We will gather again in November with a special meeting addressing the impact of the hurricane and providing answers and resources for our members.
Here is a list of resources that may help in the meantime:
FEMA is accepting applications for its Individual Assistance Program, offering emergency housing and recovery aid. Apply by calling 800-621-3362 or visiting DisasterAssistance.gov.
Small Business Administration disaster loans may be available to homeowners, renters, and businesses of all sizes in areas covered by a disaster declaration. Further, The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce has set up a Business Recovery Center with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) at their Visitor Center (36 Montford Ave) to assist local businesses recovering from Hurricane Helene. Open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the center offers support with SBA disaster loan applications and provides valuable recovery resources. In addition, we’ve installed five portable toilets and handwashing stations to accommodate those affected by the storm. You can make an appointment, and walk-ins are welcome as we work together to rebuild our community.
NC Works Disaster Unemployment (DUA) offers temporary payments for people whose employment has been impacted as a direct result of a disaster.
Legal Assistance
If you or someone you know needs help with a legal issue related to the disaster there are pro bono resources available:
Disaster Helpline
Toll-Free: 1 (866) 219-LANC (5262)
8:30 AM – 1:30 PM, Monday – Friday
5:30 PM – 8:30 PM, Monday & Thursday
Apply for free help with civil (non-criminal) legal issues. Those 60 and older should call the Senior Helpline.
Legal Aid of North Carolina has a chat based Legal Information Assistant. Learn more about this resource and how to use it at LANC-LIA – Legal Aid of North Carolina
Informational Resources
Disaster Recovery | NC Department of Public Safety (Hurricane Helene Emergency Management)
The NC DPS website provides critical information for those affected by Hurricane Helene, including details on road closures, power outages, county-specific updates, distress helplines, missing persons and reunification services, FEMA resources, housing assistance, clean-up guidance, and insurance information. It serves as a hub for residents, businesses, and visitors in the region.
American Red Cross Shelters and Disaster Relief Services
During disasters, the Red Cross offers shelters that provide food, health services, charging stations for cell phones and medical devices, emergency supplies, and access to caseworkers who can help with disaster recovery planning and financial assistance. The Red Cross also serves as an information clearinghouse, coordinating efforts from multiple agencies.
DisasterAssistance.gov Immediate Needs
This website offers resources to assist with urgent needs, including locating lost family members, pets, and friends, finding food, water, and shelter, and accessing emergency medical services.
FEMA
FEMA provides assistance applications, information on recovery centers, and a range of emergency response resources for individuals and businesses affected by Hurricane Helene.
Tropical Storm Helene Disaster Assistance
Legal Aid of North Carolina has compiled a comprehensive resource for disaster assistance, offering valuable information for those impacted by Tropical Storm Helene.
For news in Spanish, visit:
For disaster unemployment assistance, visit the NC DUA Program.
For mental health support, call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746 for 24/7 emotional support.
Crisis Hotlines
Mental Health Services
An ongoing list of mental health services available to the public – including therapists in North Carolina offering free or reduced rates – can be found at: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZEi1U-dfJ145rL_a6_TGKw2Y0zqXJWZ_msD-JqTqHRw/mobilebasic?urp=gmail_link
Volunteering:
Please do not self-deploy to impacted areas without coordination—many roads are impassable, and fuel is scarce.
- Sign up to volunteer at VolunteerNC
- Crisis Cleanup is seeking English and Spanish-speaking volunteers for their hotline. Register here.
- Organizations with large-scale support capabilities can contact NC Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster at sert@ncvoad.org or make an offer here.