ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Buncombe County officials shared updates Wednesday during the August community briefing on recovery efforts following Tropical Storm Helene, as the region approaches the one-year mark since the disaster. The county also emphasized available mental health resources and announced the planned conclusion of the monthly briefings next month.

“This is your August community briefing,” said Lillian Govus, Buncombe County’s director of communications and public engagement. “It’s hard to believe it’s been almost a year since everything changed. Today, we’ll share updates on recovery and rebuilding and the resources available for those still impacted.”

Unless otherwise needed, the final community briefing will be held Sept. 3.

Govus also addressed the emotional toll of disaster recovery. With International Overdose Awareness Day coming up on Aug. 31, she urged residents to check in with one another and to seek help if needed.

“Traumatic events like flooding can increase stress, trigger relapses, or heighten substance use,” she said. “If you’re overwhelmed, it’s OK to ask for help.”

Several support lines were shared, including:

  • 988 for crisis support (available 24/7)
  • Hope4NC Helpline at 1-855-587-3463
  • Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 (press 2 for Spanish)
  • Alcohol/Drug Council of North Carolina at 1-800-688-4232

Housing and infrastructure recovery programs

Govus highlighted a range of assistance programs for residents affected by the storm:

  • Private Roads & Bridges Program: Covers repairs to roads, culverts, and bridges damaged by flooding. The application deadline is Aug. 31, and residents can call 844-746-2326 for help.
  • Rebuild NC: A long-term housing recovery program prioritizing low- to moderate-income households. Call 888-791-0207 to apply.
  • Homeowner Grant Program: Offers up to $500 for housing-related costs. Applications are open through Sept. 30.
  • Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP): Aims to reduce long-term risk through home elevation or property buyouts. Visit buncombecounty.org/homeowners or call 919-873-5888 to apply.
  • Reduced-to-Rebuild Program: Offers 50% permit fee reductions for residents rebuilding due to storm damage. This program ends Dec. 31.
  • Energy Saver NC: Offers up to $16,000 in rebates for energy efficiency upgrades. Call 866-998-8555 to apply.

Community resources and events

Soil & Water educator Jennifer Knight announced a new Land Recovery Series, which will run from August through November and offer monthly educational sessions on home re-vegetation, erosion control, and habitat restoration. Sessions are free but require registration at here.

Chad Eller with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said storm debris removal is nearly complete in Buncombe County, with just two complex properties remaining. To date, 866 million cubic yards of debris have been removed across the region.

Emotional health and social support

Imani Ustawi with SeekHealing spoke about the organization’s community listening sessions and a newly overhauled “warm line” — a non-crisis listening service at 828-547-4547. The organization is also launching Spanish-language connection groups and continuing its social health facilitator training programs.

SeekHealing will host an Overdose Awareness Day event from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. Aug. 31 at Carrier Park in Asheville.

City of Asheville updates

Asheville City Manager Deborah Campbell provided updates on recovery projects, including:

  • A ULI (Urban Land Institute) panel that will issue recommendations this fall on long-term resilience and land-use planning.
  • Continued debris removal and cleanup in city parks, cemeteries, and greenways.
  • Restoration work underway at the historic Municipal Golf Course, including infrastructure improvements and temporary use as a disc golf course.
  • A new Artist Vendor Pilot Program launching Aug. 23 at 68 Haywood St., aimed at supporting local creatives.
  • The return of Greyhound bus service to downtown Asheville.
  • An upcoming Regional Housing Needs Assessment Q&A on Aug. 26 in Flat Rock.

Final town hall and continued support

The final summer town hall will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Koontz Intermediate School, with updates from county commissioners and representatives from recovery agencies and community organizations.

Govus also announced that beginning in September, the NC Private Roads & Bridges Program will accept reimbursement requests of up to 50 percent for residents who have already completed eligible repair work. The tentative deadline for reimbursement applications is February 2026.

For more information, visit the Helene Recovery Center at 94 Cox Ave., from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday or call the One Buncombe call center at 828-250-6100. To receive storm updates, text BCAlert to 99411.