ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — More help is on the way for Buncombe County residents impacted by Hurricane Helene.

The county is taking applications for its Helene Recovery Housing Assistance Grant, which will provide financial support for rent, mortgage or utility payments. Eligible applicants can get help to cover up to three months of bills, helping them in their path toward recovery from the storm. Applications will open at 8 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, and close at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18.

To qualify, applicants must:

  • Have resided in Buncombe County before Sept. 26, 2024.
  • Demonstrate financial hardship caused by Hurricane Helene.
  • Have a household income within 80 percent of the Area Median Income.

Payments will be made directly to landlords, mortgage companies or utility providers.

Covered assistance includes:

  • Rental: Covers up to three months of overdue rent starting from October 2024 or upcoming rent.
  • Mortgage: Covers up to three months of overdue mortgage starting from October 2024 or upcoming mortgage payments.
  • Utility: Covers up to three months of past due utility and home energy costs for bills dated after Sept. 27, 2024. Eligible utilities include electricity, gas, water and sewer.

The grant does not cover debris removal, internet, property taxes, credit card bills, hotel/motel payments, insurance, telephone, cable/satellite services, lost food from the storm or energy costs such as fuel oil. For additional needs, residents are encouraged to apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance, which may provide longer-term coverage.

Grant process

Funding for the grant program comes from reallocated ARPA funds. The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners approved the reallocation of funds on Nov. 1, 2024.

Funds for the grant will be available until they are exhausted. All eligible applications received during the open application window will be randomly ranked and served in that order until the money runs out. Funds are limited, so unfortunately not everyone who is eligible will receive funds.

The application may be found at buncombecounty.org/publicassistance. Residents with questions may call 828-250-5500 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.