Disaster Assistance Update: February 22, 2025
The deadline to apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance has been extended to March 8, 2025.
FEMA may provide funding for repairs on private roads and bridges. For more information, residents can call 800-621-3362
FEMA Transitional Sheltering Assistance Extended to May 26, 2025
FEMA must give a 21-day advanced notice for those being asked to leave their hotel provided by TSA. Transitional Sheltering Assistance continues for disaster survivors unless they are no longer eligible after an eligibility review for the following reasons:
- An inspection indicated that their home is now habitable and safe.
- The disaster survivor declined a FEMA inspection.
- FEMA has been unable to contact the survivor to update their housing needs, despite multiple attempts.
Disaster survivors are encouraged to remain in touch with FEMA throughout this process by visiting a Disaster Recovery Center in their community. Go to disasterassistance.gov, or call 1-800-621-3362. Survivors in TSA will need to remain in regular communication with FEMA to ensure they remain eligible for the program on an ongoing basis.
Progress Being Made in WNC as Water Debris Removal Continues
FEMA is working with the US Army Corps of Engineers plus state and local partners to remove debris to help communities in western North Carolina.
Business Response Survey Now Open
Recognizing the economic impact of Helene, the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of Asheville, Buncombe County, Economic Development Partnership of NC, and Explore Asheville, has launched the Business Response Survey.
This survey aims to gather insights from local businesses about their recovery challenges and needs, helping shape Asheville’s economic recovery strategy.
Business owners are encouraged to participate at ashevillechamber.org/helenesurvey.
Financial Support for Individuals and Families
Western Carolina Medical Society continues to offer support for individuals and families across western North Carolina in the form of utility and phone payments, gas cards to reach medical appointments, grocery cards, purchase of medicine and durable medical equipment, and rental assistance (they have partnered with Grace Covenant Presbyterian.) They have given away thousands of dollars in assistance to our neighbors and welcome additional inquiries at [email protected].
NC Shelter Trailer Program
The State of North Carolina Shelter Trailer Program offers temporary travel trailers for up to six months to eligible survivors whose homes cannot be occupied. This applies to homeowners and renters in 39 counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. For more information, or to apply, please visit the NC Disaster Case Management site at www.ncdps.gov/helene/dcm or call 844-746-2326.
Disaster Case Management Program Now Available
The NC Disaster Case Management Program (NC-DCM) is now available to guide individuals and households in Buncombe County through the Tropical Storm Helene recovery process. After you complete an initial needs assessment, a case manager will work with you to make a personalized recovery plan and connect you with available resources. To get started, call 844-746-2326 or fill out the NC-DCM intake survey at www.ncdps.gov/helene/dcm.
Help with Rent, Mortgage Payments, Utilities, and Housing
Eblen Charities has paused their acceptance of rental assistance applications. If you submitted an application before 2/6/2025, your application will be processed as quickly as possible. Effective 2/6/2025 they have paused acceptance of online applications for water assistance. However, if you have a past due bill or cutoff notice you may apply in person at their office, 23 Hamilton St., Asheville, NC 28801. Gas vouchers, medical and eyeglass assistance will continue to be handled in person at the office.
Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church’s supply distribution site is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12-4 p.m. Items include: Canned goods, general medicine, cleaning supplies, hygiene items, diapers, baby wipes, etc. Their rental support and Duke power assistance are ON HOLD until they receive more funding. Details and updates at gcpcusa.org.
The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) a one-time vendor payment to help eligible households pay their heating bills is now open to all households that meet criteria including income eligibility. To apply please visit epass.nc.gov.
NC STR Alliance’s Emergency Accommodations Program connects people who need shelter with available short-term rentals. The program is open to people who need housing AND to providers who have available rentals. Hosts who wish to offer up their homes for emergency accommodations, and families and individuals in need of shelter, can sign up at str-trust.com/nc-str-alliance-hurricane-helene-relief-for-displaced-residents.
This program and the use of short-term rentals can help fill the much-needed gap for housing right now.
