As of June 30, 2025, Buncombe County has officially ended the Local State of Emergency that was declared ahead of Hurricane Helene’s landfall last fall. While this marks a significant milestone, the long-term recovery process is far from over. The county remains focused on supporting residents, rebuilding infrastructure, and strengthening community resilience with survivor priorities at the forefront.

Here’s a comprehensive update on the progress made and the resources available to homeowners and residents across the region.

Ongoing Support for Homeowners and Survivors

Renew NC Single-Family Housing Program 
This state-led initiative supports long-term housing recovery for low- to moderate-income homeowners in Western North Carolina. Services include home repairs, reconstruction of stick-built homes, replacement of manufactured homes, and reimbursement for eligible expenses. All construction work is managed and completed by the program on behalf of qualified homeowners

To apply, visit www.renewnc.org or call 888-791-0207.

Energy Saver NC Rebates
Qualifying households can receive up to $16,000 in rebates for energy efficiency upgrades, such as improved insulation, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and heat pump water heaters. Homeowners earning less than 80% of the area median income may be eligible for full rebates.

Apply online at www.energysavernc.org or call 866-998-8555.

Disaster Case Management Program
This free service connects survivors with a dedicated case manager who will assist with personalized recovery planning, resource navigation, and program applications.

For more information, visit www.ncdps.gov/helene/dcm or call 844-746-2326.

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)
The HMGP focuses on long-term resilience by funding property elevation, voluntary buyouts, and structural improvements to reduce future storm damage.

Learn more by visiting www.buncombenc.gov/helene or calling 828-250-6100.

Private Roads and Bridges Program
This multi-phase program addresses private road and bridge repairs across the region. Phase 1 includes the installation of temporary bridges using railcars, while Phases 2 and 3 will focus on more complex bridge and road construction. Residents who applied for assistance through FEMA may still apply for this program.

The application deadline is August 3. Visit www.ncdps.gov/Helene/PRB or call 844-746-2326.

2025 Homeowner Grant Program
Applications open July 15 and run through September 30. Eligible homeowners may receive up to $500 to help with housing-related costs, including property taxes, mortgage payments, or homeowner’s insurance. Even if you received this grant in the past, you must reapply each year.

Visit www.buncombecounty.org/homeownergrant or call 828-250-5500 for details.

If you need assistance with any of these programs, contact the One Buncombe Call Center at 828-250-6100.

Debris Removal and Infrastructure Restoration

Private Property Debris Removal (PPDR) is actively underway on 234 properties, with work expected to be completed by August. Remaining applications are currently under review by FEMA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Property owners will be notified in advance of scheduled removal, although the call center does not have access to this scheduling information.

Waterway Debris Removal is nearly complete, with just 40 of 315 sites remaining. Final cleanup is expected by July 30. Temporary off-load sites are also in the process of closing as debris operations wind down.

River Parks and Recreation Updates

Five river parks have now reopened to the public: Bent Creek, Glen Bridge, Corcoran Paige, Ledges Whitewater, and Hominy Creek. Meanwhile, engineering and design work is progressing at Charles D. Owen Park and the Hominy Creek peninsula.

For current park status and updates, visit www.buncombenc.gov/parks.

Community Engagement and Planning

Swannanoa Small Area Plan
Community outreach efforts are in full swing. Residents are invited to attend an upcoming engagement event on July 22 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Good Company Pizza. Free pizza will be provided as part of the discussion. Learn more at engage.buncombecounty.org/swannanoasmallarea.

Upcoming Town Halls
Buncombe County will host two additional community town halls to provide updates and gather feedback:

• July 24 at A-B Tech’s Ferguson Auditorium (District 3), 5:30–7:30 p.m.
• August 7 at Koontz Intermediate (District 1), 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Helene Resource Center Still Providing Support

The Helene Resource Center, located at 94 Coxe Avenue in Asheville, has assisted over 1,200 survivors to date. While FEMA representatives are no longer onsite, county and state teams remain available to support recovery, help with program applications, and guide residents through the appeals process.

Walk-ins are welcome Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or call 828-250-6100.

Survey Results Guide the Road Ahead

Through the Envision Buncombe survey, over 2,600 residents across 13 zip codes—including six municipalities and unincorporated areas—shared their priorities for recovery. Top themes include:

• Investment in infrastructure: water systems, roads, bridges, and telecommunications (74%)
• Disaster preparedness and climate resiliency (55%)
• Wildfire prevention (53%)
• Floodplain management (49%)
• Streambank restoration (48%)
• Park and recreation space redevelopment (47%)

Participants also emphasized the importance of inclusive planning, support for vulnerable populations, and strategies for economic diversification.

A draft Helene Recovery Plan is expected in September, with final adoption planned for November. Many community-led initiatives are already moving forward in anticipation of the plan’s release.

Moving Forward, Together

The conclusion of the state of emergency is a major step forward, but Buncombe County’s recovery from Hurricane Helene is far from finished. Thanks to ongoing funding, strong community input, and clear leadership, progress is being made on multiple fronts. Whether through repairing homes, restoring infrastructure, or strengthening our collective resilience, the path ahead is one of rebuilding and renewal.

For the latest updates or to seek help, call 828-250-6100 or visit www.buncombenc.gov/helene.

Are you outside of Buncombe County and still looking for assistance? Please email us at [email protected] and we will connect you with the right resources.