Proudly serving Buncombe, Henderson, Madison, and Transylvania counties

Land of Sky Regional Council Updates

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Hurricane Helene has left a pathway of destruction across our beloved Western North Carolina. We hope that you are doing the best that you can be in the wake of this devastating tragedy. While we are filled with deep pain and sadness, we are also heartened by the show of incredible community support across our region. By continuing to provide this type of love and support for one another, we will be able to recover and rebuild the communities of Western NC that we hold so dear. 

Continue to check in on one another and on yourselves during these difficult times. We hope that the information and updates shared below can help the members of our communities stay informed and get connected with the resources they need. Please share this email with anyone who you think might benefit from it. 

We will get through this together, 

Land of Sky Regional Council 

Missing Person/Welfare Check Request

• Text PERSON to 40403 or fill out the form here to add a loved one to search and recue efforts.

Mental Health Resources

• The Hope4NC Helpline (1-855-587-3463) provides mental health support for first responders and volunteers working on our Hurricane Helene disaster response. The helpline is free, confidential, and available 24/7.

• Call or text the free Disaster Distress Helpline (2-800-985-5990) for 24/7 counseling services to help disaster survivors cope with trauma. Spanish speakers should press “2”. Deaf and hard of hearing ASL callers can connect directly to an American Sign Language agent, through ASL Now by calling 1-800-985-5990 from your videophone. 

• If you or someone you know is struggling or in a crisis, you can call or text 988 or chat at https://988lifeline.org to reach a trained counselor who can provide support in a mental health, substance use, or suicide crisis. 



FEMA Public Assistance Program

All of Land of Sky’s county and municipality member governments are eligible for FEMA’s Public Assistance Program, which provides funding to cover costs for debris removal, life-saving emergency protective measures, and restoring public infrastructure.

Learn more about the FEMA Public Assistance Program

View the NC Emergency Management Public Assistance Applicant Briefing presentation

Attend an upcoming NCEM FEMA Public Assistance Applicant Briefing webinar:

• Thursday, October 10, 2024 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• Thursday, October 10, 2024 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• Monday, October 14, 2024 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• Monday, October 14, 2024 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• Wednesday, October 16 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• Wednesday, October 16 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.



Emergency and Disaster Response Fund

The Community Foundation of WNC’s Emergency and Disaster Response Fund (EDRF) is funding organizations providing emergency relief to those affected by Hurricane Helene in its 18-county service area. 

EDRF grants are up to $25,000 and are intended to be used for frontline human service needs. Apply online or, if connectivity is an issue, email or call Alana Nottage (828-254-4960) communicating the following information: 

• Name of organization and county(ies) to be served 
• Amount requested; $25,000 or less 
• Is the request for direct services or to address impact to your organization’s ability to provide direct services? 
• Please briefly describe the local situation and needs including primary weather-related impact on people served and the organization’s disaster-related services that would be supported by a grant. 

Review the grant program guidelines



Debris Removal

There are 4 options for debris removal assistance, a reimbursable expense under FEMA PA:

1. State pre-positioned contracts (Region 13)
2. Local contracts
3. NC Department of Transportation
4. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

FEMA Individuals and Households Program 

FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP) provides financial assistance and direct services to eligible individuals and households affected by a disaster, who have uninsured or underinsured necessary expenses and serious needs. 

How to apply:

• Apply online at https://www.disasterassistance.gov
• Call 800-621-3362 between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. 
• Apply through the FEMA mobile app, available for download on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. 



Disaster Unemployment Assistance 

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) benefits are now available for individuals who are unemployed or had their employment interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Helene. Eligible individuals must live in one of the NC counties with a federal disaster declaration.

View an updated list of all eligible counties

Eligible individuals can file an application online at https://www.des.nc.gov or by calling the DUA hotline (919-629-3857). The deadline to apply for most counties is December 2, 2024. 

How to file a DUA claim



Business Recovery Fund

Mountain BizWorks has announced the launch of the WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund to provide emergency loan funds to help small businesses meet immediate needs. You can apply online or click here for more information.  



Business Recovery Info Session

Asheville Downtown Association and partners are hosting a Small Business Recovery Info Session on Oct. 10 from 10 a.m. to 11 a .m. to help small businesses owners navigate recovering from Hurricane Helene.

Register for the Info Session



Business Recovery Center

In partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce has established a Business Recovery Center to support local businesses affected by Hurricane Helene. The center is located at the Chamber’s Visitor Center (36 Montford Ave) and provides in person assistance for SBA disaster loan applications.  

The Business Recovery Center is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, but you can also make an appointment. 



SBA Resource and Recovery Webinar

Join experts from the U.S. Small Business Administration on Thursday, October 10 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. as they provide an update on resources for businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene. This webinar is open to all and there will be time for questions at the end of the session. 

Register for the Recovery Webinar



Travel remains dangerous and NCDOT is asking people to refrain from unnecessary travel to or in Western North Carolina. Road access is limited to local and hurricane response traffic as views work to restore critical routes and access to communities isolated by damage. First responders want to keep the roads as clear as possible to help ensure they may carry out all response missions. 

NCDOT has posted an interstate detour map for travelers to avoid Western NC.

View a full map and list of road closures.

Visit Public Water Supply Situation Report Tracking for updates on drinking water systems across Western NC. 



Buncombe County

Water and food distribution sites (both drinking and flushing water; bring containers to fill up water): 

• William W. Estes Elementary School: 275 Overlook Road, Asheville (Noon to 4 p.m.)
• Sand Hill Elementary: 154 Sand Hill School Road, Asheville (Noon to 4 p.m.)
• North Windy Ridge Intermediate School: 20 Doan Road, Weaverville (Noon to 4 p.m.)
• Fairview Elementary School: 1355 Charlotte Highway, Fairview (Noon to 4 p.m.)
• Black Mountain Ingles: 550 NC-9, Black Mountain, 28711 (Noon to 4 p.m.) 
• Leicester Elementary School: 31 Gilbert Road, Leicester (Noon to 4 p.m.)
• Asheville Middle School: 211 S. French Broad Avenue, Asheville (Until 7 p.m.)
• Lindwood Crump Shiloh Community Center: 121 Shiloh Road, Asheville (Until 7 p.m.)
• Pack Square Park: 70 Court Plaza (beginning at 1 p.m. until dark) 
• Lucy Herring Elementary School, 98 Sulphur Springs Road (9 a.m. to 7 p.m.)



Henderson County 

Resource Hubs (water distribution, hot meals to-go, and other supplies):  

• Etowah Elementary: 320 Etowah School Road Etowah, NC 28729 (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
• Mills River Town Hall: 124 Town Center Drive. Mills River, NC 28759 (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.)

Madison County

Food and water supplies:  

• Laurel Community Center: 4100 NC 212 Hwy., Marshall – food, supplies and water available (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) 
• Walnut Community Center: 46 School Rd, Marshall – food, pet food, supplies and water 
• Ebbs Chapel Community Center: 281 Laurel Valley Road, Mars Hill –  food, supplies and water available 
• Center Community Center: 300 Grapevine Rd, Marshall –  food, supplies and water available (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) 
• Spring Creek Community Center: 13075 NC 209 Hwy, Hot Springs –  food, pet food, water, and livestock feed and hay (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) 
• Beech Glen Community Center: 2936 Beech Glen Rd, Mars Hill 

Transylvania County

Water distribution sites: 

• Bottled water is available at local fire departments and at Anchor Baptist: 3232 Hendersonville Hwy (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
• Rocky’s Grill & Soda Shop: 50 S Broad St – water filling and ice 
• Cedar Mountain Outpost: 8431 Greenville Hwy – water filling station 
• DD Bullwinkles: 60 E Main St – water filling station 
• First United Methodist Church: 325 N Broad St – water filling station (9 a.m. to 12 p.m.) 
• Pisgah Forest Baptist Church: 494 Hendersonville Hwy – water filling station (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) 

Food and supply distribution sites:

• MRE boxes are available at local fire departments and Rosman Town Hall 
• Anchor Baptist: 3232 Hendersonville Hwy – bottled water, food, hygiene, baby, and pet supplies (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) 
• Zion Baptist Church: 423 Main St – food and toiletries 
• The Church at Sapphire: 620 Whitewater Rd (Daily through Thursday, Oct. 10, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.) 
• Calvary Baptist Mission: 100 Cemetery Rd – cleaning supplies, hygiene products, baby supplies (Monday, Oct. 7 – Friday, Oct. 11, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.) 
• Grace Brevard: 55 E Jordan St (12 p.m. to 2 p.m.) 
• Mary C Jenkins Community Center: 221 Mills Ave (Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) 
• Sacred Heart: 150 Brian Berg Dr – cleaning supplies, water, food (Monday, Oct. 7 – Saturday, Oct. 12, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.) 
• Supplies to give away at Middlefork Baptist – contact 828-553-6185 

Beware of Misinformation 

NC Emergency Management and local officials are cautioning the public about false Helene reports and misinformation being shared on social media.

NCEM has developed a Helene Fact vs Rumor webpage to combat common myths related to Helene recovery.

FEMA has also developed a Hurricane Rumor Response webpage.