SWANNANOA, N.C. (828newsNOW) — As Helene’s recovery continues, the Owen Pool Community Care Station will remain open until 9 p.m. Wednesday, April 30. The site has provided essential support to residents for the past seven months.

To help establish a sustainable, long-term recovery plan, Buncombe County is partnering with the community to support access to showers and laundry services.

Laundry: Free, pre-loaded laundry cards are available through Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry, 101 N. Ridgeway Ave. in Black Mountain. The cards can be used at Black Mountain Coin Laundry, which is open 24 hours a day. Community members may register for the cards at the ministry between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Showers: A new shower trailer is now open at Swannanoa First Baptist Church, 503 Park St. in Swannanoa’s Beacon Village. The facility includes a family shower space and is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 7 to 9 p.m. on weeknights, and 1 to 4 p.m. on Sundays.

Helene Resource Center Services

The Helene Resource Center at 94 Coxe Ave. in Asheville is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays with free parking available. No appointments are necessary.

Services include:

  • FEMA assistance and case follow-up
  • U.S. Small Business Administration and state disaster programs
  • Hazard Mitigation Grant Program information
  • One-on-one support through North Carolina’s Disaster Case Management Program

Late FEMA applications are still being accepted. Call 1-800-621-3362 or visit the Resource Center to provide your reason for delay — no documentation is required for review.

Important upcoming deadlines:

  • April 27: SBA physical damage loan applications
  • May 2: Agriculture Crop Loss Program applications
  • May 15: Final date for Private Property Debris Removal paperwork submission for those who applied by the April 15 deadline
  • June 30: SBA economic injury loan applications

Visit buncombeready.org for detailed application information.