ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Buncombe County has officially ended its local state of emergency related to Tropical Storm Helene as of June 30, signaling a shift toward long-term recovery and support for affected residents.
While the emergency declaration is no longer in effect, county officials say recovery efforts remain a top priority. Multiple programs have been launched or expanded to help homeowners, improve infrastructure, and guide community planning in the wake of the storm.
Support for homeowners and survivors
The Renew NC Single-Family Housing Program offers repairs, reconstruction and home replacement services for low- to moderate-income residents. Applications are open at renewnc.org or by calling 888-791-0207.
Other available programs include:
Energy Saver NC: Offers up to $16,000 in energy-efficiency rebates. Apply at energysavernc.org or call 866-998-8555.
Disaster Case Management: Connects survivors with dedicated recovery case managers. Call 844-746-2326 or apply at ncdps.gov/helene/dcm.
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program: Aims to reduce future disaster risks through home elevation, property buyouts and infrastructure improvements. Call 828-250-6100 for more details.
Private Roads and Bridges Program: Now in Phase 1, the program uses rail cars as temporary bridges. Phases 2 and 3 will focus on permanent bridges and roads. The application deadline is Aug. 3.
Homeowner Grant Program: Reopens July 15 through Sept. 30, offering up to $500 to help with housing-related expenses such as mortgage payments or property taxes. Visit buncombecounty.org/homeownergrant or call 828-250-5500.
All programs can be accessed through the One Buncombe Call Center at 828-250-6100.
Debris and waterway cleanup nears completion
Debris removal on 234 private properties is expected to be finished by August. The remaining sites are under review by FEMA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Waterway debris cleanup is nearly complete, with only 40 of 315 sites remaining. The work is expected to wrap by July 30.
Several temporary off-load debris sites are also in the process of closing as operations conclude.
Park reopenings and repairs
Five river parks have reopened: Bent Creek, Glen Bridge, Corcoran Paige, Ledges Whitewater and Hominy Creek. Planning and design work is underway for the reopening of Charles D. Owen Park and the Hominy Creek peninsula.
Community engagement and planning
Community input remains central to the county’s recovery strategy. Outreach for the Swannanoa Small Area Plan is ongoing, with a public event scheduled for 5-7 p.m. July 22 at Good Company Pizza. Free pizza will be provided.
Two upcoming town halls are planned:
- July 24, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at A-B Tech’s Ferguson Auditorium (District 3)
- Aug. 7, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Koontz Intermediate (District 1)
Helene Resource Center still open
Though FEMA has departed the Helene Resource Center at 94 Coxe Ave., Asheville, local and state staff continue to assist with case management, FEMA appeals and other recovery services. The center is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call 828-250-6100 for help.
More than 1,200 survivors have received support from the center, according to coordinator Edith Gomez.
Survey results guide recovery
In May, more than 2,600 people responded to the Envision Buncombe survey, sharing top recovery priorities:
- Infrastructure improvements (74%)
- Disaster preparedness (55%)
- Wildfire prevention (53%)
- Floodplain management (49%)
- Streambank restoration (48%)
- Park rebuilding (47%)
Participants emphasized a need for climate resilience, equity in recovery efforts and economic diversification.
A draft Helene Recovery Plan is set for public release in September, with adoption expected in November.
Stay informed
Residents can learn more or apply for aid at buncombecounty.org/helene or by calling 828-250-6100. With hurricane season underway, officials encourage residents to sign up for emergency alerts by texting BCAlert to 99411.
The next community briefing will be held at 11 a.m. Aug. 6 on Buncombe County’s Facebook page.