**To support a safe environment, a curfew is in effect from 7:30 PM to 7:30 AM in the City of Asheville. City Offices and Parks are closed until further notice.**
Our community continues to assess and address the devastating damage, and we are witnessing countless acts of kindness, support, and resilience. Despite widespread cell service disruptions, power and water outages, and impassable roads, able businesses have opened their doors to provide food and water to residents. Neighbors have checked in on neighbors. Hospitality businesses are serving first responders with food and shelter. We are grateful for the first responders and volunteers working around the clock and have been heartened by the calls of love and support from all corners of the country. We will continue to find strength in each other, the deeply rooted communities of Western North Carolina, and our unceasing resolve to rebuild. We need your help distributing information. If you are able, please share this daily newsletter by email or Facebook or any other platform you think would be helpful.
- Remember that public officials hold news briefings each day at 10 AM and 4 PM, and these will continue through the weekend. The briefings are streamed live on the Buncombe County Facebook Page and broadcast on Blue Ridge Public Radio at 88.1 FM. You can also listen to them on the iHeart radio stations including 99.9, 104.3, 105.1 and 570 AM.
- For updated City information each day, click here. For updated County information, click here. You can also call One Buncombe at 828-250-6100 to report storm damage, access resources, and access storm related information.
IMPORTANT: Please avoid the French Broad River, Swannanoa, and other water sources impacted by Helene until water quality testing has been completed. Do not retrieve water, bathe, or handle the water in any matter until further notice.
IMPORTANT: If you have power, but no running water, turn off the breaker for your hot water heater to avoid the risk of fire when water is restored.
Note: New resources will be listed at the top of this newsletter, and new food/water distribution sites will be highlighted in the appropriate section.
FEMA ASSISTANCE
To apply, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA app for mobile devices, or call 800-621-3362. To view an accessible video on how to apply, visit Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube.
Please know that FEMA will NEVER ask you for money to help you, and each FEMA representative will be wearing a badge. Beware of scammers pretending to be FEMA.
If you need or want in-person FEMA assistance, Pisgah Legal Services is offering in-person walk up, no appointment clinics Monday October 7 from 10am to 4pm at its Asheville office at 62 Charlotte St.
SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCES
US Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance: Loans for homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofits affected by the disaster. This includes:
- Home Disaster Loans: Loans to homeowners or renters to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and personal property, including automobiles.
- Business Physical Disaster Loans: Loans to businesses for repairing or replacing disaster-damaged property, including real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery, and equipment. Businesses of any size and private, non-profit organizations are eligible.
- Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL): Working capital loans available to help small businesses, agricultural cooperatives, aquaculture businesses, and non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their financial obligations during a disaster recovery period.
An SBA office is now open at the Asheville Chamber of Commerce at 36 Montford Avenue. Hours are M-F 9am-6pm, Saturday 9am-3pm, closed on Sundays. This will be open tomorrow, October 5.
PATIENTS RECEIVING DIALYSIS
Mountain Mobility will resume life-sustaining dialysis transport of accessible patients in coordination with dialysis centers.
PREGNANCY CARE
Laurel OBGYN will see any pregnant person, either for a routine visit or high-risk monitoring. If you are in need of urgent GYN care, you can also come to this location at 41 Oakland Rd STE 200, Asheville, NC 28801. October 7-11, from 10 am to 1 pm.
ABORTION ACCESS AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE IN WNC
The Planned Parenthood health center in Asheville is temporarily closed. If you are in need of reproductive and sexual health care, call 1-800-230-PLAN. In the interim, patients can get medication refills by either calling or accessing their Epic (Electronic Health Records). If current patients are able to access that, they can send a note through their patient portal. If patients are able to call, they can call the regular number: (828) 252-7928
CARE FOR YOUR PET
Pet Care MedVet Asheville, an emergency and specialty veterinary hospital, is now open every day from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. 677 Brevard Road, Asheville.
HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT/HUD
HUD is providing a 90-day moratorium on foreclosures of mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) as well as foreclosures of mortgages to Native American borrowers guaranteed under the Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee program. There is also a 90-day extension granted automatically for Home Equity Conversion Mortgages. The moratorium and extension are effective as of the President’s disaster declaration date. Click here for additional information. If you need to contact the Asheville Housing Authority directly, please reach out to Monique Pierre at mpierre@haca.org.
FUEL/HYGIENE/RELIEF SUPPLIES
Jewish Family Services (JFS), 53, South French Broad Ave., has food, water, and other supplies such as propane, diapers, and feminine products. Monday-Friday 9am-2pm. Located across from the United Way building. JFS can also receive and distribute supply donations.
WALMART in Arden, 60 Airport Rd, 12 pm-4pm. This location will host a fuel truck, laundry, feeding station, bathrooms and charging station.
The Home Depot has partnered with Operation Blessing to deliver truckloads of relief supplies including meals, hygiene kits, water and more, at 795 Fairview Rd., Asheville
Biltmore Baptist Church, 35 Clayton Rd., Arden, 3pm-6pm. You can access food, water and other basic necessities.
ICE DISTRIBUTION
Free ice in 7 lb bags is available at Home Depot, 795 Fairview Road, until supplies run out.
DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS AVAILABLE
People in Buncombe County who are unemployed as a direct result of Hurricane Helene may be eligible for unemployment benefits. Business owners and self-employed individuals affected by the storm may also qualify for benefits.
- People have 60 days from Oct. 1 to file an application for DUA at des.nc.gov. The deadline to apply is Dec. 2, 2024. If you are not able to file through the website, you can call the DUA Hotline at 919-629-3857.
- All required documentation must be submitted within 21 days from application date. DES will work with people who cannot provide all documentation to ensure that their unemployment benefits are not delayed.
DO YOU NEED A PRESCRIPTION FILLED?
Pharmacies that are open in WNC can be viewed HERE. With some exceptions, pharmacists are now allowed to dispense a one-time emergency supply of up to 90 days to patients when they are unable to get a hold of their medical provider. Pharmacists can also dispense a one-time emergency refill of up to a 30-day supply of prescribed medication.
DO YOU NEED TO FLUSH YOUR TOILETS?
The JCC is hosting a “fill for flushing” operation during which community members can bring their own container and fill it at the JCC pool so they can flush toilets at home. Open this Saturday and Sunday at 40 Clyde Street from 10am-noon. This is open to the whole community.
ROAD CLOSURES AND ROUTES IN AND OUT OF WNC
The Asheville Regional Airport is open and operating, and critical highways like I-40 and I-26 are now accessible, making it easier to mobilize support. However, there are still inaccessible roads. Use the following map to help determine your best route: https://drivenc.gov/.
MISSING LOVED ONES
If you are unable to contact a family member or friend, please complete this form to notify Buncombe Co. officials. Officials are doing their best to locate and update their current status at the Buncombe Co. Register of Deeds office at 205 College St., Asheville.
You can request a wellness check by texting “Person” to 40403. That goes to NC 211 and the texter will get a link to a form.
WATER AND FOOD DISTRIBUTION IN THE CITY
If you need water and are unable to get to a water distribution site, please call 828-250-6100. Volunteer opportunities are increasing as distribution sites expand. If you want to volunteer, please contact smenaya-merritt@ashevillenc.gov or rwood@ashevillenc.gov.
All sites have MREs (ready-to-eat meals), 2 per adult and 1 per child per day. All city sites operate from 9 am until dark. All sites but Pack Square are bottled water, one case per family per day.
- Pack Square Park, 70 Court Plaza in downtown Asheville. Each person will be provided two gallons of bulk water per person, with a maximum of five gallons per family. Please bring containers if you have them, but containers are available if you do not. This distribution site is walk-up only. Assistance is available for those who cannot carry their water back to their cars.
- Asheville Middle School, 211 S. French Broad St.
- Shiloh Community Center, 121 Shiloh Rd.
- NEW SITE: Lucy S. Herring Elementary, 98 Sulphur Springs Rd.
- An East Asheville site is coming soon.
COUNTY WATER AND FOOD DISTRIBUTION
Times are 12PM-7PM. Each person will be provided 2 gallons of water, with a maximum of 5 gallons per family. There will be some containers available, but please bring your own if you are able. All sites have MREs (ready-to-eat meals), 2 per adult and 1 per child per day.
- Sand Hill Elementary – 154 Sand Hill School Road, Asheville (Please enter via Acton Circle)
- North Windy Ridge Intermediate School – 20 Doan Road, Weaverville
- Fairview Elementary School – 1355 Charlotte Highway, Fairview
- Ingles on NC 9 in Black Mountain.
- Cane Middle Creek Middle – 570 Lower Brush Creek Road, Fletcher
- Leicester Elementary School – 31 Gilbert Road, Leicester
- William W. Estes Elementary School – 275 Overlook Road, Asheville. This site also has non-potable water for flushing toilets.
- Carolina Day School – 1345 Hendersonville Road, Asheville
FORMULA AND DIAPERS
Beloved Asheville, at 32 Old Charlotte Hwy in Asheville, is sharing bottled water, food, diapers, and baby formula. Beloved is also accepting donations of non-perishable foods, diapers, baby wipes, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, paper towels, and baby formula.
FOOD DISTRIBUTION
Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ and World Central Kitchen, 1PM each day while supplies last, 135 Coxe Ave.
McDonalds Mobile Relief Unit, 950 Patton Avenue, October 5, 10AM-4PM
Denny’s Mobile Relief Diner @ Lowe’s Home Improvement Center Parking lot, 95 Smokey Park Hwy, 8AM-1:30PM, thru Tuesday, October 8.
Groce UMC, 954 Tunnel Road
Tupelo Honey in South Asheville, 1829 Hendersonville Road, serving hot meals from 11AM-5PM, or until supplies run out.
Tyson Foods will bring a Meals that Matter Disaster Relief team to to distribute hot meals, water and ice at the Walmart Supercenter, 25 Northridge Commons Parkway, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.
In Woodfin, food is available at Town Hall, 90 Elk Road, beginning daily at 2PM.
MANNA DISTRIBUTION SITE
**Please note that donation hours differ from distribution hours**
MANNA will be accepting specific food, water, and supply donations from corporations, grocery stores, vendors, and individuals with extra resources to give. Items in need include Shelf-stable food (pop-top cans preferred, not requiring a can opener), bottled water, baby and toddler formula and food and diapers
- Farmers Market, 570 Brevard Road Asheville, NC 28806
- Dates: October 2-5, 2024
- Donation Hours: 8:00AM – 12:00PM
- Distribution Hours: 1:00PM – 4:00PM
WIFI HOTSPOTS AND CHARGING
- Justice Center parking lot, 35 Woodfin St.
- YMCA Downtown Asheville on Woodfin St.
- Groce UMC, 954 Tunnel Rd.
- Asheville Middle School, 211 S French Broad Ave
- Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St.
- West Asheville Public Library, 942 Haywood Rd.
- Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St.
- Enka Library in Candler, 1404 Sand Hill Rd, Candler
The password for the libraries is “readmore” (one word, lowercase).
SHOWERS
The Reuter Family YMCA located at 3 Town Square Blvd, Asheville, will be open to the public for showers, gym, playground, and power charging from 10 AM-5 PM daily.
WHEN WILL WATER BE RESTORED?
Although providing a precise timeline is impossible, it is important to note that restoring service to the full system could potentially take weeks. As repairs progress, water service will return to some areas before others, based solely on the level of damage to the system. The Weaverville water system is fully operational, but you must boil the water. The Woodfin water plant is operating and access to it has been restored. Staff are now looking for and repairing pipeline breaks. There is no timeline for restoring service, but the work is ongoing.
YOU MUST BOIL WATER IN BUNCOMBE COUNTY
Customers who currently have running tap water should remember that a boil water advisory remains in effect. Boil for at least one minute, even if the water is filtered. If you can not boil your water, you can add 8 drops of bleach per 1 gallon of water.
- If boiling is not possible, use commercially bottled water for drinking and food preparation. Use bottled water for infant formula and pets, as well.
- Do not use ice made from unboiled water in drinks, food or coolers.
- When washing hands, use boiled or bottled water. If neither is available, use hand sanitizer.
- Do not use water from connected appliances, such as a water dispenser on a refrigerator.
URGENT CARE AVAILABILITY
Mercy Urgent Care has walk-in locations open at the following addresses from 8:30AM to 6:00PM:
- West Asheville: 1201 Patton Ave.
- Weaverville: 61 Weaver Blvd.
- Brevard: 22 Trust Lane
- Waynesville: 120 Frazier St.
- Foothills: 140 W Mills St.
Novant Go-Health Urgent Care at 349 New Leicester Highway is open 9AM – 6PM Please note, these facilities treat non-life-threatening conditions. For emergencies, dial 911.
CITY AND COUNTY SCHOOLS
There is no timeline for reopening. All facilities are without water, and many have minimal power. This, in addition to road impacts on bus routes, is a major roadblock to bringing students back to school. Schools are working diligently to account for all staff members. If you work for these schools, please contact someone to let them know you are safe.
TRASH AND RECYCLING
In the City, curbside collection of household waste (only bagged trash) will resume in targeted areas on Monday, October 7. Routes are being determined based on road accessibility and will be shared when available. Please do not put storm debris in your trash bins.
- Download the AVL Collects app to receive notifications about trash and recycling pickup in your area. You can find the AVL Collects app in Google Play Store of Apple App Store.
- There will be no recycling pick up until the recycling plant is operational. Residents should use both recycling and trash carts for household waste. All waste will be collected as trash at this time by both City of Asheville and Curbie vehicles.
- The following materials cannot be collected at this time: mud, construction debris, concrete, and other bulky or hazardous items. Debris collection is estimated to start in mid October.
You may also take trash to the county landfill at 85 Panther Branch Road, Alexander.
EMERGENCY SHELTERS IN BUNCOMBE COUNTY
The general public shelter at WNC Agricultural Center 1301 Fanning Bridge Road, Fletcher is open and accepts people and pets.
The medical emergency shelter at AB Tech – 10 Genevieve Circle, Asheville, NC 28801
The Gold’s Gym at 1815 Hendersonville Road in Asheville is a general shelter with a playroom for children, so it may be more suitable for families. Please note that no pets are allowed at this location.
First Baptist Church at 503 Park Street, Swannanoa also has a shelter.
The AB-TECH CONFERENCE CENTER IS FULL. PLEASE DO NOT GO TO THIS SHELTER. You can view additional shelters throughout WNC here.
Please be kind to yourself and each other during the days and weeks ahead. Tropical Storm Helene has been and continues to be a traumatic event for our community. If you need someone to talk to, call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990.
More information to come tomorrow. Please stay safe!
