I still need help navigating my recovery from Hurricane Helene. Where can I go for help?

Buncombe County’s Helene Resource Center (HRC) serves as a central hub for Buncombe County Helene survivors, providing continued access to vital recovery services in a survivor-focused setting. It’s located at 94 Coxe Avenue in downtown Asheville and is open from 8 am – 5 pm, Monday through Friday. Free parking is located across the street and no appointment is necessary. CLICK HERE for a list of services provided and for more information. You can also call (828) 250-6100.

How can I get help with repairing, rebuilding, or replacing my single-family home?

The Renew NC Single-Family Housing Program launched in June 2025 and is available to help North Carolina residents repair, rebuild or replace eligible homes with remaining damage from Hurricane Helene. Sign up to receive more information or to apply for the program at renewnc.org.

Does the Town of Black Mountain have guidelines for temporary housing in the wake of Hurricane Helene? 

Yes. Temporary housing is an essential part of recovery, and we want to ensure safe and compliant options are available for those in need. If your primary residence has been damaged or destroyed, the Town’s codes allow for certain types of temporary housing to be placed on your property while you make repairs or rebuild. CLICK HERE to learn more.

Is the Town charging development (permit) fees related to Helene recovery? 

The Town of Black Mountain is not charging permitting fees related to Hurricane Helene recovery through June 2025. Property owners must apply for and get all necessary building permit(s) and required inspections. All other development fees have been reinstated, effective February 11, 2025. CLICK HERE TO APPLY.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY through the Town’s portal.

What is the status of trash and recycling pick-up services?

Residential and commercial trash/recycling pickup in Black Mountain is operating on its regular schedule.

What kinds of disaster-related debris removal services are available?

The extended application period for the Private Property Debris Removal program closed on April 15, 2025. For more information about on-going debris removal process, CLICK HERE or visit buncombecounty.org/countycenter/news-detail.aspx?id=21997.

Who is responsible for removing debris from bridges?

Good question! North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) will remove debris from bridges.

What kind of help is available to help me repair my private road or bridge?

If an individual had a privately-owned road or bridge damaged or destroyed by Helene, federal assistance may be available for replacement or repairs. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE.

How do I request leaf collection?

If you’re clearing leaves for pick-up, please bag leaves (with no debris) using brown compostable yard waste bags (preferred) or garbage bags. You may also place loose leaves in trash cans for pickup. To request a leaf collection, call 828-419-9300 #4, or visit townofblackmountain.org/FormCenter/Public-Services-5/Request-for-BrushWhite-Goods-pick-up-57 to submit a pickup request.

I need legal assistance but can’t afford to hire an attorney. What can I do? 

Pisgah Legal Services offers free legal assistance with FEMA and Disaster Benefits applications, housing and evictions issues, consumer protections, and domestic violence and custody issues. Apply at pisgahlegal.org or call 828-253-0406.

I hear that North Carolina building inspectors conducted damage assessments in October 2024. What did that entail?

North Carolina building inspectors and members of the Red Cross conducted damage assessments in the Black Mountain area in October 2024. A damage assessment is a rapid evaluation conducted by authorized personnel to gauge the overall impact of a disaster on the community. It focuses on estimating the extent of damage to infrastructure, public services, and residential or commercial properties, including but not limited to the determination if a building is safe to enter. Learn what a damage assessment is—and is not—on our More of the Story Blog.

Can I still apply for FEMA disaster assistance? 

No. The extended deadline to apply was April 7, 2025. For a helpful Q&A about FEMA resources available to individuals, read our blog story at blackmountainrecovery.org/blog/q-and-a-with-fema-about-recovery-resources-for-individuals.

Can I appeal a FEMA decision or award amount? 

Yes, you can appeal any FEMA decision or award amount by sending additional documents, like estimates for repairs, receipts, bills, etc., that show you qualify and need more help. Each decision letter from FEMA explains why you are ineligible and the types of documents to help you appeal. For more details, please visit: https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/how-appeal-fema-decision-1.

Do I have to wait for a FEMA home inspection or insurance adjuster to begin clean-up and repairs?

No, you don’t have to wait.

• CLICK HERE to view the Fact Sheet about what to expect after applying with FEMA.

• CLICK HERE to view the FEMA Fact Sheet, “Don’t Wait to Clean Up After a Storm.”

More information can be found on the Housing page.

How can I apply for disaster unemployment assistance? 

Visit our Business Recovery page for information.

Is it possible for me to get flood insurance for my home or business in the event of a future natural disaster? 

Yes. CLICK HERE to learn about the National Flood Insurance Program. In addition to protecting your residential or business property, your NFIP participation benefits our entire community by reducing overall flood recovery costs and improving Black Mountain’s eligibility for federal assistance programs.

What help is available for small businesses and non-profits affected by the hurricane? 

Visit our Business Recovery page for relief and recovery resources available to small businesses and nonprofits. Keep in mind that June 30, 2025 is the Small Business Administration Economic Injury application deadline. Additional resources can be found on the Mountain Biz Works website at wncstrongtogether.org.

Where can I find Town calls for Bids, RFPs and RFQs?

If your business offers goods or services that could support the Town’s non-emergency Helene recovery efforts, you are encouraged to submit a bid, Request For Proposals (RFP), or Request For Qualifications (RFQ). All of this information is housed on the Town of Black Mountain website at townofblackmountain.org/Bids.aspx. There, you can also sign up to receive a text message or email when new bids are added.

I own a restaurant in town. May I reopen? 

Buncombe County Health and Human Services has created an expedited process for reopening food service establishments. Restaurant operators should immediately complete the Emergency Operations Plan Survey for Food Service Establishments. Once the form is submitted, food service operators will receive notification if a visit from Environmental Health is required before reopening. An inspector will reach out to you to schedule a visit.

CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE RESTAURANT OWNER SURVEY

How can I help our local businesses in their recovery efforts? 

Shop and buy local, and share the Town’s new website on your social media! Visit it now at discoverblackmountain.org

Included in the site are directories for stores (including online shopping), restaurants, services, and visitor accommodations like hotels, B&Bs, and rental management companies. Visitors can also find information about music, art, and cultural activities including annual festivals and year-round events. It even has a directory of private event venues and services. The new site will continue to grow as a robust, visitor resource. If you own a business in Black Mountain that isn’t listed on the site, please contact us. LEARN MORE.

How can I report suspicious activity?

Stay alert and do not engage with unfamiliar individuals acting suspiciously. Do not give your personal information to any personnel without a proper ID badge. Call 911 to report any suspicious activity. Although incidents of scamming and price gouging have been low overall, call 877-566-7226 to report.

Where can I get assistance for missing persons? 

Use the NC 211 service by dialing 2-1-1 or calling 1-888-892-1162. You can also visit unitedwaync.org for assistance with search and rescue efforts and welfare checks.

Where can I access medical and mental health services? 

Resources are listed on the Buncombe County website.

Where can I get food, water, and other supplies? 

Resources throughout the county are listed on the Buncombe County website.

Is there a curfew in place?

No. The Town curfew was lifted as of October 22, 2024.

Should I avoid certain areas in town? 

For your safety, avoid entering rivers, streams, and park facilities until they have been repaired, restored, and officially reopened.

Are Town parks open? 

The Town of Black Mountain continues to assess and respond to the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Helene. Several town facilities and most public parks and spaces have been significantly impacted and remain closed. We appreciate your understanding as we continue the long process of repair. CLICK HERE to learn about debris removal efforts overseen by the Army Corp of Engineers in River Walk Dog Park, Veterans Park, and the Swannanoa River.

Are Town facility rentals available? 

Please contact Michele, our Recreation Assistant, at michele.raine@tobm.org for facility availability.

Are Town Recreation programs running?

Yes. Visit the Town of Black Mountain Parks & Recreation department webpage for programming information, or follow them on Facebook. Please contact (828) 419-9300, option 7, or email recreation@tobm.org for inquiries related to the Lakeview Center.

Is the US Postal Service bringing mail in to Black Mountain? 

Yes, since late October 2024.

How do I prepare for cold weather? 

Make sure you take precautions to keep yourself and your family warm and safe. CLICK HERE for safety information, including how to protect yourself against carbon monoxide poisoning.

Is the town water supply safe to drink? 

Yes.

On November 18, 2024, the Town of Black Mountain lifted the Boil Water Notice first issued in the wake of the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene. Laboratory results from sampling conducted Nov. 16 and Nov. 17 confirmed the water supply is free from contaminants for all Black Mountain water customer, and the Town is confident that there is no detectable level of lead in its source water. Normal usage for consumption has resumed, including drinking, cooking, hygiene, and dishwashing. CLICK HERE for more information. If you are on Black Mountain water, you can sign up for water updates at TownofBlackMountain.org. If you pay your water bill to Asheville, follow their announcements for water updates.

What do I do if I don’t have water? 

If you do not have water, contact the Town Water Administration department at 828-419-9313.

What should I do if I notice a water leak? 

Turn off the water main at your meter box to prevent water loss. If you cannot shut it off yourself, contact the Town Water Department at 828-419-9313 and they will assist you. 

Who do I call if I see a sewer issue? 

If you have questions regarding sewer backup, call the Metropolitan Sewerage District at 828-768-0540.

What should I do if my power is out? 

If you are without power, Duke Energy asks that you text O-U-T to 57801. Visit outagemap.duke-energy.com to check outage status.

How do I get updates about all Black Mountain utilities? 

You can sign up for water and other utilities updates at TownofBlackMountain.org. 

Where can I find reliable information and updates about recovery efforts in Black Mountain? 

This site is your source for reliable information and timely updates. Town press releases and announcements, which contain situation reports and status updates, are posted regularly on the media page. You can also follow the Town’s Facebook page: fb.com/townofblackmountain.

How can I help?

Full recovery may be the hardest thing we’ll ever do, but recover we will because we are in this together. We are #BlackMountainStrong. CLICK HERE for ways you can donate money and goods.