Disaster Recovery Resource Deadlines are Coming Up Fast

Multiple programs offering significant resources for Helene survivors have quickly approaching deadlines.

Buncombe County Long Term Recovery Group and Pisgah Legal Services are available to help with applications and assistance if needed.

These programs and deadlines include:

January 31, 2026: Renew NC Funding to Repair or Rebuild Your Home

• Up to $50,000 for home repairs and $450,000 for home rebuild
• Application due by January 31 but any supporting documentation can be gathered later with the assistance of a Renew NC case manager
• Applying does not commit you to the program and Pisgah Legal can help you evaluate your options
• Apply at renewnc.org or call 888-791-0207

February 28, 2026: Partial Reimbursement for Road & Bridge Repairs

• Up to 50% of property owners’ costs paid for disaster-related road and bridge repairs
• Apply at bit.ly/NCRoadBridge

March 31, 2026: FEMA Assistance & Appeals Winding Down

• FEMA rental assistance will end March 26. It’s not too late to appeal denial if your rental assistance ended while you were still displaced.
• FEMA appeals should be submitted as soon as possible. If you were denied FEMA assistance, received less than you think you may be eligible for, contact Pisgah Legal Services.

April 15, 2026: Disaster-Related Tax Deductions

• WNC taxpayers with disaster recovery expenses may be eligible for tax deductions to lower their tax bill or increase their refund.
• Ask your tax preparer or contact Pisgah Legal for free help with tax preparation and questions about deductions.

“We’ve heard from neighbors, especially in the more rural and hardest hit areas, that they’re not aware of many of these resources and deadlines,” said Katie Russell, Managing Director at Pisgah Legal Services. “We know that so many people are exhausted by disaster recovery at this point, and we’re here to help. Call us or your local long-term recovery group so we can help you with the heavy lifting. We’re doing everything we can to get the word out and assist with applications and denial appeals.”

For Help: Call Pisgah Legal Services at 828-253-0406 or apply at pisgahlegal.org. For disaster recovery help, contact NC Disaster Case Managers at 844-746-2326 or your local Long-Term Recovery Group: Buncombe County Long Term Recovery Group at 828-374-5356 or contact [email protected].

About Pisgah Legal Services

Pisgah Legal Services (PLS) provides a broad array of free, civil legal aid, anti-poverty advocacy and access to health care assistance in the 18-county WNC region. Last year, Pisgah Legal served more than 28,000 people and has been assisting the people of WNC since 1978.

PLS has offices in Asheville, Brevard, Burnsville, Cashiers, Franklin, Hendersonville, Highlands, Marshall, Newland, Rutherfordton, Spruce Pine and Waynesville. Pisgah Legal employs staff attorneys and harnesses the power of approximately 250 volunteer lawyers who assist PLS clients. For more information, please visit www.pisgahlegal.org.