Helene Recovery Efforts: Asheville Area Travel and Safety Updates
By David Thompson
Communities in Western North Carolina, including ours, are recovering after the devastating floods and aftermath of Hurricane Helene. While our downtown, lodging, and much of our hospitality infrastructure fared well, most areas are still without power and water service, and early stages of recovery are ongoing in parts of our beloved community.
The Asheville Regional Airport is open and operating, and critical highways like I-40 East and I-26 are now accessible, making it easier to mobilize support. Right now, the focus is on taking care of our residents and workers and servicing the many first responders who have answered the call from all over the country—helping those impacted and addressing the economic and emotional toll at hand.
People have always been drawn to Asheville and the mountains of Western North Carolina. We know many of you care deeply and want to support our community. It’s not just about what’s happening now, but about planning for the months and years ahead. If you want to contribute, consider donating to local recovery efforts outlined below.
We’re seeing progress, slow as it may be. While travel may not be possible at the moment, please keep Asheville in your heart. When the time is right, we’ll be ready to welcome you back with open arms. Until then, thank you for your love and support as we rebuild.
Always, Asheville
Resources for the Community
City of Asheville Info and Updates
Buncombe County Info and Updates
North Carolina Info and Updates
Open-source Community Resource Document
- World Central Kitchen has arrived in Asheville and will begin serving meals 9/30 at noon at Bears Smokehouse on Coxe Ave. More info here.
- Water and MRE Distribution Sites became available in Buncombe County starting at 2 p.m. Monday 9/30. More info here.
- City of Asheville has announced a water distribution point at Pack Square Park starting at 9am each day and going until dark or until supply runs out. Water allowance is one gallon per person with a max of five gallons per family. Must bring your own container. Distribution site is walk-up only with assistance available for those who cannot carry water back to their cars. Beginning at 12:00 p.m. on October 1, the City of Asheville added an additional water distribution location at Asheville Middle School (211 S. French Broad Ave, Asheville, NC 28801). The site will be open until dark or when the supply runs out. Cases of bottled water will be available for pickup. This location is designed for drive-thru pick-up in the first bus loop. One case per family is allowed per day. More info here.
- Some Asheville restaurants are serving food as supplies last. We are updating our Instagram stories and Facebook stories with that information as it comes through.
How to Help
Here are some links for those looking to lend their support:
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Donate directly to The Salvation Army of Asheville, MANNA FoodBank and United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County.
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To donate items in bulk, please email helenedonations@buncombecounty.org.
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To volunteer, please email helenevolunteers@buncombecounty.org.
Closures
Please check attraction and business websites and social media channels for the most up-to-date information.
- Blue Ridge Parkway: The Blue Ridge Parkway is closed. Specific information and updates on closed sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway is available here.
- Biltmore Estate: Temporarily closed until October 15. More info here.
- Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests have closed campgrounds, roads and recreation areas. More info here.
- Mount Mitchell State Park and Gorges State Park have been closed by the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation. More info here.
- Grandfather Mountain: Temporarily closed. More info here.
- Click here for all North Carolina State Park closures.
- All City of Asheville city parks, community centers, and public facilities are closed.
- All Buncombe County parks are closed.
Assistance for Individual Property and Businesses
On September 29, FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance is available to the state of North Carolina, including Buncombe County, to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by Tropical Storm Helene. The President's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals, including grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.
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FEMA Disaster Assistance for Individuals and Businesses: Grants for temporary housing, home repairs, and low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses. Register online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621- 3362, or by using the FEMA App.
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.
We understand the SBA plans to set up offices here in Asheville for in-person assistance by the end of this week. We will share that information as soon as it becomes available.
Assistance for Employees
NC Works Disaster Unemployment (DUA): Temporary payments for people whose employment has been impacted as a direct result of a disaster.
Assistance for Food Service Employees: Giving Kitchen and Southern Smoke Foundation offer assistance for food and beverage workers.
Assistance for members of the Meetings/Hospitality Industry: The Meetings Industry Fund and SEARCH FOUNDATION offers grants to those in need of financial assistance.
Assistance for Artists & Arts Organizations
Arts AVL has created a webpage of emergency support resources, including relief grants for artists, musicians, and cultural institutions, as well as pro bono legal support.
This story will continue to be updated as more information becomes available.
