultants.
Tetra Tech
John Buri, director of Post-Disaster Programs at Tetra Tech, explained a bit more about the company’s role in Western N.C. The organization’s “community navigators assistance” program will bring in experts to serve as resources for information, supporting the county’s efforts in helping residents walk through the recovery process. Private property debris removal is the other main area in which Tetra Tech is providing assistance.
Buri added that Tetra Tech is currently hiring locals in a wide range of roles including office and field work. Visit tetratech.com/careers/ to apply.
FCC Environmental jobs
In other news about potential job opportunities, FCC Environmental is hosting hiring events next week on Tuesday and Wednesday, Nov. 19 and 20, at the Hilton Garden Inn, 309 College St.
Public safety reminder
County officials reminded the community that the entire county is an “active and dynamic environment” currently, with debris trucks, utility contractors and continued road and safety hazards on roads. Officials asked that residents respect all barricades and road closure signs, including never attempting to drive around barricades.
Tread red light outages as four way stops, and plan extra time when traveling, as many GPS systems still do not recognize closed roads. Officials also asked that residents be patient with debris trucks and utility workers.
Community Care Stations
Community Care Centers are open Monday-Friday from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. with showers, laundry and more. All Community Care Centers now have ADA accessible showers and bathrooms. Laundry drop-off and pickup is available at the Swannanoa Ingles.
Locations of Community Care Stations are:
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At Home Store parking lot
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Big Lots/Innsbrook mall
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Buncombe County Sports Park
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Bethel United Methodist
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Fairview Ingles
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Swannanoa Ingles
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Owen Pool
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Morgan Hill Baptist Church
Where to get food and water in Buncombe County
Water and meals ready to eat are available at distribution sites daily at:
Free vaccines in Buncombe County
Free vaccines are available through the Buncombe County Mobile Team. These are available:
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Tuesday and Friday: 12-6 p.m. at Swannanoa Ingles and Tunnel Road Community Care Stations
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Wednesday: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Big Ivy Community Center
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Thursday: 2-5 p.m. at the Bounty and Soul market at the former BI-LO in Black Mountain
More: Tiny town of Bat Cave, devastated by Helene, works to build community back
Free pet food, supplies
The Asheville Humane Society is providing free pet food and supplies Monday-Friday at 14 Forever Friend Lane from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at iseaton@citizentimes.com.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Buncombe Helene recovery: FEMA updates, homeowner grants, debris
