{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"House\", state = \"NC\" and year = 2024 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-chuck-edwards-leads-hurricane-relief-aid-historic-disaster", "Congressman Chuck Edwards Leads Hurricane Relief Aid in Historic Disaster Supplemental Bill", "2024-12-31", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Chuck Edwards", "E000246", "edwards.house.gov", "edwards", "https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "On December 20, the House passed H.R. 10545, the American Relief Act of 2024, which included $110 billion in disaster supplemental funding to help states rebuild from Hurricanes Helene and Milton and other disasters that have occurred since the end of 2022.\n\nCongressman Chuck Edwards was the only co-sponsor of this legislation and crafted the bill as a member of the House Appropriations Committee. Given that supplemental disaster funding falls under that committee\u2019s jurisdiction, it is customary that the chairman of the committee be the lead sponsor. The committee only rarely names a co-sponsor for such bills.\n\nSpeaker Mike Johnson (LA-04) said, \u201cFrom the moment Hurricane Helene made landfall, Representative Chuck Edwards has been hard at work ensuring that Western North Carolinians are not forgotten. When Chuck invited me to tour the site of the devastation with him in October, we made a promise that the federal government would do its part to help the families and businesses devastated by the storm, and with the passage of the American Relief Act, we have delivered on that promise. Rep. Edwards was key to getting that critical disaster relief aid across the finish line, and few Members of Congress have ever championed the cause of their constituents as effectively as he has.\u201d\n\n\u201cCongressman Chuck Edwards set a precedent of being the singular cosponsor on a disaster relief package that aids multiple states. He used his role as a member of the House Appropriations Committee and experience he gained from nine weeks on the front line of the disaster response to take a lead role in drafting the disaster supplemental package for the American Relief Act,\u201d said House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (OK-04). \u201cI walked alongside Congressman Edwards in North Carolina and saw the wreckage that decimated communities and left families overwhelmed by loss. His leadership and steadfast advocacy secured critical disaster aid for his constituents and Americans across this nation.\u201d\n\nAs a lifelong resident of Western North Carolina, Edwards brought a unique understanding of the challenges residents there are facing in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.\n\n\u201cWhile the legislative process was one with many twists and turns, I am proud that in the end, members from both parties were able to come together and keep the funding package fully intact,\u201dstated Congressman Edwards.\n\nThe American Relief Act of 2024 will bring several billions of dollars of funding from various federal agencies to Western North Carolina. This includes the resumption of Small Business Administration disaster loans, repair funds for damaged federal highways, Economic Adjustment Assistance funding for economic recovery, and funding for agriculture assistance and the U.S. Forest Service.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-adams-remembers-president-jimmy-carter", "Rep. Adams Remembers President Jimmy Carter", "2024-12-29", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Alma S. Adams", "A000370", "adams.house.gov", "adams", "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "###\n\nCongresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. represents North Carolina's 12th Congressional District (Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, Cabarrus County) and serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Education & the Workforce, where she serves as ranking member of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-foushee-announces-nominees-to-us-military-service-academies", "Congresswoman Foushee Announces Nominees to U.S. Military Service Academies", "2024-12-27", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Valerie P. Foushee", "F000477", "foushee.house.gov", "foushee", "https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "DURHAM, NC (December 27, 2024) \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04), announced eight students from the Fourth District received nominations for admission into our nation's four service academies: the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.\n\n\u201cIt is an honor each year to nominate students in my district to our nation\u2019s prestigious service academies,\u201d said Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04). \u201cThese next generation of military leaders have demonstrated academic excellence, service to our community, strong leadership, and success in their extracurriculars. I have been impressed by the many accomplishments of these exceptional students, and I wish them the best as they move forward in the military academy appointment process.\u201d\n\nCongresswoman Valerie Foushee named the following nominees to the nation\u2019s four service academies:\n\nLuke Eward \u2014 U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy (Ocen Cove Academy)\n\nEvan Gerringer \u2014 U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy (Southern Alamance High School)\n\nBenjamin Hornstein \u2014 U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy (Durham Academy)\n\nWright Kross \u2014 U.S. Air Force Academy (Chapel Hill High School)\n\nYikuan Sun \u2014 U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy (Chapel Hill High School)\n\nJacob Sullivan Robins \u2014 U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (Jones Senior High School)\n\nK'Naya Williams \u2014 U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy (Vance County High School)\n\nTyler Wilson \u2014 U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy (Camden Military Academy)\n\nReceiving a nomination does not guarantee admission to an academy. However, a nomination from an approved nomination source is a requirement to receive an appointment. An academy appointment acceptance comes with a 5-year service obligation after the completion of 4 years at an academy. For further information on eligibility requirements and how to pursue an appointment to a military service academy please visit the website of the academy of choice.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/edwards-helps-billions-disaster-supplemental-funding-pass-us-house", "Edwards helps billions of disaster supplemental funding pass U.S. House", "2024-12-20", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Chuck Edwards", "E000246", "edwards.house.gov", "edwards", "https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) today issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed supplemental disaster funding, which was included in the continuing resolution funding the federal government until March 14, 2025.\n\nThe supplemental disaster funding contains $110 billion, billions of which will directly help Western North Carolina communities devastated by Hurricane Helene recover and rebuild.\n\nEdwards said, \u201cAs a member of the House Appropriations Committee, my priority upon returning to Washington following Hurricane Helene was to draft a framework for disaster funding to help Western North Carolinians recover from the worst natural disaster to hit our mountains.\n\n\u201cThe citizens of Western North Carolina pulled together in such monumental ways to help one another, and now these additional funds will help folks across North Carolina\u2019s 11th District rebuild communities and put our lives back together.\n\n\u201cJust as I have helped funding for disaster relief pass the U.S. House to aid folks in our mountains, I will continue to advocate for the needs of our district in the long road to recovery ahead.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-foushee-votes-to-keep-government-open-deliver-critical-disaster-relief-and-extend-farm-bill", "Congresswoman Foushee Votes to Keep Government Open, Deliver Critical Disaster Relief, and Extend Farm Bill", "2024-12-20", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Valerie P. Foushee", "F000477", "foushee.house.gov", "foushee", "https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC (December 20, 2024) \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04) released the following statement after voting to pass the updated version of H.R. 10545, the American Relief Act, 2025. This legislation provides a stopgap measure to fund the federal government at current discretionary spending levels through March 14, 2025, averting a federal government shutdown.\n\n\u201cDespite attempts by Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and the Republican conference to push us to the brink of a government shutdown, I\u2019m glad that House Democrats prevailed and prevented a reckless shutdown that would harm hardworking families across the country,\u201d said Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04). \u201cAlthough this stopgap funding bill is not perfect, I was proud to join my colleagues in standing firm on our commitment to the American people and pass critical legislation that will keep our government open, provide urgent relief to our neighbors in Western North Carolina impacted by Hurricane Helene, extend key agricultural programs, and provide economic assistance to farmers dealing with crop loss. Moving forward, Congress must work to promptly pass full-year appropriations bills that supports the needs of our government and the people we represent.\u201d\n\nSpecifically, H.R. 10545, the American Relief Act, 2025, would include:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://hudson.house.gov/press-releases/congressman-richard-hudson-named-chair-of-energy-and-commerce-subcommittee-on", "Congressman Richard Hudson Named Chair of Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology", "2024-12-20", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Richard Hudson", "H001067", "hudson.house.gov", "hudson", "https://hudson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Richard Hudson (R-NC) was named Chairman of the Energy and Commerce (E&C) Subcommittee on Communications and Technology for the 119th Congress by E&C Committee Chairman-Elect, Congressman Brett Guthrie (R-KY).\n\n\"I am honored to lead the Communications and Technology Subcommittee,\" said Congressman Hudson. \"As chairman, I look forward to working with President Donald Trump, Chairman-Elect Brett Guthrie, and members of the committee to advance strong, commonsense policies that promote innovation, streamline federal regulations, and bridge the digital divide. Together, we will deliver real results for the American people.\"\n\n\"I look forward to working with Congressman Hudson in his role as Chair of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology. Richard's expertise will help propel our country into the next generation economy. Under Congressman Hudson's leadership, the Communications and Technology Subcommittee will close the digital divide for rural America, affirm U.S. leadership in next generation telecommunication networks, and protect our critical communications infrastructure from adversarial attacks,\" said Chairman-Elect Guthrie.\n\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/murphy-statement-passage-government-funding-package", "Murphy Statement on Passage of Government Funding Package", "2024-12-20", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Gregory F. Murphy", "M001210", "murphy.house.gov", "murphy", "https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. issued the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 10545, the American Relief Act to fund the federal government through March 14th, 2025.\n\n\"As I have made clear, I generally do not support continuing resolutions to keep our country running,\" said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D.\"However, the House is unable to pass funding for our federal government through regular order. Under the present circumstances we face, perfect cannot be the enemy of good. I voted in favor because this package includes critical aid for hurricane recovery efforts in Western North Carolina and our farmers, unnecessary spending has been removed, and there is broad consensus that spending cuts are in order. Further, I have been assured that physicians who see Medicare patients and have had their reimbursements cut by nearly 30% in the last 23 years will be taken care of in March. President Trump deserves to start in a strong position when he takes office, and I look forward to passing a conservative budget under his leadership.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2024/12/congresswoman-ross-votes-to-pass-the-continuing-resolution-to-support-hurricane-recovery-in-nc", "Congresswoman Ross Votes to Pass the Continuing Resolution to Support Hurricane Recovery in NC", "2024-12-20", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) voted to pass a continuing resolution to keep the federal government open until March 14, 2025. This package includes $100 billion in critical disaster relief funding for the Southeast, including North Carolina. Congresswoman Ross has been pushing for this funding since Western North Carolina was devastated by Hurricane Helene.\n\nClick here to download Congresswoman Ross\u2019 floor speech from November calling for disaster relief funding\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s shameful that House Republicans pushed us to the brink of a government shutdown and played politics with desperately needed disaster aid,\u201d said Congresswoman Ross. \u201cThis legislation is far from perfect, and many crucial, bipartisan provisions that I support were removed from the final bill. However, Western North Carolina has been waiting for federal assistance to rebuild after the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, and this package will deliver the aid that families, small businesses, childcare centers, seniors, and so many more need. The road to recovery will be long, but this package is a crucial first step. I urge my Senate colleagues to pass this legislation immediately \u2013 Western North Carolina cannot afford to wait.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-adams-statement-consequences-failure-pass-continuing-resolution", "Rep. Adams\u2019 Statement on Consequences of Failure to Pass Continuing Resolution", "2024-12-19", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Alma S. Adams", "A000370", "adams.house.gov", "adams", "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "\"Good afternoon, everyone.\n\nThank you for being here on short notice. I wanted to share with you what we\u2019re facing here in Washington as Congress closes out this year and this session and acts on the bipartisan spending bill.\n\nThe Congress has an opportunity to vote on a \u201ccontinuing resolution\u201d bill (CR) that would keep the government funded for another three months and prevent a shutdown that would have dire consequences for the economy, federal employees, veterans, and families, and anyone who would like to travel safely as we go into the holidays. This is an extension of the common sense, bipartisan budget bills we passed earlier this year in March. The CR would also include disaster relief funding and extend the most recent Farm Bill which has expired.\n\nOur state is recovering from the most devastating natural disaster in modern history- Hurricane Helene. Almost $9 billion \u2013 that's billion, with a \u201cB\u201d \u2013 in disaster relief funding for North Carolina is in this bill, which we need desperately for rebuilding in the wake of Helene.\n\nA few of the items that we stand to lose out on if we don\u2019t pass this bill are:\n\nOver $1.6 billion for disaster recovery through Housing and Urban Development to assist with long-term housing, infrastructure, and economic recovery needs for hardest-hit communities\n\n$674 million in disaster payments and economic assistance for the farmers who feed us from across the state\n\nOver $1 billion for the National Park Service to rebuild and preserve the Blue Ridge Parkway, and $429 million more for other NC parks projects\n\n$2.2 billion dollars for the Small Business Administration to help fund the $172 million in requested loans from over 2,000 North Carolina small businesses\n\nMillions of dollars in defense repairs to North Carolina military installations affected by Helene\n\nMillions of dollars for rebuilding destroyed and damaged child care facilities and services affected by Helene \u2013 because child care is infrastructure\n\nThat\u2019s just a fraction of what is at stake for North Carolina with this bill.\n\nThis CR includes an extension of the Farm Bill, which supports our farmers and keeps folks fed \u2013 including more than 1.5 million people in North Carolina who utilize SNAP benefits. This bill would keep families fed. If we don\u2019t pass it, we lose out on these investments and the government will shut down at 12:01 am on Saturday morning.\n\nWe all remember the horrific scenes of entire towns wiped out. Aid organizations and the U.S. government have been working around the clock to assess and address the damage. Since then \u2013 for over two months \u2013 Congressional leadership in both parties have worked in good faith on how to keep our government running while caring for those who have suffered worst from Helene and other disasters.\n\nAs we head into the holiday travel season, our TSA agents should not be working without pay as a result of the shutdown. North Carolina deserves better, and that is why I am ready to vote for this Continuing Resolution and disaster relief funding today.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-foushee-rejects-inadequate-gop-continuing-resolution-urges-passage-of-bipartisan-agreement", "Congresswoman Foushee Rejects Inadequate GOP Continuing Resolution, Urges Passage of Bipartisan Agreement", "2024-12-19", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Valerie P. Foushee", "F000477", "foushee.house.gov", "foushee", "https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC (December 19, 2024) \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04) released the following statement after voting against H.R. 10515, the American Relief Act, 2025.\n\n\u201cHouse Republicans made the reckless decision to abandon the previously agreed-upon bipartisan funding bill and are following President-Elect Trump and Elon Musk\u2019s orders to shut down the federal government. Instead of standing up for the American people, my Republican colleagues are intent on aiding billionaires, creating instability, undermining communities in need, and putting partisan agendas over the well-being of everyday Americans. This is an unsettling glimpse of how Trump and the Republican majority plan on governing in the next term, with irresponsible policies and political games that will further fracture our country and leave vulnerable communities behind.\n\n\u201cToday, I chose to stand with families, farmers, veterans, seniors, children and communities across the country in voting against this inadequate funding bill. I cannot support a last-minute funding measure that puts the priorities of unelected billionaires ahead of childcare for working families, funding for child cancer research, or economic assistance for farmers dealing with crop loss. Our communities deserve better \u2013 Congress must pass a comprehensive funding bill that includes both critical disaster relief and provisions that fully serve the needs of the American people. Should this legislation come up again under rule, I will vote against it once again.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/murphy-statement-government-funding-package", "Murphy Statement on Government Funding Package", "2024-12-19", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Gregory F. Murphy", "M001210", "murphy.house.gov", "murphy", "https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. issued the following statement after voting in favor of the American Relief Act to fund the federal government through March 14th, 2025.\n\n\"As a matter of principle, I generally do not support continuing resolutions to keep our country running,\" said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. \"Unfortunately, despite great efforts to fund the federal government through regular order in a narrowly divided Congress, we cannot do so. I am terribly disappointed physicians who see Medicare patients will receive yet another ridiculous pay cut, jeopardizing access to high-quality, affordable care for millions, especially those in rural areas. However, I have been assured that the incoming Trump Administration will address this issue in March as well as retroactively rectify it. This package delivers critical aid to fund hurricane recovery efforts in Western North Carolina, keeps our farmers solvent and it ensures President Trump can sign into law a conservative budget that reflects his agenda after he takes office.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2024/12/congresswoman-ross-slams-house-republicans-for-abandoning-western-north-carolina", "Congresswoman Ross Slams House Republicans for Abandoning Western North Carolina", "2024-12-19", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u00ad\u00ad\u2014 Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) released the following statement on House Republicans abandoning a bipartisan agreement to keep the federal government open and deliver desperately needed disaster aid for North Carolina:\n\n\u201cAt the last minute request of Donald Trump and Elon Musk, House Republicans have gone back on their word to keep the government open \u2013 putting in jeopardy the paychecks of millions of hardworking Americans right before the holidays.\n\n\u201cMost tragically of all, they are abandoning communities in Western North Carolina who are counting on the federal government to deliver support for families, seniors, small businesses, childcare centers, community health centers, and so many more. Nearly $9 billion for North Carolina is in jeopardy because House Republicans care more about politics and appeasing billionaires than the people they serve.\n\n\u201cAn agreement is an agreement. If the government shuts down, Republicans will only have themselves to blame.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/murphy-applauds-proposed-new-jacksonville-va-outpatient-clinic", "Murphy Applauds Proposed New Jacksonville VA Outpatient Clinic", "2024-12-18", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Gregory F. Murphy", "M001210", "murphy.house.gov", "murphy", "https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. issued the following statement in response to the Department of Veterans Affairs' proposal for a new state-of-the-art outpatient clinic in Jacksonville, NC.\n\n\"I am proud to announce that the Department of Veterans Affairs has selected a location for a new outpatient clinic in Jacksonville, NC,\" said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D.\"I am grateful to have worked alongside Senator Tillis last Congress to establish the necessary funding for this facility and thank him for his leadership on this issue. As the representative of over 76,000 veterans, it is my honor to fight on their behalf in Washington to ensure they receive the care they earned. I look forward to following the progress of this project!\"\n\nBackground\n\nCongressman Greg Murphy, M.D., and Senator Thom Tillis fought to include over $61 million in the Honoring our PACT Act of 2022 to establish a new outpatient clinic in Jacksonville, NC.\n\nThe bill was signed into law on August 10, 2022.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-adams-leads-fourth-quarterly-adams-hunger-initiative", "Rep. Adams Leads Fourth Quarterly Adams Hunger Initiative", "2024-12-17", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Alma S. Adams", "A000370", "adams.house.gov", "adams", "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Image\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), a member of the House Agriculture Committee, hosted partner organizations in the fight against hunger for her Congressional district during her quarterly Adams Hunger Initiative yesterday, held virtually while she works in Washington.\n\nThe Membership discussed the ongoing efforts in Washington to extend the Farm Bill by one year, the 118th Congress in review, opportunities in the next Congress, and community needs and resources in Greater Charlotte.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m so grateful for the individuals and organizations who\u2019ve joined the Adams Hunger Initiative for the essential work they do in keeping people fed,\u201d said Rep. Adams. \u201cThey reassure us that we are not alone in the fight to end hunger.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor such a time as this, the District looks to Congresswoman Adams for leadership,\u201d said Jason Blanton, North Carolina State Organizer at Bread for the World. \u201cThe Adams Hunger Initiative demonstrates her commitment to fight on behalf of those who are most in need. Bread for the World looks forward to partnering with her on defending and expanding WIC, fighting campus hunger, and other critical issues.\u201d\n\n\"As a national organization serving justice-impacted people as they navigate reentry, we often hear from our participants about challenges to finding quality employment that puts food on the table for themselves and their family,\" said Center for Employment Opportunities North Carolina Site Director, Tiffany Miller. \"The Training and Nutrition Stability Act (TNSA) fixes a critical oversight that excludes people in workforce development programs, such as CEO's, from enrolling in SNAP benefits. We are grateful to Congresswoman Alma S. Adams (NC-12) for being a co-sponsor and champion of TNSA and for prioritizing anti-hunger initiatives that address the needs of diverse communities.\"\n\n\u201cThrough my work with The Charlotte Mecklenburg Food Policy Council, where we innovate to increase local food access and Hearts and Hands Food Pantry, where we directly serve families experiencing food insecurity, I\u2019ve seen both the systemic challenges and the immediate needs our communities face,\u201d said Kenya Joseph, Board Chair of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Food Policy Council. \u201cThe Adams Hunger Initiative, led by Congresswoman Alma Adams, is a vital platform to elevate solutions that combine policy, resources, and collaboration. I\u2019m proud to bring these perspectives to the table as we push for sustainable, equitable change for those most impacted by hunger.\u201d\n\n\"The West Boulevard Neighborhood Coalition is excited to be part of the Adams Hunger Initiative, which aligns perfectly with our mission to address food insecurity in Charlotte's West Boulevard corridor,\u201d said Elliott Royal, Executive Director of the West Boulevard Neighborhood Coalition. \u201cOur upcoming Three Sisters Market represents a critical step in providing fresh, quality food to over 19,000 residents who have been underserved by traditional grocery options. We are grateful for Congresswoman Adams' leadership and commitment to creating meaningful opportunities like the Adams Hunger Initiative for us to connect and learn from peer organizations that are transforming our community's access to nutritious food.\u201d\n\nAt tonight\u2019s meeting, Rep. Adams provided an update on her work on the House Committee on Agriculture to protect and expand funding for programs that reduce and eliminate food insecurity in the district, amid debates over extending the usually five-year Farm Bill.\n\nRep. Adams\u2019 next Adams Hunger Initiative meeting will take place in March.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-foushee-and-members-of-the-bipartisan-house-task-force-on-artificial-intelligence-release-policy-recommendation-report", "Rep. Foushee and Members of the Bipartisan House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence Release Policy Recommendation Report", "2024-12-17", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Valerie P. Foushee", "F000477", "foushee.house.gov", "foushee", "https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC (December 17, 2024) \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04), a member of the Bipartisan House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence, issued the following statement after the release of the Task Force\u2019s report on guiding principles, forward-looking recommendations, and policy proposals to ensure America continues to lead the world in responsible AI innovation.\n\n\u201cThis report is a critical first step towards ensuring that Congress can properly address advances in emerging AI technologies and maintain a thoughtful long-term vision for AI that betters our society. During my time with the Task Force, I have been proud to champion several key priorities outlined in this report, including broadening participation in AI research, development, and education, protecting civil rights and liberties, and assessing and understanding AI\u2019s rising environmental and energy impacts,\u201d said Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04). \u201cI would like to thank our task force Co-Chairs Obernolte and Lieu for their leadership over the last year as we discussed a variety of issues across the AI ecosystem, and I look forward to continuing our efforts as we work to implement these recommendations and adapt to new challenges to come.\u201d\n\nThe Bipartisan House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence was created by House Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries on February 20, 2024. The Task Force is led by Co-Chairs Jay Obernolte (R-CA) and Ted Lieu (D-CA), and comprises twenty-four House Members, twelve Republicans and twelve Democrats. The AI Task Force Members are drawn from twenty committees to ensure comprehensive jurisdictional responsibilities over the numerous AI issues, and to benefit from a range of different insights and perspectives.\n\nThroughout 2024, the Bipartisan House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence convened a plethora of hearings, numerous roundtables, and engaged with over one hundred experts, including business leaders, government officials, technical experts, academics, civil society, legal scholars, and other domain specialists to investigate dozens of issues at the heart of how AI intersects with numerous policy areas.\n\nThe Task Force\u2019s report articulates guiding principles, 66 key findings, and 89 recommendations organized into 15 chapters. The report is intended to serve as a blueprint for future actions that Congress can take to address advances in AI technologies.\n\nPriorities championed by Congresswoman Foushee in the report include:\n\nAn entire chapter on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties which includes key findings that \u201cimproper use of AI can violate laws and deprive Americans of their civil rights\u201d and a core consideration for Congress must be \u201cmitigating harmful outcomes that impact Americans\u2019 civil rights and civil liberties.\u201d The chapter\u2019s recommendations include having humans in the loop to identify and remedy potential flaws in AI, ensuring agencies protect against the use of AI in discriminatory decision-making, and empowering sectoral regulators to address AI-related risks.\n\nKey recommendations on promoting equity of access to research and capital, noting \u201cinstitutions that serve rural areas and minority-serving institutions face even deeper challenges in accessing [AI] resources,\u201d and \u201cinvest in K-12 STEM and AI Education and Broaden Participation\u201d as the top Education and Workforce recommendation, which includes initiatives to ensure a diverse and robust AI workforce such as \u201cimprove STEM education in rural and underserved communities.\u201d\n\nCalls for codifying the National AI Research Resource, or NAIRR, to connect capable but under-resourced researchers and educators to the computational data, software, and training models needed to advance AI research. The report also points to NAIRR as a potential solution to bolster U.S. AI skills by providing needed AI resources.\n\nEmphasis on the energy and environmental impacts of AI, noting \u201cthe carbon emissions of technology companies are soaring,\u201d and recommending the U.S. plan now to achieve \u201cclimate and emissions goals,\u201d including through \u201cstrengthen[ing] efforts to track and project AI data center power usage.\u201d\n\n15 Chapters relating to Government Use, Federal Preemption of State Law, Data Privacy, National Security, Research & Development and Standards, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, Education and Workforce, Intellectual Property, Content Authenticity, Open and Closed Systems, Energy Usage and Data Centers, Small Business, Agriculture, Healthcare, and Financial Services.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://hudson.house.gov/press-releases/rep-richard-hudson-secures-house-passage-of-bill-to-formally-recognize-lumbee-tribe", "Rep. Richard Hudson Secures House Passage of Bill to Formally Recognize Lumbee Tribe", "2024-12-17", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Richard Hudson", "H001067", "hudson.house.gov", "hudson", "https://hudson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-09) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed his Lumbee Fairness Act, which will provide long-overdue federal recognition and protections for the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina:\n\n\u201cHouse passage of this critical legislation brings us one step closer to securing full federal recognition for the Lumbee Tribe,\" said Rep. Hudson. \"I am proud to have led this effort and will continue to fight until the Lumbee people get the recognition they rightfully deserve.\"\n\nBackground\n\nIn 1885, North Carolina formally recognized the Lumbee Tribe, and the Tribe began to seek full federal recognition in 1888. The Lumbees have deep cultural roots in North Carolina and have contributed to the state through their traditions and ambition for decades.\n\nSince 1988, legislation to federally recognize the Lumbee Tribe has been introduced in Congress over 30 separate times, including introduction by Rep. Hudson. Bipartisan legislation has passed the House of Representatives six times, most recently in November 2020 during the 116th Congress and November 2021 during the 117th Congress.\n\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/murphy-introduces-legislation-eliminate-burdensome-regulations-first", "Murphy Introduces Legislation to Eliminate Burdensome Regulations for First Responders", "2024-12-17", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Gregory F. Murphy", "M001210", "murphy.house.gov", "murphy", "https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. issued the following statement after introducing the Emergency Vehicles Responsiveness Act, to eliminate burdensome and costly EPA regulations impacting first responders.\n\n\"First responders should be solely focused on saving lives and responding to emergencies, not onerous and expensive tailpipe regulations,\" said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. \"The U.S. military is exempt from such requirements in the interest of operational efficiency and first responders should be treated the same. This legislation is a commonsense action that will ensure funding for our first responders, often barely enough to keep the lights on, can be preserved for more critical needs.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-adams-sens-markey-and-hirono-introduce-legislation-promote", "Rep. Adams, Sens. Markey and Hirono Introduce Legislation to Promote Preservation of Government and Historical Records", "2024-12-12", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Alma S. Adams", "A000370", "adams.house.gov", "adams", "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Image\n\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), a member of the House Education and the Workforce Committee, Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Health, Labor, Education, and Pensions Committee and Environment and Public Works Committee, and Senator Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) today introduced the Public Archives Resiliency Act (H.R. 10383), which would authorize grants to promote preservation, climate resilience, adaption, and continuity of vital government records and protect other records of historical or cultural significance. The legislation would provide funding for public archives, libraries, museums, institutions of higher education, or non-profits that protect these valuable records.\n\nAs the climate crisis worsens, the need to protect vital government records from damage and destruction is more urgent than ever. Government records are generated through birth, death, marriage, taxes, military service, education, immigration, property ownership and much more. Far too many institutions that manage these records are at risk of environmental damage and lack resources to protect themselves and their communities. When records are destroyed or become inaccessible, it can delay an individual\u2019s ability to access key government benefits and services, as well as result in the loss of irreplaceable cultural artifacts.\n\n\u201cEspecially in the wake of Hurricane Helene, which reminded us of the vulnerability of vital records of many North Carolinians to storm damage, we have a duty to ensure that archival records are protected from the elements,\u201d said Congresswoman Adams. \u201cI\u2019m grateful to partner with Senator Markey in introducing legislation that would make new investments in public archives and the records of Tribes, museums, and libraries to bolster their resiliency. From preserving cultural memory to protecting legal and financial rights, the Public Archives Resiliency Act is a modest piece of legislation with wide-ranging, consequential benefits.\u201d\n\n\u201cArchival records impact everyone\u2019s lives, from birth and death certificates, to military service records, to personal property records, to the history of a community. Organized and preserved archives hold our government accountable and provide access to the knowledge and records necessary to secure our rights and benefits.\u201d said Senator Markey. \u201cThe climate crisis demands that we protect public archives from environmental damage and preserve these invaluable glimpses into our past and present.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn the wake of last year\u2019s Lahaina wildfires, eight of the Lahaina Restoration Foundation\u2019s historic sites were burned down or critically damaged, leading to the loss of thousands of artifacts and records,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cPublic archives are essential to the preservation of our history and culture. The Public Archives Resiliency Act will help to better protect them from the effects of climate change, including natural disasters like wildfires or floods.\u201d\n\n\u201cAmerica's archives have a unique role in underpinning legal and civic life and preserving cultural memory. Archives are part of the foundational infrastructure of our democracy. The growing frequency and severity of climate change-related disasters is having serious consequences on America's archives and the archivists who steward these vital records. This legislation is critically important for providing support to address this increasingly urgent issue,\u201d said Eira Tansey, internationally recognized expert on climate change and archives, and author of A Green New Deal for Archives.\n\n\u201cThe importance of creating resilient archival institutions cannot be understated. Especially related to government archives and records, individuals often rely on the creation and preservation of records - censuses, taxes, military service, education, legal proceedings, property ownership, among others - to protect their rights and property, to secure benefits, and to recover from disaster. We must do the work now to preserve these records and make sure they are accessible for the future,\u201d said Joy Banks, Executive Director, Council of State Archivists (CoSA).\n\n\u201cSAA is excited to see the Senator\u2019s office taking action to support archives impacted by climate change. Providing such support to the profession will ensure that archivists have the resources they need to maintain their collections under changing conditions. We are grateful to Senator Markey\u2019s office for their commitment to the archives and records profession,\u201d said Tomaro Taylor, President of the Society of American Archivists.\n\n\u201cOur historical records are essential to our understanding of America's past. They provide facts for decision-makers and fuel for our imaginations, whether in the hands of scholars, educators, or family members. Our archival institutions deserve the necessary resources to continue to serve as cornerstones of our democracy. This bill protects these priceless documents as we continue to adapt to the challenges of climate change,\u201d said Brian Boyles, Executive Director of Mass Humanities.\n\n\u201cThis opportunity is vital in protecting our nation\u2019s shared cultural heritage from the impacts of climate change. The Museum of Science is grateful to contribute to this critical effort, which holds significant meaning for the public and future generations. It is essential that museums, archives, and libraries have access to these funding opportunities to improve access to both physical and digital archival records. These records play a crucial role in informing the decisions we make today, which will impact and shape our future,\u201d saidTim Ritchie, President of the Museum of Science, Boston.\n\n\u201cAs a historic site in a seaside location, The House of the Seven Gables has already started to see impacts of climate change on our archival collections. Increased humidity promotes mold growth and decomposition, larger and more dangerous storms threaten our storage facilities, and the growing risk of flooding from sea level rise could cause catastrophic damage. Our organization has been entrusted with documents and records that tell the story of early Massachusetts and America. Support such as this bill would be transformational not just for us, but for many other archives, libraries, and museums across the nation\u201d said Dakota Russell, Executive Director of the House of the Seven Gables.\n\n\u201cThe importance of this bill cannot be overstated. This bill provides crucial support to libraries, archives and museums that care for historic and cultural materials endangered by the impacts of climate change. Infrastructure support would allow for critical improvements to aging HVAC systems, especially in Hawai\u2018i and other tropical climates where high temperature and humidity pose major challenges to maintaining a safe long term preservation environment for archival films. Digitization support would allow for the preservation, access and sharing of our cultural heritage documented on films and videos that are increasingly susceptible to loss from climate disasters,\u201d said Janel Quirante, Head Archivist, at \u2018Ulu\u2018ulu: The Henry Ku\u2018ualoha Giugni Moving Image Archive of Hawai\u2018i.\n\n\u201cHistoric records and artifacts left by our k\u016bpuna (ancestors) serve as foundational blueprints, offering invaluable guidance for addressing present-day challenges and shaping our future. The Public Archives Resiliency Act, which allocates additional funding to repositories, greatly strengthens the capacity of Hawai\u2018i\u2019s archives to preserve and access essential historical records. This support is particularly critical as we confront the challenges of climate change, as recently underscored by the devastating wildfires on Maui in 2023,\u201d said Kai Kahele, Chairman of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees.\n\n\u201cThe Public Archives Resiliency Act will provide essential support to Hawai\u2018i\u2019s repositories dedicated to the preservation and accessibility of historic documents and artifacts. These institutions serve as vital stewards, empowering and educating the communities they support. OHA\u2019s partnership with the Lahaina Restoration Foundation serves as a timely example of the importance of digitizing historic documents for the purpose of preserving Hawai\u02bbi\u2019s history and provides a foundational framework upon which we build our future,\u201d said Kale Hannahs, Research Systems Administrator at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.\n\n\u201cArchival records, by their very nature, deteriorate over time. An archivist\u2019s job is to slow this process and preserve the vital information documenting our society. The changing climate adds undue stress, expense, and pressure to this role\u2014national, state, and local governments must prioritize supporting the strengthening of archival resiliency as a preventative measure, or recovery of destroyed records will come at a much higher fiscal and social burden,\u201d said Edward Benoit III, Associate Director and Associate Professor, School of Information Studies, at Louisiana State University.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/murphy-applauds-passage-fy25-national-defense-authorization-act-0", "Murphy Applauds Passage of FY25 National Defense Authorization Act", "2024-12-12", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Gregory F. Murphy", "M001210", "murphy.house.gov", "murphy", "https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "December 12, 2024\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. applauds the passage of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025. This legislation authorizes $883.7 billion for fiscal year 2025, including $849.9 billion for Department of Defense programs. It will save taxpayers $31 billion by cutting out inefficient programs and government agency bureaucracy by 4%.\n\n\"I am pleased that Congress has passed a National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 that empowers our military to safeguard the United States and takes care of our troops,\" said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D.\"This package robustly funds and modernizes our armed forces to prepare us against threats abroad, improves the quality of life for service members and their families and refocuses the Pentagon\u2019s mission on our national security and away from political distractions. It is an honor to represent some of our nation\u2019s greatest warfighters at Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Stations Cherry Point and New River. North Carolina\u2019s 3rd District will benefit greatly from the $208 million in funding secured for military construction projects on our bases and $50 million in Impact Aid that will help our military community.\"\n\nVictories | By the Numbers:\n\n$53.52 million for the aircraft maintenance hangar at Cherry Point\n\n$20.02 million for the composite repair facility at Cherry Point\n\n$50 million for the F-35 Sustainment Center at Cherry Point\n\n$27.5 million for the SOF Armory at Camp Lejeune\n\n$57 million for the SOF Information Maneuver Facility at Camp Lejeune\n\nTotal for NC-03 Military Construction Initiatives in FY2025: $208.04 MILLION\n\n$50 million in Impact Aid and $20 million to local schools teaching children with severe disabilities\n\n$41 million for the SJAFB Combat Arms Training and Maintenance Complex\n\n$13 million for the SOF Arms Room Addition at Fort Liberty\n\n$34 million for the SOF Cam MacKall Company Operations Facilities at Fort Liberty\n\nBackground\n\nImproves quality of life for service members and families\n\nIncludes a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted service members and supports a 4.5% pay raise for all other service members.\n\nRequires the Department of Defense and Department of Education to streamline the process for educational assistance so America\u2019s service members do not have to worry about student debt after service.\n\nSupports the Army\u2019s Future Soldier Preparatory Course and encourages the other Services to establish a similar course to improve recruitment.\n\nOffers competitive pay for Child Development Center staff.\n\nProvides service members with direct access to specialty medical providers by waiving the TRICARE referral requirement.\n\nAuthorizes $176 million for the design and construction of new childcare centers.\n\nEstablishes a pilot program to prevent and treat maternal mental health conditions for service members and their spouses.\n\nRequires the Defense Health Agency to report on provider shortages at maternal health clinics in rural areas.\n\nEliminates woke ideology and restores focus on lethality\n\nPermanently bans DoD from funding transgender medical treatments for children.\n\nProhibits funding for the teaching, training, or promotion of Critical Race Theory in the military, including at service academies and DoD schools.\n\nGuts DEI bureaucracy by extending the DEI hiring freeze, prohibiting DoD from contracting with advertising firms like NewsGuard that blacklist conservative news sources, and banning funding for DoD\u2019s politically biased Countering Extremism Working Group.\n\nDeters Chinese Communist Party (CCP) aggression\n\nPrevents Chinese espionage by prohibiting contracting with the subsidiaries of any Chinese civil-military companies to include any subsidiaries, the sharing of sensitive missile defense information with China, and Chinese nationals from being admitted to nuclear facilities.\n\nMandates the DoD do a full teardown of Communist Chinese drones to ensure no U.S. technology is advancing their capabilities.\n\nProhibits the DoD from utilizing a Communist Chinese-owned tutoring service for service members and their families.\n\nRequires the DoD to report on the proliferation and risks of Communist Chinese routers and modems in their systems.\n\nProhibits the DoD from operating or procuring light detection and ranging technology manufactured in Communist China.\n\nRequires CCP-drone manufacturers DJI, Autel Robotics, and their subsidiaries and affiliates to be placed on FCC's Covered List within a year of the passage of the act unless a national security agency determines they do not pose an unacceptable national security risk.\n\nImproves military readiness and strengthens our industrial base\n\nRequires the DoD to establish a strategy to build out the domestic drone industry and to work with industry to lower the cost of secure unmanned aircraft systems.\n\nEnsures the DoD is examining the threat of artificial intelligence voice replication to trusted military communications and is identifying efforts to protect against these threats.\n\nRequires the DoD to define \u201cattritable unmanned aircraft system\u201d to enable the DoD to acquire attritable systems at scale.\n\nRequires the Chief Digital and AI Officer to develop a plan to scale Combined Joint All Domain Command and Control Mission Applications to enable global integration for early warning and detection.\n\nSupports the Air Force\u2019s Acquisition Instructor Course and examines how this program can be expanded across the DoD.\n\nEnsures that the Army is considering soldier feedback when making a production decision on IVAS 1.2.\n\nProvides support for Israel and resources necessary to counter our adversaries\n\nAuthorizes robust funding for U.S-Israel anti-tunnel cooperation.\n\nAuthorizes $47.5 million for U.S.-Israel collaboration on emerging technologies like AI, c-UAS, and electronic warfare.\n\nAuthorizes full funding for U.S.-Israel missile defense cooperation.\n\nProhibits DoD from using or citing casualty data from Hamas and other terrorist organizations.\n\nProhibits the sale of goods at DoD commissaries and exchanges from any entities that have or are engaged in antisemitic BDS efforts.\n\nStrengthens our nuclear posture, improves missile defense, and accelerates delivery of space capabilities.\n\nRequires the establishment of a third continental missile defense site by 2030 to bolster defense of the homeland from long-range missile threats.\n\nRequires the Department to designate a senior official responsible for establishing a national integrated air and missile defense architecture for the United States.\n\nContinues support for investments in innovative commercial space solutions that would increase our capacity and resilience in space.\n\nEstablishes a pilot program to demonstrate the ability to connect commercial and government systems in a hybrid space architecture.\n\nEstablishes the Commerical Augmentation Space Reserve (CASR) to allow the Space Force to contract with private sector to rapidly acquire space capabilities on an as-needed basis.\n\nContinues DoD support of law enforcement operations along our borders.\n\nFully funds deployment of National Guard troops at the southwest border.\n\nAuthorizes $90 million for construction of a new Joint Inter-Agency Task Force South (JIATF-S) Command and Control Facility to detect and interdict illegal migrants and narcotics.\n\nIncreases funding by $10 million for DoD counternarcotics activities.\n\nExpands DoD\u2019s authority to assist law enforcement in the interdiction of narcotics traffickers.\n\nRequires DoD to brief an independent review of ways to improve DoD\u2019s ability to carry out its counternarcotics and counter-transitional organized crime mission.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2024/12/ross-kean-lead-bipartisan-effort-to-fully-fund-noaa-hurricane-hunter-fleet-in-disaster-funding-legislation", "Ross, Kean Lead Bipartisan Effort to Fully Fund NOAA Hurricane Hunter Fleet in Disaster Funding Legislation", "2024-12-12", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington D.C. \u2014 Today, Representatives Deborah Ross (NC-02) and Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) led 14 bipartisan colleagues in urging House Leadership to include President Biden\u2019s full funding request for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration\u2019s (NOAA) three next-generation Hurricane Hunter aircraft in upcoming disaster funding legislation.\n\nThe lawmakers wrote, \u201cNOAA currently has two WP-3D aircraft capable of flying directly into hurricanes to collect critical data necessary for National Weather Service meteorologists to better measure and understand tropical systems. The data collected from these aircraft are essential to improving the accuracy of a hurricane\u2019s track forecast and intensity. When hurricane hunter aircraft are deployed in a storm system in the Atlantic basin, the critical data that is obtained leads to improvements in forecasts of storm intensity by 15 - 20% and of storm track by 10 - 15%, which is on the order of 20 - 25 miles. This refined information can make a substantial difference for coastal cities regarding evacuation orders and other emergency measures. These improved forecasts allow emergency managers to make well-informed, actionable decisions that protect lives and livelihoods and mitigate economic losses.\u201d\n\nThey continued, \u201cThe need for new aircraft is more urgent than ever as the rapid intensification of tropical storms and hurricanes becomes more common, and hurricane activity impacts a greater area of the U.S. coast.3 Atlantic storm activity in 2024 has been above normal, with 19 named storms and 5 major hurricanes leading to what is likely to be the second-costliest U.S. hurricane season on record (following the 2017 season). This fall, Hurricanes Helene and Milton devastated the U.S. southeast region. Notably, both storms underwent dramatic rapid intensification as they approached landfall, and the forecasts for both storms were aided by NOAA hurricane hunter missions.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://dondavis.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-don-davis-votes-ndaa-stop-job-cuts-seymour-johnson-air-force-base", "Congressman Don Davis Votes for NDAA to Stop Job Cuts at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base and Pay Our Troops", "2024-12-11", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Donald G. Davis", "D000230", "dondavis.house.gov", "dondavis", "https://dondavis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) issued the following statement after voting for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which the U.S. House of Representatives passed by a margin of 281 to 140. H.R. 5009, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Authorization Act of 2025 includes a provision prohibiting the Air Force from divesting F-15E Strike Eagles. The legislation would prevent the eliminating of 520 jobs at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Wayne County, one of North Carolina\u2019s most economically distressed areas.\n\n\u201cThe NDAA saves Seymour Johnson Air Force Base from hundreds of job cuts and puts more money into the hands of our junior enlisted, helping many who are experiencing food insecurity and relying on food stamps while safeguarding the American people,\u201d said Congressman Don Davis. \u201cThe fight isn\u2019t over. By pushing off the retirement of F-15E aircraft until 2027, we have more time to achieve a long-term solution and continue prioritizing economic stability for Wayne County and eastern North Carolina.\u201d\n\nThe NDAA also contains an authorizing provision supporting $41 million to construct a Combat Arms Training & Maintenance Complex that Congressman Davis requested after visiting the base. \u201cTo the 4th Fighter Wing and Wayne County: I see you, hear you, and will stay in this fight with you,\u201d Davis added.\n\n\u201cAs a member of the House Armed Services Quality of Life Panel, I am glad to see that we are taking care of our junior enlisted and their families by passing a 14.5% pay raise. Moving forward, Congress must take every step necessary to address the cost of living challenges our troops face every day,\u201d Davis concluded.\n\nOther Key Provisions of the NDAA for FY 2025 include:\n\n$1.8 billion for procurement of an additional 18 F-15EX aircraft\n\n$500 million for the Israeli Cooperative Missile Defense Programs, including Iron Dome, David\u2019s Sling, and Arrow missile defense systems, and $200 million for international security cooperation with Taiwan\n\nA 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted service members (E-4 and below) and a 4.5% basic pay increase for all other servicemembers\n\nRequires reevaluation of the current calculation methods for Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) to a realistic allowance for service members\u2019 meals\n\nRaises the Basic Needs Allowance (BNA) threshold to 200% of federal poverty guidelines\n\nCongressman Don Davis secured 16 amendments to the NDAA for FY 2025:\n\nProhibits F-15E divestment through at least FY 2027, with minimal exceptions for the retirement of aircraft that are no longer operable\n\nAuthorizes funding for a Combat Arms Training & Maintenance (CATM) Complex at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base\n\nAllows up to nine Service Academy graduates per year to fulfill their Active-Duty Service Obligation (ADSO) in the selected reserves as a recruiting officer if they are drafted as a professional athlete\n\nAuthorizes additional funding for Longshot Munitions Technology Development\n\nAuthorizes a pilot program for studying AI in Marine Corps supply chain logistics operations\n\nAuthorizes a pilot program for combat training centers\n\nRequires a report on Implications of Continuing Resolutions and Government Shutdowns on Shipbuilding Efforts\n\nRequires a report on human performance policies to optimize the readiness of military personnel\n\nRequires a study of the utility of new army-load-carrying technology for U.S. Army personnel\n\nRequires a report on National Influenza Vaccine Modernization Strategy Implementation\n\nRequires a report on the effectiveness of emerging weapons systems like the conventional extensible warhead\n\nRequires a report on strategies to identify, develop, and procure ground robotic autonomous systems, including at Camp Lejeune\n\nRequires regular reporting on the Postsecondary Education Complaint System (PECS)\n\nRequires a report on innovative treatments for acute and chronic vascular trauma\n\nRequires a report on Military Base Flood Mapping to mitigate flood damage at military installations\n\nAuthorizes an additional $5 million for advanced military base security to guard against cyber and perimeter security breaches\n\nTimeline of Action on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base:\n\nOn November 20, 2023, Congressman Davis toured Seymour Johnson Air Force Base (SJAFB) during an official Congressional Delegation visit to deepen his understanding of the operations and challenges of SJAFB and to express unwavering support for the brave men and women in uniform.\n\nOn March 13, 2024, Congressman Davis delivered remarks on the House Floor regarding plans by the Air Force to divest a combat squadron and strip away 520 jobs at SJAFB. A Full Video of Congressman Davis\u2019 speech on the House Floor is here.\n\nOn April 2, 2024, Congressman Davis sent a letter to President Joe Biden urging the Administration not to divest an F-15E aircraft fighter squadron at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base (SJAFB) in Goldsboro, North Carolina. Read the full letter here.\n\nOn April 17, 2024, Congressman Davis questioned the Secretary of the Air Force on what communication he or his team had had with the local community, what the economic impact of divestment would be, and whether the Air Force planned to deliver the late report on force structure decisions.\n\nOn May 13, 2024, Congressman Davis announced a provision prohibiting the retirement of F-15E aircraft, including the combat squadron at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, targeted for divestment.\n\nMilitary installations in eastern North Carolina include Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, the United States Coast Guard\u2014Elizabeth City, Camp Lejeune, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, and Fort Liberty.\n\nCongressman Don Davis is a 1994 U.S. Air Force Academy graduate and a U.S. Air Force Veteran. He serves on the House Armed Services Committee and is the Vice Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Readiness.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-foushee-votes-against-national-defense-authorization-act-for-fiscal-year-2025", "Congresswoman Foushee Votes Against National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025", "2024-12-11", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Valerie P. Foushee", "F000477", "foushee.house.gov", "foushee", "https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC (December 11, 2024) \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04), released the following statement after voting against the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025.\n\n\u201cThe federal government has the solemn responsibility to support our servicemembers who make immense sacrifices to defend our nation. Still, House Republicans have decided to prioritize political interests and agendas ahead of the millions in our military who protect us every day,\u201d said Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04). \u201cThis bill attacks diversity, limits equity and inclusion, undermines essential climate measures, and restricts servicemember\u2019s families from making their own health care decisions. Although this was a difficult decision, I cannot in good conscience support legislation that takes a step back in promoting inclusivity within our military and may force servicemembers to choose between continuing their service or ensuring proper health care for their families.\u201d\n\nSpecifically, the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act would:\n\nBan gender-affirming care to military dependents under the age of 18.\n\nImpose a hiring freeze on personnel to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion in the military.\n\nProhibit funding for the working group which investigates and screens for white nationalist and other discriminatory ideologies in the military.\n\nDefund Pentagon efforts to minimize the risk of climate-change impacts from major federal procurements.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://hudson.house.gov/press-releases/hudson-celebrates-ndaa-passage-big-wins-for-troops-military-families", "Hudson Celebrates NDAA Passage, Big Wins for Troops, Military Families", "2024-12-11", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Richard Hudson", "H001067", "hudson.house.gov", "hudson", "https://hudson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-09) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (FY 25 NDAA) with bipartisan support:\n\n\u201cAs the representative of the largest military base in the world, I fought hard for a pay increase for our troops and more money for housing and quality of life investments for our servicemembers and their families,\" said Rep. Hudson. \"I am proud of the big wins we secured to give our military community the support they deserve.\"\n\nRep. Hudson fought for and secured several measures in the FY 2025 NDAA, including:\n\n$47 million in military construction projects at Fort Bragg, including a SOF Arms Room Addition and SOF Operations Facilities;\n\nPrevents the U.S. Army's proposed cuts to its SOF troops;\n\nA 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers and a 4.5% raise for all other servicemembers;\n\n$1.2 billion to renovate and build new barracks;\n\n$569 million to build new family housing units;\n\n$954 million for additional housing and facility maintenance accounts;\n\nProvides servicemembers with direct access to specialty medial providers by waiving the TRICARE referral requirement;\n\nEnables the Department of Defense to recruit and employ additional mental health providers;\n\nCodifies the Military Spouses Career Accelerator which provides employment support for military spouses; and\n\nExpands access to childcare for military spouses when they are seeking employment.\n\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/murphy-hosts-4th-annual-campus-free-speech-roundtable", "Murphy Hosts 4th Annual Campus Free Speech Roundtable", "2024-12-11", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Gregory F. Murphy", "M001210", "murphy.house.gov", "murphy", "https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 This morning, Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. hosted his 4th Annual Campus Free Speech Roundtable, alongside Education & the Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx and Congressman Burgess Owens, to convene lawmakers, stakeholders, and students to discuss challenges to free expression on college campuses and solutions to support First Amendment protections.\n\nRepresentatives from the Young America's Foundation (YAF), Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), Alumni Free Speech Alliance (AFSA), American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA), Speech First, Davidsonians for Freedom of Thought and Discourse, Princetonians for Free Speech and The Jefferson Council for the University of Virginia were in attendance.\n\nThe live stream for the event can be viewed here.\n\n\"Free speech on campuses across the country has been under attack for decades,\" said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. \"Progressive political ideologues have infiltrated and overtaken college administrations and faculties. Rampant anti-Semitism and egregious DEI programs have replaced the principles of civility, freedom of expression, and equality on which institutions of higher education were founded. Students, in record numbers, self-censor in classrooms. Faculty force their own political ideologies on students. Administrators abuse their position of authority to push a political agenda. Congress plays a role in oversight of public universities and must protect students' First Amendment rights. I appreciate the ongoing commitment of groups who fight for free speech so that we ensure our nation's colleges remain robust learning environments that cultivate tolerant, well-rounded individuals capable of contributing to our dynamic society.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2024/12/congresswoman-ross-votes-against-ndaa-calls-for-passage-of-camp-lejeune-justice-corrections-act", "Congresswoman Ross Votes Against NDAA, Calls for Passage of Camp Lejeune Justice Corrections Act", "2024-12-11", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) voted against the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025. Congresswoman Ross has been fighting for the inclusion of her bipartisan legislation, The Camp Lejeune Justice Corrections Act, in the NDAA. However, the final text passed by the House did not incorporate her bill.\n\n\u201cThe annual defense authorization presents an important opportunity to invest in our national security and in North Carolina service members, veterans, and their families,\u201d said Congresswoman Ross. \u201cWhile I strongly support much of the bill, including pay increases for our men and women in uniform, I\u2019m extremely disappointed that the final version of the NDAA did not include the bipartisan Camp Lejeune Justice Corrections Act. This critical legislation will remove legal barriers that are preventing veterans who were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune from accessing the remedies they deserve. Our North Carolina veterans and their families deserve justice. We must pass this urgently needed legislation without delay.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/edwards-bills-fund-water-systems-improve-dam-safety-wnc-headed-presidents-desk", "Edwards\u2019 bills to fund water systems, improve dam safety in WNC headed to president\u2019s desk", "2024-12-10", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Chuck Edwards", "E000246", "edwards.house.gov", "edwards", "https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate passed S. 4367, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024, which secures wins for Western North Carolina - including the following funding authorizations - and is headed to the president\u2019s desk to be signed into law:\n\nMore than $41 million for flood mitigation along the Pigeon River in Canton, N.C.\n\n$1.5 million for downtown water system rehabilitation in Murphy, N.C.\n\n$4 million for water plant expansion in Weaverville, N.C.\n\nMore than $3.4 million for water infrastructure upgrades in Robbinsville, N.C.\n\nIn addition to the funding, the following three bills that Edwards introduced were passed as part of WRDA 2024: the National Dam Safety Program Reauthorization Act of 2023, the National Dam Safety Program Amendment Act, and the Low-Head Dam Inventory Act.\n\nEdwards said, \"WNC, with its many lakes and rivers, must remain at the forefront of dam safety and I\u2019m pleased that the House passed three of my bills to provide federal support for the nearly 92,000 dams that serve critical functions across our nation.\n\n\"The significant flooding following Hurricane Helene underscored the importance of improving dam safety efforts to prevent catastrophic dam failures, protect lives and downstream communities, and make sure that dams continue to provide the services that Western North Carolinians depend on.\"\n\nNorth Carolina\u2019s 11th district is home to more than 750 dams, many of which are in poor or unsatisfactory condition. The American Society of Civil Engineers\u2019 (ASCE) 2021 Report Card for America\u2019s Infrastructure gave America\u2019s dams a \u201cD\u201d grade in safety, and the Association of State Dam Safety Officials (ASDSO) estimates that more than 2,300 high-hazard dams are at risk due to a lack of investment in dam safety. ASDSO estimates that it would cost $157.5 billion to place these high-hazard dams into a state of good repair.\n\nThe bipartisan National Dam Safety Program Reauthorization Act of 2023 reauthorizes the National Dam Safety Program through fiscal year 2028.\n\nThe bipartisan National Dam Safety Program Amendment Act increases the amount a state can receive for its dam safety program through already-available funding under the Federal Emergency Management Agency by 800 percent, and improves the program to strengthen dam safety across the nation.\n\nThe bipartisan Low-Head Dam Inventory Act would require that low-head dams be added to the National Inventory of Dams to keep track of the location and condition of low-head dams, specifically high-hazard low-head dams, and make sure that they are appropriately maintained to prevent low-head dam failures.\n\nBackground", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2024/12/house-passes-congresswoman-ross-request-to-increase-north-carolina-environmental-infrastructure-program-funding-in-the-water-resources-development-act", "House Passes Congresswoman Ross\u2019 Request to Increase North Carolina Environmental Infrastructure Program Funding in the Water Resources Development Act", "2024-12-10", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington D.C. \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) announced that $50 million in authorized federal funding for the North Carolina Environmental Infrastructure Program passed the U.S. House of Representatives in the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act. This funding provides a significant $37 million increase from the current $13 million allocation and will support environmental assistance projects across North Carolina. The legislation now heads to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law. Congresswoman Ross submitted a request for this funding in January 2024.\n\nAdministered in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, these funds will assist non-federal entities in addressing critical assistance needs, including water infrastructure development and resource protection. This investment comes as water quality concerns grow nationwide. In November, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported that over 11 million more Americans are exposed to PFAS in their drinking water, bringing the total number at risk to more than 143 million. Additionally, in March 2024, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality added 70 bodies of water to the proposed list of impaired waters.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m extremely excited to see an historic $50 million authorized for North Carolina through the North Carolina Environmental Infrastructure Program,\u201d said Congresswoman Ross. \u201cThis funding marks a critical step in ensuring cleaner, safer water for communities across North Carolina. I am committed to working across party lines to safeguard public health and protect North Carolina\u2019s precious environment for future generations.\u201d\n\nProgram funds will go to:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://hudson.house.gov/press-releases/hudson-announces-2024-congressional-app-challenge-winners", "Hudson Announces 2024 Congressional App Challenge Winners", "2024-12-09", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Richard Hudson", "H001067", "hudson.house.gov", "hudson", "https://hudson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 In recognition of Computer Science Education Week, U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-09) today announced the winners of the 2024 Congressional App Challenge for North Carolina's 9th District.\n\n\u201cThe Congressional App Challenge is a great opportunity for our region's middle and high school students to showcase their creativity and computer skills on the national level,\" said Rep. Hudson.\"Congratulations to this year's winners from Jack Britt High School and North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics for their innovative app design, and thank you to all of our region's students who participated in this year's competition.\"\n\nBelow is the winning selection for North Carolina's 9th District:\n\nApp: Guide Dog, an app designed with the primary goal of helping blind or visually impaired people navigate their surroundings.\n\nTeam: Gabrielle Humphrey from Jack Britt High School and Sophie Zhu from North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics. Both students are from Fayetteville.\n\nThe Congressional App Challenge was launched by the U.S. House of Representatives to encourage student innovation and engagement in computer science and STEM. This national effort seeks to inspire students from every corner of the country to explore coding and computer science through hands-on practice by creating an app.\n\nThe winner was chosen by Rep. Hudson's selection committee, a panel of technology professionals that evaluated submissions earlier this fall. The winning app will be featured on the House.gov website and the CongressionalAppChallenge.us website.\n\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://dondavis.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-don-davis-delivers-thanksgiving-pies-first-responders-and-911", "Congressman Don Davis Delivers Thanksgiving Pies to First Responders and 911 Telecommunicators", "2024-12-06", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Donald G. Davis", "D000230", "dondavis.house.gov", "dondavis", "https://dondavis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) delivered pies to first responders and 911 telecommunicators working over Thanksgiving and extended Thanksgiving greetings across all 19 counties in North Carolina\u2019s First Congressional District during his second annual \u201cPies of Thanks\u201d Thanksgiving Tour.\n\n\u201cPies of Thanks is about showing appreciation for the unsung heroes of our communities \u2014 our first responders and 911 telecommunicators. Law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency services personnel stand unwaveringly on the front lines of our security and healthcare systems, especially during the holidays, ensuring safety for all,\u201d said Congressman Davis.\n\nThe second annual \"Pies of Thanks\" Thanksgiving tour is a gesture of appreciation on behalf of eastern North Carolinians for the unwavering dedication and service exhibited by those on the front lines. Congressman Davis personally delivered pies as tokens of appreciation, symbolizing the community's gratitude towards these essential personnel.\n\nThe Tour kicked off at 7:45 AM at the Greene County Operations Center in Snow Hill, NC. From there, it continued through Wilson, Pitt, Martin, Bertie, Washington, Tyrrell, Chowan, Perquimans, Pasquotank, Gates, Hertford, Northampton, Halifax, Warren, Vance, Franklin, Nash, and Edgecombe counties.\n\nThe journey's final stop was at the Edgecombe County Sheriff\u2019s Office in Tarboro, NC, concluding the second annual \"Pies of Thanks\" Thanksgiving Tour. The tour became a symbol of recognition for those who tirelessly safeguard our communities 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://dondavis.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-don-davis-marks-one-year-medicaid-expansion-north-carolina", "Congressman Don Davis Marks One Year of Medicaid Expansion In North Carolina", "2024-12-06", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Donald G. Davis", "D000230", "dondavis.house.gov", "dondavis", "https://dondavis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Don Davis (NC-01), Co-Chair of the State Medicaid Expansion Caucus, marked the first anniversary of Medicaid expansion in North Carolina on the U.S. House of Representatives floor. The milestone comes after more than a decade of advocacy from patients, providers, and elected officials.\n\n\u201cAfter a decade of waiting, in some cases, dying, we must now celebrate that over 95,000 eastern North Carolinians once trapped in the Medicaid coverage gap now have access to healthcare,\u201d said Congressman Don Davis. \u201cMedicaid expansion and the new Center for Medical Education at East Carolina University will address health disparities and help to create thousands of jobs in our most economically distressed communities. As Co-Chair of the State Medicaid Expansion Caucus, I am glad to have been part of the effort in the NC General Assembly and US Congress to ensure a brighter future for families across eastern North Carolina.\u201d\n\nAfter Governor Roy Cooper signed House Bill 76, Access to Healthcare Options, into law, more than 95,000 residents of eastern North Carolina and nearly 600,000 North Carolinians statewide gained access to healthcare through Medicaid. Governor Cooper marked this milestone at ECU Health in Greenville.\n\nDuring his 12 years in the NC General Assembly, Congressman Davis worked to ensure approval of both the new Center for Medical Education building and Medicaid expansion, which work hand in hand to create more than 3,000 jobs across eastern North Carolina and save countless lives. As hospitals and other healthcare facilities face financial obstacles because their payer mix skews towards Medicare and Medicaid, the expansion will and already is providing an economic lifeline. Since the closure of Martin General Hospital and the efforts by Washington Regional Medical Center to fill some of the void, Congressman Davis has fought to ensure critical infrastructure funding and continued support for Rural Emergency Hospitals at the federal level.\n\nJanuary 12, 2023 - Congressman Davis delivers his first floor remarksadvocating for Medicaid expansion at the federal level.\n\nFebruary 9, 2023 - Congressman Davis introduces H.Res. 122, a resolution expressing support for a federal alternative to statewide Medicaid expansion.\n\nFebruary 10, 2023 - Congressmen Davis (NC-01), Cohen (TN-09), and Johnson (GA-04), then representing three non-expansion states, re-launched the State Medicaid Expansion Caucus to voice support at the federal level for Medicaid expansion across all fifty states.\n\nDecember 1, 2023 - The State Medicaid Expansion Caucus applauds North Carolina expanding Medicaid after more than a decade of negotiations in the North Carolina General Assembly.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2024/12/reps-ross-joyce-castor-bacon-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-help-end-abuse-and-sexual-violence-in-sports", "Reps. Ross, Joyce, Castor, Bacon Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Help End Abuse and Sexual Violence in Sports", "2024-12-06", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington D.C. \u2014 Today, Representatives Deborah Ross (NC-02), Dave Joyce (OH-14), Kathy Castor (FL-14), and Don Bacon (NE-02) hosted a virtual press conference to announce the introduction of their Safer Sports for Athletes Act. Alongside survivors and advocates, the lawmakers introduced their bipartisan legislation to strengthen the U.S. Center for SafeSport (SafeSport) and help end sexual, physical, and emotional abuse in sports.\n\nVIDEO: Click here to download a recording of the press conference\n\nCongress established SafeSport in 2017 to conduct investigations into cases of abuse in sports, control a centralized disciplinary database, and provide training designed to prevent abuse in sports to coaches, athletes, and sports organizations. SafeSport receives thousands of reports of abuse and misconduct per year, but it needs stronger guidelines and greater resources to fulfill the intent of Congress and better prevent and address sexual, physical, and emotional abuse of athletes.\n\nCongresswoman Ross represents the Carolina Courage, whose players experienced sexual abuse and coercion while Paul Riley was the head coach. Since news broke of his abuse, Congresswoman Ross has led efforts in Congress to help reform the culture of abuse and harassment that has permeated women\u2019s soccer and other sports for too long.\n\n\u201cFor too long, athletes in different sports and across all levels of athletics have endured devastating abuse and have not felt served by the institutions charged with protecting them,\u201d said Congresswoman Ross. \u201cNo athlete \u2013 whether they play sports for fun or for a living \u2013 should be forced to experience the level of abuse, harassment, and violence that has become unacceptably common in sports today. The time for change is now, and I am proud to lead a bipartisan group of colleagues in introducing the Safer Sports for Athletes Act. This comprehensive legislation will help SafeSport live up to its promise of protecting athletes and preventing abuse and sexual violence in sports.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur nation\u2019s athletes at all ages go through extensive training and work overtime to achieve their athletic goals. Unfortunately, the prevalence of sexual abuse by some of their most trusted mentors and coaches is all too common,\u201d said Congressman Joyce. \u201cAfter extensive conversations with athletes who have used the effective SafeSport program since 2018, my colleagues and I put together the Safer Sports for Athletes Act to make necessary improvements. These revisions will ensure athlete survivors get the care they deserve and the criminals are apprehended.\u201d\n\n\"Every athlete at every level deserves to participate in sports in a safe, harm-free environment,\u201d said Rep. Kathy Castor. \u201cCongress created the U.S. Center for SafeSport to protect athletes and hold abusers accountable, but it\u2019s clear that gaps in transparency and accountability must be addressed to serve athletes better. That\u2019s why I\u2019m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation with my colleagues to restore trust, strengthen safeguards and ensure every athlete can thrive in a supportive environment.\u201d\n\n\"Athletes who have been sexually abused should be taken seriously, and abusers must be swiftly brought to justice,\" said Rep. Bacon, co-chair of the Congressional Soccer Caucus. \u201cWhen I became Commander of Ramstein Air Force Base, I inherited a base with the highest sexual assault allegations in the U.S. Air Force and established a three-point program to address it. The program was later ranked by the Air Force as the number one sexual assault response program. I am honored to cosponsor the Safer Sports for Athletes Act of 2024, which will increase transparency in investigations and ensure more resources are invested in training individuals to address sexual abuse.\u201d\n\nCongresswoman Ross\u2019 Safer Sports for Athletes Act would strengthen SafeSport through key revisions that would improve the investigative process for athlete survivors, promote communication with national governing bodies, and revise training guidelines, all while providing SafeSport with enhanced funding. Specifically, the legislation would:\n\nImprove SafeSport\u2019s investigative process by:\n\nProviding fair notice and opportunity to be heard to complainants;\n\nProtecting complainant privacy and safety and allowing for complainants to have a confidential victim advocate present in any proceedings;\n\nSetting a timeline for SafeSport to conclude cases or notify parties of necessary extensions; and\n\nEstablishing preponderance of evidence as the burden of proof for SafeSport proceedings.\n\nEnsure the investigation process is trauma-informed by:\n\nReplacing SafeSport\u2019s arbitration process with an expert panel, which would consist of experts with training in trauma-informed care and an understanding of the sport dynamics relevant to the case; and\n\nAllowing SafeSport to pursue investigations and sanctions without testimony from victims of sexual misconduct in extraordinary circumstances.\n\nEnsure national governing bodies (NGBs) have information to keep predators out of sports by:\n\nEnhancing the information that SafeSport provides to NGBs about reports of abuse while ensuring confidentiality of survivors; and\n\nEnsuring that NGBs can prevent individuals accused of sexual misconduct from participating in a sport prior to the conclusion of a SafeSport investigation without that action being considered interference in such investigation.\n\nChange sports culture and prioritize prevention by:\n\nImproving training materials by requiring them to be regularly updated, developed with experts in sexual abuse prevention and athlete survivors, and be trauma-informed using best practices; and\n\nRequiring for the first time an investment in prevention by creating a floor of no less than 20% of SafeSport\u2019s funding to be used for prevention efforts and strategies in amateur athletics, including training, oversight practices, and policies to help create a lasting culture change.\n\nThe Safer Sports for Athletes Act has been endorsed by 47 organizations and individuals dedicated to preventing and addressing abuse in sports, along with the 54 Member State Associations of U.S. Youth Soccer. It has also been endorsed by U.S. Soccer and CHILDUSA.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-adams-statement-passing-yvonne-johnson", "Rep. Adams\u2019 Statement on the Passing of Yvonne Johnson", "2024-12-05", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Alma S. Adams", "A000370", "adams.house.gov", "adams", "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "\u201cLike me, Yvonne Johnson lived by the old Shirley Chisholm quote, \u201cService is the rent we pay for living on God\u2019s Earth.\u201d She was more than the first Black Mayor of Greensboro. My friend led a life of change and justice-making, from the March on Washington to the Greensboro Sit-ins while she was a student at Bennet College, where I taught for forty years. She took my seat on the Greensboro City Council and led our city with grace and conviction. Her rent is fully paid and then some. Rest in peace, my friend.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/edwards-launches-223-fix-fema-dedicated-fema-help-line", "Edwards launches 223-FIX-FEMA as dedicated FEMA help line", "2024-12-05", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Chuck Edwards", "E000246", "edwards.house.gov", "edwards", "https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) announced that his office launched a dedicated phone number, 223-FIX-FEMA, to help Western North Carolinians with issues regarding the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) following Hurricane Helene.\n\nEdwards said, \u201cWestern North Carolinians who need help with or are having issues with FEMA should call 223-FIX-FEMA, and my office can engage with the agency directly on behalf of your application. Likewise, if you know of anyone living in a tent, needing shelter, or are otherwise unhoused from Hurricane Helene, please call 223-FIX-FEMA and let us know where they are so we can help.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2024/12/video-congresswoman-ross-bill-to-name-raleigh-post-office-after-wwii-veteran-and-civil-rights-leader-millie-dunn-veasey-passes-house", "VIDEO: Congresswoman Ross Bill to Name Raleigh Post Office After WWII Veteran and Civil Rights Leader Millie Dunn Veasey Passes House", "2024-12-05", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "ICYMI \u2014 Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives about her bipartisan bill to rename the post office located at 2777 Brentwood Road in Raleigh, North Carolina as the \u201cMillie Dunn Veasey Post Office.\u201d Honoring a WWII veteran and civil rights leader, the legislation has now passed the House and moves to the Senate for final approval before being signed into law.\n\nTo access the full floor speech, click here. A full transcript can be found below:\n\n--\n\nThank you, Mr. Speaker.\n\nIt's an honor to speak in support of my bill naming the United States Postal Service facility at 2777 Brentwood Road in Raleigh after Staff Sergeant Millie Dunn Veasey.\n\nThis legislation pays tribute to the life and legacy of Millie Dunn Veasey, a remarkable woman whose contributions profoundly shape not only our local community, but our nation.\n\nMs. Dunn Veasey's legacy began when the U.S. Army assigned her to the 6888 Central Postal Directory Battalion as a typist.\n\nThe 6888 was the only African American Women's Army Corps Unit to operate overseas during the war. This group of pioneering women sorted and delivered mail to soldiers, ensuring that they received vital letters from home. The unit adopted the phrase, \"No mail, low morale.\"\n\nThese courageous women knew the power that these letters held for the soldiers who received them. The women worked tirelessly to develop a new mailing system and began successfully processing up to 195,000 pieces of mail each day.\n\nMs. Dunn Veasey's courage and determination during this time was instrumental in the success of this mission, and the story of her service is one of trailblazing leadership in the face of adversity.\n\nAfter the war, Ms. Dunn Veasey returned to Raleigh and took advantage of the GI Bill, enrolling in Saint Augustine\u2019s University. She became active in the Civil Rights Movement, working as an organizer in Raleigh to push for integrated public spaces.\n\nAfter serving our country honorably overseas, she came home and recommitted herself to the pursuit of justice and equality for all.\n\nIn 2018, Millie Dunn Veasey passed away at the age of 100 in her hometown of Raleigh and was buried with distinct honor at the Raleigh VA National Cemetery.\n\nToday, we can ensure that her legacy to the Postal Service lives on and celebrate her place in history as a figure who changed our community and country for the better.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/murphy-urges-congress-take-action-against-pharmacy-benefit-managers", "Murphy Urges Congress to Take Action Against Pharmacy Benefit Managers", "2024-12-04", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Gregory F. Murphy", "M001210", "murphy.house.gov", "murphy", "https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. participated in a bipartisan, bicameral press conference urging Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) to take action on the abuses of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) by passing the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act:\n\n\"For years, we have heard testimony from small business owners, physicians, and patients about unaffordable health care, opaque pricing practices, and an overly complex and burdensome system that creates barriers to care for Americans,\" said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. \"At the center of these challenges are the middlemen in our health care industry who steer patients to their own vertically consolidated entities, siphon money from our independent pharmacies, and completely obscure the flow of the health care dollar in America. As the only practicing physician in Congress, I continue to witness the impact of these challenges firsthand.\"\n\n\"The Lower Costs, More Transparency Act, which has received bipartisan, bicameral support, directly addresses these concerns by making health care more affordable for patients and employers through increased transparency and competition. Unfortunately, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer held it up for almost a year. This is unacceptable, and I will keep fighting until we get it signed into law.\"\n\nBackground\n\nPharmacy Benefit Managers operate as middlemen between drug manufacturers, insurance companies, and pharmacies, negotiating drug prices and determining which medications are covered by insurance plans.\n\nPBMs prioritize profits over patients by encouraging higher-cost drugs, limiting consumer access to medications, monopolizing market control, and reimbursing independent pharmacies with unsustainable rates.\n\nH.R. 5478, the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act would increase price transparency throughout the health care system, lower prescription drug costs, and support patients, health care workers, community health centers, and hospitals.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://hudson.house.gov/press-releases/hudson-highlights-work-to-strengthen-grid-resiliency-on-anniversary-of-moore-0", "Hudson Highlights Work to Strengthen Grid Resiliency on Anniversary of Moore County Attack", "2024-12-03", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Richard Hudson", "H001067", "hudson.house.gov", "hudson", "https://hudson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "December 3, 2024\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-09) released the following statement in recognition of the two-year anniversary of the Moore County grid attack:\n\n\u201cTwo years ago, our community suffered a reprehensible attack, leaving 45,000 of Moore County residents without power for days. An attack like this could have devastated our community, and we didn\u2019t go without our struggles, but I am so proud of the strength our community showed.\n\n\u201cSince the attack, I have led an ongoing effort to advance legislation and secure funding at the federal level to bolster our grid resilience and strengthen our energy supply chain. While we have been making great progress, this is a complicated problem set that requires our continued focus and attention.\u201d\n\nTimeline of Rep. Hudson's Actions to Secure the Energy Grid:\n\nDecember 2022: Rep. Hudson toured Duke Energy power substation which was attacked and received a briefing on the recent power outages in Moore County.\n\nJanuary 2023: Rep. Hudson organized a classified briefing from the FBI for Members of Congress on attacks targeting US electrical infrastructure.\n\nFebruary 2023: Rep. Hudson urged the Department of Energy to provide fair and prompt consideration of the North Carolina's Electric Cooperatives application to the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships Topic Area 2 Grant Competition.\n\nMarch 2023: Rep. Hudson cosponsored and voted in favor of H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act, legislation to lower energy costs for Americans, remove the bureaucratic red tape holding our energy industry back, and unleash America\u2019s energy independence.\n\nMay 2023: Rep. Hudson reintroduced the Widening Opportunities to Recapture Key Energy Roles (WORKER) Act, bipartisan legislation that will supercharge America\u2019s energy workforce by urging the Department of Energy to award grants to stakeholders prioritizing education and training for energy and manufacturing jobs. The bill would also prioritize educating and training workers from underrepresented groups, including minorities, women, and veterans.\n\nJune 2023: Rep. Hudson introduced the Protecting America\u2019s Distribution Transformer Supply Chain Act, legislation to repeal the Department of Energy\u2019s authority to propose, finalize, implement, administer, or enforce any energy efficiency standard for distribution transformers for the next five years.\n\nJune 2023: Rep. Hudson and members of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security held a field hearing in Moore County. At the hearing, the members discussed physical and cybersecurity issues facing the electricity sector, power outage incident response and recovery, and emergency coordination among State and local governments and the electric industry. Watch the field hearing.\n\nJune 2023: Prior to the Moore County field hearing, Rep. Hudson and committee members toured the Duke Energy West End substation, one of two substations in Moore County that was intentionally attacked on the evening of December 3, 2022.\n\nJuly 2023: Rep. Hudson joined the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations hearing that addressed the security challenges that currently threaten the electricity sector, and discussed emerging and existing threats to America\u2019s electric energy infrastructure.\n\nSeptember 2023: Hudson\u2019s energy grid security legislation H.R. 4167, Protecting America\u2019s Distribution Transformer Supply Chain Act, was included in the House Energy and Commerce Committee Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee legislative hearing.\n\nOctober 2023: Hudson\u2019s Protecting America\u2019s Distribution Transformer Supply Chain Act, passed out of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security.\n\nOctober 2023: Hudson secured $1.6 billion in funding to bolster grid security that was included in the final version of H.R. 4394, the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2024. For an outline of this funding, clickhere.\n\nMarch 2024: Hudson's Protecting America's Distribution Transformer Supply Chain Act passed out of the full Energy and Commerce Committee.\n\nMay 2024: Hudson's energy grid security amendment was included in H.R. 6192, the Hands Off Our Home Appliances Act, and was passed by the House. For more details of this amendment, click here.\n\n-###-\n\nIssues:Energy", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2024/12/congresswoman-ross-announces-winner-of-2024-congressional-app-challenge", "Congresswoman Ross Announces Winner of 2024 Congressional App Challenge", "2024-12-03", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Raleigh, N.C. \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) announced Kenna Zhang, a junior at Cary Academy, as the winner of the 2024 Congressional App Challenge for North Carolina\u2019s 2nd Congressional District. Kenna created the app AIPowered-Hope, which stood out among a record number of submissions in this year's competition, showcasing the incredible talent and creativity of students across Wake County.\n\n\u201cEvery year, I am inspired by the talent, ingenuity, and passion for creating positive change that I see from Wake County\u2019s students during the Congressional App Challenge,\u201d said Congresswoman Ross. \u201cI am amazed by how these young minds use technology to tackle real-world issues and imagine bold solutions to some of our most pressing challenges \u2013 from climate change to devastating diseases. I especially want to congratulate Kenna Zhang, this year\u2019s winner, for her innovative app designed to improve early detection of Parkinson\u2019s Disease. Kenna\u2019s app and the submissions of every student exemplify the kind of forward-thinking ideas that will propel our state and country to new heights.\u201d\n\nKenna developed AIPowered-Hope, an app that uses AI and machine learning to assist with the early diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease. She personally coded the app\u2019s machine learning algorithms, enabling it to analyze drawing samples and voice recordings to identify early signs of the disease. Inspired by the potential to improve early diagnosis and enable timely interventions, Kenna created AIPowered-Hope to enhance the quality of life for individuals at risk of Parkinson\u2019s. She also embraced the challenge as an opportunity to deepen her skills and knowledge in app development.\n\nThe competition was judged by a panel of three leading STEM educators and employers from North Carolina\u2019s 2nd District:\n\nDr. Nehemiah Mabry, PE, Founder and CEO, STEMedia Incorporated\n\nAngela Martin, Software User Experience Designer, Lenovo\n\nMallory Schultz, Advisory Software User Experience Designer, Lenovo\n\nEstablished by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2013, the Congressional App Challenge is a nationwide competition for middle school and high school students designed to expose students to the world of app development without requiring prior coding experience. Each participating congressional district selects a local winner who then competes with winners from other participating districts for further awards.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2024/12/house-passes-congresswoman-ross-legislation-to-provide-technical-corrections-to-national-and-commercial-space-programs-in-united-states-code", "House Passes Congresswoman Ross Legislation to Provide Technical Corrections to National and Commercial Space Programs in United States Code", "2024-12-03", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Raleigh, NC \u2013 Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation introduced by Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) to revise title 51 of United States Code on National and Commercial Space Programs as necessary to keep the title current, and to make technical amendments to improve the code. Specifically, this legislation, H.R. 7339, fixes cross references and heading names, removes obsolete language, and clarifies some phrases. Congresswoman Ross spoke in support of the legislation on the House floor earlier today.\n\n\u201cUpdating the US Code periodically to make these technical and conforming changes helps ensure the law is accessible to everyday Americans,\u201d Congresswoman Ross said in her floor speech. \u201cThe American people deserve a code that is comprehensible without specialized knowledge, and making the updates in this bill will help make that goal a reality.\u201d\n\nAs a member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, Congresswoman Ross has been a champion of legislation to bolster the nation\u2019s space programs. The bill was referred to the House Judiciary Committee, on which Congresswoman Ross also serves, and was passed unanimously out of committee by voice vote.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2024/12/ross-carter-krishnamoorthi-bentz-lead-letter-calling-on-doj-to-investigate-pbms-role-in-opioid-crisis", "Ross, Carter, Krishnamoorthi, Bentz Lead Letter Calling on DOJ to Investigate PBMs\u2019 Role in Opioid Crisis", "2024-12-02", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (D-NC) joined Representatives Earl L. \u201cBuddy\u201d Carter (R-GA), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), and Cliff Bentz (R-OR) in sending a bipartisan letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland, calling on the Department of Justice to investigate the role pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) may have played in the opioid crisis.\n\n\u201cRecent reports, including confidential files and information from CVS Caremark, Express Scripts, and OptumRx, suggests the three largest PBMs colluded and conspired to steer patients towards Oxycontin in exchange for $400 million\u2026 [and] at the expense of innocent American lives.\u201d wrote the lawmakers.\n\nThey continued, \u201cThe lack of transparency surrounding PBM\u2019s rebate agreements and formulary decisions has allowed them to operate with little to no oversight, posing a significant threat to America\u2019s public health. That is why we strongly urge the Department of Justice to investigate the role PBMs may have played in the opioid crisis and hold them accountable.\u201d\n\nThe letter was prompted by the findings of recent investigations:\n\nCVS Caremark\u2019s agreement with Purdue Pharma: Internal documents revealed that CVS Caremark agreed to double rebates for health plans that authorized four or more OxyContin pills per day, incentivizing higher doses.\n\nExpress Script\u2019s 2017 practices: Confidential files showed that Express Scripts awarded Purdue Pharma favorable placement on formularies in exchange for a 40% rebate on OxyContin prescriptions.\n\nThe impact of these practices: These systems fostered a culture of excessive prescribing and dispensing of OxyContin, further fueling the devastating opioid epidemic.\n\nFull text of the letter is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-adams-statement-us-presidential-election", "Rep. Adams\u2019 Statement on the U.S. Presidential Election", "2024-11-12", "2024", "2024-11", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Alma S. Adams", "A000370", "adams.house.gov", "adams", "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Image\n\nCHARLOTTE \u2013 Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12) released the following statement on last week\u2019s election results in North Carolina and nationwide.\n\n\"I would like to thank the people of North Carolina\u2019s 12th Congressional District for entrusting me to another term in Congress, as well as the volunteers who worked so hard on our campaign, knocking on doors, making phone calls, and talking to their neighbors.\n\nLike many of you, I am heartbroken by last week\u2019s election results. However, the American people have spoken. Former President Trump will be the next President of the United States and I intend to hold him to his word in supporting funding initiatives for our HBCUs, as well as to supporting policies that benefit the working people of America.\n\nService is indeed the rent we pay for living on God\u2019s earth. Vice President Kamala Harris ran a brilliant campaign in a difficult environment. She has been a dedicated public servant and a shining beacon for our daughters and granddaughters to aspire to.\n\nThe campaign is over, and our job now is to get back to the work of serving the American people. I intend to continue doing so with the grace, determination, and goodness they expect from me.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:07:06Z"], ["https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/hurricane-recovery-update-31", "Hurricane recovery update #31", "2024-11-11", "2024", "2024-11", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Chuck Edwards", "E000246", "edwards.house.gov", "edwards", "https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "November 11, 2024\n\nDear Friend,\n\nHappy Veterans Day!\n\nI cannot put into words the gratitude that I have for our nation\u2019s heroes, but on a day like today, it\u2019s my duty to try.\n\nWe live in a country where we have the freedom to speak our minds and stand up for what we believe in, where we don\u2019t have to live in fear, and where we wake up every day with the ability to build the life we dream for our families. Without the sacrifice that has been made by the brave men and women who serve these United States of America, none of that would be possible; and without their defense of our liberties, we would not be the country or the Americans that we are today.\n\nI can\u2019t help but think that this year's Veterans Day hits even closer to home for the people of Western North Carolina. At its peak, nearly 4,000 active-duty military and National Guardsmen were in our mountains protecting the life and liberties of every single one of us following Hurricane Helene. They were searching for missing loved ones, helping to clear debris, and making sure every man, woman, and child was fed and had water every single day.\n\nOur service members and veterans have always been my heroes but witnessing the sacrifices these individuals made to stand beside our community took my gratitude and appreciation to another level. We will never be able to adequately repay the service members who were in our mountains over the past month and a half for what they have helped us to reclaim, nor will we ever be able to adequately repay our veterans for the sacrifices they made to give us the life we have.\n\nThe least we can do is remind them of our appreciation every single day, especially today.\n\nPlease make sure you thank a veteran today.\n\nThis week\u2019s update includes more information on the FEMA assistance deadlines (November 27 for Serious Needs Assistance, the initial $750 direct payment for food, water, baby formula etc. and January 7 for Individual Assistance), reopening of the Yancey County DMV, Blue Ridge Health locations and hours, where you can pick up mail from your post office box in Barnardsville, a new Disaster Recovery Center in Macon County, and a change in location for the Buncombe County Disaster Recovery Center.\n\nIf you need help navigating FEMA, the SBA, or another federal agency, please call my office\u2019s helpline: 865-EDWARDS; (865) 339-2737. My team would be happy to help you get a case started.\n\nThis is update number 31, with more information to come next Monday. Please make sure to read everything and share it with your friends and family.\n\nIndex\n\nClick the title to be taken to the correlating information in the update.\n\nFEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Sites\n\nLegislative Support\n\nHousing/Individual Assistance Updates\n\nFood and Water\n\nBuncombe County\n\nHaywood County\n\nHenderson County\n\nJackson County\n\nMadison County\n\nMcDowell County\n\nPolk County\n\nRutherford County\n\nTransylvania County\n\nYancey County\n\nTrash Services and Debris Removal\n\nBuncombe\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nMadison\n\nMcDowell\n\nPolk\n\nRutherford\n\nTransylvania\n\nYancey\n\nUnited States Postal Service/Mail Services\n\nPharmacy Access\n\nOpen Urgent Cares/ Health Care Services\n\nResources for Veterans\n\nResources for Farmers\n\nPower\n\nRoads\n\nInternet Access\n\nNorth Carolina National Guard & Department of Defense\n\nAsheville Regional Airport\n\nFederal Nutrition Programs\n\nFor NC-11 Medical Providers\n\nFor Local Government Resource Requests\n\nFor Individual Assistance through FEMA\n\nTo Connect with a Loved One\n\nResources for Utility & Other Status Updates\n\nFree Legal Assistance\n\nIRS Guidance for Taxpayers Impacted by Hurricane Helene\n\nShelters\n\nBuncombe County\n\nHaywood County\n\nHenderson County\n\nMadison County\n\nMcDowell County\n\nRutherford County\n\nTransylvania County\n\nYancey County\n\nCarolina Cruiser Mobile Office Hours\n\nFEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Sites\n\nThe following FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers are open seven days a week to assist North Carolina survivors who have experienced losses from Hurricane Helene.\n\nBuncombe County - TEMPORARY LOCATIONS\n\nSwannanoa Fire Rescue - Bee Tree Fire Sub Station\n\n510 Bee Tree Rd., Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nOpen November 11-14, 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nBuncombe County Sports Park (Parking Lot)\n\n58 Apac Dr., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nOpen November 15-18, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nBuncombe County - PERMANENT LOCATION\n\nAsheville Mall (former Gap store)\n\n3 S. Tunnel Rd., Asheville, NC 28805\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nHaywood County\n\nRegional High Technical Center\n\n112 Industrial Park Dr., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nHenderson County\n\n2111 Asheville Hwy., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nJackson County\n\nJackson County Annex Building\n\n198 WBI Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nMacon County\n\nMacon County Public Health Center\n\n1830 Lakeside Dr., Franklin, NC 28734\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nMadison County\n\nMadison County Public Library - Marshall Branch\n\n1335 N. Main St., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nMcDowell County\n\nA.C. \u201cBud\u201d Hogan Community Center\n\n909 E. Main St., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nCounty Senior Center\n\n100 Spaulding Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nPolk County\n\nPolk County Recreation Complex (Parking Lot)\n\n235 Wolverine Trl., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nRutherford County\n\nMountains Branch Library\n\n150 Bills Creek Rd., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nSwain County\n\nSwain County Technology & Training Center\n\n45 East Ridge Dr., Bryson City, NC 28713\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nTransylvania County: Community Services Building\n\n106 E. Morgan St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nYancey County\n\nCounty Annex Facility\n\n677 W. U.S. Highway 19E Bypass, Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nA Disaster Recovery Center is a one-stop shop where survivors can meet face-to-face with FEMA representatives, apply for FEMA assistance, receive referrals to local assistance in their area, apply with the U.S. Small Business Administration for disaster loans, etc.\n\nAdditional recovery centers will be opening soon, and I will keep you posted as I learn about them.\n\nDisaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams are also stationed across NC-11 to help survivors apply for FEMA assistance and connect them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources.\n\nLegislative Support\n\nThe U.S. House of Representatives is gearing up to pass a disaster relief package when we return to session in November.\n\nI have begun conversations with leadership about how to best meet Western North Carolina\u2019s needs in any supplemental relief package passed by Congress in the coming months.\n\nThe North Carolina General Assembly unanimously passed a second round of disaster relief on October 24, known as the Disaster Recovery Act of 2024 Part II.\n\nState legislators have stated that this package is still preliminary support, and more will be on the way in another session on November 19, 2024.\n\nThis bill adds another $604 million from the state\u2019s Savings Reserve Fund to the Hurricane Helene Fund. Below lays out where the funds are going and shares a summary of what some of the funds will be used for.\n\n$16.7 million for the North Carolina Community College System\n\n$5 million for a grant program to cover tuition and fees for eligible students at impacted community colleges in WNC for the spring semester.\n\n$10.5 million for an emergency grant program to support students who have suffered financial hardship due to damage and destruction by Helene.\n\nStudents will be eligible for up to $2,500 and schools must start taking applications by November 15.\n\nThe funds must be used on expenses that support a student\u2019s continued enrollment.\n\n$65 million for the Department of Public Instruction\n\n$5 million to increase mental health services to students, families, and school personnel in WNC.\n\nExpands school flexibility by excusing an additional 20 days of missed instruction time due to school closures from Hurricane Helene.\n\n$20 million for the University of North Carolina\n\n$5.5 million to establish a grant program to cover tuition for eligible in-state students at UNC Asheville in the spring semester.\n\n$5 million for an emergency grant program to support students in the UNC system who have suffered financial hardship due to damage and destruction by Helene.\n\nStudents will be eligible for up to $2,500 and schools must start taking applications by November 15.\n\nThe funds must be used on expenses that support a student\u2019s continued enrollment.\n\n$1 million for the same emergency grant program for students at private universities in WNC who have suffered financial hardship due to damage and destruction by Helene.\n\nStudents will be eligible for up to $2,500 and the UNC system must start taking applications by November 15.\n\nThe funds must be used on expenses that support a student\u2019s continued enrollment.\n\n$71.4 million to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services\n\n$1 million to local social services offices for rental assistance.\n\n$56 million to the Department of Commerce\n\n$50 million to Golden LEAF to administer a bridge loan program to qualifying businesses suffering economic distress due to Helene.\n\n$139 million to the Department of Environmental Quality\n\n$100 million to establish an emergency bridge loan program for water infrastructure.\n\n$22 million to establish an emergency infrastructure bridge loan program for commercial underground storage tanks.\n\n$130 million to the Department of Public Safety\n\n$106 million to general government, including the Office of State Budget and Management and the Treasurer.\n\n$100 million to the Local Government Commission to provide cash flow loans to local governments in affected areas.\n\nThe North Carolina General Assembly unanimously passed the Disaster Recovery Act of 2024 on Oct. 9, 2024.\n\nThis bill creates a new Hurricane Helene fund with $273 million from the state\u2019s Savings Reserve Fund.\n\n$250 million will go to the Department of Public Safety's Division of Emergency Management to provide the state\u2019s match to federal disaster relief funds.\n\nAnother portion of the funds will be used to establish a revolving loan program to help local government and state agencies with cash flow while they are waiting for reimbursement from the federal government.\n\n$16 million will go to the Department of Public Instruction for \u201clost compensation of school nutrition employees due to school closures resulting from Hurricane Helene\u201d\n\n$2 million to provide local governments technical assistance with local recovery funds.\n\n$5 million to the State Board of Elections, alongside a variety of temporary election law changes such as changing polling sites that were rendered unusable by the storm and establishing a voter hotline, to make it easier for residents of Western North Carolina to vote.\n\nThe bill also:\n\nGrants school calendar flexibility to public schools by allowing them to make up or mark as completed any number of the days or hours missed.\n\nIt also allows the schools to use up to 30 days of remote instruction toward required instructional days.\n\nWaives DMV fees for things like obtaining a duplicate driver\u2019s license, ID card, etc.\n\nWaives certain environmental requirements for state highway repairs.\n\nThis provision will not reduce the safety of repairs conducted by NCDOT or negatively impact the environment.\n\nHousing/Individual Assistance Updates\n\nMore than 254,000 Western North Carolinians have registered for Individual Assistance with FEMA.\n\nThe Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program through FEMA is currently providing temporary hotel stays to more than 9,500 individuals\n\nFEMA has distributed more than $225 million in housing assistance to more than 123,000 Western North Carolina households.\n\nHow to avoid scams during the assistance application process:\n\nHomeowners and renters who applied for FEMA disaster assistance in WNC should be aware that FEMA representatives may call from unfamiliar area codes and phone numbers that could show as SPAM or no caller ID.\n\nIt is important to answer the call, but always be alert to these illegitimate practices:\n\nA FEMA inspector calls, and you did not submit a FEMA application.\n\nA FEMA inspector asks for your banking information.\n\nFEMA inspectors are NEVER authorized to collect your personal financial information.\n\nA payment is requested from someone who says they are from FEMA.\n\nFEMA will never request payment.\n\nA FEMA inspector calls and asks for your personally identifiable information such as your social security number.\n\nIf any of these things happen to you, or you receive a call from someone saying they are a FEMA representative and you aren\u2019t sure, call the FEMA Helpline to report the incident.\n\nFEMA Helpline: (800) 621-3362\n\nIf you believe you are the victim of a scam related to the Helene response, you should file a complaint with the North Carolina Department of Justice by:\n\nVisiting ncdoj.gov/complaint; or,\n\nCalling toll-free at 877-566-7226.\n\nFood and Water\n\nFree drinking water testing is available by request through the Buncombe County Public Health Department.\n\nJust contact the Buncombe County Public Health Department to request a test kit.\n\nThe department will provide you with an empty bottle along with instructions to collect a drinking water sample and where to drop it off for analysis.\n\nIf you have a private well that flooded, the well should be disinfected and tested to ensure the safety of yourself and your family.\n\nThe Division of Public Health is providing free, well-testing kits through local health departments.\n\nContact your local health department (find your local department via this link) to obtain a free well testing and disinfection kit.\n\nNCDEQ has provided the following resources to help community members track progress on water supply restoration efforts:\n\nPublic Water Supply Situation Report Tracking - ArcGIS map with filters for system status, county, etc. linked here.\n\nDEQ Dashboard - links to additional maps, including mobile view of water system status, and environmental guidance linked here.\n\nBuncombe County\n\nBuncombe County has water distribution at multiple sites. Each will be available daily from 12:00-4:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Please bring your own container.\n\nBuncombe County Sports Park Complex\n\n58 Apac Dr., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nBlack Mountain Ingles\n\n550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nLinwood Crump Shiloh Community Center\n\n121 Shiloh Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nPack Square Park\n\n80 Court Plz., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nSky Lanes Bowling Alley\n\n1477 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nSwannanoa Ingles\n\n2299 US-70, Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nFairview Ingles\n\n225 Charlotte Hwy., Fairview, NC 28803\n\nThe following resources sites are available in Buncombe County, where citizens can access food, water and other basic necessities:\n\nBiltmore Baptist Church\n\n35 Clayton Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nDistribution and bulk pickup for volunteers looking to take bulk loads of supplies to in-need community members\n\nSaturday hours: 10:00 a.m. \u2013 1:00 p.m.\n\nCommunity drive-thru for anyone in the community needing supplies\n\nSaturday hours: 3:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church \u2013 Weaverville\n\n63 N. Main St., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nHot showers available from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nUnlimited clean drinking water is available, bring your own container.\n\nSupplies and bottled water.\n\nHot lunch served at 1:30 p.m.\n\nFellowship Asheville\n\n756 Fairview Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 1:00-4:00 p.m., Monday-Thursday\n\nWest Asheville Baptist Church\n\n926 Haywood Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 2:30-5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays\n\nSaint Mary Margaret Catholic Church\n\n102 Andrews Pl., Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nSaturday hours: 3:00-4:30 p.m.\n\nPlease note: This location is not open during mass.\n\nA Community Care Station is available at the following location:\n\n2319 Hwy. 70, Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nHot meals served daily: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCommunity Care Stations offer showers, laundry, bathrooms, access to cell towers, wi-fi, potable and non-potable water, and counseling.\n\nHaywood County\n\nThe following locations are providing community members with essential resources such as but not limited to, food, water, cleaning products, baby formula, and pet food, Monday through Fridays:\n\nFines Creek Community Center\n\n190 Fines Creek Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nOpen every day until 6:00 p.m.\n\nPigeon Community Center\n\n450 Pigeon St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nAlso offering hot meals every day at 2:00 p.m.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCruso Community Center\n\n13186 Cruso Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.\n\nFirst United Methodist Church\n\n566 S. Haywood St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nIncludes shower access.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.\n\nMaggie Valley Pavilion\n\n3935 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Saturday)\n\nWoodland Baptist Church\n\n545 Crabtree Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nNew Covenant Church\n\n767 Lee Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nIP Sportsplex\n\n305 Silkwood Dr., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nBethel Elementary School\n\n4700 Old River Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nJonathan Valley Elementary School\n\n410 Hall Dr., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nMonday through Friday\n\nSt. Barnabas Catholic Church\n\n109 Crescent Hill Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nDaily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.\n\nReynolds Baptist Church - Family Life Center\n\n520 Rose Hill Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.\n\nThis location also has potable water available to residents who bring their own vessels to fill.\n\nMountain Projects\n\n2177 Asheville Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nThe Community Kitchen\n\n288 Crabtree Mountain Rd., Canton, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.\n\nHaywood Christian Ministry\n\n150 Branner St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nThe following location offers showers daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.:\n\nCalvary Baptist Church\n\n2701 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nThe following location is offering supplies for horses and livestock:\n\nWNC Regional Livestock Center\n\n474 Stock Dr., Canton, NC 28716\n\nHenderson County\n\nHenderson County has stood up one Resource Hub location for water distribution and other supplies as they become available.\n\n118 McAbee Ct., Flat Rock, NC 28731\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nEach family unit will be provided supplies for one day\u2019s meal and water as available.\n\nIndividuals are asked to enter the drive-through and remain in your car unless otherwise instructed by volunteers to ensure an efficient process.\n\nJackson County\n\nIn partnership with the Red Cross, the following is available for citizens of Jackson County:\n\nThe Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau are providing shelf-stable meals at the following location:\n\n558 Frank Allen Rd., Cashiers, NC 28717\n\nThe Canada Fire Department is distributing emergency supplies at the following location:\n\n149 Charleys Creek Rd., Tuckasegee, NC 28783\n\nThe following locations are providing resources to displaced families and individuals in need:\n\nMountain Projects\n\n154-B Medical Park Loop, Sylva, NC 28779\n\nUnited Christian Ministries\n\n191 Skyland Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nSt. Mary\u2019s Roman Catholic Church of Sylva\n\n22 Bartlett St., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.\n\nCornbread and Roses\n\n1294 Savannah Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours:\n\nWednesday, 6:00-8:00 p.m.\n\nThursday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nSunday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nMadison County\n\nThe following locations are offering food, water, and some supply distribution in Madison County:\n\nBeech Glen Community Center\n\n2936 Beech Glen Rd., Mars Hill, 28754\n\nDaily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.\n\nCenter Community Center\n\n1300 Grapevine Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nEbbs Chapel Community Center\n\n281 Laurel Valley Rd., Mars Hill, NC 28754\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nEnon Baptist Church\n\n174 Ammons Branch Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nOpen Sunday 12:00-4:00 p.m.\n\nFreedom Christian Church\n\n7350 US 25/70 Bypass, Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThis location offers additional resources such as hygiene products, blankets, clothes, cleaning supplies, diapers, pet food, etc.\n\nLaurel Community Center - also has supplies\n\n4100 NC 212 Hwy., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily Hours: 8:00 a.m. \u2013 8:00 p.m.\n\nRevere-Rice Community Center\n\n3980 Revere Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (Mon-Sat)\n\nSpring Creek Community Center\n\n13075 NC 209 Hwy., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThis location also has additional resources such as pet food, livestock feed and hay.\n\nWalnut Community Center - also has supplies\n\n46 School Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.\n\nN.C. Cooperative Extension - Madison County Center\n\n258 Carolina Ln., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nThis location is offering drive-thru food distribution only.\n\nLittle Ivy Baptist Church\n\n1053 Crossroads Pkwy., Mars Hill, NC 28754\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMcDowell County has established multiple points of distribution that are open daily.\n\nDistribution takes place daily at the following locations:\n\nTom Johnson\u2019s Camping Center\n\n348 Resistoflex Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nWeekend hours: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCherry Springs\n\n6 Bull Walker Rd., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: Wednesdays 4:00-7:00 p.m., Sundays 2:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nCamp Grier\n\n985 Camp Grier Rd., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and 4:00-7:00 p.m.\n\nRestoration Church\n\n2344 Ashworth Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nCentro Unido Latino Americano\n\n79 Academy St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church of Old Fort\n\n203 E. Main St., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: 4:00-7:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nNew Manna Baptist Church\n\n225 E. Court St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 4:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church of Marion is offering hot showers, air conditioning, and areas to charge devices.\n\nCurrent hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 2:00-5:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday.\n\nPolk County\n\nThe following locations are offering food and water distribution for residents in need from 1:00-5:00 p.m.:\n\nMill Spring/Green Creek Community\n\n25 International Blvd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nColumbus Community\n\n95 Walker St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nSaluda Community Bus Parking Lot\n\n214 E. Main St., Saluda, NC 28773\n\nTryon Community\n\n301 N. Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782\n\nSunny View\n\n86 Sunny View School Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nRutherford County\n\nThe following two centralized distribution center locations are open from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. for citizens to get food and emergency supplies:\n\nThe Green Space\n\n658 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nWarehouse #7\n\n214 Vance St., Warehouse 7, Forest City, NC 28043\n\nTransylvania County\n\nThe following location is providing hot meals to county residents:\n\nBalsam Grove Community Center - daily until power is fully restored\n\n8732 Parkway Rd., Balsam Grove, NC 28708\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nBottled water is available daily at local fire departments and 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Anchor Baptist Church located at:\n\n3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nWater filling stations can be found at the following locations:\n\nCity Sports Complex\n\n824 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.\n\nRocky\u2019s Grill & Soda Shop\n\n50 S. Broad St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours\n\nCedar Mountain Outpost\n\n8431 Greenville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nDD Bullwinkles\n\n60 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nFirst United Methodist Church\n\n325 N. Broad St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nPisgah Forest Baptist Church\n\n494 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nFood, water, and other supplies such as hygiene products are being distributed at the following locations:\n\nAnchor Baptist Church\n\n3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nZion Baptist Church\n\n423 Main St., Rosman, NC 28772\n\nNo daily hours posted\n\nGrace Brevard\n\n55 E. Jordan St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2;00 p.m.\n\nMary C. Jenkins Community Center\n\n221 Mills Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nYancey County\n\nYancey County has one centralized distribution site for water, food and ice located at the following address:\n\nFormer Fred\u2019s Store\n\n677 W. U.S. Highway 19E, Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nMobile laundry facilities are available in the GO Grocery parking lot located at the following address:\n\n631 W Hwy. 19E Bypass, Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nTrash Services and Debris Removal\n\nAll counties are actively working with NCDEQ to determine where mud, silt and sediment can be safely dropped off without risk of contamination.\n\nRecycling services are available through Curbside Management for the following counties:\n\nBuncombe\n\nClay\n\nGraham\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nJackson\n\nMacon\n\nMadison\n\nPolk\n\nRutherford\n\nYancey\n\nSome communities have halted recycling services to prioritize trash collection.\n\nIf that is the case for your community, Curbside Management has a drop-off site available for residents who wish to bring their recycling to the following location:\n\n116 N. Woodfin Ave., Asheville, NC 28804\n\nIf your home has damage and you need assistance with clean up, please call Crisis Cleanup for access to volunteer organizations that can assist you at 844-965-1386.\n\nIf Hurricane Helene caused damage to your home or belongings, make sure to document it.\n\nThis is critically important in getting reimbursed.\n\nTake photos before you begin cleaning up.\n\nMake a list of damaged or lost items and gather receipts.\n\nDoing this helps speed up the process with insurance and other assistance programs, and ensures you get properly compensated.\n\nBefore you start the clean-up process, remember:\n\nWear PPE such as long pants, goggles, gloves and sturdy shoes.\n\nStay off damaged structures.\n\nBe aware that snakes or other hazardous animals could be present.\n\nCall your local fire department to inspect or removal chemicals, propane tanks, and other hazardous materials.\n\nIf you suspect debris contains toxic substances, seal them in plastic bags to prevent them from becoming airborne.\n\nTo reduce the risk of accidental fires, please DO NOT burn your storm debris.\n\nEmergency personnel are continuing to work on other storm recovery and response efforts, limiting resources to respond to accidental fires.\n\nPlease discard storm debris at a local transfer site or via curbside debris pickup.\n\nDebris should be placed curbside and not block the roadway or access to the property.\n\nPlease place debris away from trees, poles or other structures (e.g., fire hydrants, meters, etc.) to make removal work easier.\n\nContact your local municipality for curbside storm debris removal collection schedules or see below for additional information on debris waste removal by county.\n\nAdditionally, the following counties have resources for where to take household trash and debris waste.\n\nBuncombe\n\nCurbside collection will begin Monday for City of Asheville sanitation customers.\n\nStorm debris collection has begun in Buncombe County.\n\nSeparate storm-related debris at the curb in the right of way according to material type:\n\nAppliances, construction debris, household hazardous waste such as pesticides and automotive fluid, vegetative debris, and electronics.\n\nDebris collection will require multiple passes and will be a long process.\n\nResidents do not have to set out all debris at one time or worry if there is debris left; another pass can collect additional debris.\n\nTrash pickup has resumed on the regular schedule for customers in Black Mountain.\n\nWaste Pro collection service has resumed for regular Monday route customers.\n\nHaywood\n\nHousehold waste will be accepted at the Materials Recovery Facility at 247 Recycle Rd., Clyde and at Convenience Centers at Jonathan Creek, Beaverdam, Bethel, Hazelwood, Mauney Cove, Jones Cove and Highway 110.\n\nWhite Oak Landfill has reopened.\n\nHenderson\n\nHenderson County Transfer Station is open and accepting storm debris with normal fees.\n\nHenderson County has begun curbside storm debris removal to county residents as a free service.\n\nThe county will pick up storm debris for free if it is pushed to the right of way of a property.\n\nStorm debris includes tree branches, leaves, logs, building materials, furniture, paint etc.\n\nPlease be patient.\n\nThe county will pick up storm debris for free as quickly as possible.\n\nMadison\n\nThe Hot Springs collection center is operating on normal hours for household trash ONLY:\n\nMonday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nWednesday: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.\n\nFriday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nSaturday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nHot Springs trash pickup is returning to Mondays like usual.\n\nPlease only use this pickup service if you cannot bring it to the collection center yourself.\n\nThe pickup service is being led by volunteers at this time.\n\nMcDowell\n\nMcDowell County has hired private contractors to facilitate storm debris pickup from public right of ways in the Town of Old Fort, City of Marion, and along state secondary roads in the county.\n\nResidents are asked to separate debris into the following categories:\n\nLarge appliances\n\nConstruction debris\n\nVegetative debris\n\nHazardous waste\n\nElectronics\n\nHousehold waste\n\nPolk\n\nThe Polk County landfill is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\n322 Landfill Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nDrop-off of residential trash is $10.\n\nGFL trash services will continue the regular schedule.\n\nThe County has partnered with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to support residents with storm-related debris removal.\n\nCleanup crews are actively collecting debris across the county and transporting it to an approved temporary site on Wolverine Trial in Mill Spring, on Polk County-owned property.\n\nTo ensure smooth and efficient removal:\n\nDebris should be placed within 10 feet of the road.\n\nVegetative debris must be in manageable piles.\n\nLogs can have a maximum length of 15 feet.\n\nDebris should be separated into five categories:\n\nVegetative - Tree branches, leaves, log, branches.\n\nConstruction - Building materials, drywall, lumber, carpet, furniture, plumbing.\n\nLarge Appliances - Refrigerators, washer/dryers, air conditioners, stoves, water heaters, and dishwashers.\n\nPlease DO NOT leave doors unsealed or unsecured.\n\nElectronics - Television, computer, stereo, phones, DVD players, etc.\n\nHazardous Waste - Oil, batteries, pesticides, paint, cleaning supplies, compressed gas.\n\nDocument the clean-up process with photos before and after debris removal.\n\nRutherford\n\nThe county has begun storm debris removal along state-maintained and municipally-controlled roads.\n\nResidents are asked to place storm-related vegetative debris, including trees and limbs, within the road\u2019s right-of-way.\n\nCut large debris into four to six ft. sections.\n\nThe Rutherford County Landfill and all convenience centers have reopened with normal hours.\n\nTransylvania\n\nThe City of Brevard has resumed regular trash pickup.\n\nThe county landfill accepts natural vegetative storm debris, including spoiled hay, trees, brush, etc. for free.\n\nYancey\n\nThe Riverside and East Yancey Recycling Centers have resumed operations.\n\nDaily hours: 7:00 a.m. \u2013 4:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday\n\nThe Yancey-Mitchell Landfill is now open, following repairs from Hurricane Helene.\n\n555 Landfill Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday); 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Saturday)\n\nResidents should sort storm debris from regular household waste.\n\nHazardous materials will not be accepted and construction debris should be separated from household waste.\n\nUnited States Postal Service/Mail Services\n\nMy office has heard concerns related to the Barnardsville Post Office being closed.\n\nThe facility has been deemed unsafe for occupancy until all necessary repairs are completed and the facility has passed the required inspections.\n\nUSPS is dedicated to reopening the facility as soon as possible and I am working with them to make sure there are no unnecessary delays.\n\nRetail services are still being provided via a Mobile Retail Unit that is located on-site.\n\nDelivery operations remain temporarily transferred to the Weaverville Post Office and reliable mail delivery is continuing as it would if delivery were taking place through the Barnardsville location.\n\nAll Post Office Box mail and packages can be picked up from the mobile retail unit located in Barnardsville until further notice.\n\nSocial Security and FEMA checks are being routed to all units for delivery and/or are available for customer pick up.\n\nFor impacted residents who have relocated due to the storm, please be sure to complete a change of address request at moversguide.usps.com.\n\nMost USPS offices have reopened under normal operations.\n\nSunday delivery is being made in some of the affected communities to ensure delayed mail is delivered as soon as possible.\n\nOnly 21 offices, or 10 percent of all USPS offices in Western NC remain closed.\n\nOnly one facility was fully destroyed, the Micaville PO box office in ZIP code 28755.\n\nUSPS is utilizing Mobile Operations Units where residents can send or receive mail and packages in many of the areas with closed offices.\n\nThe mobile units are located in the following communities:\n\nAlexander - 28701\n\nBarnardsville - 28709\n\nCedar Mountain - 28718\n\nEdneyville - 28727\n\nHot Springs - 28743\n\nMarshall - 28753\n\nMicaville - 28755\n\nMontreat - 28757\n\nRosman - 28772\n\nSwannanoa - 28778\n\nPharmacy Access\n\nPharmacy Locator\n\nHundreds of pharmacies never closed or have reopened across Western North Carolina.\n\nUse this link to locate pharmacy locations open to the public by county.\n\nThe Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response under the Department of Health and Human Services has activated the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) for North Carolinians.\n\nThe EPAP program helps uninsured residents replace prescription medication or certain medical equipment lost or damaged during Hurricane Helene.\n\nThrough the program, uninsured residents can:\n\nRequest a free 30-day supply of certain prescription medications at any EPAP-participating pharmacy which can be renewed every 30 days while the EPAP is active.\n\nReplace certain medical equipment and supplies such as canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, blood sugar meters and blood sugar test strips for diabetics.\n\nUninsured North Carolina residents affected by the recent hurricane can call the EPAP hotline, 855-793-7470, or visit the EPAP website to check their eligibility, determine if their medications or medical equipment are covered, or locate a participating pharmacy.\n\nOpen Urgent Cares/ Health Care Services\n\nThe following urgent cares are open and accessible for community members with non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries:\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Weaverville\n\n61 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nMercy Urgent Care West Asheville\n\n1201 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nMercy Urgent Care Waynesville\n\n120 Frazier St., Ste. 6, Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nLocations open between 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Brevard\n\n22 Trust Ln., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Columbus\n\n140 West Mills St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nLocations open between 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.:\n\nMobile Urgent Care Clinic\n\n12 Florida Ave., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nMental Health & Basic Medical Support Center\n\n130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nPardee Urgent Care\n\n45 Hendersonville Hwy., Ste. A, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nLocations open between 8:00 a.m.5:00 p.m (closed one hour for lunch, check this link for exact lunch hours at your nearest location):\n\nBlue Ridge Health - 7th Ave Health Center Clinic\n\n628 7th Ave. E., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nClinic hours: Mon/Tues/Thurs, 1:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nBlue Ridge Health - Buncombe\n\n303 Airport Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nBlue Ridge Health - Chimney Rock Rd.\n\n2579 Chimney Rock Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nOpen until 8:00 p.m., Monday-Thursdays\n\nBlue Ridge Health - Haywood\n\n490 Hospital Dr., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nBlue Ridge Health - Highlands Cashiers\n\n209 Hospital Dr. #301, Highlands, NC 28741\n\nBlue Ridge Health - Jackson\n\n293 Hospital Rd., Ste. C, Sylva, NC 28779\n\nBlue Ridge Health - Justice Street\n\n709 North Justice St., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nBlue Ridge Health - Lake Lure\n\n146 Nesbitt Ridge, Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nBlue Ridge Health - Polk\n\n161 Walker St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nBlue Ridge Health - Rutherford\n\n187 W. Main St., Spindale, NC 28160\n\nClosed on Wednesdays\n\nBlue Ridge Health - Swain\n\n264 Hwy. 19 S., Ste. 4, Bryson City, NC 28713\n\nBlue Ridge Health - Transylvania\n\n29 W. French Broad St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nOpen until 8:00 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays.\n\nOther locations available:\n\nHeart to Heart International - in Haywood Department of Health Parking Lot\n\n157 Paragon Pkwy., Ste. 800, Clyde, NC 28721\n\nDaily hours: Not available at this time.\n\nFree mental health services - All available for drop-in\n\nIf you have been impacted by the storm and need someone to talk to, call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1 (800) 985-5990.\n\nHelp is also available to anyone, anytime in English or Spanish through a call, text or chat to 988.\n\nLearn more at 988Lifeline.org.\n\nCare Collaborative for Western North Carolina Clinicians is a partnership among more than 200 mental health professionals volunteering to provide free mental health services for Hurricane Helene survivors.\n\nServices are provided virtually, and you can follow this link to find a professional that fits your needs and their contact information to schedule a session.\n\nHot Springs Elementary School - Art Room\n\n63 N. Serpentine Ave., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nThe Pearl Institute\n\n55 Academy St., Waynesville, NC\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-6:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nFree telehealth appointments are also available.\n\nTo book a telehealth appointment, you can email info@pearlpsychedelicinstitute.org or call/text (828) 400-7091\n\nCommunity Support Group\n\nRegular group sessions will be occurring through the end of December at the following locations:\n\n221 Mills Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nMary C. Jenkins Community & Cultural Center\n\nHosted by the City of Brevard, AARP, and Blue Ridge Community College\n\n9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on October 28\n\n45 Oak Park Dr., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nBlue Ridge Community College, Brevard Campus, Room 140\n\n9:00-11:00 a.m. on November 4, 18, 25; December 2, 9 ,16\n\nAll University of North Carolina System students have access to free mental health through their university.\n\nPlease monitor your student email for more information on how to access these services.\n\nThe following orthopedic urgent care locations are open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily, physical therapy appointments are also available at each of these locations:\n\nEmergeOrtho Hendersonville\n\n800 Fleming St., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nEmergeOrtho Arden (South Asheville)\n\n2585 Hendersonville Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nEmergeOrtho Waynesville\n\n9 Haywood Office Park, Ste. 102 and 103, Waynesville, NC 28785\n\nEmergeOrtho Brevard\n\n89 Hospital Dr., Ste. A, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nEmergeOrtho Weaverville\n\n159 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nResources for Veterans\n\nOutpatient clinics have rescheduled 66 percent of the appointments that were cancelled due to Hurricane Helene, with more being rescheduled every day.\n\nThe U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs launched a new web page with disaster relief resources, providing a single place for veterans and their caregivers to access VA resources on health care, housing, benefits payments, insurance, and more.\n\nYou can access the web site via this link.\n\nThe VA has established a Veterans Disaster Response Hotline, which is available 24/7 at 1(800) 507-4571.\n\nIf you or a veteran you know needs immediate housing assistance after Hurricane Helene, please call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at (877) 424-3838.\n\nThe call center is open 24/7.\n\nIf you have a VA-backed home loan and are unable to make your mortgage payments, please contact your mortgage servicer.\n\nYou can also call the VA at (877) 827-3702, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nHome loan servicers are allowed to put a 90-day pause on foreclosures and encouraged to waive late charges for VA-guaranteed home loans after a disaster.\n\nLegionnaires, Sons of the American Legion members and Legion Posts that have been displaced from their primary residence due to damage sustained during Hurricane Helene may be eligible for financial assistance through the American Legion.\n\nLegionnaires and Sons of the American Legion members may be eligible for up to $3,000.\n\nLegion Posts may be eligible for up to $10,000.\n\nTo learn more or to request assistance, please use this link.\n\nApplications must be submitted within 90 days of the disaster: Dec. 26, 2024.\n\nThe Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville and Master Sergeant Jerry K. Crump VA Clinic in Forest City are open for essential and emergency services.\n\nVeterans can:\n\nVisit the Asheville VA Hospital pharmacy for medication refills or:\n\nCall the Regional Clinical Contact Center at (855) 679-0074 and press 1 for pharmacy representatives.\n\nLocal pharmacies in the VA\u2019s community care network will also fill written prescriptions, or prescriptions as they appear on an active VA prescription bottle that is not older than six months and has available refills, to provide a 30-day supply.\n\nHickory, Forest City and Franklin outpatient VA clinics are now operating regularly.\n\nDue to the damage and personal losses caused by Hurricane Helene to the staff of the VA, it will take some time to bring staffing to full capacity.\n\nPlease be patient as the VA works to rebuild their workforce.\n\nResources for Farmers\n\nThe United States Department of Agriculture has put together a list of resources for farmers and other agricultural industry members.\n\nIf your agricultural operation has been impacted by Hurricane Helene, you can review this link, farmers.gov, for emergency and disaster assistance programs.\n\nAg supplies can be picked up by farmers in need from any of the following distribution centers (including non-NC-11 locations for farmers who may be closer to an out-of-district distribution center):\n\nAvery County\n\nMitchell-Avery County Center\n\n6880 Linville Falls Hwy., Newland, NC 28657\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday); 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Saturday)\n\nBuncombe County\n\nMills River Station\n\n74 Research Dr., Mills River, NC 28759\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nCaldwell County\n\nCaldwell County Fairgrounds\n\n2461 Fairground Rd., Lenoir, NC 28645\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Wednesday and Saturday only), or by appointment\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMarion - McDowell County\n\n188 Ag Services Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Saturday)\n\nHaywood County\n\nSmokey Mountain Event Center\n\n758 Crabtree Dr., Waynesville, NC 28785\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nWatauga County\n\nWatauga County Extension\n\n5715 U.S. Highway 421 N., Vilas, NC 28692\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) - NO HAY\n\n1:00-6:00 p.m. (Tuesday and Thursday) - HAY ONLY\n\nPower\n\nAlmost 100 percent of all power outages have been restored in impacted areas.\n\nLess than 900 customers remain without power across Western NC.\n\n150 Duke Energy customers.\n\n700 electric cooperative customers.\n\nIf your insurance provider is requesting \u201cproof of outage,\u201d you can contact Duke Energy\u2019s Contact Center to request the letter.\n\n(800) 777-9898\n\nMy office has heard multiple complaints of Duke Energy customers being charged for power on days where there was an outage. Duke Energy provided the following information for how billing was calculated, and what will take place to provide a credit if you were over billed due to being a non-AMI account:\n\nAMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure)\n\nBills for customers with an AMI/Smart Meter will reflect actual usage for the billing cycle if the meter is communicating. (For awareness: Duke is monitoring usage daily)\n\nNon-AMI\n\nCustomers without an AMI/Smart Meter may see estimated usage if Duke was unable to obtain a reading prior to invoicing.\n\nOnce Duke Energy can obtain a reading from the meter, your next bill will be adjusted to reflect actual usage and a credit will be applied for anyone who\u2019s usage was overestimated.\n\nDuke Energy also provided the following information for auto-pay and budget billing customers:\n\nAuto-Pay\n\nPayments will automatically draft on the due date for customers signed up for auto-pay.\n\nCustomers have the option to temporarily pause their automatic payment by contacting Duke at 800-777-9898 (DEC) | 800-452-2777 (DEP) or by logging into their account to unenroll from Auto Pay.\n\nIf a customer chooses to unenroll via logging into their online account, they are encouraged to re-enroll when their situation allows to avoid any future missed payments.\n\nBudget Billing\n\nCustomers enrolled in Budget Billing will still be invoiced their set monthly amount.\n\nFor more information on Duke Energy\u2019s power restoration efforts, you can review the following links:\n\nComplex Repair & Disaster Rebuild Zones Map: duke-energy.com/info/carolinas-restoration\n\nOutage Map: duke-energy.com/outages\n\nOutage Alerts: duke-energy.com/outages/alerts\n\nGenerator safety: duke-energy.com/outages/generators\n\nPower restoration process: duke-energy.com/outages/restoring-your-power\n\nRoads\n\nWestern North Carolina is FULLY OPEN to visitors!\n\nPlease come visit!\n\nNCDOT has now reopened 1,042 roads that were previously closed due to Hurricane Helene.\n\nOnly 293 roads remain fully closed.\n\n95 other roads are open with partial access.\n\n37 roads are open to all traffic except truck traffic.\n\nTemporary one-lane vehicle access, including a temporary bridge, has been restored along U.S. 64/U.S. 74A/NC 9 in Chimney Rock.\n\nThe contractor continues to improve the access road as NCDOT works to procure the permanent repair contract.\n\nAmes Construction has been awarded a contract for the permanent repair of I-40 in the Pigeon River Gorge.\n\nNCDOT is targeting New Year\u2019s Day for restoring traffic to one lane in each direction with a reduced speed limit on I-40 in the Gorge.\n\nEmergency roadway repair work continues with the installation of temporary bridges, numerous slide repairs, roadway reconstruction work, and repair of dangerous shoulder washouts.\n\nThe focus continues to be on major corridors and communities with limited access.\n\nOnly ONE community throughout Western NC has limited access.\n\nNCDOT crews are working to restore access to this community by installing a low-water bridge.\n\nIn light of interruptions in service caused by NC DMV closures due to Hurricane Helene, the following DMV fees have been waived from Sept. 26 through Dec. 31, 2024:\n\nDuplicate or corrected vehicle titles.\n\nDuplicate registration cards.\n\nSalvage certificate of title.\n\nReplacement license plates and/or stickers.\n\nDuplicate driver licenses (including CDLs).\n\nDuplicate state ID cards (note: state ID cards are already free for anyone age 17 and up)\n\nThe following late fees have also been waived from Sept. 26 through Dec. 31, 2024:\n\nLate vehicle registration fees for vehicles that expired on or after Aug. 31, 2024.\n\nLate interest payments on vehicle registrations and property taxes that expired on or after Aug. 31, 2024.\n\nTitle fees on or after Aug. 31, 2024.\n\nLate fees and interest on limited registration plates and vehicle registration renewals for limited registrations that expired on or after Sept. 30, 2024.\n\nLate fees for dealer plates that expired on or after Aug. 31, 2024.\n\nIf you paid any of the above listed fees or late fees prior to notice of the fee waivers, you will be automatically refunded.\n\nCitizens do not have to take any action to receive refunds.\n\nPlease allow four to six weeks (until Dec. 6, 2024) for refunds to be processed.\n\nRefunds will NOT be given in-person at NC DMV offices.\n\nNCDOT has established a Road Reopening Dashboard for folks to keep track of progress made by the department.\n\nYou can use this link to access the dashboard.\n\nThe dashboard is also linked on DriveNC.gov.\n\nTo monitor road conditions in and around NC-11, use drivenc.gov.\n\nThe website tracks NCDOT-managed road conditions in real time.\n\nThe following DMV offices are open for walk-in services in or near NC-11, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., closed between 11:30 a.m. through 1:00 p.m. for a lunch break:\n\nBuncombe County\n\n1624 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nCherokee County\n\n1440 Main St., Andrews, NC 28901\n\nHaywood County\n\n290 Lee Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nHenderson County\n\n125 Baystone Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nJackson County\n\n876 Skyland Dr., Ste. 2, Sylva, NC 28779\n\nMacon County\n\n16 Patton Ave., Franklin, NC 28734\n\nMadison County\n\n1685 NC Highway 213, Marshall, NC 28753\n\nMcDowell County\n\n3975 NC 226 S., Marion, NC 28752\n\nRutherford County\n\n596 Withrow Rd., Forest City, NC 28043\n\nSwain County\n\n2650 Governors Island Rd., Bryson City, NC 28713\n\nTransylvania County\n\n50 Commerce St., Ste. 4, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nYancey County\n\n116 N. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nNCDOT has launched a detour map to show motorists how to get around closures on I-26 and I-40 at the Tennessee border.\n\nYou can access the map here.\n\nInternet Access\n\nFrontier Communications has been diligently working to restore service to customers in Western NC.\n\nService is expected to be restored by November 11 for customers in Marshall.\n\nReconstruction and restoration work begins TODAY, November 4, for customers in the Micaville area.\n\nMy office has also heard from numerous customers frustrated that they were billed for a full month of internet through AT&T despite extended outages, and in many cases, service still not being restored:\n\nAT&T Customer Support is providing billing credits and working with customers impacted by Hurricane Helene when they call AT&T customer service, (800) 288-2020.\n\nSpectrum is proactively issuing credit to customers for the time they were without Spectrum service due to the hurricane.\n\nIf you believe your time without service was not correctly identified, please contact Spectrum customer support to identify the correct credit.\n\nThese automatic credits are applied after Spectrum service has been restored.\n\nWaiting until service restoration has taken place to determine the number of days service was out enables Spectrum to calculate an accurate and appropriate credit.\n\nInternet providers are still working with local energy and cell providers to restore service for customers across Western North Carolina.\n\nFiber repair crews are also pairing with electric utility crews in the field to assist with any accidental fiber cuts.\n\nInternet providers including Optimum and Spectrum are working around the clock to restore service for customers. However, part of the network\u2019s infrastructure was destroyed by mudslides and collapsed bridges making restoration a lengthy process.\n\nAs a result, some impacted areas will require a rebuild of the network from scratch.\n\nTo mitigate the lack of service, Optimum, formerly Altice USA, has set up an Optimum Wi-Fi Trailer that is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the following locations:\n\n717 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\n1800 Four Seasons Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nThe following locations are offering free public wi-fi:\n\nFirst Baptist Church - Weaverville\n\n63 N. Main St, Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nDowntown Franklin\n\nThe Town of Franklin has free wi-fi on the town hill area in downtown.\n\nTransylvania County Library - 24/7\n\n212 S. Gaston St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nThe Yard Brevard\n\n284 Railroad Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nBrevard Visitor Center\n\n175 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAvailable daily from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThe Vine Anglican Church - and free coffee\n\n1055 Lee Rd, Clyde, NC 28721\n\nAvailable daily from 12:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nNorth Carolina National Guard & Department of Defense\n\nAs requests from some counties are decreasing, NC National Guard assets are NOT standing down, they are instead being reallocated to other areas.\n\nMore than 1,500 National Guard soldiers and airmen are deployed across Western North Carolina to provide support.\n\nAll active-duty forces have returned to their duty stations, including Ft. Campbell and Ft. Liberty.\n\nThe National Guard has distributed more than 21,000 tons of commodities to Western North Carolina.\n\nHighlights include:\n\nCompleted a culvert project on Locust Cove Road in McDowell County\n\nCompleted road repair missions in Yancey County\n\nMucked out 15 cubic yards and 50 tons of debris in Madison County\n\nHere are a few key phone numbers from the NCNG:\n\nHOTLINE: 888-892-1162\n\nEmergency management watch: 919-733-3300\n\nDonated goods: 919-825-2474\n\nThese lines have very high call volumes. If you do not get through the first try, keep calling.\n\nAsheville Regional Airport\n\nAsheville Regional Airport closed mid-day on Friday, September 27, due to risk of flooding.\n\nCommercial flights at Asheville Regional Airport have resumed.\n\nIf you parked your car in an Asheville Regional Airport lot and could not retrieve the vehicle due to the storm, great news - none of the airport\u2019s lots flooded and all cars are fine.\n\nStay safe and pick up your car when you are able.\n\nPLEASE NOTE:\n\nNo general aviation pilots are allowed to land at Asheville Regional Airport without prior clearance from FEMA to ensure the safety of aircraft and personnel.\n\nSupply deliveries by civilian pilots ARE permitted to land at Asheville Regional Airport so long as they have prior clearance from FEMA.\n\nFEMA is not turning away any pilot that has gone through the proper channels to coordinate delivery and ensure the safety of his fellow aircraft and personnel.\n\nFederal Nutrition Programs\n\nThe U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service has approved flexibilities due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene.\n\nSNAP\n\nNorth Carolina was granted a waiver for the 10-day reporting requirement for the replacement of food purchased with SNAP benefits lost because of the hurricane.\n\nThis waiver provides additional time beyond the standard 10-day time frame for households to report food losses and receive replacement benefits for food that was destroyed and previously purchased with SNAP benefits.\n\nChild Nutrition\n\nThe North Carolina Department of Public Instruction was approved for a waiver pertaining to the child nutrition programs.\n\nUnder the waiver approval, NCDPI\u2019s local program operators may:\n\nServe meals in a non-congregate setting\n\nAdjust the time of meal service\n\nAllow parent pick-up\n\nAllow service of meals at school sites\n\nFood and Nutrition Services Program\n\nPeople and families in North Carolina who are enrolled in the Food and Nutrition Services program can now use their EBT card to purchase hot food.\n\nThis flexibility will remain in effect until November 3.\n\nSpecial Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, & Children (WIC)\n\nFamilies participating in WIC who may have relocated to a new area can go to any NC WIC agency to:\n\nHave a new eWIC card issued\n\nRequest replacement breastfeeding supplies or breast pumps\n\nRequest replacement food that was purchased with current WIC benefits and lost due to Hurricane Helene\n\nFor NC-11 Medical Providers\n\nIf you own a medical practice in NC-11 and are experiencing financial hardship due to Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina Medical Society is reactivating its Financial Recovery Program (FRP) to help you recover and open your doors again.\n\nFor more information on the disaster relief fund, you can visit this link.\n\nDetails on how medical practices can qualify and apply for funds will be coming soon.\n\nThe Department of Health and Human Services through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has made available:\n\nAccelerated payments to Medicare Part A providers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nAdvance payments to Medicare Part B suppliers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nFor Local Government Resource Requests\n\nFor county leaders: This is a reminder to make sure your Emergency Operation Center has submitted the request for gasoline, food, water, cell service deployables, etc. with North Carolina Emergency Management to have your request processed and resources delivered.\n\nMy office stands ready to assist with checking the status of your request if the county or municipality has not heard back from NC Emergency Management within 24 hours.\n\nDisaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)\n\nThe deadline to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits is Dec. 2, 2024 for all counties other than Swain, Graham and Cherokee counties.\n\nSwain County\u2019s deadline is Dec. 9, 2024.\n\nDisaster Unemployment Assistance benefits are now available for Western North Carolinians in counties with a major disaster declaration, including:\n\nBuncombe\n\nClay\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nJackson\n\nMacon\n\nMadison\n\nMcDowell\n\nPolk\n\nRutherford\n\nSwain\n\nTransylvania\n\nYancey\n\nIf your employment has been lost or interrupted because of Hurricane Helene, you may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance.\n\nFile an application for DUA:\n\nFile at des.nc.gov, or\n\nCall over the phone at (919) 629-3857\n\nA toll-free legal aid hotline is now available for low-income survivors with disaster-related legal questions: (866) 219-5262.\n\nFor Individual Assistance through FEMA\n\nThe deadline to file for FEMA Serious Needs Assistance is Nov. 27, 2024. Serious Needs Assistance refers to the initial $750 direct payment provided to eligible households to address necessary expenses like food, water, baby formula, etc.\n\nThe deadline to file for FEMA Individual Assistance is Jan. 7, 2025. Please mark your calendars and ensure all applications are submitted on time.\n\nNorth Carolina received a Major Disaster Declaration for the following counties: Buncombe, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania and Yancey counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.\n\nPeople with damage to their homes or personal property who live in one of the above-listed counties should apply for Individual Assistance through FEMA, which may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies.\n\nFunds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay.\n\nIndividual Assistance provides financial aid and services to eligible individuals and households that have been affected by a disaster to assist with the recovery process. Individuals can officially begin applying for Individual Assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling the application phone number at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. EST.\n\nFind steps to help you replace important documents that were lost or damaged in the storm: www.fema.gov/disaster/4827/news-media\n\nIf you were initially denied for Individual Assistance, please see below for useful tips to help you file an appeal with FEMA:\n\nUnderstand why FEMA denied your claim before writing the appeal.\n\nIt could be as simple as a missing document, which you can submit with your appeal.\n\nRead FEMA\u2019s letter from beginning to end to completely understand what the agency needs from you.\n\nMake sure you provide evidence for your appeal. Depending on your situation, documentation may include:\n\nA copy of your flood insurance declaration page.\n\nProof of occupancy, which could be an employer statement, lease, utility bill, credit card statement, or other recent, formal document that states your address.\n\nProof of ownership, which might include your mortgage or insurance documents, tax receipts, deed, etc.\n\nCan\u2019t write the appeal yourself?\n\nI recommend having a trusted friend, family member, or lawyer write it for you.\n\nKnow your deadline.\n\nYou have 60 days from the date of your FEMA determination letter to appeal.\n\nCircle the deadline on your calendar or write yourself a note to keep the date in the forefront.\n\nOnce FEMA reviews your letter, you may receive a phone call or a follow-up letter asking for more documentation.\n\nDon\u2019t forget to sign your appeal letter!\n\nOnce signed, there are three ways to submit your appeal:\n\nFax it to (800) 827-8112\n\nSend it by mail to: FEMA Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782\n\nUpload all appeal documents to your disasterassistance.gov account.\n\nInclude your application number on every page of the documents you submit.\n\nExpect a decision letter to your appeal within 90 days.\n\nTo Connect with a Loved One\n\nResidents trying to connect with family members may call NC 211 (or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from out-of-state) to report missing loved ones or request a welfare check.\n\nPeople in the impacted areas can indicate that they are safe by reporting themselves safe through Red Cross Reunification by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).\n\nPlease only use 911 for life-threatening emergencies so the lines remain open for critical situations.\n\nIf you are still trying to locate a friend or family member, please complete this form, linked here, to notify local officials of their missing status.\n\nThe form was created by Buncombe County but information is being shared amongst all counties.\n\nRegardless of which county your loved one was last known to be in, you can still submit the form.\n\nBuncombe County will share the information with the appropriate officials to initiate search and rescue efforts.\n\nUnited Way is also fielding missing person/welfare check requests.\n\nText PERSON to 40403 to add a loved one to search and rescue efforts or fill out this form.\n\nResources for Utility & Other Status Updates\n\nFor information on the status of utilities, debris sites, etc., we want to share the following resources. As communications are restored and more information becomes available, these sites will continue to be updated.\n\nDrinking Water Systems: Public Water Supply Situation Report Tracking\n\nDebris Disposal Sites: Active Temporary Debris Disposal Sites\n\nNCDEQ Situation Report Tracking System\n\nNCDPS Hurricane Helene - Storm Information\n\nNCDPS County Emergency Management Agencies\n\nHow to Apply for FEMA Assistance After Hurricane Helene\n\nFree Legal Assistance\n\nLegal Aid of North Carolina stands ready to provide free advice and legal counsel regarding natural disaster needs, including legal representation if necessary, including for civil legal issues involving:\n\nFiling FEMA claims and appeals (a process which can be overwhelmingly bureaucratic and burdensome)\n\nReplacement of lost or destroyed legal and government documents, including driver\u2019s licenses and identification cards\n\nMedical and insurance claims\n\nHome repair contracts\n\nUtility disputes related to restoration of services\n\nConsumer protection issues like construction fraud, price-gouging on repairs and identity theft\n\nHousing issues such as unlawful eviction and foreclosures\n\nBankruptcy\n\nProbate and clearing title for survivors living in generational homes without a clear title\n\nFamily law cases and children in need of services (unfortunately, domestic violence tends to rise following a natural disaster)\n\nIf you need civil legal assistance, please contact Legal Aid of North Carolina via the following toll-free hotline:\n\n(866) 219-LANC or (866) 219-5262\n\nThe hotline is available from:\n\n8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; and 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Monday and Thursdays.\n\nConstituents can also apply online at legalaidnc.org/get-help/ between 1:00-4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday.\n\nIRS Guidance for Taxpayers Impacted by Hurricane Helene\n\nExtension of certain tax filing deadlines:\n\nIRS has extended various filing deadlines for taxpayers in impacted areas, including 2024 individual/business returns, certain quarterly estimated income tax payments, and certain payroll/excise taxes.\n\nClick here for the full list of extensions and respective dates\n\nClick here for more information from the IRS on disaster assistance\n\nTax relief for qualified payments, disaster-related losses:\n\nIRS released provided guidance to taxpayers on how to address disaster-related losses in their 2024 tax return, as well as providing guidance on how qualified disaster relief payments - like government assistance payments - are generally excluded from gross income.\n\nClick here for a general walkthrough of these policies (under header \u201cAdditional tax relief\u201d)\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of disaster-related losses\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of qualified disaster relief payments\n\nDisaster payments are usually tax-free:\n\nQualified disaster relief payments are generally excluded from gross income.\n\nIn general, this means that affected taxpayers can exclude the following payments from a government agency from their gross income. Amounts received for:\n\nReasonable and necessary personal, family, living or funeral expenses.\n\nThe repair or rehabilitation of your home.\n\nThe repair or replacement of your home\u2019s contents.\n\nYou may be eligible for a disaster loss deduction:\n\nIn some instances, individuals and businesses in a federally declared disaster area can qualify for a casualty loss tax deduction.\n\nThe deduction is available for damaged or destroyed property not covered by insurance or other reimbursement and can result in a larger refund.\n\nTaxpayers can choose to claim the deduction on either the return for the year the loss occurred (in this instance, the 2024 return normally filed next year), or the return for the prior year (the 2023 return filed this year).\n\nFor individual taxpayers, the deadline for making this election is Oct. 15, 2025.\n\nThe IRS also has a special hotline specifically dedicated to taxpayers with disaster-related tax questions. Disaster victims can call the agency\u2019s disaster hotline at (866) 562-5227.\n\nShelters\n\nFor those unable to evacuate to a safe location or in need of a place to go, the following shelter is currently open and available as of today:\n\nBuncombe County\n\nGold\u2019s Gym\n\n801 Fairview Rd, Asheville, NC 28803\n\nCarolina Cruiser mobile office hours\n\nIn keeping with my office's motto of being \"First in Constituent Services\" and to help constituents post-Hurricane Helene, my office has resumed Carolina Cruiser mobile office hours.\n\nFolks can stop by to share their thoughts on issues that matter to them or ask for assistance with federal agencies.\n\nVisit my website for updated Carolina Cruiser hours and locations, linked here.\n\nWith my warmest regards,\n\nChuck Edwards\n\nMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:07:06Z"], ["https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-adams-statement-passing-quincy-jones", "Rep. Adams\u2019 Statement on the Passing of Quincy Jones", "2024-11-04", "2024", "2024-11", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Alma S. Adams", "A000370", "adams.house.gov", "adams", "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "\u201cThe world has lost an iconic, creative genius whose music was the soundtrack of our lives for multiple generations. Quincy Jones was a legend who reminded us that we are all one. He brought us hits like 'We are the World' and Thriller, the musical score for The Color Purple, and the opening theme for Sanford and Son. His contribution to our society will long be remembered. Thank you for your service Quincy Jones. Your rent is fully paid.\u201d\n\nCongresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. represents North Carolina's 12th Congressional District (Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, Cabarrus County) and serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Education & the Workforce, where she serves as ranking member of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:07:06Z"], ["https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/hurricane-recovery-update-30", "Hurricane recovery update #30", "2024-11-04", "2024", "2024-11", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Chuck Edwards", "E000246", "edwards.house.gov", "edwards", "https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "November 4, 2024\n\nDear Friend,\n\nHurricane Helene has interrupted many things in our communities over the past few weeks: water service, internet access and the ability to work from home, and the school calendar, to name a few; but one thing that is continuing without delay is the 2024 general election.\n\nTomorrow is Election Day and voting is the fundamental basis that makes our country a democracy. Casting your vote gives you an opportunity to make sure your views and concerns are reflected in the representation that you elect. It is often referred to as your civic duty, but in the wake of Hurricane Helene, it is much more than that.\n\nYour vote will directly impact the support our mountains receive in the coming months and years as we recover from Helene\u2019s destruction. I encourage each and every one of you to make sure your voice is heard in this year\u2019s election.\n\nDue to hurricane damage, some voting sites have changed. If you\u2019re unsure where your Election Day polling place is located, you can visit this link and input your address to find where to vote. Please note that voting on Election Day is not the same as early voting. You cannot go to any voting site in your county. You must go to your assigned polling place.\n\nFor the love of democracy, get out and vote.\n\nThis week\u2019s update includes a new Disaster Recovery Center in Polk County, waived NC DMV fees and late fees, the new contract issued for permanent repairs to I-40, information related to the status of the Barnardsville Post Office, how to request proof of power outage for insurance companies, account credits for Spectrum customers, Frontier Communications restoration timelines for customers in Marshall and Micaville, and additional open dates for two temporary Buncombe County Disaster Recovery Centers.\n\nToday is update number 30, with more information to follow in the coming weeks. As always, please make sure to read everything and share it with your friends and family.\n\nIndex\n\nClick the title to be taken to the correlating information in the update.\n\nFEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Sites\n\nLegislative Support\n\nHousing/Individual Assistance Updates\n\nFood and Water\n\nBuncombe County\n\nHaywood County\n\nHenderson County\n\nJackson County\n\nMadison County\n\nMcDowell County\n\nPolk County\n\nRutherford County\n\nTransylvania County\n\nYancey County\n\nTrash Services and Debris Removal\n\nBuncombe\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nMadison\n\nMcDowell\n\nPolk\n\nRutherford\n\nTransylvania\n\nYancey\n\nVoter Information\n\nUnited States Postal Service/Mail Services\n\nPharmacy Access\n\nOpen Urgent Cares/ Health Care Services\n\nDialysis Locations\n\nOxygen Locations\n\nResources for Veterans\n\nResources for Farmers\n\nPower\n\nRoads\n\nInternet Access\n\nCell Service\n\nNorth Carolina National Guard & Department of Defense\n\nAsheville Regional Airport\n\nFederal Nutrition Programs\n\nFor NC-11 Medical Providers\n\nFor Local Government Resource Requests\n\nFor Individual Assistance through FEMA\n\nTo Connect with a Loved One\n\nResources for Utility & Other Status Updates\n\nFree Legal Assistance\n\nIRS Guidance for Taxpayers Impacted by Hurricane Helene\n\nShelters\n\nBuncombe County\n\nHaywood County\n\nHenderson County\n\nMadison County\n\nMcDowell County\n\nRutherford County\n\nTransylvania County\n\nYancey County\n\nCarolina Cruiser Mobile Office Hours\n\nFEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Sites\n\nThe following FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers are open seven days a week to assist North Carolina survivors who have experienced losses from Hurricane Helene.\n\nBuncombe County - TEMPORARY LOCATIONS\n\nSwannanoa Fire Rescue - Bee Tree Fire Sub Station\n\n510 Bee Tree Rd., Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nOpen November 2-5 and 11-14, 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nBuncombe County Sports Park (Parking Lot)\n\n58 Apac Dr., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nOpen November 6-9 and 15-18, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nBuncombe County - PERMANENT LOCATION\n\nCane Creek Pool\n\n590 Lower Brush Creek Rd., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nHaywood County\n\nRegional High Technical Center\n\n112 Industrial Park Dr., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nHenderson County\n\n2111 Asheville Hwy., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nJackson County Annex Building\n\n198 WBI Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nMadison County\n\nMadison County Public Library - Marshall Branch\n\n1335 N. Main St., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nMcDowell County\n\nA.C. \u201cBud\u201d Hogan Community Center\n\n909 E. Main St., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nCounty Senior Center\n\n100 Spaulding Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nPolk County\n\nPolk County Recreation Complex (Parking Lot)\n\n235 Wolverine Trl., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nRutherford County\n\nMountains Branch Library\n\n150 Bills Creek Rd., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nSwain County\n\nSwain County Technology & Training Center\n\n45 East Ridge Dr., Bryson City, NC 28713\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nTransylvania County: Community Services Building\n\n106 E. Morgan St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nYancey County\n\nCounty Annex Facility\n\n677 W. U.S. Highway 19E Bypass, Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nA Disaster Recovery Center is a one-stop shop where survivors can meet face-to-face with FEMA representatives, apply for FEMA assistance, receive referrals to local assistance in their area, apply with the U.S. Small Business Administration for disaster loans, etc.\n\nAdditional recovery centers will be opening soon, and I will keep you posted as I learn about them.\n\nDisaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams are also stationed across NC-11 to help survivors apply for FEMA assistance and connect them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources.\n\nLegislative Support\n\nThe U.S. House of Representatives is gearing up to pass a disaster relief package when we return to session in November.\n\nI have begun conversations with leadership about how to best meet Western North Carolina\u2019s needs in any supplemental relief package passed by Congress in the coming months.\n\nThe North Carolina General Assembly unanimously passed a second round of disaster relief on October 24, known as the Disaster Recovery Act of 2024 Part II.\n\nState legislators have stated that this package is still preliminary support, and more will be on the way in another session on November 19, 2024.\n\nThis bill adds another $604 million from the state\u2019s Savings Reserve Fund to the Hurricane Helene Fund. Below lays out where the funds are going and shares a summary of what some of the funds will be used for.\n\n$16.7 million for the North Carolina Community College System\n\n$5 million for a grant program to cover tuition and fees for eligible students at impacted community colleges in WNC for the spring semester.\n\n$10.5 million for an emergency grant program to support students who have suffered financial hardship due to damage and destruction by Helene.\n\nStudents will be eligible for up to $2,500 and schools must start taking applications by November 15.\n\nThe funds must be used on expenses that support a student\u2019s continued enrollment.\n\n$65 million for the Department of Public Instruction\n\n$5 million to increase mental health services to students, families, and school personnel in WNC.\n\nExpands school flexibility by excusing an additional 20 days of missed instruction time due to school closures from Hurricane Helene.\n\n$20 million for the University of North Carolina\n\n$5.5 million to establish a grant program to cover tuition for eligible in-state students at UNC Asheville in the spring semester.\n\n$5 million for an emergency grant program to support students in the UNC system who have suffered financial hardship due to damage and destruction by Helene.\n\nStudents will be eligible for up to $2,500 and schools must start taking applications by November 15.\n\nThe funds must be used on expenses that support a student\u2019s continued enrollment.\n\n$1 million for the same emergency grant program for students at private universities in WNC who have suffered financial hardship due to damage and destruction by Helene.\n\nStudents will be eligible for up to $2,500 and the UNC system must start taking applications by November 15.\n\nThe funds must be used on expenses that support a student\u2019s continued enrollment.\n\n$71.4 million to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services\n\n$1 million to local social services offices for rental assistance.\n\n$56 million to the Department of Commerce\n\n$50 million to Golden LEAF to administer a bridge loan program to qualifying businesses suffering economic distress due to Helene.\n\n$139 million to the Department of Environmental Quality\n\n$100 million to establish an emergency bridge loan program for water infrastructure.\n\n$22 million to establish an emergency infrastructure bridge loan program for commercial underground storage tanks.\n\n$130 million to the Department of Public Safety\n\n$106 million to general government, including the Office of State Budget and Management and the Treasurer.\n\n$100 million to the Local Government Commission to provide cash flow loans to local governments in affected areas.\n\nThe North Carolina General Assembly unanimously passed the Disaster Recovery Act of 2024 on Oct. 9, 2024.\n\nThis bill creates a new Hurricane Helene fund with $273 million from the state\u2019s Savings Reserve Fund.\n\n$250 million will go to the Department of Public Safety's Division of Emergency Management to provide the state\u2019s match to federal disaster relief funds.\n\nAnother portion of the funds will be used to establish a revolving loan program to help local government and state agencies with cash flow while they are waiting for reimbursement from the federal government.\n\n$16 million will go to the Department of Public Instruction for \u201clost compensation of school nutrition employees due to school closures resulting from Hurricane Helene\u201d\n\n$2 million to provide local governments technical assistance with local recovery funds.\n\n$5 million to the State Board of Elections, alongside a variety of temporary election law changes such as changing polling sites that were rendered unusable by the storm and establishing a voter hotline, to make it easier for residents of Western North Carolina to vote.\n\nThe bill also:\n\nGrants school calendar flexibility to public schools by allowing them to make up or mark as completed any number of the days or hours missed.\n\nIt also allows the schools to use up to 30 days of remote instruction toward required instructional days.\n\nWaives DMV fees for things like obtaining a duplicate driver\u2019s license, ID card, etc.\n\nWaives certain environmental requirements for state highway repairs.\n\nThis provision will not reduce the safety of repairs conducted by NCDOT or negatively impact the environment.\n\nHousing/Individual Assistance Updates\n\nMore than 243,000 Western North Carolinians have registered for Individual Assistance with FEMA.\n\nThe Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program through FEMA is currently providing temporary hotel stays to more than 8,931 individuals\n\nFEMA has distributed more than $203 million in housing assistance to more than 122,000 Western North Carolina households.\n\nFEMA is seeking residential properties to lease for Helene survivors.\n\nInterested WNC property owner or management companies should reach out to FEMA on or before 5:00 p.m. EST, Nov. 6, 2024, via email to fema-direct_lease_dr4827nc@fema.dhs.gov.\n\nThe email subject line should read: RFI# 70FBR425-DL-DR4827NC\n\nFEMA is also seeking multifamily properties to house disaster survivors\n\nInterested property owner or management companies should reach out to FEMA no later than 5:00 p.m. EST, Nov. 6, 2024, via email to fema-mlr_dr4827nc@fema.dhs.gov.\n\nThe email subject line should read: RFI #70FBR425-MLR-DR4827NC Response: MLR-DR-4827-NC\n\nHow to avoid scams during the assistance application process:\n\nHomeowners and renters who applied for FEMA disaster assistance in WNC should be aware that FEMA representatives may call from unfamiliar area codes and phone numbers that could show as SPAM or no caller ID.\n\nIt is important to answer the call, but always be alert to these illegitimate practices:\n\nA FEMA inspector calls, and you did not submit a FEMA application.\n\nA FEMA inspector asks for your banking information.\n\nFEMA inspectors are NEVER authorized to collect your personal financial information.\n\nA payment is requested from someone who says they are from FEMA.\n\nFEMA will never request payment.\n\nA FEMA inspector calls and asks for your personally identifiable information such as your social security number.\n\nIf any of these things happen to you, or you receive a call from someone saying they are a FEMA representative and you aren\u2019t sure, call the FEMA Helpline to report the incident.\n\nFEMA Helpline: (800) 621-3362\n\nIf you believe you are the victim of a scam related to the Helene response, you should file a complaint with the North Carolina Department of Justice by:\n\nVisiting ncdoj.gov/complaint; or,\n\nCalling toll-free at 877-566-7226.\n\nFood and Water\n\nFree drinking water testing is available by request through the Buncombe County Public Health Department.\n\nJust contact the Buncombe County Public Health Department to request a test kit.\n\nThe department will provide you with an empty bottle along with instructions to collect a drinking water sample and where to drop it off for analysis.\n\nIf you have a private well that flooded, the well should be disinfected and tested to ensure the safety of yourself and your family.\n\nThe Division of Public Health is providing free, well-testing kits through local health departments.\n\nContact your local health department (find your local department via this link) to obtain a free well testing and disinfection kit.\n\nNCDEQ has provided the following resources to help community members track progress on water supply restoration efforts:\n\nPublic Water Supply Situation Report Tracking - ArcGIS map with filters for system status, county, etc. linked here.\n\nDEQ Dashboard - links to additional maps, including mobile view of water system status, and environmental guidance linked here.\n\nBuncombe County\n\nBuncombe County has water distribution at multiple sites. Each will be available daily from 12:00-4:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Please bring your own container.\n\nBuncombe County Sports Park Complex\n\n58 Apac Dr., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nBlack Mountain Ingles\n\n550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nLinwood Crump Shiloh Community Center\n\n121 Shiloh Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nPack Square Park\n\n80 Court Plz., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nSky Lanes Bowling Alley\n\n1477 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nSwannanoa Ingles\n\n2299 US-70, Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nFairview Ingles\n\n225 Charlotte Hwy., Fairview, NC 28803\n\nThe following resources sites are available in Buncombe County, where citizens can access food, water and other basic necessities:\n\nBiltmore Baptist Church\n\n35 Clayton Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nDistribution and bulk pickup for volunteers looking to take bulk loads of supplies to in-need community members\n\nSaturday hours: 10:00 a.m. \u2013 1:00 p.m.\n\nCommunity drive-thru for anyone in the community needing supplies\n\nSaturday hours: 3:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church \u2013 Weaverville\n\n63 N. Main St., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nHot showers available from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nUnlimited clean drinking water is available, bring your own container.\n\nSupplies and bottled water.\n\nHot lunch served at 1:30 p.m.\n\nFellowship Asheville\n\n756 Fairview Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 1:00-4:00 p.m., Monday-Thursday\n\nWest Asheville Baptist Church\n\n926 Haywood Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-4:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday\n\nSaint Mary Margaret Catholic Church\n\n102 Andrews Pl., Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nSaturday hours: 3:00-4:30 p.m.\n\nPlease note: This location is not open during mass.\n\nHot meals are available at the following locations:\n\nWorld Central Kitchen at Ben's Tune Up\n\n195 Hilliard Ave, Asheville, NC 28801\n\nServes 25,000 hot meals a day.\n\nDaily hours: 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.\n\nShiloh Community Center\n\n121 Shiloh Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nGrovemont Park\n\n251 Stonewall Ave., Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nWesley Grant Community Center\n\n285 Livingston St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nWest Asheville Ingles\n\n669 Haywood Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 3:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nNesbitt Chapel\n\n12 Nesbitt Chapel Rd., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nDaily hours: 3:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nGroce United Methodist Church \u2013 also distributing essential supplies\n\n954 Tunnel Rd., Asheville, NC 28805\n\nDaily hours M/W/F/Sat, Supplies 12:00-4:00 p.m., meals 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nA Community Care Station is available at the following location:\n\n2319 Hwy. 70, Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nHot meals served daily: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCommunity Care Stations offer showers, laundry, bathrooms, access to cell towers, wi-fi, potable and non-potable water, and counseling.\n\nHaywood County\n\nThe following locations are providing community members with essential resources such as but not limited to, food, water, cleaning products, baby formula, and pet food, Monday through Fridays:\n\nFines Creek Community Center\n\n190 Fines Creek Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nOpen every day until 6:00 p.m.\n\nPigeon Community Center\n\n450 Pigeon St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nAlso offering hot meals every day at 2:00 p.m.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCruso Community Center\n\n13186 Cruso Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.\n\nFirst United Methodist Church\n\n566 S. Haywood St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nIncludes shower access.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.\n\nMaggie Valley Pavilion\n\n3935 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Saturday)\n\nWoodland Baptist Church\n\n545 Crabtree Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nNew Covenant Church\n\n767 Lee Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nIP Sportsplex\n\n305 Silkwood Dr., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nBethel Elementary School\n\n4700 Old River Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nJonathan Valley Elementary School\n\n410 Hall Dr., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nMonday through Friday\n\nSt. Barnabas Catholic Church\n\n109 Crescent Hill Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nDaily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.\n\nReynolds Baptist Church - Family Life Center\n\n520 Rose Hill Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.\n\nThis location also has potable water available to residents who bring their own vessels to fill.\n\nMountain Projects\n\n2177 Asheville Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nThe Community Kitchen\n\n288 Crabtree Mountain Rd., Canton, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.\n\nHaywood Christian Ministry\n\n150 Branner St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nThe following location offers hot meals daily:\n\nMaggie Valley Fire Department\n\n2901 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nJukebox Junction\n\n3606 Pigeon Rd., Canton, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nThe following location offers showers daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.:\n\nCalvary Baptist Church\n\n2701 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nThe following location is offering supplies for horses and livestock:\n\nWNC Regional Livestock Center\n\n474 Stock Dr., Canton, NC 28716\n\nHenderson County\n\nHenderson County has stood up one Resource Hub location for water distribution and other supplies as they become available.\n\n118 McAbee Ct., Flat Rock, NC 28731\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nEach family unit will be provided supplies for one day\u2019s meal and water as available.\n\nIndividuals are asked to enter the drive-through and remain in your car unless otherwise instructed by volunteers to ensure an efficient process.\n\nJackson County\n\nIn partnership with the Red Cross, the following is available for citizens of Jackson County:\n\nThe Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau are providing shelf-stable meals at the following location:\n\n558 Frank Allen Rd., Cashiers, NC 28717\n\nThe Canada Fire Department is distributing emergency supplies at the following location:\n\n149 Charleys Creek Rd., Tuckasegee, NC 28783\n\nThe following locations are providing resources to displaced families and individuals in need:\n\nMountain Projects\n\n154-B Medical Park Loop, Sylva, NC 28779\n\nUnited Christian Ministries\n\n191 Skyland Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nSt. Mary\u2019s Roman Catholic Church of Sylva\n\n22 Bartlett St., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.\n\nCornbread and Roses\n\n1294 Savannah Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours:\n\nWednesday, 6:00-8:00 p.m.\n\nThursday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nSunday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nMadison County\n\nThe following locations are offering food, water, and some supply distribution in Madison County:\n\nBeech Glen Community Center\n\n2936 Beech Glen Rd., Mars Hill, 28754\n\nDaily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.\n\nCenter Community Center\n\n1300 Grapevine Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nEbbs Chapel Community Center\n\n281 Laurel Valley Rd., Mars Hill, NC 28754\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nEnon Baptist Church\n\n174 Ammons Branch Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nOpen Sunday 12:00-4:00 p.m.\n\nFreedom Christian Church\n\n7350 US 25/70 Bypass, Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThis location offers additional resources such as hygiene products, blankets, clothes, cleaning supplies, diapers, pet food, etc.\n\nLaurel Community Center - also has supplies\n\n4100 NC 212 Hwy., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily Hours: 8:00 a.m. \u2013 8:00 p.m.\n\nRevere-Rice Community Center\n\n3980 Revere Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (Mon-Sat)\n\nSpring Creek Community Center\n\n13075 NC 209 Hwy., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThis location also has additional resources such as pet food, livestock feed and hay.\n\nWalnut Community Center - also has supplies\n\n46 School Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.\n\nN.C. Cooperative Extension - Madison County Center\n\n258 Carolina Ln., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nThis location is offering drive-thru food distribution only.\n\nLittle Ivy Baptist Church\n\n1053 Crossroads Pkwy., Mars Hill, NC 28754\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMcDowell County has established multiple points of distribution that are open daily.\n\nDistribution takes place daily at the following locations:\n\nTom Johnson\u2019s Camping Center\n\n348 Resistoflex Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nWeekend hours: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCherry Springs\n\n6 Bull Walker Rd., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: Wednesdays 4:00-7:00 p.m., Sundays 2:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nCamp Grier\n\n985 Camp Grier Rd., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and 4:00-7:00 p.m.\n\nRestoration Church\n\n2344 Ashworth Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nCentro Unido Latino Americano\n\n79 Academy St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church of Old Fort\n\n203 E. Main St., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: 4:00-7:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nNew Manna Baptist Church\n\n225 E. Court St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 4:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nHot meals are also being provided at the following location:\n\nGrace Community Church\n\n5182 US 70 W., Marion, NC 28752\n\nLunch is served every day from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.\n\nDinner is available from 4:00-5:30 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church of Marion is offering hot showers, air conditioning, and areas to charge devices.\n\nCurrent hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 2:00-5:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday.\n\nPolk County\n\nThe following locations are offering food and water distribution for residents in need from 1:00-5:00 p.m.:\n\nMill Spring/Green Creek Community\n\n25 International Blvd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nColumbus Community\n\n95 Walker St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nSaluda Community Bus Parking Lot\n\n214 E. Main St., Saluda, NC 28773\n\nTryon Community\n\n301 N. Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782\n\nSunny View\n\n86 Sunny View School Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nThe following locations are serving hot meals daily:\n\nTryon Equestrian Center\n\n4066 Pea Ridge Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nRoseland Community Center\n\n56 Peake St., Tryon, NC 28782\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nRutherford County\n\nThe following two centralized distribution center locations are open from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. for citizens to get food and emergency supplies:\n\nThe Green Space\n\n658 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nWarehouse #7\n\n214 Vance St., Warehouse 7, Forest City, NC 28043\n\nTransylvania County\n\nThe following location is providing hot meals to county residents:\n\nBalsam Grove Community Center - daily until power is fully restored\n\n8732 Parkway Rd., Balsam Grove, NC 28708\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nBottled water is available daily at local fire departments and 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Anchor Baptist Church located at:\n\n3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nWater filling stations can be found at the following locations:\n\nCity Sports Complex\n\n824 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.\n\nRocky\u2019s Grill & Soda Shop\n\n50 S. Broad St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours\n\nCedar Mountain Outpost\n\n8431 Greenville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nDD Bullwinkles\n\n60 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nFirst United Methodist Church\n\n325 N. Broad St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nPisgah Forest Baptist Church\n\n494 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nFood, water, and other supplies such as hygiene products are being distributed at the following locations:\n\nAnchor Baptist Church\n\n3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nZion Baptist Church\n\n423 Main St., Rosman, NC 28772\n\nNo daily hours posted\n\nGrace Brevard\n\n55 E. Jordan St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2;00 p.m.\n\nMary C. Jenkins Community Center\n\n221 Mills Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nYancey County\n\nYancey County has one centralized distribution site for water, food and ice located at the following address:\n\nFormer Fred\u2019s Store\n\n677 W. U.S. Highway 19E, Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nMobile laundry facilities are available in the GO Grocery parking lot located at the following address:\n\n631 W Hwy. 19E Bypass, Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nTrash Services and Debris Removal\n\nAll counties are actively working with NCDEQ to determine where mud, silt and sediment can be safely dropped off without risk of contamination.\n\nRecycling services are available through Curbside Management for the following counties:\n\nBuncombe\n\nClay\n\nGraham\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nJackson\n\nMacon\n\nMadison\n\nPolk\n\nRutherford\n\nYancey\n\nSome communities have halted recycling services to prioritize trash collection.\n\nIf that is the case for your community, Curbside Management has a drop-off site available for residents who wish to bring their recycling to the following location:\n\n116 N. Woodfin Ave., Asheville, NC 28804\n\nIf your home has damage and you need assistance with clean up, please call Crisis Cleanup for access to volunteer organizations that can assist you at 844-965-1386.\n\nIf Hurricane Helene caused damage to your home or belongings, make sure to document it.\n\nThis is critically important in getting reimbursed.\n\nTake photos before you begin cleaning up.\n\nMake a list of damaged or lost items and gather receipts.\n\nDoing this helps speed up the process with insurance and other assistance programs, and ensures you get properly compensated.\n\nBefore you start the clean-up process, remember:\n\nWear PPE such as long pants, goggles, gloves and sturdy shoes.\n\nStay off damaged structures.\n\nBe aware that snakes or other hazardous animals could be present.\n\nCall your local fire department to inspect or removal chemicals, propane tanks, and other hazardous materials.\n\nIf you suspect debris contains toxic substances, seal them in plastic bags to prevent them from becoming airborne.\n\nTo reduce the risk of accidental fires, please DO NOT burn your storm debris.\n\nEmergency personnel are continuing to work on other storm recovery and response efforts, limiting resources to respond to accidental fires.\n\nPlease discard storm debris at a local transfer site or via curbside debris pickup.\n\nDebris should be placed curbside and not block the roadway or access to the property.\n\nPlease place debris away from trees, poles or other structures (e.g., fire hydrants, meters, etc.) to make removal work easier.\n\nContact your local municipality for curbside storm debris removal collection schedules or see below for additional information on debris waste removal by county.\n\nAdditionally, the following counties have resources for where to take household trash and debris waste.\n\nBuncombe\n\nCurbside collection will begin Monday for City of Asheville sanitation customers.\n\nStorm debris collection has begun in Buncombe County.\n\nSeparate storm-related debris at the curb in the right of way according to material type:\n\nAppliances, construction debris, household hazardous waste such as pesticides and automotive fluid, vegetative debris, and electronics.\n\nDebris collection will require multiple passes and will be a long process.\n\nResidents do not have to set out all debris at one time or worry if there is debris left; another pass can collect additional debris.\n\nTrash pickup has resumed on the regular schedule for customers in Black Mountain.\n\nWaste Pro collection service has resumed for regular Monday route customers.\n\nHaywood\n\nHousehold waste will be accepted at the Materials Recovery Facility at 247 Recycle Rd., Clyde and at Convenience Centers at Jonathan Creek, Beaverdam, Bethel, Hazelwood, Mauney Cove, Jones Cove and Highway 110.\n\nWhite Oak Landfill has reopened.\n\nHenderson\n\nHenderson County Transfer Station is open and accepting storm debris with normal fees.\n\nHenderson County has begun curbside storm debris removal to county residents as a free service.\n\nThe county will pick up storm debris for free if it is pushed to the right of way of a property.\n\nStorm debris includes tree branches, leaves, logs, building materials, furniture, paint etc.\n\nPlease be patient.\n\nThe county will pick up storm debris for free as quickly as possible.\n\nMadison\n\nThe Hot Springs collection center is operating on normal hours for household trash ONLY:\n\nMonday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nWednesday: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.\n\nFriday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nSaturday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nHot Springs trash pickup is returning to Mondays like usual.\n\nPlease only use this pickup service if you cannot bring it to the collection center yourself.\n\nThe pickup service is being led by volunteers at this time.\n\nMcDowell\n\nMcDowell County has hired private contractors to facilitate storm debris pickup from public right of ways in the Town of Old Fort, City of Marion, and along state secondary roads in the county.\n\nResidents are asked to separate debris into the following categories:\n\nLarge appliances\n\nConstruction debris\n\nVegetative debris\n\nHazardous waste\n\nElectronics\n\nHousehold waste\n\nPolk\n\nThe Polk County landfill is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\n322 Landfill Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nDrop-off of residential trash is $10.\n\nGFL trash services will continue the regular schedule.\n\nThe County has partnered with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to support residents with storm-related debris removal.\n\nCleanup crews are actively collecting debris across the county and transporting it to an approved temporary site on Wolverine Trial in Mill Spring, on Polk County-owned property.\n\nTo ensure smooth and efficient removal:\n\nDebris should be placed within 10 feet of the road.\n\nVegetative debris must be in manageable piles.\n\nLogs can have a maximum length of 15 feet.\n\nDebris should be separated into five categories:\n\nVegetative - Tree branches, leaves, log, branches.\n\nConstruction - Building materials, drywall, lumber, carpet, furniture, plumbing.\n\nLarge Appliances - Refrigerators, washer/dryers, air conditioners, stoves, water heaters, and dishwashers.\n\nPlease DO NOT leave doors unsealed or unsecured.\n\nElectronics - Television, computer, stereo, phones, DVD players, etc.\n\nHazardous Waste - Oil, batteries, pesticides, paint, cleaning supplies, compressed gas.\n\nDocument the clean-up process with photos before and after debris removal.\n\nRutherford\n\nThe county has begun storm debris removal along state-maintained and municipally-controlled roads.\n\nResidents are asked to place storm-related vegetative debris, including trees and limbs, within the road\u2019s right-of-way.\n\nCut large debris into four to six ft. sections.\n\nThe Rutherford County Landfill and all convenience centers have reopened with normal hours.\n\nTransylvania\n\nThe City of Brevard has resumed regular trash pickup.\n\nThe county landfill accepts natural vegetative storm debris, including spoiled hay, trees, brush, etc. for free.\n\nYancey\n\nThe Riverside and East Yancey Recycling Centers have resumed operations.\n\nDaily hours: 7:00 a.m. \u2013 4:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday\n\nThe Yancey-Mitchell Landfill is now open, following repairs from Hurricane Helene.\n\n555 Landfill Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday); 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Saturday)\n\nResidents should sort storm debris from regular household waste.\n\nHazardous materials will not be accepted and construction debris should be separated from household waste.\n\nVoter Information\n\nThe Justice Department has launched a website with information to help Western North Carolinians and other communities impacted by recent hurricanes to vote.\n\nThe site identifies and provides links to various state changes made to accommodate displaced voters and information for folks who have lost their ID cards, had polling sites moved or who are unsure where or how they can vote.\n\nYou can access the website via this link.\n\nTomorrow is Election Day.\n\nYou can use this link to find your polling place.\n\nPlease note: You must vote at your assigned polling place on Election Day.\n\nUnited States Postal Service/Mail Services\n\nMy office has heard concerns related to the Barnardsville Post Office being closed.\n\nThe facility has been deemed unsafe for occupancy until all necessary repairs are completed and the facility has passed the required inspections.\n\nUSPS is dedicated to reopening the facility as soon as possible and I am working with them to make sure there are no unnecessary delays.\n\nRetail services are still being provided via a Mobile Retail Unit that is located on-site.\n\nDelivery operations remain temporarily transferred to the Weaverville Post Office and reliable mail delivery is continuing as it would if delivery were taking place through the Barnardsville location.\n\nSocial Security and FEMA checks are being routed to all units for delivery and/or are available for customer pick up.\n\nFor impacted residents who have relocated due to the storm, please be sure to complete a change of address request at moversguide.usps.com.\n\nMost USPS offices have reopened under normal operations.\n\nSunday delivery is being made in some of the affected communities to ensure delayed mail is delivered as soon as possible.\n\nOnly 21 offices, or 10 percent of all USPS offices in Western NC remain closed.\n\nOnly one facility was fully destroyed, the Micaville PO box office in ZIP code 28755.\n\nUSPS is utilizing Mobile Operations Units where residents can send or receive mail and packages in many of the areas with closed offices.\n\nThe mobile units are located in the following communities:\n\nAlexander - 28701\n\nBarnardsville - 28709\n\nCedar Mountain - 28718\n\nEdneyville - 28727\n\nHot Springs - 28743\n\nMarshall - 28753\n\nMicaville - 28755\n\nMontreat - 28757\n\nRosman - 28772\n\nSwannanoa - 28778\n\nPharmacy Access\n\nPharmacy Locator\n\nHundreds of pharmacies never closed or have reopened across Western North Carolina.\n\nUse this link to locate pharmacy locations open to the public by county.\n\nThe Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response under the Department of Health and Human Services has activated the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) for North Carolinians.\n\nThe EPAP program helps uninsured residents replace prescription medication or certain medical equipment lost or damaged during Hurricane Helene.\n\nThrough the program, uninsured residents can:\n\nRequest a free 30-day supply of certain prescription medications at any EPAP-participating pharmacy which can be renewed every 30 days while the EPAP is active.\n\nReplace certain medical equipment and supplies such as canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, blood sugar meters and blood sugar test strips for diabetics.\n\nUninsured North Carolina residents affected by the recent hurricane can call the EPAP hotline, 855-793-7470, or visit the EPAP website to check their eligibility, determine if their medications or medical equipment are covered, or locate a participating pharmacy.\n\nPrescription Pad is open from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and filling prescriptions for Yancey County residents at the following location:\n\n730 E. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nOpen Urgent Cares/ Health Care Services\n\nThere is a field hospital with physicians, nurses and paramedics who can treat patients at the Burnsville Fire Department. The address is as follows:\n\n305 Pineola St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nThe following urgent cares are open and accessible for community members with non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries:\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Weaverville\n\n61 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nMercy Urgent Care West Asheville\n\n1201 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nMercy Urgent Care Waynesville\n\n120 Frazier St., Ste. 6, Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nLocations open between 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Brevard\n\n22 Trust Ln., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Columbus\n\n140 West Mills St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nLocations open between 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.:\n\nMobile Urgent Care Clinic\n\n12 Florida Ave., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nMental Health & Basic Medical Support Center\n\n130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nPardee Urgent Care\n\n45 Hendersonville Hwy., Ste. A, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nOther locations available:\n\nHeart to Heart International - in Haywood Department of Health Parking Lot\n\n157 Paragon Pkwy., Ste. 800, Clyde, NC 28721\n\nDaily hours: Not available at this time.\n\nFree mental health services - All available for drop-in\n\nIf you have been impacted by the storm and need someone to talk to, call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1 (800) 985-5990.\n\nHelp is also available to anyone, anytime in English or Spanish through a call, text or chat to 988.\n\nLearn more at 988Lifeline.org.\n\nCare Collaborative for Western North Carolina Clinicians is a partnership among more than 200 mental health professionals volunteering to provide free mental health services for Hurricane Helene survivors.\n\nServices are provided virtually, and you can follow this link to find a professional that fits your needs and their contact information to schedule a session.\n\nHot Springs Elementary School - Art Room\n\n63 N. Serpentine Ave., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nThe Pearl Institute\n\n55 Academy St., Waynesville, NC\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-6:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nFree telehealth appointments are also available.\n\nTo book a telehealth appointment, you can email info@pearlpsychedelicinstitute.org or call/text (828) 400-7091\n\nCommunity Support Group\n\nRegular group sessions will be occurring through the end of December at the following locations:\n\n221 Mills Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nMary C. Jenkins Community & Cultural Center\n\nHosted by the City of Brevard, AARP, and Blue Ridge Community College\n\n9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on October 28\n\n45 Oak Park Dr., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nBlue Ridge Community College, Brevard Campus, Room 140\n\n9:00-11:00 a.m. on November 4, 18, 25; December 2, 9 ,16\n\nAll University of North Carolina System students have access to free mental health through their university.\n\nPlease monitor your student email for more information on how to access these services.\n\nThe following orthopedic urgent care locations are open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily, physical therapy appointments are also available at each of these locations:\n\nEmergeOrtho Hendersonville\n\n800 Fleming St., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nEmergeOrtho Arden (South Asheville)\n\n2585 Hendersonville Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nEmergeOrtho Waynesville\n\n9 Haywood Office Park, Ste. 102 and 103, Waynesville, NC 28785\n\nEmergeOrtho Brevard\n\n89 Hospital Dr., Ste. A, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nEmergeOrtho Weaverville\n\n159 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nDialysis Locations\n\nThe following location is open and available for dialysis treatments in NC-11:\n\nPardee Hospital\n\n800 N. Justice St., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nThis location can dialyze 30 patients a day.\n\nDaVita Kidney Care nurses are reaching out to their patients to coordinate treatment, but the following DaVita locations are available:\n\nDaVita Greer South Dialysis\n\n3254 Brushy Greek Rd., Greer, SC 29650\n\nContact Number: (864) 801-2065\n\nDaVita Saluda River Dialysis\n\n8080 Augusta Rd., Piedmont, SC 29673\n\nContact Number: (833) 378-2702\n\nDaVita Wofford at Home\n\n8024 White Ave., Spartanburg, SC 29303\n\nContact Number: (864) 583-4788\n\nDaVita Boiling Springs Dialysis\n\n196 Sloane Garden Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316\n\nContact Number: (833) 458-4809\n\nOxygen Locations\n\nHendersonville High School\n\n1 Bearcat Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nMust be assessed through Pardee Hospital.\n\nLincare is only serving established patients.\n\nPatients must bring in empty tanks to one of the following locations:\n\nAsheville Lincare\n\n103 Elk Park Dr., Asheville, NC 28804\n\nFax number: (866) 234-6698\n\nGreenville Lincare\n\n355 Woodruff Rd., Ste. 204 and 205, Greenville, SC 29607\n\nFax Number: (864) 288-0339\n\nThe following locations are available for oxygen refills, but patients must bring their own oxygen equipment - fire departments are available 24/7:\n\nBoiling Springs Fire Department\n\n186 Rainbow Lake Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316\n\nReidville Fire Department\n\n7450 Reidville Rd., Woodruff, SC 29388\n\nInman City Fire Department\n\n6 Humphrey St., Inman, SC 29349\n\nFirst Presbyterian Church\n\n393 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29302\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.\n\nGreer Relief Indigo Hope Neighborhood Impact Center\n\n113C Berry Ave., Greer, SC 29651\n\nDaily hours: 2:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nCroft Fire Department\n\n370 Cedar Springs Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29302\n\nArkwright Fire Department\n\n1070 Southport Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29306\n\nRoebuck Fire Department\n\n2639 Stone Station Rd., Roebuck, SC 29376\\\n\nNorth Spartanburg Fire Department\n\n8767 Asheville Hwy., Spartanburg, SC 29316\n\nResources for Veterans\n\nOutpatient clinics have rescheduled 66 percent of the appointments that were cancelled due to Hurricane Helene, with more being rescheduled every day.\n\nThe U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs launched a new web page with disaster relief resources, providing a single place for veterans and their caregivers to access VA resources on health care, housing, benefits payments, insurance, and more.\n\nYou can access the web site via this link.\n\nThe VA has established a Veterans Disaster Response Hotline, which is available 24/7 at 1(800) 507-4571.\n\nIf you or a veteran you know needs immediate housing assistance after Hurricane Helene, please call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at (877) 424-3838.\n\nThe call center is open 24/7.\n\nIf you have a VA-backed home loan and are unable to make your mortgage payments, please contact your mortgage servicer.\n\nYou can also call the VA at (877) 827-3702, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nHome loan servicers are allowed to put a 90-day pause on foreclosures and encouraged to waive late charges for VA-guaranteed home loans after a disaster.\n\nLegionnaires, Sons of the American Legion members and Legion Posts that have been displaced from their primary residence due to damage sustained during Hurricane Helene may be eligible for financial assistance through the American Legion.\n\nLegionnaires and Sons of the American Legion members may be eligible for up to $3,000.\n\nLegion Posts may be eligible for up to $10,000.\n\nTo learn more or to request assistance, please use this link.\n\nApplications must be submitted within 90 days of the disaster: Dec. 26, 2024.\n\nThe Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville and Master Sergeant Jerry K. Crump VA Clinic in Forest City are open for essential and emergency services.\n\nVeterans can:\n\nVisit the Asheville VA Hospital pharmacy for medication refills or:\n\nCall the Regional Clinical Contact Center at (855) 679-0074 and press 1 for pharmacy representatives.\n\nLocal pharmacies in the VA\u2019s community care network will also fill written prescriptions, or prescriptions as they appear on an active VA prescription bottle that is not older than six months and has available refills, to provide a 30-day supply.\n\nHickory, Forest City and Franklin outpatient VA clinics are now operating regularly.\n\nDue to the damage and personal losses caused by Hurricane Helene to the staff of the VA, it will take some time to bring staffing to full capacity.\n\nPlease be patient as the VA works to rebuild their workforce.\n\nResources for Farmers\n\nThe United States Department of Agriculture has put together a list of resources for farmers and other agricultural industry members.\n\nIf your agricultural operation has been impacted by Hurricane Helene, you can review this link, farmers.gov, for emergency and disaster assistance programs.\n\nAg supplies can be picked up by farmers in need from any of the following distribution centers (including non-NC-11 locations for farmers who may be closer to an out-of-district distribution center):\n\nAvery County\n\nMitchell-Avery County Center\n\n6880 Linville Falls Hwy., Newland, NC 28657\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday); 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Saturday)\n\nBuncombe County\n\nMills River Station\n\n74 Research Dr., Mills River, NC 28759\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nCaldwell County\n\nCaldwell County Fairgrounds\n\n2461 Fairground Rd., Lenoir, NC 28645\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Wednesday and Saturday only), or by appointment\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMarion - McDowell County\n\n188 Ag Services Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Saturday)\n\nHaywood County\n\nSmokey Mountain Event Center\n\n758 Crabtree Dr., Waynesville, NC 28785\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nWatauga County\n\nWatauga County Extension\n\n5715 U.S. Highway 421 N., Vilas, NC 28692\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) - NO HAY\n\n1:00-6:00 p.m. (Tuesday and Thursday) - HAY ONLY\n\nPower\n\nAlmost 100 percent of all power outages have been restored in impacted areas.\n\nLess than 1,500 customers remain without power across Western NC.\n\n200 Duke Energy customers.\n\nJust over 1,200 electric cooperative customers.\n\nFrench Broad EMC has teams throughout Yancey and Rutherford counties to restore remaining customers.\n\nCrews are working down the Cane River in Rutherford County to get the three-phase line re-routed so French Broad can energize homes down to Elk Shoals Road.\n\nYancey County crews have completed the three-phase build in Pensacola and energized most of the homes in that area.\n\nA portion of NC197S and Ewart Wilson Road is back on as well.\n\nFrench Broad EMC is still trying to find a route into little creek and rebuild their circuits in Huntdale.\n\nThe greatest difficulty is finding space to place energy poles.\n\nCollapsing of roadways has eliminated the area where poles were placed before the storm.\n\nIf your insurance provider is requesting \u201cproof of outage,\u201d you can contact Duke Energy\u2019s Contact Center to request the letter.\n\n(800) 777-9898\n\nMy office has heard multiple complaints of Duke Energy customers being charged for power on days where there was an outage. Duke Energy provided the following information for how billing was calculated, and what will take place to provide a credit if you were over billed due to being a non-AMI account:\n\nAMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure)\n\nBills for customers with an AMI/Smart Meter will reflect actual usage for the billing cycle if the meter is communicating. (For awareness: Duke is monitoring usage daily)\n\nNon-AMI\n\nCustomers without an AMI/Smart Meter may see estimated usage if Duke was unable to obtain a reading prior to invoicing.\n\nOnce Duke Energy can obtain a reading from the meter, your next bill will be adjusted to reflect actual usage and a credit will be applied for anyone who\u2019s usage was overestimated.\n\nDuke Energy also provided the following information for auto-pay and budget billing customers:\n\nAuto-Pay\n\nPayments will automatically draft on the due date for customers signed up for auto-pay.\n\nCustomers have the option to temporarily pause their automatic payment by contacting Duke at 800-777-9898 (DEC) | 800-452-2777 (DEP) or by logging into their account to unenroll from Auto Pay.\n\nIf a customer chooses to unenroll via logging into their online account, they are encouraged to re-enroll when their situation allows to avoid any future missed payments.\n\nBudget Billing\n\nCustomers enrolled in Budget Billing will still be invoiced their set monthly amount.\n\nFor more information on Duke Energy\u2019s power restoration efforts, you can review the following links:\n\nComplex Repair & Disaster Rebuild Zones Map: duke-energy.com/info/carolinas-restoration\n\nOutage Map: duke-energy.com/outages\n\nOutage Alerts: duke-energy.com/outages/alerts\n\nGenerator safety: duke-energy.com/outages/generators\n\nPower restoration process: duke-energy.com/outages/restoring-your-power\n\nRoads\n\nWestern North Carolina is FULLY OPEN to visitors!\n\nPlease come visit!\n\nNCDOT has now reopened 1,010 roads that were previously closed due to Hurricane Helene.\n\nOnly 298 roads remain fully closed.\n\n102 other roads are open with partial access.\n\n26 roads are open to all traffic except truck traffic.\n\nAmes Construction has been awarded a contract for the permanent repair of I-40 in the Pigeon River Gorge.\n\nThe Federal Highway Administration and NCDOT are working on a two-lane-traffic temporary repairs timeline and reopening date for I-40.\n\nI will share the information as I receive it.\n\nNew sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway have officially reopened:\n\nMilepost 411.8 to 421, from US 276 to Black Balsam\n\nMilepost 423.2 to 469, from NC 215 to US 441 in Cherokee, N.C.\n\nMilepost 405.5 to 411.8, near NC 151 to NC 276\n\nEmergency roadway repair work continues with the installation of temporary bridges, numerous slide repairs, roadway reconstruction work, and repair of dangerous shoulder washouts.\n\nThe focus continues to be on major corridors and communities with limited access.\n\nNine communities throughout Western NC continue to have limited access.\n\nNCDOT crews are working to restore access in these locations by rebuilding roadways and constructing bridges.\n\nIn light of interruptions in service caused by NC DMV closures due to Hurricane Helene, the following DMV fees have been waived from Sept. 26 through Dec. 31, 2024:\n\nDuplicate or corrected vehicle titles.\n\nDuplicate registration cards.\n\nSalvage certificate of title.\n\nReplacement license plates and/or stickers.\n\nDuplicate driver licenses (including CDLs).\n\nDuplicate state ID cards (note: state ID cards are already free for anyone age 17 and up)\n\nThe following late fees have also been waived from Sept. 26 through Dec. 31, 2024:\n\nLate vehicle registration fees for vehicles that expired on or after Aug. 31, 2024.\n\nLate interest payments on vehicle registrations and property taxes that expired on or after Aug. 31, 2024.\n\nTitle fees on or after Aug. 31, 2024.\n\nLate fees and interest on limited registration plates and vehicle registration renewals for limited registrations that expired on or after Sept. 30, 2024.\n\nLate fees for dealer plates that expired on or after Aug. 31, 2024.\n\nIf you paid any of the above listed fees or late fees prior to notice of the fee waivers, you will be automatically refunded.\n\nCitizens do not have to take any action to receive refunds.\n\nPlease allow four to six weeks (until Dec. 6, 2024) for refunds to be processed.\n\nRefunds will NOT be given in-person at NC DMV offices.\n\nNCDOT has established a Road Reopening Dashboard for folks to keep track of progress made by the department.\n\nYou can use this link to access the dashboard.\n\nThe dashboard is also linked on DriveNC.gov.\n\nTo monitor road conditions in and around NC-11, use drivenc.gov.\n\nThe website tracks NCDOT-managed road conditions in real time.\n\nNC DMV has reopened 14 of the 16 driver license offices that were closed due to Hurricane Helene.\n\nThe following DMV offices are open for walk-in services in or near NC-11, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., closed between 11:30 a.m. through 1:00 p.m. for a lunch break:\n\nBuncombe County\n\n1624 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nCherokee County\n\n1440 Main St., Andrews, NC 28901\n\nHaywood County\n\n290 Lee Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nHenderson County\n\n125 Baystone Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nJackson County\n\n876 Skyland Dr., Ste. 2, Sylva, NC 28779\n\nMacon County\n\n16 Patton Ave., Franklin, NC 28734\n\nMadison County\n\n1685 NC Highway 213, Marshall, NC 28753\n\nMcDowell County\n\n3975 NC 226 S., Marion, NC 28752\n\nRutherford County\n\n596 Withrow Rd., Forest City, NC 28043\n\nSwain County\n\n2650 Governors Island Rd., Bryson City, NC 28713\n\nTransylvania County\n\n50 Commerce St., Ste. 4, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAll but five license plate agencies have reopened.\n\nAir traffic has sustained at 300 percent above pre-hurricane levels in Western NC.\n\nNCDOT\u2019s aviation division continue to work to make sure flight operations are safe coming into and out of airports, including by:\n\nScheduling landing/unloading times and aircraft parking so aircraft are spaced out and to reduce the risk of incidents.\n\nEstablishing a first of its kind \u201ccorridors in the sky\u201d to separate civilian and military aircraft in the air.\n\nHaving search and rescue partners use short, time and location specific restrictions on air operations to enhance safety when multiple helicopters are engaged in search and rescue efforts.\n\nThe state of North Carolina is NOT turning away civil aviation support so long as it has been coordinated through the proper channels with NC Emergency Management.\n\nIf you or someone you know is interested in providing civil aviation support and don\u2019t know where to coordinate your efforts, please call my office and we will help you get in touch with the right folks.\n\nNCDOT has launched a detour map to show motorists how to get around closures on I-26 and I-40 at the Tennessee border.\n\nYou can access the map here.\n\nInternet Access\n\nFrontier Communications has been diligently working to restore service to customers in Western NC.\n\nService is expected to be restored by November 11 for customers in Marshall.\n\nReconstruction and restoration work begins TODAY, November 4, for customers in the Micaville area.\n\nMy office has also heard from numerous customers frustrated that they were billed for a full month of internet through AT&T despite extended outages, and in many cases, service still not being restored:\n\nAT&T Customer Support is providing billing credits and working with customers impacted by Hurricane Helene when they call AT&T customer service, (800) 288-2020.\n\nSpectrum is proactively issuing credit to customers for the time they were without Spectrum service due to the hurricane.\n\nIf you believe your time without service was not correctly identified, please contact Spectrum customer support to identify the correct credit.\n\nThese automatic credits are applied after Spectrum service has been restored.\n\nWaiting until service restoration has taken place to determine the number of days service was out enables Spectrum to calculate an accurate and appropriate credit.\n\nInternet providers are still working with local energy and cell providers to restore service for customers across Western North Carolina.\n\nFiber repair crews are also pairing with electric utility crews in the field to assist with any accidental fiber cuts.\n\nInternet providers including Optimum and Spectrum are working around the clock to restore service for customers. However, part of the network\u2019s infrastructure was destroyed by mudslides and collapsed bridges making restoration a lengthy process.\n\nAs a result, some impacted areas will require a rebuild of the network from scratch.\n\nTo mitigate the lack of service, Optimum, formerly Altice USA, has set up an Optimum Wi-Fi Trailer that is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the following locations:\n\n717 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\n1800 Four Seasons Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nThe following locations are offering free public wi-fi:\n\nFirst Baptist Church - Weaverville\n\n63 N. Main St, Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nDowntown Franklin\n\nThe Town of Franklin has free wi-fi on the town hill area in downtown.\n\nTransylvania County Library - 24/7\n\n212 S. Gaston St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nThe Yard Brevard\n\n284 Railroad Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nBrevard Visitor Center\n\n175 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAvailable daily from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThe Vine Anglican Church - and free coffee\n\n1055 Lee Rd, Clyde, NC 28721\n\nAvailable daily from 12:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nCell Service\n\nNearly 100 percent of all cellular sites in Western North Carolina have been repaired and are now in service.\n\nUpCycle Tech in Transylvania County is offering free computers and phones for use at the following location:\n\n470 Asheville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAT&T has deployed its Mobile Connectivity Center to the following location:\n\nSam\u2019s Club: 645 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nThe Mobile Connectivity Center is an air-conditioned mobile unit open to the public, equipped with laptops, charging stations and wi-fi.\n\nThe public can use the center for various needs including contacting your insurance company, filling out paperwork or connecting with loved ones.\n\nVerizon has deployed Wireless Emergency Communication Centers to help hurricane survivors stay connected to their friends, family and other important contacts.\n\nWireless Emergency Communication Centers are generator-powered mobile units that have device charging and computer workstations, along with wireless phones, tablets, and other devices available for use.\n\nVerizon\u2019s Wireless Emergency Communication Centers have been set up at the following locations:\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nAsheville YMCA\n\n30 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nFamily Justice Center\n\n35 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nVerizon also has charging stations at the following locations:\n\nYMCA of Western North Carolina\n\n348 Grace Corpening Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nTwo charging stations at this location\n\nWNC Agricultural Center\n\n761 Boylston Hwy., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nThree charging stations at this location\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nOne charging station at this location\n\nT-Mobile has set up satellite cellular on light trucks (SatCOLTs), providing cellular voice and data along with wi-fi and charging stations at the following locations:\n\nAsheville Middle School\n\n211 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center\n\n285 Livingston St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nFirst Baptist Church\n\n130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nAdditional T-Mobile satellite cell on trucks are located in Hendersonville and at a Tractor Supply Co. in Asheville, with others planned for Mission Hospital in Asheville, Cherokee County Emergency Operations Center in Murphy, and in Cherokee.\n\nNorth Carolina National Guard & Department of Defense\n\nAs requests from some counties are decreasing, NC National Guard assets are NOT standing down, they are instead being reallocated to other areas.\n\nMore than 1,600 National Guard soldiers and airmen are deployed across Western North Carolina to provide support.\n\nAll active-duty forces have returned to their duty stations, including Ft. Campbell and Ft. Liberty.\n\nThe National Guard has distributed more than 20,000 tons of commodities to Western North Carolina.\n\nHighlights from the last week:\n\nChainsaw crews helped to clear critical areas in Hot Springs, and cleared and hauled 40 tons of concrete and rubble in Marshall Town Park.\n\nSoldiers completed 1,022 humanitarian aid deliveries in Haywood County and are over 82 percent complete with their overall mission.\n\nCrews cleared 200 tons of debris and silt from Rollins Creek, and hauled and spread 52 tons of ABC stone on Duckett Top Tower Road.\n\nDelivered material to support building a bridge on Catawba River Road in McDowell County.\n\nCompleted multiple bulldozer operations in Rutherford County in support of NCDOT.\n\nHere are a few key phone numbers from the NCNG:\n\nHOTLINE: 888-892-1162\n\nEmergency management watch: 919-733-3300\n\nDonated goods: 919-825-2474\n\nThese lines have very high call volumes. If you do not get through the first try, keep calling.\n\nAsheville Regional Airport\n\nAsheville Regional Airport closed mid-day on Friday, September 27, due to risk of flooding.\n\nCommercial flights at Asheville Regional Airport have resumed.\n\nIf you parked your car in an Asheville Regional Airport lot and could not retrieve the vehicle due to the storm, great news - none of the airport\u2019s lots flooded and all cars are fine.\n\nStay safe and pick up your car when you are able.\n\nPLEASE NOTE:\n\nNo general aviation pilots are allowed to land at Asheville Regional Airport without prior clearance from FEMA to ensure the safety of aircraft and personnel.\n\nSupply deliveries by civilian pilots ARE permitted to land at Asheville Regional Airport so long as they have prior clearance from FEMA.\n\nFEMA is not turning away any pilot that has gone through the proper channels to coordinate delivery and ensure the safety of his fellow aircraft and personnel.\n\nFederal Nutrition Programs\n\nThe U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service has approved flexibilities due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene.\n\nSNAP\n\nNorth Carolina was granted a waiver for the 10-day reporting requirement for the replacement of food purchased with SNAP benefits lost because of the hurricane.\n\nThis waiver provides additional time beyond the standard 10-day time frame for households to report food losses and receive replacement benefits for food that was destroyed and previously purchased with SNAP benefits.\n\nChild Nutrition\n\nThe North Carolina Department of Public Instruction was approved for a waiver pertaining to the child nutrition programs.\n\nUnder the waiver approval, NCDPI\u2019s local program operators may:\n\nServe meals in a non-congregate setting\n\nAdjust the time of meal service\n\nAllow parent pick-up\n\nAllow service of meals at school sites\n\nFood and Nutrition Services Program\n\nPeople and families in North Carolina who are enrolled in the Food and Nutrition Services program can now use their EBT card to purchase hot food.\n\nThis flexibility will remain in effect until November 3.\n\nSpecial Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, & Children (WIC)\n\nFamilies participating in WIC who may have relocated to a new area can go to any NC WIC agency to:\n\nHave a new eWIC card issued\n\nRequest replacement breastfeeding supplies or breast pumps\n\nRequest replacement food that was purchased with current WIC benefits and lost due to Hurricane Helene\n\nFor NC-11 Medical Providers\n\nIf you own a medical practice in NC-11 and are experiencing financial hardship due to Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina Medical Society is reactivating its Financial Recovery Program (FRP) to help you recover and open your doors again.\n\nFor more information on the disaster relief fund, you can visit this link.\n\nDetails on how medical practices can qualify and apply for funds will be coming soon.\n\nThe Department of Health and Human Services through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has made available:\n\nAccelerated payments to Medicare Part A providers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nAdvance payments to Medicare Part B suppliers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nFor Local Government Resource Requests\n\nFor county leaders: This is a reminder to make sure your Emergency Operation Center has submitted the request for gasoline, food, water, cell service deployables, etc. with North Carolina Emergency Management to have your request processed and resources delivered.\n\nMy office stands ready to assist with checking the status of your request if the county or municipality has not heard back from NC Emergency Management within 24 hours.\n\nDisaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)\n\nThe deadline to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits is Dec. 2, 2024 for all counties other than Swain, Graham and Cherokee counties.\n\nSwain County\u2019s deadline is Dec. 9, 2024.\n\nDisaster Unemployment Assistance benefits are now available for Western North Carolinians in counties with a major disaster declaration, including:\n\nBuncombe\n\nClay\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nJackson\n\nMacon\n\nMadison\n\nMcDowell\n\nPolk\n\nRutherford\n\nSwain\n\nTransylvania\n\nYancey\n\nIf your employment has been lost or interrupted because of Hurricane Helene, you may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance.\n\nFile an application for DUA:\n\nFile at des.nc.gov, or\n\nCall over the phone at (919) 629-3857\n\nA toll-free legal aid hotline is now available for low-income survivors with disaster-related legal questions: (866) 219-5262.\n\nFor Individual Assistance through FEMA\n\nThe deadline to file for FEMA Individual Assistance is Nov. 27, 2024. Please mark your calendars and ensure all applications are submitted on time.\n\nNorth Carolina received a Major Disaster Declaration for the following counties: Buncombe, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania and Yancey counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.\n\nPeople with damage to their homes or personal property who live in one of the above-listed counties should apply for Individual Assistance through FEMA, which may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies.\n\nFunds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay.\n\nIndividual Assistance provides financial aid and services to eligible individuals and households that have been affected by a disaster to assist with the recovery process. Individuals can officially begin applying for Individual Assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling the application phone number at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. EST.\n\nFind steps to help you replace important documents that were lost or damaged in the storm: www.fema.gov/disaster/4827/news-media\n\nIf you were initially denied for Individual Assistance, please see below for useful tips to help you file an appeal with FEMA:\n\nUnderstand why FEMA denied your claim before writing the appeal.\n\nIt could be as simple as a missing document, which you can submit with your appeal.\n\nRead FEMA\u2019s letter from beginning to end to completely understand what the agency needs from you.\n\nMake sure you provide evidence for your appeal. Depending on your situation, documentation may include:\n\nA copy of your flood insurance declaration page.\n\nProof of occupancy, which could be an employer statement, lease, utility bill, credit card statement, or other recent, formal document that states your address.\n\nProof of ownership, which might include your mortgage or insurance documents, tax receipts, deed, etc.\n\nCan\u2019t write the appeal yourself?\n\nI recommend having a trusted friend, family member, or lawyer write it for you.\n\nKnow your deadline.\n\nYou have 60 days from the date of your FEMA determination letter to appeal.\n\nCircle the deadline on your calendar or write yourself a note to keep the date in the forefront.\n\nOnce FEMA reviews your letter, you may receive a phone call or a follow-up letter asking for more documentation.\n\nDon\u2019t forget to sign your appeal letter!\n\nOnce signed, there are three ways to submit your appeal:\n\nFax it to (800) 827-8112\n\nSend it by mail to: FEMA Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782\n\nUpload all appeal documents to your disasterassistance.gov account.\n\nInclude your application number on every page of the documents you submit.\n\nExpect a decision letter to your appeal within 90 days.\n\nTo Connect with a Loved One\n\nResidents trying to connect with family members may call NC 211 (or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from out-of-state) to report missing loved ones or request a welfare check.\n\nPeople in the impacted areas can indicate that they are safe by reporting themselves safe through Red Cross Reunification by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).\n\nPlease only use 911 for life-threatening emergencies so the lines remain open for critical situations.\n\nIf you are still trying to locate a friend or family member, please complete this form, linked here, to notify local officials of their missing status.\n\nThe form was created by Buncombe County but information is being shared amongst all counties.\n\nRegardless of which county your loved one was last known to be in, you can still submit the form.\n\nBuncombe County will share the information with the appropriate officials to initiate search and rescue efforts.\n\nUnited Way is also fielding missing person/welfare check requests.\n\nText PERSON to 40403 to add a loved one to search and rescue efforts or fill out this form.\n\nResources for Utility & Other Status Updates\n\nFor information on the status of utilities, debris sites, etc., we want to share the following resources. As communications are restored and more information becomes available, these sites will continue to be updated.\n\nDrinking Water Systems: Public Water Supply Situation Report Tracking\n\nDebris Disposal Sites: Active Temporary Debris Disposal Sites\n\nNCDEQ Situation Report Tracking System\n\nNCDPS Hurricane Helene - Storm Information\n\nNCDPS County Emergency Management Agencies\n\nHow to Apply for FEMA Assistance After Hurricane Helene\n\nFree Legal Assistance\n\nLegal Aid of North Carolina stands ready to provide free advice and legal counsel regarding natural disaster needs, including legal representation if necessary, including for civil legal issues involving:\n\nFiling FEMA claims and appeals (a process which can be overwhelmingly bureaucratic and burdensome)\n\nReplacement of lost or destroyed legal and government documents, including driver\u2019s licenses and identification cards\n\nMedical and insurance claims\n\nHome repair contracts\n\nUtility disputes related to restoration of services\n\nConsumer protection issues like construction fraud, price-gouging on repairs and identity theft\n\nHousing issues such as unlawful eviction and foreclosures\n\nBankruptcy\n\nProbate and clearing title for survivors living in generational homes without a clear title\n\nFamily law cases and children in need of services (unfortunately, domestic violence tends to rise following a natural disaster)\n\nIf you need civil legal assistance, please contact Legal Aid of North Carolina via the following toll-free hotline:\n\n(866) 219-LANC or (866) 219-5262\n\nThe hotline is available from:\n\n8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; and 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Monday and Thursdays.\n\nConstituents can also apply online at legalaidnc.org/get-help/ between 1:00-4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday.\n\nIRS Guidance for Taxpayers Impacted by Hurricane Helene\n\nExtension of certain tax filing deadlines:\n\nIRS has extended various filing deadlines for taxpayers in impacted areas, including 2024 individual/business returns, certain quarterly estimated income tax payments, and certain payroll/excise taxes.\n\nClick here for the full list of extensions and respective dates\n\nClick here for more information from the IRS on disaster assistance\n\nTax relief for qualified payments, disaster-related losses:\n\nIRS released provided guidance to taxpayers on how to address disaster-related losses in their 2024 tax return, as well as providing guidance on how qualified disaster relief payments - like government assistance payments - are generally excluded from gross income.\n\nClick here for a general walkthrough of these policies (under header \u201cAdditional tax relief\u201d)\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of disaster-related losses\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of qualified disaster relief payments\n\nDisaster payments are usually tax-free:\n\nQualified disaster relief payments are generally excluded from gross income.\n\nIn general, this means that affected taxpayers can exclude the following payments from a government agency from their gross income. Amounts received for:\n\nReasonable and necessary personal, family, living or funeral expenses.\n\nThe repair or rehabilitation of your home.\n\nThe repair or replacement of your home\u2019s contents.\n\nYou may be eligible for a disaster loss deduction:\n\nIn some instances, individuals and businesses in a federally declared disaster area can qualify for a casualty loss tax deduction.\n\nThe deduction is available for damaged or destroyed property not covered by insurance or other reimbursement and can result in a larger refund.\n\nTaxpayers can choose to claim the deduction on either the return for the year the loss occurred (in this instance, the 2024 return normally filed next year), or the return for the prior year (the 2023 return filed this year).\n\nFor individual taxpayers, the deadline for making this election is Oct. 15, 2025.\n\nThe IRS also has a special hotline specifically dedicated to taxpayers with disaster-related tax questions. Disaster victims can call the agency\u2019s disaster hotline at (866) 562-5227.\n\nShelters\n\nFor those unable to evacuate to a safe location or in need of a place to go, the following shelters are currently open and available as of today:\n\nBuncombe County\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nGold\u2019s Gym\n\n801 Fairview Rd, Asheville, NC 28803\n\nWNC Agricultural Center\n\n1301 Fanning Bridge Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nHaywood County\n\nHaywood County Government Armory\n\n285 Armory Dr., Clyde, NC 28781\n\nHenderson County\n\nHenderson County Recreation Center\n\n708 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMcDowell County Senior Center\n\n100 Spaulding Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nRutherford County\n\nRutherfordton Presbyterian Church\n\n252 N. Washington St., Rutherfordton, NC 28139\n\nTransylvania County\n\nTransylvania Parks & Rec\n\n1078 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nYancey County\n\nBlue Ridge Elementary\n\n910 Cane River School Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nCarolina Cruiser mobile office hours\n\nIn keeping with my office's motto of being \"First in Constituent Services\" and to help constituents post-Hurricane Helene, my office has resumed Carolina Cruiser mobile office hours.\n\nFolks can stop by to share their thoughts on issues that matter to them or ask for assistance with federal agencies.\n\nVisit my website for updated Carolina Cruiser hours and locations, linked here.\n\nWith my warmest regards,\n\nChuck Edwards\n\nMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:07:06Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2024/11/after-years-of-pushing-usps-for-action-congresswoman-ross-announces-mail-delivery-service-has-begun-in-rtp", "After Years of Pushing USPS for Action, Congresswoman Ross Announces Mail Delivery Service has begun in RTP", "2024-11-04", "2024", "2024-11", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) announced that the United States Postal Service (USPS) began centralized mail delivery service in Research Triangle Park (RTP), North Carolina, on November 2. This breakthrough follows years of advocacy by Congresswoman Ross with support from Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Ted Budd (R-NC), Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04) and the RTP business community.\n\nThe Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina and USPS leaders successfully worked together to implement changes necessary to establish centralized mail delivery for the first time since RTP was established 65 years ago. Home to more than 375 companies and 55,000 employees across 7,000 acres, RTP previously relied on a single U.S. Post Office that did not adequately serve this growing area.\n\n\u201cCentralized mail delivery service is a crucial milestone for Research Triangle Park, a hub of innovation and progress that continues to propel our state and country to new heights,\u201d said Congresswoman Ross. \u201cEnsuring RTP has the support it needs is essential for the growth and success of hundreds of companies. It\u2019s unacceptable that businesses in RTP were forced to function without centralized mail delivery. After years of work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, I'm grateful that we have finally implemented centralized mail delivery in RTP. Thank you to our partners at the Research Triangle Foundation and USPS for their cooperation and commitment to resolving this issue.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019m pleased that the United States Postal Service has officially dispatched mail delivery services within Research Triangle Park, addressing a longstanding and urgent need in this rapidly growing region,\u201d said Congresswoman Foushee. \u201cThis vital infrastructure improvement will deliver the reliable postal services businesses and residents in RTP need to succeed and thrive. I am grateful for the ongoing collaboration between congressional offices, USPS officials, and RTP foundation representatives, which has made this essential service possible for our constituents and will support RTP\u2019s continued growth for years to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe are grateful to our Congressional delegation, USPS and RTP companies for coalescing as a team to get this done. Collaborative problem-solving is a regional differentiator for the Triangle,\" said Scott Levitan, President and CEO of the Research Triangle Foundation. \"Direct mail delivery marks an important step forward in enhancing operational efficiency and supporting the growth of the hundreds of companies based here in RTP. Reliable mail service is essential as we build out Hub RTP, our mixed-use downtown development, to welcome new residents and meet the evolving needs of our businesses.\u201d\n\nOver the past year, Research Triangle Foundation Vice President of Planning and Public Policy Travis Crayton and his team have worked closely with USPS officials to prepare for phased mail delivery service in RTP. On November 2, 2024, USPS confirmed the start of street delivery to select addresses within RTP. Delivery routes will continue to expand as additional RTP companies and organizations opt for street address mail service.\n\nCongresswoman Ross began working to bring mail delivery to RTP more than two years ago. In August 2022, Congresswoman Ross and former Congressman David Price initially requested that USPS expand services and establish mail delivery for the RTP campus. Following a lack of action by USPS to address the issue adequately, the members then joined the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Reform in demanding action.\n\nIn September 2023, Congresswoman Ross led Senator Thom Tillis, Senator Ted Budd, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee, and 110 RTP businesses in a letter urging USPS to implement centralized mail delivery service to the entire RTP campus.\n\nIn November 2023, USPS responded to that letter, announcing that USPS leaders and the Research Triangle Foundation had begun working together to implement the necessary changes to begin the process to institute centralized mail delivery.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:07:06Z"], ["https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/edwards-joined-house-leaders-and-members-wnc-ahead-presenting-helene-funding", "Edwards joined by House leaders and Members in WNC ahead of presenting Helene funding bill", "2024-11-01", "2024", "2024-11", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Chuck Edwards", "E000246", "edwards.house.gov", "edwards", "https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Congressman Edwards and congressional delegation hear from volunteers on rebuilding efforts after Hurricane Helene\n\nU.S. Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) today was joined by House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (LA-01), Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08), Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) and Congressman Mike Collins (GA-10) in Western North Carolina to see firsthand the impact of Hurricane Helene.\n\nThe delegation received an on-the-ground tour of the hurricane damage at the Veterans Restoration Quarters and River Arts District.\n\nCongressman Edwards said, \u201cMajority Leader Scalise, Chairman Smith and other Members of Congress\u2019 visit to our mountains was an opportunity for them to see the damage caused by Hurricane Helene for themselves so that they can truly understand the devastation Western North Carolinians are experiencing. I wanted to make sure that House leaders and Members have firsthand knowledge of the hurricane destruction in preparation for when I go to present a supplemental funding bill on the House Floor in November.\u201d\n\nMajority Leader Scalise said, \u201cHurricane Helene had a devastating impact across western North Carolina. But I saw today in Asheville what I saw in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina: resilient people coming together in the face of destruction and tragedy to lend helping hands to their neighbors and rebuild their vibrant community. I\u2019m thankful to have been here to see the challenges firsthand and to meet many of the incredible volunteers, restaurateurs, and business owners already working to restore what was lost. My friend Congressman Chuck Edwards is working tirelessly in the wake of this storm to help these hard-hit areas and aid them on their road to recovery. North Carolina is not alone in this fight.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:07:06Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2024/11/on-first-day-of-open-enrollment-ross-castor-introduce-legislation-to-protect-families-from-rogue-health-insurance-brokers", "On First Day of Open Enrollment, Ross, Castor Introduce Legislation to Protect Families from Rogue Health Insurance Brokers", "2024-11-01", "2024", "2024-11", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congresswomen Deborah Ross (NC-02) and Kathy Castor (FL-14) introduced the bicameral Insurance Fraud Accountability Act, legislation aimed at establishing criminal penalties and enhancing consumer protections against rogue health insurance brokers who are changing Americans\u2019 Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans and disenrolling them from Medicaid without their knowledge or consent. This bill addresses alarming tactics that jeopardize the financial and health security of American families.\n\nIn June, Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Tammy Duckworth, (D-IL), Patty Murray (D-WA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) introduced the Insurance Fraud Accountability Act in the Senate.\n\n\u201cNorth Carolina families deserve to feel secure in their health care choices, but for far too long, rogue brokers have exploited their trust,\u201d said Congresswoman Ross. \u201cThis bill is a necessary reform to protect our communities from deceptive practices that leave families with unexpected medical bills and significant financial strain. By holding these bad actors responsible, we are taking concrete steps to protect consumers and their access to reliable health care.\u201d\n\n\"The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has been a godsend to families in Florida and across America. The ACA has lowered the cost for high quality health care and banned discrimination for preexisting conditions. Unfortunately, a few bad actors are exploiting people and signing them up for health insurance plans without their consent,\u201d said Rep. Castor. \"On the first day of Open Enrollment, I\u2019m proud to introduce the Insurance Fraud Accountability Act with Rep. Ross to bring greater transparency and accountability to the health insurance marketplace by cracking down on predatory health insurance sales, ensuring consumers are notified of plan changes, establishing stronger penalties for fraudulent enrollments and requiring brokers to act in the best interest of the customer. Together, these measures will protect hardworking Americans from predatory practices and keep money in their wallets where it rightfully belongs.\u201d\n\nThis legislation will impose criminal penalties for agents and brokers who engage in fraudulent practices, including enrolling individuals in plans without their consent and using deceptive marketing to target vulnerable groups. To further protect consumers, the legislation will create a consent verification process, ensuring that individuals will be kept informed of any new enrollments or changes to their insurance coverage. This comprehensive approach aims to strengthen accountability and transparency in the health insurance industry.\n\nThe bill is endorsed by AHIP, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Kidney Fund, American Lung Association, Arthritis Foundation, Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, Cambia Health Solutions (Regence BCBS), CancerCare, Centene Corporation (Ambetter), Child Neurology Foundation, Chronic Disease Coalition, Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, eHealth, Epilepsy Foundation, Families USA, Hemophilia Fed of America, Immune Deficiency Foundation, Lupus Foundation of America, Muscular Dystrophy Association, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), National Health Council, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, National Patient Advocate Foundation, QuoteVelocity, Susan G. Komen, The AIDS Institute, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, The Mended Hearts, Inc., UnidosUS, and WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease.\n\nBill text is available here and a one pager is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:07:06Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2024/11/ross-murphy-publish-op-ed-in-roll-call-justice-for-veterans-sickened-at-camp-lejeune-can-t-wait-any-longer-congress-must-act-now", "Ross, Manning, Adams, & Nickel Call on USPS to Take Extraordinary Measures to Process Absentee Ballots", "2024-11-01", "2024", "2024-11", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "ICYMI: Representatives Deborah Ross (NC-02), Kathy Manning (NC-06), Alma Adams (NC-12), and Wiley Nickel (NC-13) sent a letter to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy calling on the United States Postal Service (USPS) to take extraordinary measures to ensure North Carolinians\u2019 absentee ballots reach county boards of elections without delay.\n\nThe lawmakers wrote, \u201cAlthough North Carolina previously counted all ballots postmarked by Election Day, this year, officials only will count the ballots county boards of elections have received by 7:30 PM on Election Day. Given the record number of voters who will vote by mail in the 2024 election and the Postal Service\u2019s critical role in defending election integrity, we request that USPS make public on a daily basis certain key factors regarding election mail processing, as outlined in the September Extraordinary Measures Memo, beginning this week and continuing through November 5th.\u201d\n\nThe lawmakers expressed concerns and requested detailed information on USPS operations to process election mail efficiently, ensuring timely and complete delivery of all absentee ballots.\n\nFull text of the letter is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:07:06Z"], ["https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-adams-visits-charlotte-bilingual-preschool", "Rep. Adams Visits Charlotte Bilingual Preschool", "2024-10-31", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Alma S. Adams", "A000370", "adams.house.gov", "adams", "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "\u201cI have enjoyed myself immensely this morning,\" said Rep. Adams. \u201cI can\u2019t think of a better environment where children have people who care and work with their families.\u201d\n\nAs quality childcare has become harder to find and increasingly expensive in North Carolina, Charlotte Bilingual Preschool helps to ensure that Spanish-speaking families in the Charlotte area have an accessible resource that builds critical language skills and Kindergarten-readiness. Charlotte Bilingual Preschool\u2019s 5-star licensed program has been serving Mecklenburg County Spanish-speaking families since 1999. In addition to preschool, they offer family programs and workforce development programs to focus on removing systemic barriers for those who are learning English.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/edwards-calls-white-house-help-provide-temporary-housing-post-helene", "Edwards calls on White House to help provide temporary housing post-Helene", "2024-10-31", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Chuck Edwards", "E000246", "edwards.house.gov", "edwards", "https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) announced today that his office is calling on the White House to help provide temporary housing in Western North Carolina in a timely manner following reports that it took the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) five months to provide temporary housing in Louisiana and a year in Maui, Hawaii.\n\nThere are currently 2,581 families displaced by Hurricane Helene, and counties in Western North Carolina requested 1,180 FEMA trailers.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases/foushee-ross-call-for-greater-accountability-in-housing-amid-concerns-over-wall-street-influence", "Foushee, Ross Call for Greater Accountability in Housing Amid Concerns Over Wall Street Influence", "2024-10-29", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Valerie P. Foushee", "F000477", "foushee.house.gov", "foushee", "https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "As first-time homeownership rates drop, lawmakers request an investigation into the effects of institutional investors on housing affordability\n\nDURHAM, NC (October 29, 2024) \u2014 Today, Congresswomen Valerie Foushee (NC-04) and Deborah Ross (NC-02) sent a letter urging the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to examine the impact of institutional investment on the housing sector, and whether investors are taking advantage of federal affordable housing programs at the expense of homeowners and renters. The surge of institutional investments has led to rising housing prices and increased rental costs, significantly impacting working families, first-time home buyers, and renters across North Carolina.\n\nIn the Research Triangle area, median home prices surged over 25% from 2020 to 2023. Reports indicate that institutional investors purchased nearly 18% of all homes in Wake County in 2022, outbidding local families and exacerbating the housing crisis.\n\nThe lawmakers wrote, \u201cFederal housing policy should prioritize the housing needs of everyday Americans, not speculative profits. We urge you to act swiftly in probing these programs and practices so that Congress and housing agencies can better understand the role of institutional investors in housing affordability and provide solutions.\u201d\n\nSpecifically, the lawmakers are requesting that the investigation focuses on:\n\nEvaluating federal programs that provide incentives to large real estate investors, with suggestions to make these programs serve their intended purpose of helping families.\n\nHow the rise of large investors owning homes is affecting prices and rent, regardless of what federal housing programs are in place.\n\nWhether practices like raising rents are pushing out middle-and low-income families.\n\nHow the business practices of these investors are harming tenants\u2019 rights, living conditions, and financial well-being.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/murphy-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-protect-medicare-physicians-and", "Murphy Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Medicare for Physicians and Patients", "2024-10-29", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Gregory F. Murphy", "M001210", "murphy.house.gov", "murphy", "https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. issued the following statement after introducing the bipartisan Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act, to support physicians and protect access to care for Medicare beneficiaries.\n\n\"America's physicians are at a breaking point and access to high-quality, affordable care is at risk for millions of Medicare patients,\" said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. \"When a physician sees a Medicare patient, they do so out of the goodness of their heart, not because it makes financial sense. Medical inflation is much higher and the cost of seeing patients continues to rise. Unfortunately, reimbursements continue to decline, putting immense pressure on doctors to retire, close their practices, forgo seeing new Medicare patients, or seek a less efficient employment position. This bipartisan legislation would stop yet another year of reimbursement cuts, give them a slight inflationary adjustment, and protect Medicare for physicians and patients alike.\"\n\n\"Medicare payments to physicians are just not keeping pace with our economic realities and the cost of care,\" said Congressman Jimmy Panetta. \"Our bipartisan legislation would not only prevent harmful cuts but also would adjust provider reimbursements for inflation. Such a law would expand seniors' access to quality healthcare by helping medical providers continue their care for Medicare beneficiaries.\"\n\n\"Access to quality healthcare is a something every senior deserves, but declining Medicare reimbursement is putting that access at risk,\" said Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks. \"The bipartisan Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act is crucial to reversing the damaging trend of cuts that threaten our healthcare providers, especially in underserved communities. We must act now to prevent further burnout and consolidation in our system, ensuring that every Medicare beneficiary receives the care they need and deserve.\"\n\n\"Having an outdated Medicare reimbursement rate for physicians makes it harder for healthcare professionals to provide high-quality care, putting patients at risk,\" said Congressman Ami Bera, M.D. \"Physicians, unlike the rest of the players in health care, have never received an inflationary update and consistently received cuts. This bill ensures a more stable Medicare payment system, allowing providers to focus on delivering care rather than worrying about losing their practice. With this bipartisan effort, we are working toward a system that supports both patients and doctors.\"\n\n\"All patients deserve timely access to healthcare from quality physicians in their communities,\" said Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. \"Inadequate Medicare reimbursement threatens that access. I have long fought to correct the current trend of cutting reimbursement levels year after year, and I am proud to join my bipartisan colleagues to introduce the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act. The current path toward further consolidation, physician burnout, and closure of medical practices must be corrected.\"\n\n\"Over the past 22 years, adjusting for inflation, physicians have essentially taken a 26% pay cut from Medicare,\" said Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. \"Their reimbursement has been flat or declining, while overhead costs have increased by about 47%: rent, labor, equipment, and insurance. I cannot think of another profession whose compensation has dropped by 26% over 2 decades. Physicians have been holding their breath, year after year, hoping that Congress will act to avert these devastating decreases in reimbursement. Without adequate reimbursement, solo and small practice physicians\u2014most often in rural or underserved areas\u2014are already closing their doors. It\u2019s up to Congress to ensure that physicians are fairly compensated and can continue to practice, so that all Medicare patients have access to high-quality, affordable care, and I am proud to co-sponsor legislation that will achieve just that.\"\n\n\"As a physician, I recognize that year after year cuts to Medicare reimbursement jeopardizes access to care for our nation\u2019s seniors,\" said Congressman John Joyce, M.D. \"We must work in Congress to create a more sustainable long-term solution to ensure that Medicare patients continue to receive the high-quality affordable care that they deserve. While we continue this important work, I am proud to co-lead the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act, in order to protect access for Medicare beneficiaries and support Medicare physicians in the face of these proposed cuts.\"\n\n\"As an emergency medicine physician, I know how important it is for families and individuals I serve to have access to the necessary health care services they rely on,\" said Congressman Raul Ruiz M.D. \"I am deeply concerned about the impact the outdated Medicare reimbursement rate has on health care access for my constituents. That is why I am co-leading the 'Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act' that will move us away from a system where every year seniors\u2019 access to essential care is threatened due to potential cuts.\"\n\nBackground\n\nIn July 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed a rule that would decrease Medicare reimbursement for physician services by 2.8% beginning on January 1, 2025. Compounded with CMS\u2019 own estimates of a projected 3.6% increase in practice cost expenses for next year, physicians will be faced with an 6.4% cut unless Congress acts.\n\nAccording to the American Medical Association, when adjusted for inflation, Medicare reimbursement for physician services has declined 29% from 2001 to 2024.\n\nMedicare reimbursement cuts for physicians have significant ripple effects across our health care system, particularly in rural and underserved areas.\n\nThe decline in reimbursement rates, while wages and operational costs continue to rise, is forcing many physician practices to consider layoffs, reduced services, or office closure.\n\nAt a time when we\u2019re facing a physician shortage and a historic number of doctors are nearing retirement age, these cuts risk accelerating physician burnout and reducing access to care for Medicare patients.\n\nSupporting Organizations\n\nAcademy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy, ADVION (formerly National Association for the Support of Long Term Care), Alabama Society for the Rheumatic Diseases, Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy, Alliance for Physical Therapy Quality and Innovation, Alliance of Specialty Medicine, Alliance of Wound Care Stakeholders, Ambulatory Surgery Center Association, American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, American Academy of Audiology, American Academy of Dermatology Association, American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, American Academy of Neurology, American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, American Academy of Otolaryngology\u2013Head and Neck Surgery, American Academy of Pain Medicine, American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American Academy of Sleep Medicine, American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, American Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, American Association of Neurological Surgeons, American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Chiropractic Association, American Clinical Neurophysiology Society, American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, American College of Cardiology, American College of Chest Physicians, American College of Emergency Physicians, American College of Gastroenterology, American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics, American College of Mohs Surgery, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians, American College of Osteopathic Internists, American College of Physicians, American College of Radiation Oncology, American College of Radiology, American College of Rheumatology, American College of Surgeons, American Gastroenterological Association, American Geriatrics Society, American Glaucoma Society, American Health Care Association, American Medical Association, American Medical Group Association, American Medical Rehabilitation Providers Association, American Medical Women's Association, American Occupational Therapy Association, American Optometric Association, American Osteopathic Association, American Physical Therapy Association, American Physical Therapy Association \u2013 Private Practice Section, American Podiatric Medical Association, American Psychiatric Association, American Psychological Association Services, American Society for Clinical Pathology, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, American Society for Radiation Oncology, American Society for Surgery of the Hand, American Society of Breast Surgeons, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons, American Society of Dermatopathology, American Society of Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology, American Society of Echocardiography, American Society of Hand Therapists, American Society of Nuclear Cardiology, American Society of Pediatric Nephrology, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Society of Retina Specialists, American Society of Transplant Surgeons, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, American Urogynecologic Society, American Urological Association, Arkansas Rheumatology Association, Association for Clinical Oncology , Association of American Medical Colleges, Association of Clinicians for the Underserved, Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists, Association of Women in Rheumatology, Brain Injury Association of America, California Medical Association, California Rheumatology Alliance, CardioVascular Coalition, Chicago Rheumatism Society, Clinical Social Work Association, Coalition of State Rheumatology Organizations, College of American Pathologists, Community Oncology Alliance (COA), Congress of Neurological Surgeons, Connecticut Rheumatology Association, Dialysis Vascular Access Coalition, Digestive Health Physicians Association, Digestive Health Physicians Association, Emergency Department Practice Management Association, Endocrine Society, Federation of American Hospitals, Florida Society of Rheumatology, Free2care, Georgia Society of Rheumatology, Healthcare Business Management Association, Heart Failure Society of America, Heart Rhythm Society, Indiana Associations Pathologists, Infectious Diseases Society of America, Infusion Providers Alliance, LUGPA, Maryland Society for the Rheumatic Diseases, Massachusetts Medical Society, Medical Group Management Association, MidWest Rheumatology Association, National Association of ACOs, National Association of Rehabilitation Providers and Agencies, National Association of Spine Specialists, National Infusion Center Association, National Rural Health Association, Nebraska Rheumatology Society, New York State Rheumatology Society, North Carolina Rheumatology Association, Office-Based Facility Organization, Outpatient Endovascular and Interventional Society, Pediatrix Medical Group, Inc., Physician-Led Healthcare for America, Physicians Advocacy Institute, Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medical Association, Practicing Physicians of America, Renal Physicians Association, Rheumatology Alliance of Louisiana, Rheumatology Association of Minnesota and the Dakotas, Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, Society for Vascular Surgery, Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons, Society of General Internal Medicine, Society of Gynecologic Oncology, Society of Hospital Medicine, Society of Interventional Radiology, Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery, Society of Thoracic Surgeons, Tennessee Rheumatology Society, Texas Medical Association, US Oncology Network, Virginia Society of Rheumatology, West Virginia Rheumatology Society, and the Wisconsin Rheumatology Association.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2024/10/ross-foushee-call-for-greater-accountability-in-housing-amid-concerns-over-wall-street-influence", "Ross, Foushee Call for Investigation of Effects of Wall Street Speculation on Housing Market", "2024-10-29", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congresswomen Deborah Ross (NC-02) and Valerie Foushee (NC-04) sent a letter urging the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to examine the impact of institutional investment on the housing sector, and whether investors are taking advantage of federal affordable housing programs at the expense of homeowners and renters. The surge of institutional investments has led to rising housing prices and increased rental costs, significantly impacting working families, first-time home buyers, and renters across North Carolina.\n\nIn the Research Triangle area, median home pricessurged over 25% from 2020 to 2023. Reports indicate that institutional investors purchasednearly 18% of all homes in Wake County in 2022, outbidding local families and exacerbating the housing crisis.\n\nThe lawmakers wrote, \u201cFederal housing policy should prioritize the housing needs of everyday Americans, not speculative profits. We urge you to act swiftly in probing these programs and practices so that Congress and housing agencies can better understand the role of institutional investors in housing affordability and provide solutions.\u201d\n\nSpecifically, the lawmakers are requesting that the investigation focuses on:\n\nEvaluating federal programs that provide incentives to large real estate investors, with suggestions to make these programs serve their intended purpose of helping families.\n\nHow the rise of large investors owning homes is affecting prices and rent, regardless of what federal housing programs are in place.\n\nWhether practices like raising rents are pushing out middle-and low-income families.\n\nHow the business practices of these investors are harming tenants\u2019 rights, living conditions, and financial well-being.\n\nFull text of the letter is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/hurricane-recovery-update-29", "Hurricane recovery update #29", "2024-10-28", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Chuck Edwards", "E000246", "edwards.house.gov", "edwards", "https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "October 28, 2024\n\nDear Friend,\n\nYou may have noticed that it\u2019s been a few days since I last sent out a daily update. That\u2019s because I\u2019m officially moving to weekly updates.\n\nI hope you view this change in frequency as positively as I do. I have been honored to be able to serve as a resource for folks across our mountains over the last month. Please trust that I will continue to do so, but it is becoming apparent that our recovery path is transitioning, and for that reason, so must the frequency of my updates.\n\nWestern North Carolina is progressing. Immediate needs have largely been met, so now we must turn toward our community\u2019s long-term needs like housing through the winter and rebuilding the homes and businesses that were destroyed.\n\nJust like I know many of you are, I\u2019m working to help address these needs. Most prominently, I\u2019m working to expedite the delivery of FEMA housing trailers. In past disasters, these trailers have taken months to be delivered. With winter approaching, that\u2019s not going to cut it for WNC. Our people need warm places to stay NOW, not in six months, and I\u2019m reiterating that to FEMA daily until the necessary trailers get delivered.\n\nI would also like to emphasize that this transition in frequency has only been made possible by the community of our mountains and the hard work put in by Western North Carolinians over the past month. It symbolizes a new era of recovery. The urgency that immediately followed Hurricane Helene for most folks has been transformed into a drive to rebuild WNC.\n\nWe are making progress. We are getting through this. We are recovering. All as a community.\n\nEvery Monday, be on the lookout for more information on our community\u2019s recovery and where to find resources, and if you ever have any questions in between updates, don\u2019t hesitate to reach out to my office.\n\nI lastly want to remind folks who were denied for FEMA assistance, whether it be for the $750 serious needs assistance, temporary sheltering assistance, etc., and need help filing an appeal, please reach out to my office so we can assist you.\n\nToday\u2019s update includes information on billing concerns for folks with Duke Energy or AT&T internet, a new Disaster Recovery Center in Swain and Buncombe counties, how to avoid scams during the FEMA process, and a new $604 million disaster relief package form the North Carolina General Assembly.\n\nThis is update number 29, with more information to follow in the coming weeks. As always, please make sure to read everything and share it with your friends and family.\n\nIndex\n\nClick the title to be taken to the correlating information in the update.\n\nFEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Sites\n\nLegislative Support\n\nHousing/Individual Assistance Updates\n\nFood and Water\n\nBuncombe County\n\nHaywood County\n\nHenderson County\n\nJackson County\n\nMadison County\n\nMcDowell County\n\nPolk County\n\nRutherford County\n\nTransylvania County\n\nYancey County\n\nTrash Services and Debris Removal\n\nBuncombe\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nMadison\n\nMcDowell\n\nPolk\n\nRutherford\n\nTransylvania\n\nYancey\n\nVoter Information\n\nUnited States Postal Service/Mail Services\n\nPharmacy Access\n\nOpen Urgent Cares/ Health Care Services\n\nDialysis Locations\n\nOxygen Locations\n\nResources for Veterans\n\nResources for Farmers\n\nPower\n\nRoads\n\nInternet Access\n\nCell Service\n\nNorth Carolina National Guard & Department of Defense\n\nAsheville Regional Airport\n\nFederal Nutrition Programs\n\nFor NC-11 Medical Providers\n\nFor Local Government Resource Requests\n\nFor Individual Assistance through FEMA\n\nTo Connect with a Loved One\n\nResources for Utility & Other Status Updates\n\nFree Legal Assistance\n\nIRS Guidance for Taxpayers Impacted by Hurricane Helene\n\nShelters\n\nBuncombe County\n\nHaywood County\n\nHenderson County\n\nMadison County\n\nMcDowell County\n\nRutherford County\n\nTransylvania County\n\nYancey County\n\nCarolina Cruiser Mobile Office Hours\n\nFEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Sites\n\nThe following FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers are open seven days a week to assist North Carolina survivors who have experienced losses from Hurricane Helene.\n\nBuncombe County - TEMPORARY LOCATIONS\n\nBuncombe County Sports Park (Parking Lot)\n\n58 Apac Dr., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nOpen October 28-31, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nBuncombe County - PERMANENT LOCATION\n\nCane Creek Pool\n\n590 Lower Brush Creek Rd., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nHaywood County\n\nRegional High Technical Center\n\n112 Industrial Park Dr., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nHenderson County\n\n2111 Asheville Hwy., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nJackson County Annex Building\n\n198 WBI Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nMadison County\n\nMadison County Public Library - Marshall Branch\n\n1335 N. Main St., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nMcDowell County\n\nA.C. \u201cBud\u201d Hogan Community Center\n\n909 E. Main St., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nCounty Senior Center\n\n100 Spaulding Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nRutherford County\n\nMountains Branch Library\n\n150 Bills Creek Rd., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nSwain County\n\nSwain County Technology & Training Center\n\n45 East Ridge Dr., Bryson City, NC 28713\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nTransylvania County: Community Services Building\n\n106 E. Morgan St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nYancey County\n\nCounty Annex Facility\n\n677 W. U.S. Highway 19E Bypass, Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nA Disaster Recovery Center is a one-stop shop where survivors can meet face-to-face with FEMA representatives, apply for FEMA assistance, receive referrals to local assistance in their area, apply with the U.S. Small Business Administration for disaster loans, etc.\n\nAdditional recovery centers will be opening soon, and I will keep you posted as I learn about them.\n\nDisaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams are also stationed across NC-11 to help survivors apply for FEMA assistance and connect them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources.\n\nLegislative Support\n\nThe U.S. House of Representatives is gearing up to pass a disaster relief package when we return to session in November.\n\nI have begun conversations with leadership about how to best meet Western North Carolina\u2019s needs in any supplemental relief package passed by Congress in the coming months.\n\nThe North Carolina General Assembly unanimously passed a second round of disaster relief on October 24, known as the Disaster Recovery Act of 2024 Part II.\n\nState legislators have stated that this package is still preliminary support, and more will be on the way in another session on November 19, 2024.\n\nThis bill adds another $604 million from the state\u2019s Savings Reserve Fund to the Hurricane Helene Fund. Below lays out where the funds are going and shares a summary of what some of the funds will be used for.\n\n$16.7 million for the North Carolina Community College System\n\n$5 million for a grant program to cover tuition and fees for eligible students at impacted community colleges in WNC for the spring semester.\n\n$10.5 million for an emergency grant program to support students who have suffered financial hardship due to damage and destruction by Helene.\n\nStudents will be eligible for up to $2,500 and schools must start taking applications by November 15.\n\nThe funds must be used on expenses that support a student\u2019s continued enrollment.\n\n$65 million for the Department of Public Instruction\n\n$5 million to increase mental health services to students, families, and school personnel in WNC.\n\nExpands school flexibility by excusing an additional 20 days of missed instruction time due to school closures from Hurricane Helene.\n\n$20 million for the University of North Carolina\n\n$5.5 million to establish a grant program to cover tuition for eligible in-state students at UNC Asheville in the spring semester.\n\n$5 million for an emergency grant program to support students in the UNC system who have suffered financial hardship due to damage and destruction by Helene.\n\nStudents will be eligible for up to $2,500 and schools must start taking applications by November 15.\n\nThe funds must be used on expenses that support a student\u2019s continued enrollment.\n\n$1 million for the same emergency grant program for students at private universities in WNC who have suffered financial hardship due to damage and destruction by Helene.\n\nStudents will be eligible for up to $2,500 and the UNC system must start taking applications by November 15.\n\nThe funds must be used on expenses that support a student\u2019s continued enrollment.\n\n$71.4 million to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services\n\n$1 million to local social services offices for rental assistance.\n\n$56 million to the Department of Commerce\n\n$50 million to Golden LEAF to administer a bridge loan program to qualifying businesses suffering economic distress due to Helene.\n\n$139 million to the Department of Environmental Quality\n\n$100 million to establish an emergency bridge loan program for water infrastructure.\n\n$22 million to establish an emergency infrastructure bridge loan program for commercial underground storage tanks.\n\n$130 million to the Department of Public Safety\n\n$106 million to general government, including the Office of State Budget and Management and the Treasurer.\n\n$100 million to the Local Government Commission to provide cash flow loans to local governments in affected areas.\n\nThe North Carolina General Assembly unanimously passed the Disaster Recovery Act of 2024 on Oct. 9, 2024.\n\nThis bill creates a new Hurricane Helene fund with $273 million from the state\u2019s Savings Reserve Fund.\n\n$250 million will go to the Department of Public Safety's Division of Emergency Management to provide the state\u2019s match to federal disaster relief funds.\n\nAnother portion of the funds will be used to establish a revolving loan program to help local government and state agencies with cash flow while they are waiting for reimbursement from the federal government.\n\n$16 million will go to the Department of Public Instruction for \u201clost compensation of school nutrition employees due to school closures resulting from Hurricane Helene\u201d\n\n$2 million to provide local governments technical assistance with local recovery funds.\n\n$5 million to the State Board of Elections, alongside a variety of temporary election law changes such as changing polling sites that were rendered unusable by the storm and establishing a voter hotline, to make it easier for residents of Western North Carolina to vote.\n\nThe bill also:\n\nGrants school calendar flexibility to public schools by allowing them to make up or mark as completed any number of the days or hours missed.\n\nIt also allows the schools to use up to 30 days of remote instruction toward required instructional days.\n\nWaives DMV fees for things like obtaining a duplicate driver\u2019s license, ID card, etc.\n\nWaives certain environmental requirements for state highway repairs.\n\nThis provision will not reduce the safety of repairs conducted by NCDOT or negatively impact the environment.\n\nHousing/Individual Assistance Updates\n\nNearly 223,000 Western North Carolinians have registered for Individual Assistance with FEMA.\n\nThe Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program through FEMA is currently providing temporary hotel stays to more than 3,400 households.\n\nFEMA has distributed more than $178 million in housing assistance to more than 112,000 Western North Carolina households.\n\nInspectors have performed more than 29,000 home inspections for FEMA Individual Assistance evaluations.\n\nFEMA is seeking residential properties to lease for Helene survivors.\n\nInterested WNC property owner or management companies should reach out to FEMA on or before 5:00 p.m. EST, Nov. 6, 2024, via email to fema-direct_lease_dr4827nc@fema.dhs.gov.\n\nThe email subject line should read: RFI# 70FBR425-DL-DR4827NC\n\nFEMA is also seeking multifamily properties to house disaster survivors\n\nInterested property owner or management companies should reach out to FEMA no later than 5:00 p.m. EST, Nov. 6, 2024, via email to fema-mlr_dr4827nc@fema.dhs.gov.\n\nThe email subject line should read: RFI #70FBR425-MLR-DR4827NC Response: MLR-DR-4827-NC\n\nHow to avoid scams during the assistance application process:\n\nHomeowners and renters who applied for FEMA disaster assistance in WNC should be aware that FEMA representatives may call from unfamiliar area codes and phone numbers that could show as SPAM or no caller ID.\n\nIt is important to answer the call, but always be alert to these illegitimate practices:\n\nA FEMA inspector calls, and you did not submit a FEMA application.\n\nA FEMA inspector asks for your banking information.\n\nFEMA inspectors are NEVER authorized to collect your personal financial information.\n\nA payment is requested from someone who says they are from FEMA.\n\nFEMA will never request payment.\n\nA FEMA inspector calls and asks for your personally identifiable information such as your social security number.\n\nIf any of these things happen to you, or you receive a call from someone saying they are a FEMA representative and you aren\u2019t sure, call the FEMA Helpline to report the incident.\n\nFEMA Helpline: (800) 621-3362\n\nIf you believe you are the victim of a scam related to the Helene response, you should file a complaint with the North Carolina Department of Justice by:\n\nVisiting ncdoj.gov/complaint; or,\n\nCalling toll-free at 877-566-7226.\n\nFood and Water\n\nFree drinking water testing is available by request through the Buncombe County Public Health Department.\n\nJust contact the Buncombe County Public Health Department to request a test kit.\n\nThe department will provide you with an empty bottle along with instructions to collect a drinking water sample and where to drop it off for analysis.\n\nIf you have a private well that flooded, the well should be disinfected and tested to ensure the safety of yourself and your family.\n\nThe Division of Public Health is providing free, well-testing kits through local health departments.\n\nContact your local health department (find your local department via this link) to obtain a free well testing and disinfection kit.\n\nWell disinfection and well water collection kits can be picked up from the following locations from October 28-31, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.:\n\nBuncombe County Health Department - Environmental Health Building\n\n30 Valley St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nCherokee County Health Department\n\n228 Hilton St., Murphy, NC 28906\n\nHaywood County Environmental Health\n\n157 Paragon Pkwy., Ste. 200, Clyde, NC 28721\n\nHenderson County Health Department\n\n1200 Spartanburg Hwy., Ste. 100, Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nMadison - Environmental Health Building\n\n5707 US-25, Marshall, NC 28753\n\nYancey County Health Department\n\n202 Medical Campus Dr., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nNCDEQ has provided the following resources to help community members track progress on water supply restoration efforts:\n\nPublic Water Supply Situation Report Tracking - ArcGIS map with filters for system status, county, etc. linked here.\n\nDEQ Dashboard - links to additional maps, including mobile view of water system status, and environmental guidance linked here.\n\nHome Depot will be passing out free disaster relief kits every day starting at 9:00 a.m., while supplies last, at the following locations:\n\nHome Depot Asheville\n\n795 Fairview Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nHome Depot West Asheville\n\n127 Acton Cir., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nHome Depot Hendersonville\n\n401 Linda Vista Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nWalmart is hosting activities at the following locations:\n\nHendersonville, NC Store 1242\n\n250 Highlands Square Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nPortable restrooms\n\nServing hot meals at 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily\n\nArden, NC Store 1179\n\n60 Airport Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nPortable restrooms\n\nLaundry\n\nShowers\n\nWi-fi hotspot and charging stations\n\nBuncombe County\n\nBuncombe County has water distribution at multiple sites. Each will be available daily from 12:00-4:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Please bring your own container.\n\nBuncombe County Sports Park Complex\n\n58 Apac Dr., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nBlack Mountain Ingles\n\n550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nLinwood Crump Shiloh Community Center\n\n121 Shiloh Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nPack Square Park\n\n80 Court Plz., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nSky Lanes Bowling Alley\n\n1477 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nThe following resources sites are available in Buncombe County, where citizens can access food, water and other basic necessities:\n\nBiltmore Baptist Church\n\n35 Clayton Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nDistribution and bulk pickup for volunteers looking to take bulk loads of supplies to in-need community members\n\nSaturday hours: 10:00 a.m. \u2013 1:00 p.m.\n\nCommunity drive-thru for anyone in the community needing supplies\n\nSaturday hours: 3:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church \u2013 Weaverville\n\n63 N. Main St., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nHot showers available from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nUnlimited clean drinking water is available, bring your own container.\n\nSupplies and bottled water.\n\nHot lunch served at 1:30 p.m.\n\nFellowship Asheville\n\n756 Fairview Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 1:00-4:00 p.m., Monday-Thursday\n\nWest Asheville Baptist Church\n\n926 Haywood Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-4:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday\n\nSaint Mary Margaret Catholic Church\n\n102 Andrews Pl., Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nSaturday hours: 3:00-4:30 p.m.\n\nPlease note: This location is not open during mass.\n\nHot meals are available at the following locations:\n\nWorld Central Kitchen at Ben's Tune Up\n\n195 Hilliard Ave, Asheville, NC 28801\n\nServes 25,000 hot meals a day.\n\nDaily hours: 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.\n\nShiloh Community Center\n\n121 Shiloh Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nGrovemont Park\n\n251 Stonewall Ave., Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nWesley Grant Community Center\n\n285 Livingston St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nWest Asheville Ingles\n\n669 Haywood Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 3:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nNesbitt Chapel\n\n12 Nesbitt Chapel Rd., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nDaily hours: 3:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nGroce United Methodist Church \u2013 also distributing essential supplies\n\n954 Tunnel Rd., Asheville, NC 28805\n\nDaily hours M/W/F/Sat, Supplies 12:00-4:00 p.m., meals 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nA Community Care Station is available at the following location:\n\n2319 Hwy. 70, Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nHot meals served daily: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCommunity Care Stations offer showers, laundry, bathrooms, access to cell towers, wi-fi, potable and non-potable water, and counseling.\n\nHaywood County\n\nThe following locations are providing community members with essential resources such as but not limited to, food, water, cleaning products, baby formula, and pet food, Monday through Fridays:\n\nFines Creek Community Center\n\n190 Fines Creek Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nOpen every day until 6:00 p.m.\n\nPigeon Community Center\n\n450 Pigeon St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nAlso offering hot meals every day at 2:00 p.m.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCruso Community Center\n\n13186 Cruso Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.\n\nFirst United Methodist Church\n\n566 S. Haywood St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nIncludes shower access.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.\n\nMaggie Valley Pavilion\n\n3935 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Saturday)\n\nWoodland Baptist Church\n\n545 Crabtree Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nNew Covenant Church\n\n767 Lee Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nIP Sportsplex\n\n305 Silkwood Dr., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nBethel Elementary School\n\n4700 Old River Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nJonathan Valley Elementary School\n\n410 Hall Dr., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nMonday through Friday\n\nSt. Barnabas Catholic Church\n\n109 Crescent Hill Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nDaily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.\n\nReynolds Baptist Church - Family Life Center\n\n520 Rose Hill Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.\n\nThis location also has potable water available to residents who bring their own vessels to fill.\n\nMountain Projects\n\n2177 Asheville Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nThe Community Kitchen\n\n288 Crabtree Mountain Rd., Canton, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.\n\nHaywood Christian Ministry\n\n150 Branner St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nThe following location offers hot meals daily:\n\nMaggie Valley Fire Department\n\n2901 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nJukebox Junction\n\n3606 Pigeon Rd., Canton, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nThe following location offers showers daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.:\n\nCalvary Baptist Church\n\n2701 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nThe following location is offering supplies for horses and livestock:\n\nWNC Regional Livestock Center\n\n474 Stock Dr., Canton, NC 28716\n\nHenderson County\n\nHenderson County has stood up one Resource Hub location for water distribution and other supplies as they become available.\n\n118 McAbee Ct., Flat Rock, NC 28731\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nEach family unit will be provided supplies for one day\u2019s meal and water as available.\n\nIndividuals are asked to enter the drive-through and remain in your car unless otherwise instructed by volunteers to ensure an efficient process.\n\nJackson County\n\nIn partnership with the Red Cross, the following is available for citizens of Jackson County:\n\nThe Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau are providing shelf-stable meals at the following location:\n\n558 Frank Allen Rd., Cashiers, NC 28717\n\nThe Canada Fire Department is distributing emergency supplies at the following location:\n\n149 Charleys Creek Rd., Tuckasegee, NC 28783\n\nThe following locations are providing resources to displaced families and individuals in need:\n\nMountain Projects\n\n154-B Medical Park Loop, Sylva, NC 28779\n\nUnited Christian Ministries\n\n191 Skyland Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nSt. Mary\u2019s Roman Catholic Church of Sylva\n\n22 Bartlett St., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.\n\nCornbread and Roses\n\n1294 Savannah Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours:\n\nWednesday, 6:00-8:00 p.m.\n\nThursday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nSunday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nMadison County\n\nThe following locations are offering food, water, and some supply distribution in Madison County:\n\nBeech Glen Community Center\n\n2936 Beech Glen Rd., Mars Hill, 28754\n\nDaily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.\n\nCenter Community Center\n\n1300 Grapevine Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nEbbs Chapel Community Center\n\n281 Laurel Valley Rd., Mars Hill, NC 28754\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nEnon Baptist Church\n\n174 Ammons Branch Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nOpen Sunday 12:00-4:00 p.m.\n\nFreedom Christian Church\n\n7350 US 25/70 Bypass, Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThis location offers additional resources such as hygiene products, blankets, clothes, cleaning supplies, diapers, pet food, etc.\n\nLaurel Community Center - also has supplies\n\n4100 NC 212 Hwy., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily Hours: 8:00 a.m. \u2013 8:00 p.m.\n\nRevere-Rice Community Center\n\n3980 Revere Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (Mon-Sat)\n\nSpring Creek Community Center\n\n13075 NC 209 Hwy., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThis location also has additional resources such as pet food, livestock feed and hay.\n\nWalnut Community Center - also has supplies\n\n46 School Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.\n\nN.C. Cooperative Extension - Madison County Center\n\n258 Carolina Ln., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nThis location is offering drive-thru food distribution only.\n\nLittle Ivy Baptist Church\n\n1053 Crossroads Pkwy., Mars Hill, NC 28754\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMcDowell County has established multiple points of distribution that are open daily.\n\nDistribution takes place daily at the following locations:\n\nTom Johnson\u2019s Camping Center\n\n348 Resistoflex Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nWeekend hours: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCherry Springs\n\n6 Bull Walker Rd., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: Wednesdays 4:00-7:00 p.m., Sundays 2:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nCamp Grier\n\n985 Camp Grier Rd., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and 4:00-7:00 p.m.\n\nRestoration Church\n\n2344 Ashworth Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nCentro Unido Latino Americano\n\n79 Academy St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church of Old Fort\n\n203 E. Main St., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: 4:00-7:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nFirst Baptist Church Marion\n\n99 N Main St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nConcord United Methodist Church\n\n8066 Linville Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 2:00-4:00 p.m.\n\nNew Manna Baptist Church\n\n225 E. Court St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 4:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nHot meals are also being provided at the following location:\n\nGrace Community Church\n\n5182 US 70 W., Marion, NC 28752\n\nLunch is served every day from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.\n\nDinner is available from 4:00-5:30 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church of Marion is offering hot showers, air conditioning, and areas to charge devices.\n\nCurrent hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 2:00-5:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday.\n\nPolk County\n\nThe following locations are offering food and water distribution for residents in need from 1:00-5:00 p.m.:\n\nMill Spring/Green Creek Community\n\n25 International Blvd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nColumbus Community\n\n95 Walker St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nSaluda Community Bus Parking Lot\n\n214 E. Main St., Saluda, NC 28773\n\nTryon Community\n\n301 N. Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782\n\nSunny View\n\n86 Sunny View School Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nThe following locations are serving hot meals daily:\n\nTryon Equestrian Center\n\n4066 Pea Ridge Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nRoseland Community Center\n\n56 Peake St., Tryon, NC 28782\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nRutherford County\n\nThe following two centralized distribution center locations are open from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. for citizens to get food and emergency supplies:\n\nThe Green Space\n\n658 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nWarehouse #7\n\n214 Vance St., Warehouse 7, Forest City, NC 28043\n\nTransylvania County\n\nThe following location is providing hot meals to county residents:\n\nBalsam Grove Community Center - daily until power is fully restored\n\n8732 Parkway Rd., Balsam Grove, NC 28708\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nBottled water is available daily at local fire departments and 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Anchor Baptist Church located at:\n\n3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nWater filling stations can be found at the following locations:\n\nCity Sports Complex\n\n824 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.\n\nRocky\u2019s Grill & Soda Shop\n\n50 S. Broad St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours\n\nCedar Mountain Outpost\n\n8431 Greenville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nDD Bullwinkles\n\n60 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nFirst United Methodist Church\n\n325 N. Broad St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nPisgah Forest Baptist Church\n\n494 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nFood, water, and other supplies such as hygiene products are being distributed at the following locations:\n\nAnchor Baptist Church\n\n3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nZion Baptist Church\n\n423 Main St., Rosman, NC 28772\n\nNo daily hours posted\n\nGrace Brevard\n\n55 E. Jordan St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2;00 p.m.\n\nMary C. Jenkins Community Center\n\n221 Mills Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nYancey County\n\nYancey County has transitioned to one centralized distribution site for water, food and ice located at the following address:\n\nFormer Fred\u2019s Store\n\n677 W. U.S. Highway 19E, Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nMobile laundry facilities are available in the GO Grocery parking lot located at the following address:\n\n631 W Hwy. 19E Bypass, Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nTrash Services and Debris Removal\n\nAll counties are actively working with NCDEQ to determine where mud, silt and sediment can be safely dropped off without risk of contamination.\n\nMore information to come.\n\nRecycling services are available through Curbside Management for the following counties:\n\nBuncombe\n\nClay\n\nGraham\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nJackson\n\nMacon\n\nMadison\n\nPolk\n\nRutherford\n\nYancey\n\nSome communities have halted recycling services to prioritize trash collection.\n\nIf that is the case for your community, Curbside Management has a drop-off site available for residents who wish to bring their recycling to the following location:\n\n116 N. Woodfin Ave., Asheville, NC 28804\n\nIf your home has damage and you need assistance with clean up, please call Crisis Cleanup for access to volunteer organizations that can assist you at 844-965-1386.\n\nIf Hurricane Helene caused damage to your home or belongings, make sure to document it.\n\nThis is critically important in getting reimbursed.\n\nTake photos before you begin cleaning up.\n\nMake a list of damaged or lost items and gather receipts.\n\nDoing this helps speed up the process with insurance and other assistance programs, and ensures you get properly compensated.\n\nBefore you start the clean-up process, remember:\n\nWear PPE such as long pants, goggles, gloves and sturdy shoes.\n\nStay off damaged structures.\n\nBe aware that snakes or other hazardous animals could be present.\n\nCall your local fire department to inspect or removal chemicals, propane tanks, and other hazardous materials.\n\nIf you suspect debris contains toxic substances, seal them in plastic bags to prevent them from becoming airborne.\n\nTo reduce the risk of accidental fires, please DO NOT burn your storm debris.\n\nEmergency personnel are continuing to work on other storm recovery and response efforts, limiting resources to respond to accidental fires.\n\nPlease discard storm debris at a local transfer site or via curbside debris pickup.\n\nDebris should be placed curbside and not block the roadway or access to the property.\n\nPlease place debris away from trees, poles or other structures (e.g., fire hydrants, meters, etc.) to make removal work easier.\n\nContact your local municipality for curbside storm debris removal collection schedules or see below for additional information on debris waste removal by county.\n\nAdditionally, the following counties have resources for where to take household trash and debris waste.\n\nBuncombe\n\nCurbside collection will begin Monday for City of Asheville sanitation customers.\n\nStorm debris collection has begun in Buncombe County.\n\nSeparate storm-related debris at the curb in the right of way according to material type:\n\nAppliances, construction debris, household hazardous waste such as pesticides and automotive fluid, vegetative debris, and electronics.\n\nDebris collection will require multiple passes and will be a long process.\n\nResidents do not have to set out all debris at one time or worry if there is debris left; another pass can collect additional debris.\n\nThe Town of Black Mountain Public Works Department has secured four 15-yard dumpsters located in two sites for Black Mountain residents to throw away household trash ONLY:\n\nTractor Supply: 125 Old US Hwy. 70 E., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nIngles: 550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nPlease Note: Yard waste, bulk items, separate recycling and debris collection are not available at this time.\n\nWaste Pro collection service has resumed for regular Monday route customers.\n\nHaywood\n\nHousehold waste will be accepted at the Materials Recovery Facility at 247 Recycle Rd., Clyde and at Convenience Centers at Jonathan Creek, Beaverdam, Bethel, Hazelwood, Mauney Cove, Jones Cove and Highway 110.\n\nWhite Oak Landfill has reopened.\n\nHenderson\n\nHenderson County Transfer Station is open and accepting storm debris with normal fees.\n\nHenderson County has begun curbside storm debris removal to county residents as a free service.\n\nThe county will pick up storm debris for free if it is pushed to the right of way of a property.\n\nStorm debris includes tree branches, leaves, logs, building materials, furniture, paint etc.\n\nPlease be patient.\n\nThe county will pick up storm debris for free as quickly as possible.\n\nMadison\n\nThe Hot Springs collection center is operating on normal hours for household trash ONLY:\n\nMonday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nWednesday: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.\n\nFriday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nSaturday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nHot Springs trash pickup is returning to Mondays like usual.\n\nPlease only use this pickup service if you cannot bring it to the collection center yourself.\n\nThe pickup service is being led by volunteers at this time.\n\nMcDowell\n\nMcDowell County has hired private contractors to facilitate storm debris pickup from public right of ways in the Town of Old Fort, City of Marion, and along state secondary roads in the county.\n\nResidents are asked to separate debris into the following categories:\n\nLarge appliances\n\nConstruction debris\n\nVegetative debris\n\nHazardous waste\n\nElectronics\n\nHousehold waste\n\nPolk\n\nThe Polk County landfill is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\n322 Landfill Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nDrop-off of residential trash is $10.\n\nGFL trash services will continue the regular schedule. However, certain areas may be inaccessible due to ongoing power outages from Hurricane Helene.\n\nTwo dumpsters are located on Gibson Street for immediate trash disposal due to road inaccessibility.\n\nRutherford\n\nThe county has begun storm debris removal along state-maintained and municipally-controlled roads.\n\nResidents are asked to place storm-related vegetative debris, including trees and limbs, within the road\u2019s right-of-way.\n\nCut large debris into four to six ft. sections.\n\nThe Rutherford County Landfill and all convenience centers have reopened with normal hours.\n\nTransylvania\n\nThe City of Brevard has resumed regular trash pickup.\n\nThe county landfill accepts natural vegetative storm debris, including spoiled hay, trees, brush, etc. for free.\n\nYancey\n\nThe Riverside and East Yancey Recycling Centers have resumed operations.\n\nDaily hours: 7:00 a.m. \u2013 4:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday\n\nThe Yancey-Mitchell Landfill is now open, following repairs from Hurricane Helene.\n\n555 Landfill Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday); 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Saturday)\n\nResidents should sort storm debris from regular household waste.\n\nHazardous materials will not be accepted and construction debris should be separated from household waste.\n\nVoter Information\n\nThe Justice Department has launched a website with information to help Western North Carolinians and other communities impacted by recent hurricanes to vote.\n\nThe site identifies and provides links to various state changes made to accommodate displaced voters and information for folks who have lost their ID cards, had polling sites moved or who are unsure where or how they can vote.\n\nYou can access the website via this link.\n\nReminder: Early voting has started!\n\nVoters may cast a ballot at any early voting site in their county.\n\nOnly four early voting sites were closed due to Hurricane Helene across NC-11, all in Buncombe County.\n\nThe following four sites are NO LONGER eligible early voting sites, as was originally planned prior to Hurricane Helene:\n\nBee Tree Fire Station\n\nFriendship Center\n\nNorth Asheville Library\n\nUpper Hominy Fire & Rescue Department\n\nAll other regular early voting sites are OPEN across NC-11.\n\nCoordination is ongoing to develop messaging in multiple languages to inform shelter residents and guests of how and where to vote.\n\nThe North Carolina State Board of Elections has provided pertinent information and recommendations for voters in the Helene disaster area during the 2024 general election.\n\nTo review information on voting in the 2024 general election after Hurricane Helene, you can follow this link.\n\nThe site provides information on absentee voting, how to change your polling location if you have a new permanent address, county board of elections, office closures and more.\n\nFor any additional questions on voting post-hurricane, please contact your county Board of Elections.\n\nPlease note: Your county Board of Elections is the best place to get any questions answered.\n\nI have been permitted to share the above, nonpartisan information but am prohibited from answering any questions related to the 2024 general election.\n\nUnited States Postal Service/Mail Services\n\nUSPS anticipates continued improvement of mail delivery operations with local recovery efforts, to include power, connectivity, and roads.\n\nSocial Security checks are being routed to all units for delivery and/or are available for customer pick up.\n\nFor impacted residents who have relocated due to the storm, please be sure to complete a change of address request at moversguide.usps.com.\n\nMost USPS offices have reopened under normal operations.\n\nSunday delivery is being made in some of the affected communities to ensure delayed mail is delivered as soon as possible.\n\nOnly 21 offices, or 10 percent of all USPS offices in Western NC remain closed.\n\nOnly one facility was fully destroyed, the Micaville PO box office in ZIP code 28755.\n\nUSPS is utilizing Mobile Operations Units where residents can send or receive mail and packages in many of the areas with closed offices.\n\nThe mobile units are located in the following communities:\n\nAlexander - 28701\n\nBarnardsville - 28709\n\nCedar Mountain - 28718\n\nEdneyville - 28727\n\nHot Springs - 28743\n\nMarshall - 28753\n\nMicaville - 28755\n\nMontreat - 28757\n\nRosman - 28772\n\nSwannanoa - 28778\n\nPharmacy Access\n\nPharmacy Locator\n\nHundreds of pharmacies never closed or have reopened across Western North Carolina.\n\nUse this link to locate pharmacy locations open to the public by county.\n\nThe Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response under the Department of Health and Human Services has activated the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) for North Carolinians.\n\nThe EPAP program helps uninsured residents replace prescription medication or certain medical equipment lost or damaged during Hurricane Helene.\n\nThrough the program, uninsured residents can:\n\nRequest a free 30-day supply of certain prescription medications at any EPAP-participating pharmacy which can be renewed every 30 days while the EPAP is active.\n\nReplace certain medical equipment and supplies such as canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, blood sugar meters and blood sugar test strips for diabetics.\n\nUninsured North Carolina residents affected by the recent hurricane can call the EPAP hotline, 855-793-7470, or visit the EPAP website to check their eligibility, determine if their medications or medical equipment are covered, or locate a participating pharmacy.\n\nPrescription Pad is open from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and filling prescriptions for Yancey County residents at the following location:\n\n730 E. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nOpen Urgent Cares/ Health Care Services\n\nThere is a field hospital with physicians, nurses and paramedics who can treat patients at the Burnsville Fire Department. The address is as follows:\n\n305 Pineola St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nThe following urgent cares are open and accessible for community members with non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries:\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Weaverville\n\n61 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nMercy Urgent Care West Asheville\n\n1201 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nMercy Urgent Care Waynesville\n\n120 Frazier St., Ste. 6, Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nLocations open between 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Brevard\n\n22 Trust Ln., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Columbus\n\n140 West Mills St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nLocations open between 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.:\n\nMobile Urgent Care Clinic\n\n12 Florida Ave., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nMental Health & Basic Medical Support Center\n\n130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nPardee Urgent Care\n\n45 Hendersonville Hwy., Ste. A, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nOther locations available:\n\nHeart to Heart International - in Haywood Department of Health Parking Lot\n\n157 Paragon Pkwy., Ste. 800, Clyde, NC 28721\n\nDaily hours: Not available at this time.\n\nFree mental health services - All available for drop-in\n\nIf you have been impacted by the storm and need someone to talk to, call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1 (800) 985-5990.\n\nHelp is also available to anyone, anytime in English or Spanish through a call, text or chat to 988.\n\nLearn more at 988Lifeline.org.\n\nCare Collaborative for Western North Carolina Clinicians is a partnership among more than 200 mental health professionals volunteering to provide free mental health services for Hurricane Helene survivors.\n\nServices are provided virtually, and you can follow this link to find a professional that fits your needs and their contact information to schedule a session.\n\nHot Springs Elementary School - Art Room\n\n63 N. Serpentine Ave., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nThe Pearl Institute\n\n55 Academy St., Waynesville, NC\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-6:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nFree telehealth appointments are also available.\n\nTo book a telehealth appointment, you can email info@pearlpsychedelicinstitute.org or call/text (828) 400-7091\n\nCommunity Support Group\n\nRegular group sessions will be occurring through the end of December at the following locations:\n\n221 Mills Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nMary C. Jenkins Community & Cultural Center\n\nHosted by the City of Brevard, AARP, and Blue Ridge Community College\n\n9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on October 28\n\n45 Oak Park Dr., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nBlue Ridge Community College, Brevard Campus, Room 140\n\n9:00-11:00 a.m. on November 4, 18, 25; December 2, 9 ,16\n\nAll University of North Carolina System students have access to free mental health through their university.\n\nPlease monitor your student email for more information on how to access these services.\n\nThe following orthopedic urgent care locations are open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily, physical therapy appointments are also available at each of these locations:\n\nEmergeOrtho Hendersonville\n\n800 Fleming St., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nEmergeOrtho Arden (South Asheville)\n\n2585 Hendersonville Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nEmergeOrtho Waynesville\n\n9 Haywood Office Park, Ste. 102 and 103, Waynesville, NC 28785\n\nEmergeOrtho Brevard\n\n89 Hospital Dr., Ste. A, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nEmergeOrtho Weaverville\n\n159 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nDialysis Locations\n\nThe following location is open and available for dialysis treatments in NC-11:\n\nPardee Hospital\n\n800 N. Justice St., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nThis location can dialyze 30 patients a day.\n\nDaVita Kidney Care nurses are reaching out to their patients to coordinate treatment, but the following DaVita locations are available:\n\nDaVita Greer South Dialysis\n\n3254 Brushy Greek Rd., Greer, SC 29650\n\nContact Number: (864) 801-2065\n\nDaVita Saluda River Dialysis\n\n8080 Augusta Rd., Piedmont, SC 29673\n\nContact Number: (833) 378-2702\n\nDaVita Wofford at Home\n\n8024 White Ave., Spartanburg, SC 29303\n\nContact Number: (864) 583-4788\n\nDaVita Boiling Springs Dialysis\n\n196 Sloane Garden Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316\n\nContact Number: (833) 458-4809\n\nOxygen Locations\n\nHendersonville High School\n\n1 Bearcat Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nMust be assessed through Pardee Hospital.\n\nLincare is only serving established patients.\n\nPatients must bring in empty tanks to one of the following locations:\n\nAsheville Lincare\n\n103 Elk Park Dr., Asheville, NC 28804\n\nFax number: (866) 234-6698\n\nGreenville Lincare\n\n355 Woodruff Rd., Ste. 204 and 205, Greenville, SC 29607\n\nFax Number: (864) 288-0339\n\nThe following locations are available for oxygen refills, but patients must bring their own oxygen equipment - fire departments are available 24/7:\n\nBoiling Springs Fire Department\n\n186 Rainbow Lake Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316\n\nReidville Fire Department\n\n7450 Reidville Rd., Woodruff, SC 29388\n\nInman City Fire Department\n\n6 Humphrey St., Inman, SC 29349\n\nFirst Presbyterian Church\n\n393 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29302\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.\n\nGreer Relief Indigo Hope Neighborhood Impact Center\n\n113C Berry Ave., Greer, SC 29651\n\nDaily hours: 2:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nCroft Fire Department\n\n370 Cedar Springs Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29302\n\nArkwright Fire Department\n\n1070 Southport Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29306\n\nRoebuck Fire Department\n\n2639 Stone Station Rd., Roebuck, SC 29376\\\n\nNorth Spartanburg Fire Department\n\n8767 Asheville Hwy., Spartanburg, SC 29316\n\nResources for Veterans\n\nOutpatient clinics have rescheduled 66 percent of the appointments that were cancelled due to Hurricane Helene, with more being rescheduled every day.\n\nThe U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs launched a new web page with disaster relief resources, providing a single place for veterans and their caregivers to access VA resources on health care, housing, benefits payments, insurance, and more.\n\nYou can access the web site via this link.\n\nThe VA has established a Veterans Disaster Response Hotline, which is available 24/7 at 1(800) 507-4571.\n\nIf you or a veteran you know needs immediate housing assistance after Hurricane Helene, please call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at (877) 424-3838.\n\nThe call center is open 24/7.\n\nIf you have a VA-backed home loan and are unable to make your mortgage payments, please contact your mortgage servicer.\n\nYou can also call the VA at (877) 827-3702, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nHome loan servicers are allowed to put a 90-day pause on foreclosures and encouraged to waive late charges for VA-guaranteed home loans after a disaster.\n\nLegionnaires, Sons of the American Legion members and Legion Posts that have been displaced from their primary residence due to damage sustained during Hurricane Helene may be eligible for financial assistance through the American Legion.\n\nLegionnaires and Sons of the American Legion members may be eligible for up to $3,000.\n\nLegion Posts may be eligible for up to $10,000.\n\nTo learn more or to request assistance, please use this link.\n\nApplications must be submitted within 90 days of the disaster: Dec. 26, 2024.\n\nThe Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville and Master Sergeant Jerry K. Crump VA Clinic in Forest City are open for essential and emergency services.\n\nVeterans can:\n\nVisit the Asheville VA Hospital pharmacy for medication refills or:\n\nCall the Regional Clinical Contact Center at (855) 679-0074 and press 1 for pharmacy representatives.\n\nLocal pharmacies in the VA\u2019s community care network will also fill written prescriptions, or prescriptions as they appear on an active VA prescription bottle that is not older than six months and has available refills, to provide a 30-day supply.\n\nHickory, Forest City and Franklin outpatient VA clinics are now operating regularly.\n\nDue to the damage and personal losses caused by Hurricane Helene to the staff of the VA, it will take some time to bring staffing to full capacity.\n\nPlease be patient as the VA works to rebuild their workforce.\n\nResources for Farmers\n\nThe United States Department of Agriculture has put together a list of resources for farmers and other agricultural industry members.\n\nIf your agricultural operation has been impacted by Hurricane Helene, you can review this link, farmers.gov, for emergency and disaster assistance programs.\n\nAg supplies can be picked up by farmers in need from any of the following distribution centers (including non-NC-11 locations for farmers who may be closer to an out-of-district distribution center):\n\nAvery County\n\nMitchell-Avery County Center\n\n6880 Linville Falls Hwy., Newland, NC 28657\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday); 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Saturday)\n\nBuncombe County\n\nMills River Station\n\n74 Research Dr., Mills River, NC 28759\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nCaldwell County\n\nCaldwell County Fairgrounds\n\n2461 Fairground Rd., Lenoir, NC 28645\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Wednesday and Saturday only), or by appointment\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMarion - McDowell County\n\n188 Ag Services Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Saturday)\n\nHaywood County\n\nSmokey Mountain Event Center\n\n758 Crabtree Dr., Waynesville, NC 28785\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nWatauga County\n\nWatauga County Extension\n\n5715 U.S. Highway 421 N., Vilas, NC 28692\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) - NO HAY\n\n1:00-6:00 p.m. (Tuesday and Thursday) - HAY ONLY\n\nPower\n\nMy office has heard multiple complaints of Duke Energy customers being charged for power on days where there was an outage. Duke Energy provided the following information for how billing was calculated, and what will take place to provide a credit if you were over billed due to being a non-AMI account:\n\nAMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure)\n\nBills for customers with an AMI/Smart Meter will reflect actual usage for the billing cycle if the meter is communicating. (For awareness: Duke is monitoring usage daily)\n\nNon-AMI\n\nCustomers without an AMI/Smart Meter may see estimated usage if Duke was unable to obtain a reading prior to invoicing.\n\nOnce Duke Energy can obtain a reading from the meter, your next bill will be adjusted to reflect actual usage and a credit will be applied for anyone who\u2019s usage was overestimated.\n\nDuke Energy also provided the following information for auto-pay and budget billing customers:\n\nAuto-Pay\n\nPayments will automatically draft on the due date for customers signed up for auto-pay.\n\nCustomers have the option to temporarily pause their automatic payment by contacting Duke at 800-777-9898 (DEC) | 800-452-2777 (DEP) or by logging into their account to unenroll from Auto Pay.\n\nIf a customer chooses to unenroll via logging into their online account, they are encouraged to re-enroll when their situation allows to avoid any future missed payments.\n\nBudget Billing\n\nCustomers enrolled in Budget Billing will still be invoiced their set monthly amount.\n\nAlmost 100 percent of all power outages have been restored in impacted areas.\n\nFrench Broad Electric is still focusing restoration efforts in their hardest hit areas in Yancey County, including Crabtree, Little Switzerland, along McKinney Mine Rd., Bakers Creek, Pensacola, and the western side of the county.\n\nOne of the most challenging areas to restore power is along the Cane River from Langford Branch to Huntdale.\n\nSeveral miles of power lines were destroyed and the bank where the lines were once located is no longer an option.\n\nFBE is having to reroute lines and build them from scratch.\n\nFor more information on Duke Energy\u2019s power restoration efforts, you can review the following links:\n\nComplex Repair & Disaster Rebuild Zones Map: duke-energy.com/info/carolinas-restoration\n\nOutage Map: duke-energy.com/outages\n\nOutage Alerts: duke-energy.com/outages/alerts\n\nGenerator safety: duke-energy.com/outages/generators\n\nPower restoration process: duke-energy.com/outages/restoring-your-power\n\nRoads\n\nWestern North Carolina is FULLY OPEN to visitors!\n\nPlease come visit!\n\nEmergency roadway repair work continues with the installation of temporary bridges, numerous slide repairs, roadway reconstruction work, and repair of dangerous shoulder washouts.\n\nThe focus continues to be on major corridors and communities with limited access.\n\nNCDOT still has 2,134 employees responding in WNC, including:\n\n375 from Central NC\n\n284 in crew transfers from both Central and Eastern NC\n\n128 Kentucky DOT personnel who came to WNC to assist in the recovery.\n\nNearly 900 roads have been reopened.\n\nJust over 400 roads remain closed, many of which will require extensive repairs to be reopened.\n\nNCDOT has established a Road Reopening Dashboard for folks to keep track of progress made by the department.\n\nYou can use this link to access the dashboard.\n\nThe dashboard is also linked on DriveNC.gov.\n\nTo monitor road conditions in and around NC-11, use drivenc.gov.\n\nThe website tracks NCDOT-managed road conditions in real time.\n\nNC DMV has reopened 14 of the 16 driver license offices that were closed due to Hurricane Helene.\n\nThe following DMV offices are open for walk-in services in or near NC-11, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., closed between 11:30 a.m. through 1:00 p.m. for a lunch break:\n\nBuncombe County\n\n1624 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nCherokee County\n\n1440 Main St., Andrews, NC 28901\n\nHaywood County\n\n290 Lee Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nHenderson County\n\n125 Baystone Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nJackson County\n\n876 Skyland Dr., Ste. 2, Sylva, NC 28779\n\nMacon County\n\n16 Patton Ave., Franklin, NC 28734\n\nMadison County\n\n1685 NC Highway 213, Marshall, NC 28753\n\nMcDowell County\n\n3975 NC 226 S., Marion, NC 28752\n\nRutherford County\n\n596 Withrow Rd., Forest City, NC 28043\n\nSwain County\n\n2650 Governors Island Rd., Bryson City, NC 28713\n\nTransylvania County\n\n50 Commerce St., Ste. 4, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAll but five license plate agencies have reopened.\n\nAir traffic has sustained at 300 percent above pre-hurricane levels in Western NC.\n\nNCDOT\u2019s aviation division continue to work to make sure flight operations are safe coming into and out of airports, including by:\n\nScheduling landing/unloading times and aircraft parking so aircraft are spaced out and to reduce the risk of incidents.\n\nEstablishing a first of its kind \u201ccorridors in the sky\u201d to separate civilian and military aircraft in the air.\n\nHaving search and rescue partners use short, time and location specific restrictions on air operations to enhance safety when multiple helicopters are engaged in search and rescue efforts.\n\nThe state of North Carolina is NOT turning away civil aviation support so long as it has been coordinated through the proper channels with NC Emergency Management.\n\nIf you or someone you know is interested in providing civil aviation support and don\u2019t know where to coordinate your efforts, please call my office and we will help you get in touch with the right folks.\n\nNCDOT has launched a detour map to show motorists how to get around closures on I-26 and I-40 at the Tennessee border.\n\nYou can access the map here.\n\nInternet Access\n\nMy office has also heard from numerous customers frustrated that they were billed for a full month of internet through AT&T despite extended outages, and in many cases, service still not being restored:\n\nAT&T Customer Support is providing billing credits and working with customers impacted by Hurricane Helene when they call AT&T customer service, (800) 288-2020.\n\nThe fiber line has been restored from Lake Lure to Chimney Rock, restoring communication capabilities to the area for the first time since Hurricane Helene hit our mountains.\n\nInternet providers are working with local energy and cell providers to restore service for customers across Western North Carolina.\n\nFiber repair crews are also pairing with electric utility crews in the field to assist with any accidental fiber cuts.\n\nInternet providers including Optimum and Spectrum are working around the clock to restore service for customers. However, part of the network\u2019s infrastructure was destroyed by mudslides and collapsed bridges making restoration a lengthy process.\n\nAs a result, some impacted areas will require a rebuild of the network from scratch.\n\nTo mitigate the lack of service, Optimum, formerly Altice USA, has set up an Optimum Wi-Fi Trailer that is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the following locations:\n\n717 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\n1800 Four Seasons Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nThe following locations are offering free public wi-fi:\n\nFirst Baptist Church - Weaverville\n\n63 N. Main St, Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nDowntown Franklin\n\nThe Town of Franklin has free wi-fi on the town hill area in downtown.\n\nTransylvania County Library - 24/7\n\n212 S. Gaston St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nThe Yard Brevard\n\n284 Railroad Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nBrevard Visitor Center\n\n175 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAvailable daily from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThe Vine Anglican Church - and free coffee\n\n1055 Lee Rd, Clyde, NC 28721\n\nAvailable daily from 12:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nCell Service\n\nNearly 100 percent of all cellular sites in Western North Carolina have been repaired and are now in service.\n\nUpCycle Tech in Transylvania County is offering free computers and phones for use at the following location:\n\n470 Asheville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAT&T has deployed its Mobile Connectivity Center to the following location:\n\nSam\u2019s Club: 645 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nThe Mobile Connectivity Center is an air-conditioned mobile unit open to the public, equipped with laptops, charging stations and wi-fi.\n\nThe public can use the center for various needs including contacting your insurance company, filling out paperwork or connecting with loved ones.\n\nVerizon has deployed Wireless Emergency Communication Centers to help hurricane survivors stay connected to their friends, family and other important contacts.\n\nWireless Emergency Communication Centers are generator-powered mobile units that have device charging and computer workstations, along with wireless phones, tablets, and other devices available for use.\n\nVerizon\u2019s Wireless Emergency Communication Centers have been set up at the following locations:\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nAsheville YMCA\n\n30 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nFamily Justice Center\n\n35 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nVerizon also has charging stations at the following locations:\n\nYMCA of Western North Carolina\n\n348 Grace Corpening Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nTwo charging stations at this location\n\nWNC Agricultural Center\n\n761 Boylston Hwy., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nThree charging stations at this location\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nOne charging station at this location\n\nT-Mobile has set up satellite cellular on light trucks (SatCOLTs), providing cellular voice and data along with wi-fi and charging stations at the following locations:\n\nAsheville Middle School\n\n211 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center\n\n285 Livingston St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nFirst Baptist Church\n\n130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nAdditional T-Mobile satellite cell on trucks are located in Hendersonville and at a Tractor Supply Co. in Asheville, with others planned for Mission Hospital in Asheville, Cherokee County Emergency Operations Center in Murphy, and in Cherokee.\n\nNorth Carolina National Guard & Department of Defense\n\nAs requests from some counties are decreasing, NC National Guard assets are NOT standing down, they are instead being reallocated to other areas.\n\nMore than 2,000 National Guard soldiers and airmen, active-duty service members, and emergency assistance compact units (National Guard units from 12 different states) are deployed across Western North Carolina to provide support.\n\n1,100 of the 1,500 active duty soldiers from Ft. Liberty and Ft. Campbell are returning to their bases by the end of the week.\n\nCurrently, only 400 active duty soldiers remain in Western North Carolina.\n\nAny remaining tasks have been transitioned over to the N.C. National Guard.\n\nThe National Guard has distributed more than 16,000 tons of commodities to Western North Carolina.\n\nHighlights from the last 24 hours:\n\nLake Lure debris clearance mission completed.\n\nDistributed 445 tons of fill and rock and 400 pallets of material to Yancey County.\n\nCompleted 670 humanitarian aid deliveries in Haywood County.\n\nCompleted culvert debris clean out in Marshall, NC, located in Madison County.\n\nWater is actively flowing through the culvert now.\n\nAlthough airspace is limited due to ongoing missions by the National Guard and Department of Defense, a process has been established for private pilots seeking to fly in humanitarian relief to coordinate with local authorities.\n\nIf you are looking to fly in resources and don\u2019t know where to turn, call my office and we will get you in contact with the right coordinators.\n\nHere are a few key phone numbers from the NCNG:\n\nHOTLINE: 888-892-1162\n\nEmergency management watch: 919-733-3300\n\nDonated goods: 919-825-2474\n\nThese lines have very high call volumes. If you do not get through the first try, keep calling.\n\nAsheville Regional Airport\n\nAsheville Regional Airport closed mid-day on Friday, September 27, due to risk of flooding.\n\nCommercial flights at Asheville Regional Airport have resumed.\n\nIf you parked your car in an Asheville Regional Airport lot and could not retrieve the vehicle due to the storm, great news - none of the airport\u2019s lots flooded and all cars are fine.\n\nStay safe and pick up your car when you are able.\n\nPLEASE NOTE:\n\nNo general aviation pilots are allowed to land at Asheville Regional Airport without prior clearance from FEMA to ensure the safety of aircraft and personnel.\n\nSupply deliveries by civilian pilots ARE permitted to land at Asheville Regional Airport so long as they have prior clearance from FEMA.\n\nFEMA is not turning away any pilot that has gone through the proper channels to coordinate delivery and ensure the safety of his fellow aircraft and personnel.\n\nFederal Nutrition Programs\n\nThe U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service has approved flexibilities due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene.\n\nSNAP\n\nNorth Carolina was granted a waiver for the 10-day reporting requirement for the replacement of food purchased with SNAP benefits lost because of the hurricane.\n\nThis waiver provides additional time beyond the standard 10-day time frame for households to report food losses and receive replacement benefits for food that was destroyed and previously purchased with SNAP benefits.\n\nChild Nutrition\n\nThe North Carolina Department of Public Instruction was approved for a waiver pertaining to the child nutrition programs.\n\nUnder the waiver approval, NCDPI\u2019s local program operators may:\n\nServe meals in a non-congregate setting\n\nAdjust the time of meal service\n\nAllow parent pick-up\n\nAllow service of meals at school sites\n\nFood and Nutrition Services Program\n\nPeople and families in North Carolina who are enrolled in the Food and Nutrition Services program can now use their EBT card to purchase hot food.\n\nThis flexibility will remain in effect until November 3.\n\nSpecial Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, & Children (WIC)\n\nFamilies participating in WIC who may have relocated to a new area can go to any NC WIC agency to:\n\nHave a new eWIC card issued\n\nRequest replacement breastfeeding supplies or breast pumps\n\nRequest replacement food that was purchased with current WIC benefits and lost due to Hurricane Helene\n\nFor NC-11 Medical Providers\n\nIf you own a medical practice in NC-11 and are experiencing financial hardship due to Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina Medical Society is reactivating its Financial Recovery Program (FRP) to help you recover and open your doors again.\n\nFor more information on the disaster relief fund, you can visit this link.\n\nDetails on how medical practices can qualify and apply for funds will be coming soon.\n\nThe Department of Health and Human Services through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has made available:\n\nAccelerated payments to Medicare Part A providers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nAdvance payments to Medicare Part B suppliers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nFor Local Government Resource Requests\n\nFor county leaders: This is a reminder to make sure your Emergency Operation Center has submitted the request for gasoline, food, water, cell service deployables, etc. with North Carolina Emergency Management to have your request processed and resources delivered.\n\nMy office stands ready to assist with checking the status of your request if the county or municipality has not heard back from NC Emergency Management within 24 hours.\n\nDisaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)\n\nThe deadline to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits is Dec. 2, 2024 for all counties other than Swain, Graham and Cherokee counties.\n\nSwain County\u2019s deadline is Dec. 9, 2024.\n\nDisaster Unemployment Assistance benefits are now available for Western North Carolinians in counties with a major disaster declaration, including:\n\nBuncombe\n\nClay\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nJackson\n\nMacon\n\nMadison\n\nMcDowell\n\nPolk\n\nRutherford\n\nSwain\n\nTransylvania\n\nYancey\n\nIf your employment has been lost or interrupted because of Hurricane Helene, you may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance.\n\nFile an application for DUA:\n\nFile at des.nc.gov, or\n\nCall over the phone at (919) 629-3857\n\nA toll-free legal aid hotline is now available for low-income survivors with disaster-related legal questions: (866) 219-5262.\n\nFor Individual Assistance through FEMA\n\nThe deadline to file for FEMA Individual Assistance is Nov. 27, 2024. Please mark your calendars and ensure all applications are submitted on time.\n\nNorth Carolina received a Major Disaster Declaration for the following counties: Buncombe, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania and Yancey counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.\n\nPeople with damage to their homes or personal property who live in one of the above-listed counties should apply for Individual Assistance through FEMA, which may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies.\n\nFunds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay.\n\nIndividual Assistance provides financial aid and services to eligible individuals and households that have been affected by a disaster to assist with the recovery process. Individuals can officially begin applying for Individual Assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling the application phone number at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. EST.\n\nFind steps to help you replace important documents that were lost or damaged in the storm: www.fema.gov/disaster/4827/news-media\n\nIf you were initially denied for Individual Assistance, please see below for useful tips to help you file an appeal with FEMA:\n\nUnderstand why FEMA denied your claim before writing the appeal.\n\nIt could be as simple as a missing document, which you can submit with your appeal.\n\nRead FEMA\u2019s letter from beginning to end to completely understand what the agency needs from you.\n\nMake sure you provide evidence for your appeal. Depending on your situation, documentation may include:\n\nA copy of your flood insurance declaration page.\n\nProof of occupancy, which could be an employer statement, lease, utility bill, credit card statement, or other recent, formal document that states your address.\n\nProof of ownership, which might include your mortgage or insurance documents, tax receipts, deed, etc.\n\nCan\u2019t write the appeal yourself?\n\nI recommend having a trusted friend, family member, or lawyer write it for you.\n\nKnow your deadline.\n\nYou have 60 days from the date of your FEMA determination letter to appeal.\n\nCircle the deadline on your calendar or write yourself a note to keep the date in the forefront.\n\nOnce FEMA reviews your letter, you may receive a phone call or a follow-up letter asking for more documentation.\n\nDon\u2019t forget to sign your appeal letter!\n\nOnce signed, there are three ways to submit your appeal:\n\nFax it to (800) 827-8112\n\nSend it by mail to: FEMA Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782\n\nUpload all appeal documents to your disasterassistance.gov account.\n\nInclude your application number on every page of the documents you submit.\n\nExpect a decision letter to your appeal within 90 days.\n\nTo Connect with a Loved One\n\nResidents trying to connect with family members may call NC 211 (or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from out-of-state) to report missing loved ones or request a welfare check.\n\nPeople in the impacted areas can indicate that they are safe by reporting themselves safe through Red Cross Reunification by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).\n\nPlease only use 911 for life-threatening emergencies so the lines remain open for critical situations.\n\nIf you are still trying to locate a friend or family member, please complete this form, linked here, to notify local officials of their missing status.\n\nThe form was created by Buncombe County but information is being shared amongst all counties.\n\nRegardless of which county your loved one was last known to be in, you can still submit the form.\n\nBuncombe County will share the information with the appropriate officials to initiate search and rescue efforts.\n\nUnited Way is also fielding missing person/welfare check requests.\n\nText PERSON to 40403 to add a loved one to search and rescue efforts or fill out this form.\n\nResources for Utility & Other Status Updates\n\nFor information on the status of utilities, debris sites, etc., we want to share the following resources. As communications are restored and more information becomes available, these sites will continue to be updated.\n\nDrinking Water Systems: Public Water Supply Situation Report Tracking\n\nDebris Disposal Sites: Active Temporary Debris Disposal Sites\n\nNCDEQ Situation Report Tracking System\n\nNCDPS Hurricane Helene - Storm Information\n\nNCDPS County Emergency Management Agencies\n\nHow to Apply for FEMA Assistance After Hurricane Helene\n\nFree Legal Assistance\n\nLegal Aid of North Carolina stands ready to provide free advice and legal counsel regarding natural disaster needs, including legal representation if necessary, including for civil legal issues involving:\n\nFiling FEMA claims and appeals (a process which can be overwhelmingly bureaucratic and burdensome)\n\nReplacement of lost or destroyed legal and government documents, including driver\u2019s licenses and identification cards\n\nMedical and insurance claims\n\nHome repair contracts\n\nUtility disputes related to restoration of services\n\nConsumer protection issues like construction fraud, price-gouging on repairs and identity theft\n\nHousing issues such as unlawful eviction and foreclosures\n\nBankruptcy\n\nProbate and clearing title for survivors living in generational homes without a clear title\n\nFamily law cases and children in need of services (unfortunately, domestic violence tends to rise following a natural disaster)\n\nIf you need civil legal assistance, please contact Legal Aid of North Carolina via the following toll-free hotline:\n\n(866) 219-LANC or (866) 219-5262\n\nThe hotline is available from:\n\n8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; and 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Monday and Thursdays.\n\nConstituents can also apply online at legalaidnc.org/get-help/ between 1:00-4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday.\n\nIRS Guidance for Taxpayers Impacted by Hurricane Helene\n\nExtension of certain tax filing deadlines:\n\nIRS has extended various filing deadlines for taxpayers in impacted areas, including 2024 individual/business returns, certain quarterly estimated income tax payments, and certain payroll/excise taxes.\n\nClick here for the full list of extensions and respective dates\n\nClick here for more information from the IRS on disaster assistance\n\nTax relief for qualified payments, disaster-related losses:\n\nIRS released provided guidance to taxpayers on how to address disaster-related losses in their 2024 tax return, as well as providing guidance on how qualified disaster relief payments - like government assistance payments - are generally excluded from gross income.\n\nClick here for a general walkthrough of these policies (under header \u201cAdditional tax relief\u201d)\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of disaster-related losses\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of qualified disaster relief payments\n\nDisaster payments are usually tax-free:\n\nQualified disaster relief payments are generally excluded from gross income.\n\nIn general, this means that affected taxpayers can exclude the following payments from a government agency from their gross income. Amounts received for:\n\nReasonable and necessary personal, family, living or funeral expenses.\n\nThe repair or rehabilitation of your home.\n\nThe repair or replacement of your home\u2019s contents.\n\nYou may be eligible for a disaster loss deduction:\n\nIn some instances, individuals and businesses in a federally declared disaster area can qualify for a casualty loss tax deduction.\n\nThe deduction is available for damaged or destroyed property not covered by insurance or other reimbursement and can result in a larger refund.\n\nTaxpayers can choose to claim the deduction on either the return for the year the loss occurred (in this instance, the 2024 return normally filed next year), or the return for the prior year (the 2023 return filed this year).\n\nFor individual taxpayers, the deadline for making this election is Oct. 15, 2025.\n\nThe IRS also has a special hotline specifically dedicated to taxpayers with disaster-related tax questions. Disaster victims can call the agency\u2019s disaster hotline at (866) 562-5227.\n\nShelters\n\nFor those unable to evacuate to a safe location or in need of a place to go, the following shelters are currently open and available as of today:\n\nBuncombe County\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nGold\u2019s Gym\n\n801 Fairview Rd, Asheville, NC 28803\n\nWNC Agricultural Center\n\n1301 Fanning Bridge Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nHaywood County\n\nHaywood County Government Armory\n\n285 Armory Dr., Clyde, NC 28781\n\nHenderson County\n\nHenderson County Recreation Center\n\n708 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMcDowell County Senior Center\n\n100 Spaulding Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nRutherford County\n\nRutherfordton Presbyterian Church\n\n252 N. Washington St., Rutherfordton, NC 28139\n\nTransylvania County\n\nTransylvania Parks & Rec\n\n1078 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nYancey County\n\nBlue Ridge Elementary\n\n910 Cane River School Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nCarolina Cruiser mobile office hours\n\nIn keeping with my office's motto of being \"First in Constituent Services\" and to help constituents post-Hurricane Helene, my office has resumed Carolina Cruiser mobile office hours.\n\nFolks can stop by to share their thoughts on issues that matter to them or ask for assistance with federal agencies.\n\nVisit my website for updated Carolina Cruiser hours and locations, linked here.\n\nWith my warmest regards,\n\nChuck Edwards\n\nMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-adams-honored-stratford-richardson-ymca-after-securing-funds-new", "Rep. Adams Honored at Stratford Richardson YMCA After Securing Funds for New Clinic", "2024-10-25", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Alma S. Adams", "A000370", "adams.house.gov", "adams", "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "CHARLOTTE \u2013 Yesterday, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12) was honored by the YMCA of Greater Charlotte for her years of service to the community and the role she played in securing $2 million for the construction of their new Atrium Health Community Care Primary Care West Boulevard Family Medicine Clinic. This on-campus clinic will help provide quality, affordable care to those in need.\n\n\u201cBy providing minor surgical procedures, women\u2019s care, pediatric care, and other preventive services, the Atrium Health Community Care Primary Care West Boulevard Family Medicine Clinic will be the difference between a family having to pay exorbitant emergency room fees and getting immediate treatment,\u201d said Rep. Adams. \u201cI am deeply honored to be chosen for the YMCA of Greater Charlotte\u2019s inaugural \u2018Champion of Change\u2019 award. This work is personal for me and this clinic is an important step in closing the healthcare gaps that exist in our community. Healthcare is one of my four H\u2019s, so I am proud to have helped support this clinic and the YMCA of Greater Charlotte by securing funding towards its development.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe owe a debt of gratitude not only to Congresswoman Adams but also to our incredible partners\u2014Atrium Health, our YMCA team, the congresswoman\u2019s team, our elected officials, and our community partners,\" said Sue Glass, President & CEO, YMCA of Greater Charlotte. \u201cTogether, through advocacy, commitment, and collaboration, we are transforming the Stratford Richardson YMCA campus into a catalyst for positive impact in Charlotte\u2019s West Boulevard Corridor.\n\nOther appropriations information and community project funding awards are available on Rep. Adams\u2019 website.\n\n###\n\nCongresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. represents North Carolina's 12th Congressional District (Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, Cabarrus County) and serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Education & the Workforce, where she serves as ranking member of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-adams-statement-freedom-caucus-proposal-disenfranchise-nc-voters", "Rep. Adams' Statement on Freedom Caucus Proposal to Disenfranchise NC Voters", "2024-10-25", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Alma S. Adams", "A000370", "adams.house.gov", "adams", "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "CHARLOTTE \u2013 Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), released the following statement after Congressman Andy Harris (R-MD-01), Chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, suggested the North Carolina State Legislature award their state\u2019s Electoral College votes to former president Donald Trump irrespective of the votes of the people of North Carolina:\n\n\u201cThe election is barely underway and the House Freedom Caucus already wants to throw the ballots out. It would be disgraceful to overturn the votes of a free and fair election. Rep. Andy Harris (MD-01) should retract and apologize for his statement that North Carolina's state legislature should unilaterally hand the state's Electoral College votes to his preferred candidate.\n\nFor my part, I joined my colleagues in signing onto letters to both the USPS and the Biden-Harris Administration to ensure our elections remain safe and accessible in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Our constituents are experiencing a disaster. Exploiting them for ill political gain, instead of helping, is shameful. Let\u2019s turn the page on this insanity once and for all.\u201d\n\n###\n\nCongresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. represents North Carolina's 12th Congressional District (Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, Cabarrus County) and serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Education & the Workforce, where she serves as ranking member of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/hurricane-recovery-update-28", "Hurricane recovery update #28", "2024-10-25", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Chuck Edwards", "E000246", "edwards.house.gov", "edwards", "https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "October 25, 2024\n\nDear Friend,\n\nFour weeks. Western North Carolina\u2019s world was rocked by Hurricane Helene four whole weeks ago.\n\nI have always been proud to be from these mountains, but I\u2019ve never been prouder than I am right now. We\u2019ve come so far over the past 28 days, in a way that only salt-of-the-earth mountain folk can.\n\nI could list endless reasons why you should be proud of yourselves, but I don\u2019t think I need to because you see it every day. When chaos struck in the first few days after the storm, you buckled down and powered through.\n\nFolks immediately began to muck and gut flooded buildings regardless of whether it was your building or not. Dozens of churches and non-profits staffed by local community members began distributing food and water, and I have yet to see a single person turn down a neighbor in need.\n\nAfter being knocked down, I\u2019ve watched our mountain communities build back up, brick by brick.\n\nWe still have a long road ahead of us, but I think being four weeks post-disaster only warrants taking a step back and appreciating how we\u2019ve shown up for each other and how far we\u2019ve come. Take a moment to be proud of yourself today, because I\u2019m proud of you too.\n\nThis update includes a one-day extension to apply in-person for D-SNAP benefits if you live in Buncombe, Haywood, Macon, or McDowell counties, the standing down of active duty military who were deployed to Western NC (N.C. National Guard still remains stationed throughout NC-11), and once again highlights a change in location for the Buncombe County Disaster Recovery Center.\n\nToday is update number 28, with more information to follow in the coming weeks. As always, please make sure to read everything and share it with your friends and family.\n\nIndex\n\nClick the title to be taken to the correlating information in the update.\n\nFEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Sites\n\nLegislative Support\n\nHousing/Individual Assistance Updates\n\nFood and Water\n\nBuncombe County\n\nHaywood County\n\nHenderson County\n\nJackson County\n\nMadison County\n\nMcDowell County\n\nPolk County\n\nRutherford County\n\nTransylvania County\n\nYancey County\n\nTrash Services and Debris Removal\n\nBuncombe\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nMadison\n\nMcDowell\n\nPolk\n\nRutherford\n\nTransylvania\n\nYancey\n\nVoter Information\n\nUnited States Postal Service/Mail Services\n\nPharmacy Access\n\nOpen Urgent Cares/ Health Care Services\n\nDialysis Locations\n\nOxygen Locations\n\nResources for Veterans\n\nResources for Farmers\n\nPower\n\nRoads\n\nInternet Access\n\nCell Service\n\nNorth Carolina National Guard & Department of Defense\n\nAsheville Regional Airport\n\nFederal Nutrition Programs\n\nFor NC-11 Medical Providers\n\nFor Local Government Resource Requests\n\nFor Individual Assistance through FEMA\n\nTo Connect with a Loved One\n\nResources for Utility & Other Status Updates\n\nFree Legal Assistance\n\nIRS Guidance for Taxpayers Impacted by Hurricane Helene\n\nShelters\n\nBuncombe County\n\nHaywood County\n\nHenderson County\n\nMadison County\n\nMcDowell County\n\nRutherford County\n\nTransylvania County\n\nYancey County\n\nCarolina Cruiser Mobile Office Hours\n\nFEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Sites\n\nThe following FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers are open seven days a week to assist North Carolina survivors who have experienced losses from Hurricane Helene.\n\nBuncombe County - TEMPORARY LOCATIONS\n\nSwannanoa Fire Rescue - Bee Tree Fire Substation\n\n510 Bee Tree Rd., Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nOpen October 24-27, 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nBuncombe County Sports Park (Parking Lot)\n\n58 Apac Dr., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nOpen October 28-31, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nHaywood County\n\nRegional High Technical Center\n\n112 Industrial Park Dr., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nHenderson County\n\n2111 Asheville Hwy., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nJackson County Annex Building\n\n198 WBI Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nMadison County\n\nMadison County Public Library - Marshall Branch\n\n1335 N. Main St., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nMcDowell County\n\nA.C. \u201cBud\u201d Hogan Community Center\n\n909 E. Main St., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nCounty Senior Center\n\n100 Spaulding Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nRutherford County\n\nMountains Branch Library\n\n150 Bills Creek Rd., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nTransylvania County: Community Services Building\n\n106 E. Morgan St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nYancey County\n\nCounty Annex Facility\n\n677 W. U.S. Highway 19E Bypass, Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nA Disaster Recovery Center is a one-stop shop where survivors can meet face-to-face with FEMA representatives, apply for FEMA assistance, receive referrals to local assistance in their area, apply with the U.S. Small Business Administration for disaster loans, etc.\n\nAdditional recovery centers will be opening soon, and I will keep you posted as I learn about them.\n\nDisaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams are also stationed across NC-11 to help survivors apply for FEMA assistance and connect them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources.\n\nLegislative Support\n\nThe U.S. House of Representatives is gearing up to pass a disaster relief package when we return to session in November.\n\nI have begun conversations with leadership about how to best meet Western North Carolina\u2019s needs in any supplemental relief package passed by Congress in the coming months.\n\nThe North Carolina General Assembly unanimously passed the Disaster Recovery Act of 2024 on Oct. 9, 2024.\n\nThis bill creates a new Hurricane Helene fund with $273 million from the state\u2019s Savings Reserve Fund.\n\n$250 million will go to the Department of Public Safety's Division of Emergency Management to provide the state\u2019s match to federal disaster relief funds.\n\nAnother portion of the funds will be used to establish a revolving loan program to help local government and state agencies with cash flow while they are waiting for reimbursement from the federal government.\n\n$16 million will go to the Department of Public Instruction for \u201clost compensation of school nutrition employees due to school closures resulting from Hurricane Helene\u201d\n\n$2 million to provide local governments technical assistance with local recovery funds.\n\n$5 million to the State Board of Elections, alongside a variety of temporary election law changes such as changing polling sites that were rendered unusable by the storm and establishing a voter hotline, to make it easier for residents of Western North Carolina to vote.\n\nThe bill also:\n\nGrants school calendar flexibility to public schools by allowing them to make up or mark as completed any number of the days or hours missed.\n\nIt also allows the schools to use up to 30 days of remote instruction toward required instructional days.\n\nWaives DMV fees for things like obtaining a duplicate driver\u2019s license, ID card, etc.\n\nWaives certain environmental requirements for state highway repairs.\n\nThis provision will not reduce the safety of repairs conducted by NCDOT or negatively impact the environment.\n\nHousing/Individual Assistance Updates\n\nNearly 223,000 Western North Carolinians have registered for Individual Assistance with FEMA.\n\nThe Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program through FEMA is currently providing temporary hotel stays to roughly 6,300 individuals.\n\nFEMA has distributed more than $138 million in housing assistance to more than 96,000 Western North Carolina households.\n\nInspectors have performed more than 29,000 home inspections for FEMA Individual Assistance evaluations.\n\nFEMA is seeking residential properties to lease for Helene survivors.\n\nInterested WNC property owner or management companies should reach out to FEMA on or before 5:00 p.m. EST, Nov. 6, 2024, via email to fema-direct_lease_dr4827nc@fema.dhs.gov.\n\nThe email subject line should read: RFI# 70FBR425-DL-DR4827NC\n\nFEMA is also seeking multifamily properties to house disaster survivors\n\nInterested property owner or management companies should reach out to FEMA no later than 5:00 p.m. EST, Nov. 6, 2024, via email to fema-mlr_dr4827nc@fema.dhs.gov.\n\nThe email subject line should read: RFI #70FBR425-MLR-DR4827NC Response: MLR-DR-4827-NC\n\nFood and Water\n\nFree drinking water testing is available by request through the Buncombe County Public Health Department.\n\nJust contact the Buncombe County Public Health Department to request a test kit.\n\nThe department will provide you with an empty bottle along with instructions to collect a drinking water sample and where to drop it off for analysis.\n\nIf you have a private well that flooded, the well should be disinfected and tested to ensure the safety of yourself and your family.\n\nThe Division of Public Health is providing free, well-testing kits through local health departments.\n\nContact your local health department (find your local department via this link) to obtain a free well testing and disinfection kit.\n\nWell disinfection and well water collection kits can be picked up from the following locations from October 22-24 and October 28-31, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.:\n\nBuncombe County Health Department - Environmental Health Building\n\n30 Valley St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nCherokee County Health Department\n\n228 Hilton St., Murphy, NC 28906\n\nHaywood County Environmental Health\n\n157 Paragon Pkwy., Ste. 200, Clyde, NC 28721\n\nHenderson County Health Department\n\n1200 Spartanburg Hwy., Ste. 100, Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nMadison - Environmental Health Building\n\n5707 US-25, Marshall, NC 28753\n\nYancey County Health Department\n\n202 Medical Campus Dr., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nSupplying drinkable water remains a top priority for emergency crews.\n\n22 water systems are on a partial or system-wide boil advisory.\n\nOnly one treatment plant has reported having no power, but this system does not serve any residential customers, and two systems remain out of water.\n\nWater restoration trends continue to move in a positive direction.\n\nThere are 234 wastewater treatment plants operating under normal conditions in the affected areas across Western NC.\n\nNCDEQ has provided the following resources to help community members track progress on water supply restoration efforts:\n\nPublic Water Supply Situation Report Tracking - ArcGIS map with filters for system status, county, etc. linked here.\n\nDEQ Dashboard - links to additional maps, including mobile view of water system status, and environmental guidance linked here.\n\nThe Federal Emergency Management Agency has promised 120 truckloads a day of food and water with no specified end date.\n\nFEMA has delivered more than 13 million meals and more than 12.9 million liters of water to Western North Carolina utilizing the $20 billion in funds that I helped to draft and pass for disaster relief just two days before Hurricane Helene hit.\n\nHome Depot will be passing out free disaster relief kits every day starting at 9:00 a.m., while supplies last, at the following locations:\n\nHome Depot Asheville\n\n795 Fairview Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nHome Depot West Asheville\n\n127 Acton Cir., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nHome Depot Hendersonville\n\n401 Linda Vista Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nWalmart is hosting activities at the following locations:\n\nHendersonville, NC Store 1242\n\n250 Highlands Square Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nPortable restrooms\n\nServing hot meals at 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily\n\nArden, NC Store 1179\n\n60 Airport Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nPortable restrooms\n\nLaundry\n\nShowers\n\nWi-fi hotspot and charging stations\n\nBuncombe County\n\nBuncombe County has water distribution at multiple sites. Each will be available daily from 12:00-4:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Please bring your own container.\n\nBuncombe County Sports Park Complex\n\n58 Apac Dr., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nBlack Mountain Ingles\n\n550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nLinwood Crump Shiloh Community Center\n\n121 Shiloh Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nPack Square Park\n\n80 Court Plz., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nSky Lanes Bowling Alley\n\n1477 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nThe following resources sites are available in Buncombe County, where citizens can access food, water and other basic necessities:\n\nBiltmore Baptist Church\n\n35 Clayton Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nDistribution and bulk pickup for volunteers looking to take bulk loads of supplies to in-need community members\n\nSaturday hours: 10:00 a.m. \u2013 1:00 p.m.\n\nCommunity drive-thru for anyone in the community needing supplies\n\nSaturday hours: 3:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church \u2013 Weaverville\n\n63 N. Main St., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nHot showers available from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nUnlimited clean drinking water is available, bring your own container.\n\nSupplies and bottled water.\n\nHot lunch served at 1:30 p.m.\n\nFellowship Asheville\n\n756 Fairview Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 1:00-4:00 p.m., Monday-Thursday\n\nWest Asheville Baptist Church\n\n926 Haywood Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-4:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday\n\nSaint Mary Margaret Catholic Church\n\n102 Andrews Pl., Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nSaturday hours: 3:00-4:30 p.m.\n\nPlease note: This location is not open during mass.\n\nHot meals are available at the following locations:\n\nWorld Central Kitchen at Ben's Tune Up\n\n195 Hilliard Ave, Asheville, NC 28801\n\nServes 25,000 hot meals a day.\n\nDaily hours: 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.\n\nShiloh Community Center\n\n121 Shiloh Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nGrovemont Park\n\n251 Stonewall Ave., Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nManna Food Bank - Farmer\u2019s Market\n\n570 Brevard Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nReopening October 22-24 from 1:00-5:00 p.m. daily for a special event to distribute critical baby items.\n\nWesley Grant Community Center\n\n285 Livingston St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nWest Asheville Ingles\n\n669 Haywood Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 3:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nNesbitt Chapel\n\n12 Nesbitt Chapel Rd., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nDaily hours: 3:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nGroce United Methodist Church \u2013 also distributing essential supplies\n\n954 Tunnel Rd., Asheville, NC 28805\n\nDaily hours starting Wednesday, October 16: Only M/W/F/Sat, Supplies 12:00-4:00 p.m., meals 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nA Community Care Station is available at the following location:\n\n2319 Hwy. 70, Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nHot meals served daily: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCommunity Care Stations offer showers, laundry, bathrooms, access to cell towers, wi-fi, potable and non-potable water, and counseling.\n\nHaywood County\n\nThe following locations are providing community members with essential resources such as but not limited to, food, water, cleaning products, baby formula, and pet food, Monday through Fridays:\n\nFines Creek Community Center\n\n190 Fines Creek Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nOpen every day until 6:00 p.m.\n\nPigeon Community Center\n\n450 Pigeon St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nAlso offering hot meals every day at 2:00 p.m.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCruso Community Center\n\n13186 Cruso Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.\n\nFirst United Methodist Church\n\n566 S. Haywood St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nIncludes shower access.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.\n\nMaggie Valley Pavilion\n\n3935 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Saturday)\n\nWoodland Baptist Church\n\n545 Crabtree Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nNew Covenant Church\n\n767 Lee Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nIP Sportsplex\n\n305 Silkwood Dr., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nBethel Elementary School\n\n4700 Old River Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nJonathan Valley Elementary School\n\n410 Hall Dr., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nMonday through Friday\n\nSt. Barnabas Catholic Church\n\n109 Crescent Hill Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nDaily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.\n\nReynolds Baptist Church - Family Life Center\n\n520 Rose Hill Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.\n\nThis location also has potable water available to residents who bring their own vessels to fill.\n\nMountain Projects\n\n2177 Asheville Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nThe Community Kitchen\n\n288 Crabtree Mountain Rd., Canton, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.\n\nHaywood Christian Ministry\n\n150 Branner St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nThe following location offers hot meals daily:\n\nMaggie Valley Fire Department\n\n2901 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nJukebox Junction\n\n3606 Pigeon Rd., Canton, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nThe following location offers showers daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.:\n\nCalvary Baptist Church\n\n2701 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nThe following location is offering supplies for horses and livestock:\n\nWNC Regional Livestock Center\n\n474 Stock Dr., Canton, NC 28716\n\nHenderson County\n\nHenderson County has stood up one Resource Hub location for water distribution and other supplies as they become available.\n\n118 McAbee Ct., Flat Rock, NC 28731\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nEach family unit will be provided supplies for one day\u2019s meal and water as available.\n\nIndividuals are asked to enter the drive-through and remain in your car unless otherwise instructed by volunteers to ensure an efficient process.\n\nJackson County\n\nIn partnership with the Red Cross, the following is available for citizens of Jackson County:\n\nThe Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau are providing shelf-stable meals at the following location:\n\n558 Frank Allen Rd., Cashiers, NC 28717\n\nThe Canada Fire Department is distributing emergency supplies at the following location:\n\n149 Charleys Creek Rd., Tuckasegee, NC 28783\n\nThe following locations are providing resources to displaced families and individuals in need:\n\nMountain Projects\n\n154-B Medical Park Loop, Sylva, NC 28779\n\nUnited Christian Ministries\n\n191 Skyland Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nSt. Mary\u2019s Roman Catholic Church of Sylva\n\n22 Bartlett St., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.\n\nCornbread and Roses\n\n1294 Savannah Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours:\n\nWednesday, 6:00-8:00 p.m.\n\nThursday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nSunday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nMadison County\n\nThe following locations are offering food, water, and some supply distribution in Madison County:\n\nBeech Glen Community Center\n\n2936 Beech Glen Rd., Mars Hill, 28754\n\nDaily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.\n\nCenter Community Center\n\n1300 Grapevine Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nEbbs Chapel Community Center\n\n281 Laurel Valley Rd., Mars Hill, NC 28754\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nEnon Baptist Church\n\n174 Ammons Branch Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nOpen Sunday 12:00-4:00 p.m.\n\nFreedom Christian Church\n\n7350 US 25/70 Bypass, Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThis location offers additional resources such as hygiene products, blankets, clothes, cleaning supplies, diapers, pet food, etc.\n\nLaurel Community Center - also has supplies\n\n4100 NC 212 Hwy., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily Hours: 8:00 a.m. \u2013 8:00 p.m.\n\nRevere-Rice Community Center\n\n3980 Revere Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (Mon-Sat)\n\nSpring Creek Community Center\n\n13075 NC 209 Hwy., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThis location also has additional resources such as pet food, livestock feed and hay.\n\nWalnut Community Center - also has supplies\n\n46 School Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.\n\nN.C. Cooperative Extension - Madison County Center\n\n258 Carolina Ln., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nThis location is offering drive-thru food distribution only.\n\nLittle Ivy Baptist Church\n\n1053 Crossroads Pkwy., Mars Hill, NC 28754\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMcDowell County has established multiple points of distribution that are open daily.\n\nDistribution takes place daily at the following locations:\n\nTom Johnson\u2019s Camping Center\n\n348 Resistoflex Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nWeekend hours: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCherry Springs\n\n6 Bull Walker Rd., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: Wednesdays 4:00-7:00 p.m., Sundays 2:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nCamp Grier\n\n985 Camp Grier Rd., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and 4:00-7:00 p.m.\n\nRestoration Church\n\n2344 Ashworth Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nCentro Unido Latino Americano\n\n79 Academy St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church of Old Fort\n\n203 E. Main St., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: 4:00-7:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nFirst Baptist Church Marion\n\n99 N Main St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nConcord United Methodist Church\n\n8066 Linville Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 2:00-4:00 p.m.\n\nNew Manna Baptist Church\n\n225 E. Court St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 4:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nHot meals are also being provided at the following location:\n\nGrace Community Church\n\n5182 US 70 W., Marion, NC 28752\n\nLunch is served every day from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.\n\nDinner is available from 4:00-5:30 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church of Marion is offering hot showers, air conditioning, and areas to charge devices.\n\nCurrent hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 2:00-5:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday.\n\nPolk County\n\nThe following locations are offering food and water distribution for residents in need from 1:00-5:00 p.m.:\n\nMill Spring/Green Creek Community\n\n25 International Blvd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nColumbus Community\n\n95 Walker St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nSaluda Community Bus Parking Lot\n\n214 E. Main St., Saluda, NC 28773\n\nTryon Community\n\n301 N. Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782\n\nSunny View\n\n86 Sunny View School Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nThe following locations are serving hot meals daily:\n\nTryon Equestrian Center\n\n4066 Pea Ridge Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nRoseland Community Center\n\n56 Peake St., Tryon, NC 28782\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nRutherford County\n\nThe following two centralized distribution center locations are open from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. for citizens to get food and emergency supplies:\n\nThe Green Space\n\n658 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nWarehouse #7\n\n214 Vance St., Warehouse 7, Forest City, NC 28043\n\nTransylvania County\n\nThe following location is providing hot meals to county residents:\n\nBalsam Grove Community Center - daily until power is fully restored\n\n8732 Parkway Rd., Balsam Grove, NC 28708\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nBottled water is available daily at local fire departments and 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Anchor Baptist Church located at:\n\n3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nWater filling stations can be found at the following locations:\n\nCity Sports Complex\n\n824 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.\n\nRocky\u2019s Grill & Soda Shop\n\n50 S. Broad St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours\n\nCedar Mountain Outpost\n\n8431 Greenville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nDD Bullwinkles\n\n60 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nFirst United Methodist Church\n\n325 N. Broad St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nPisgah Forest Baptist Church\n\n494 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nFood, water, and other supplies such as hygiene products are being distributed at the following locations:\n\nAnchor Baptist Church\n\n3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nZion Baptist Church\n\n423 Main St., Rosman, NC 28772\n\nNo daily hours posted\n\nGrace Brevard\n\n55 E. Jordan St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2;00 p.m.\n\nMary C. Jenkins Community Center\n\n221 Mills Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nYancey County\n\nYancey County has transitioned to one centralized distribution site for water, food and ice located at the following address:\n\nFormer Fred\u2019s Store\n\n677 W. U.S. Highway 19E, Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nMobile laundry facilities are available in the GO Grocery parking lot located at the following address:\n\n631 W Hwy. 19E Bypass, Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nTrash Services and Debris Removal\n\nAll counties are actively working with NCDEQ to determine where mud, silt and sediment can be safely dropped off without risk of contamination.\n\nMore information to come.\n\nRecycling services are available through Curbside Management for the following counties:\n\nBuncombe\n\nClay\n\nGraham\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nJackson\n\nMacon\n\nMadison\n\nPolk\n\nRutherford\n\nYancey\n\nSome communities have halted recycling services to prioritize trash collection.\n\nIf that is the case for your community, Curbside Management has a drop-off site available for residents who wish to bring their recycling to the following location:\n\n116 N. Woodfin Ave., Asheville, NC 28804\n\nIf your home has damage and you need assistance with clean up, please call Crisis Cleanup for access to volunteer organizations that can assist you at 844-965-1386.\n\nIf Hurricane Helene caused damage to your home or belongings, make sure to document it.\n\nThis is critically important in getting reimbursed.\n\nTake photos before you begin cleaning up.\n\nMake a list of damaged or lost items and gather receipts.\n\nDoing this helps speed up the process with insurance and other assistance programs, and ensures you get properly compensated.\n\nBefore you start the clean-up process, remember:\n\nWear PPE such as long pants, goggles, gloves and sturdy shoes.\n\nStay off damaged structures.\n\nBe aware that snakes or other hazardous animals could be present.\n\nCall your local fire department to inspect or removal chemicals, propane tanks, and other hazardous materials.\n\nIf you suspect debris contains toxic substances, seal them in plastic bags to prevent them from becoming airborne.\n\nTo reduce the risk of accidental fires, please DO NOT burn your storm debris.\n\nEmergency personnel are continuing to work on other storm recovery and response efforts, limiting resources to respond to accidental fires.\n\nPlease discard storm debris at a local transfer site or via curbside debris pickup.\n\nDebris should be placed curbside and not block the roadway or access to the property.\n\nPlease place debris away from trees, poles or other structures (e.g., fire hydrants, meters, etc.) to make removal work easier.\n\nContact your local municipality for curbside storm debris removal collection schedules or see below for additional information on debris waste removal by county.\n\nAdditionally, the following counties have resources for where to take household trash and debris waste.\n\nBuncombe\n\nCurbside collection will begin Monday for City of Asheville sanitation customers.\n\nStorm debris collection has begun in Buncombe County.\n\nSeparate storm-related debris at the curb in the right of way according to material type:\n\nAppliances, construction debris, household hazardous waste such as pesticides and automotive fluid, vegetative debris, and electronics.\n\nDebris collection will require multiple passes and will be a long process.\n\nResidents do not have to set out all debris at one time or worry if there is debris left; another pass can collect additional debris.\n\nThe Town of Black Mountain Public Works Department has secured four 15-yard dumpsters located in two sites for Black Mountain residents to throw away household trash ONLY:\n\nTractor Supply: 125 Old US Hwy. 70 E., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nIngles: 550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nPlease Note: Yard waste, bulk items, separate recycling and debris collection are not available at this time.\n\nWaste Pro collection service has resumed for regular Monday route customers.\n\nHaywood\n\nHousehold waste will be accepted at the Materials Recovery Facility at 247 Recycle Rd., Clyde and at Convenience Centers at Jonathan Creek, Beaverdam, Bethel, Hazelwood, Mauney Cove, Jones Cove and Highway 110.\n\nWhite Oak Landfill has reopened.\n\nHenderson\n\nHenderson County Transfer Station is open and accepting storm debris with normal fees.\n\nHenderson County has begun curbside storm debris removal to county residents as a free service.\n\nThe county will pick up storm debris for free if it is pushed to the right of way of a property.\n\nStorm debris includes tree branches, leaves, logs, building materials, furniture, paint etc.\n\nPlease be patient.\n\nThe county will pick up storm debris for free as quickly as possible.\n\nMadison\n\nThe Hot Springs collection center is operating on normal hours for household trash ONLY:\n\nMonday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nWednesday: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.\n\nFriday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nSaturday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nHot Springs trash pickup is returning to Mondays like usual.\n\nPlease only use this pickup service if you cannot bring it to the collection center yourself.\n\nThe pickup service is being led by volunteers at this time.\n\nMcDowell\n\nMcDowell County has hired private contractors to facilitate storm debris pickup from public right of ways in the Town of Old Fort, City of Marion, and along state secondary roads in the county.\n\nResidents are asked to separate debris into the following categories:\n\nLarge appliances\n\nConstruction debris\n\nVegetative debris\n\nHazardous waste\n\nElectronics\n\nHousehold waste\n\nPolk\n\nThe Polk County landfill is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\n322 Landfill Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nDrop-off of residential trash is $10.\n\nGFL trash services will continue the regular schedule. However, certain areas may be inaccessible due to ongoing power outages from Hurricane Helene.\n\nTwo dumpsters are located on Gibson Street for immediate trash disposal due to road inaccessibility.\n\nRutherford\n\nThe county has begun storm debris removal along state-maintained and municipally-controlled roads.\n\nResidents are asked to place storm-related vegetative debris, including trees and limbs, within the road\u2019s right-of-way.\n\nCut large debris into four to six ft. sections.\n\nThe Rutherford County Landfill and all convenience centers have reopened with normal hours.\n\nTransylvania\n\nThe City of Brevard has resumed regular trash pickup.\n\nThe county landfill accepts natural vegetative storm debris, including spoiled hay, trees, brush, etc. for free.\n\nYancey\n\nThe Riverside and East Yancey Recycling Centers have resumed operations.\n\nDaily hours: 7:00 a.m. \u2013 4:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday\n\nThe Yancey-Mitchell Landfill is now open, following repairs from Hurricane Helene.\n\n555 Landfill Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday); 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Saturday)\n\nResidents should sort storm debris from regular household waste.\n\nHazardous materials will not be accepted and construction debris should be separated from household waste.\n\nVoter Information\n\nThe Justice Department has launched a website with information to help Western North Carolinians and other communities impacted by recent hurricanes to vote.\n\nThe site identifies and provides links to various state changes made to accommodate displaced voters and information for folks who have lost their ID cards, had polling sites moved or who are unsure where or how they can vote.\n\nYou can access the website via this link.\n\nReminder: Early voting has started!\n\nVoters may cast a ballot at any early voting site in their county.\n\nOnly four early voting sites were closed due to Hurricane Helene across NC-11, all in Buncombe County.\n\nThe following four sites are NO LONGER eligible early voting sites, as was originally planned prior to Hurricane Helene:\n\nBee Tree Fire Station\n\nFriendship Center\n\nNorth Asheville Library\n\nUpper Hominy Fire & Rescue Department\n\nAll other regular early voting sites are OPEN across NC-11.\n\nCoordination is ongoing to develop messaging in multiple languages to inform shelter residents and guests of how and where to vote.\n\nThe North Carolina State Board of Elections has provided pertinent information and recommendations for voters in the Helene disaster area during the 2024 general election.\n\nTo review information on voting in the 2024 general election after Hurricane Helene, you can follow this link.\n\nThe site provides information on absentee voting, how to change your polling location if you have a new permanent address, county board of elections, office closures and more.\n\nFor any additional questions on voting post-hurricane, please contact your county Board of Elections.\n\nPlease note: Your county Board of Elections is the best place to get any questions answered.\n\nI have been permitted to share the above, nonpartisan information but am prohibited from answering any questions related to the 2024 general election.\n\nUnited States Postal Service/Mail Services\n\nUSPS anticipates continued improvement of mail delivery operations with local recovery efforts, to include power, connectivity, and roads.\n\nSocial Security checks are being routed to all units for delivery and/or are available for customer pick up.\n\nFor impacted residents who have relocated due to the storm, please be sure to complete a change of address request at moversguide.usps.com.\n\nMost USPS offices have reopened under normal operations.\n\nSunday delivery is being made in some of the affected communities to ensure delayed mail is delivered as soon as possible.\n\nOnly 21 offices, or 10 percent of all USPS offices in Western NC remain closed.\n\nOnly one facility was fully destroyed, the Micaville PO box office in ZIP code 28755.\n\nUSPS is utilizing Mobile Operations Units where residents can send or receive mail and packages in many of the areas with closed offices.\n\nThe mobile units are located in the following communities:\n\nAlexander - 28701\n\nBarnardsville - 28709\n\nCedar Mountain - 28718\n\nEdneyville - 28727\n\nHot Springs - 28743\n\nMarshall - 28753\n\nMicaville - 28755\n\nMontreat - 28757\n\nRosman - 28772\n\nSwannanoa - 28778\n\nPharmacy Access\n\nPharmacy Locator\n\nHundreds of pharmacies never closed or have reopened across Western North Carolina.\n\nUse this link to locate pharmacy locations open to the public by county.\n\nThe Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response under the Department of Health and Human Services has activated the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) for North Carolinians.\n\nThe EPAP program helps uninsured residents replace prescription medication or certain medical equipment lost or damaged during Hurricane Helene.\n\nThrough the program, uninsured residents can:\n\nRequest a free 30-day supply of certain prescription medications at any EPAP-participating pharmacy which can be renewed every 30 days while the EPAP is active.\n\nReplace certain medical equipment and supplies such as canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, blood sugar meters and blood sugar test strips for diabetics.\n\nUninsured North Carolina residents affected by the recent hurricane can call the EPAP hotline, 855-793-7470, or visit the EPAP website to check their eligibility, determine if their medications or medical equipment are covered, or locate a participating pharmacy.\n\nPrescription Pad is open from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and filling prescriptions for Yancey County residents at the following location:\n\n730 E. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nOpen Urgent Cares/ Health Care Services\n\nThere is a field hospital with physicians, nurses and paramedics who can treat patients at the Burnsville Fire Department. The address is as follows:\n\n305 Pineola St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nThe following urgent cares are open and accessible for community members with non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries:\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Weaverville\n\n61 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nMercy Urgent Care West Asheville\n\n1201 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nMercy Urgent Care Waynesville\n\n120 Frazier St., Ste. 6, Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nLocations open between 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Brevard\n\n22 Trust Ln., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Columbus\n\n140 West Mills St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nLocations open between 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.:\n\nMobile Urgent Care Clinic\n\n12 Florida Ave., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nMental Health & Basic Medical Support Center\n\n130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nPardee Urgent Care\n\n45 Hendersonville Hwy., Ste. A, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nOther locations available:\n\nHeart to Heart International - in Haywood Department of Health Parking Lot\n\n157 Paragon Pkwy., Ste. 800, Clyde, NC 28721\n\nDaily hours: Not available at this time.\n\nFree mental health services - All available for drop-in\n\nIf you have been impacted by the storm and need someone to talk to, call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1 (800) 985-5990.\n\nHelp is also available to anyone, anytime in English or Spanish through a call, text or chat to 988.\n\nLearn more at 988Lifeline.org.\n\nCare Collaborative for Western North Carolina Clinicians is a partnership among more than 200 mental health professionals volunteering to provide free mental health services for Hurricane Helene survivors.\n\nServices are provided virtually, and you can follow this link to find a professional that fits your needs and their contact information to schedule a session.\n\nHot Springs Elementary School - Art Room\n\n63 N. Serpentine Ave., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nThe Pearl Institute\n\n55 Academy St., Waynesville, NC\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-6:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nFree telehealth appointments are also available.\n\nTo book a telehealth appointment, you can email info@pearlpsychedelicinstitute.org or call/text (828) 400-7091\n\nCommunity Support Group\n\nThe first of a series of free support groups occurred on Monday, October 14, to help the community manage the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.\n\nRegular group sessions will be occurring through the end of December at the following locations:\n\n221 Mills Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nMary C. Jenkins Community & Cultural Center\n\nHosted by the City of Brevard, AARP, and Blue Ridge Community College\n\n9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on October 21 and 28\n\n45 Oak Park Dr., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nBlue Ridge Community College, Brevard Campus, Room 140\n\n9:00-11:00 a.m. on November 4, 18, 25; December 2, 9 ,16\n\nAll University of North Carolina System students have access to free mental health through their university.\n\nPlease monitor your student email for more information on how to access these services.\n\nThe following orthopedic urgent care locations are open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily, physical therapy appointments are also available at each of these locations:\n\nEmergeOrtho Hendersonville\n\n800 Fleming St., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nEmergeOrtho Arden (South Asheville)\n\n2585 Hendersonville Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nEmergeOrtho Waynesville\n\n9 Haywood Office Park, Ste. 102 and 103, Waynesville, NC 28785\n\nEmergeOrtho Brevard\n\n89 Hospital Dr., Ste. A, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nEmergeOrtho Weaverville\n\n159 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nDialysis Locations\n\nThe following location is open and available for dialysis treatments in NC-11:\n\nPardee Hospital\n\n800 N. Justice St., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nThis location can dialyze 30 patients a day.\n\nDaVita Kidney Care nurses are reaching out to their patients to coordinate treatment, but the following DaVita locations are available:\n\nDaVita Greer South Dialysis\n\n3254 Brushy Greek Rd., Greer, SC 29650\n\nContact Number: (864) 801-2065\n\nDaVita Saluda River Dialysis\n\n8080 Augusta Rd., Piedmont, SC 29673\n\nContact Number: (833) 378-2702\n\nDaVita Wofford at Home\n\n8024 White Ave., Spartanburg, SC 29303\n\nContact Number: (864) 583-4788\n\nDaVita Boiling Springs Dialysis\n\n196 Sloane Garden Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316\n\nContact Number: (833) 458-4809\n\nOxygen Locations\n\nHendersonville High School\n\n1 Bearcat Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nMust be assessed through Pardee Hospital.\n\nLincare is only serving established patients.\n\nPatients must bring in empty tanks to one of the following locations:\n\nAsheville Lincare\n\n103 Elk Park Dr., Asheville, NC 28804\n\nFax number: (866) 234-6698\n\nGreenville Lincare\n\n355 Woodruff Rd., Ste. 204 and 205, Greenville, SC 29607\n\nFax Number: (864) 288-0339\n\nThe following locations are available for oxygen refills, but patients must bring their own oxygen equipment - fire departments are available 24/7:\n\nBoiling Springs Fire Department\n\n186 Rainbow Lake Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316\n\nReidville Fire Department\n\n7450 Reidville Rd., Woodruff, SC 29388\n\nInman City Fire Department\n\n6 Humphrey St., Inman, SC 29349\n\nFirst Presbyterian Church\n\n393 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29302\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.\n\nGreer Relief Indigo Hope Neighborhood Impact Center\n\n113C Berry Ave., Greer, SC 29651\n\nDaily hours: 2:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nCroft Fire Department\n\n370 Cedar Springs Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29302\n\nArkwright Fire Department\n\n1070 Southport Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29306\n\nRoebuck Fire Department\n\n2639 Stone Station Rd., Roebuck, SC 29376\\\n\nNorth Spartanburg Fire Department\n\n8767 Asheville Hwy., Spartanburg, SC 29316\n\nResources for Veterans\n\nOutpatient clinics have rescheduled 66 percent of the appointments that were cancelled due to Hurricane Helene, with more being rescheduled every day.\n\nThe U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs launched a new web page with disaster relief resources, providing a single place for veterans and their caregivers to access VA resources on health care, housing, benefits payments, insurance, and more.\n\nYou can access the web site via this link.\n\nThe VA has established a Veterans Disaster Response Hotline, which is available 24/7 at 1(800) 507-4571.\n\nIf you or a veteran you know needs immediate housing assistance after Hurricane Helene, please call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at (877) 424-3838.\n\nThe call center is open 24/7.\n\nIf you have a VA-backed home loan and are unable to make your mortgage payments, please contact your mortgage servicer.\n\nYou can also call the VA at (877) 827-3702, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nHome loan servicers are allowed to put a 90-day pause on foreclosures and encouraged to waive late charges for VA-guaranteed home loans after a disaster.\n\nLegionnaires, Sons of the American Legion members and Legion Posts that have been displaced from their primary residence due to damage sustained during Hurricane Helene may be eligible for financial assistance through the American Legion.\n\nLegionnaires and Sons of the American Legion members may be eligible for up to $3,000.\n\nLegion Posts may be eligible for up to $10,000.\n\nTo learn more or to request assistance, please use this link.\n\nApplications must be submitted within 90 days of the disaster: Dec. 26, 2024.\n\nThe Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville and Master Sergeant Jerry K. Crump VA Clinic in Forest City are open for essential and emergency services.\n\nVeterans can:\n\nVisit the Asheville VA Hospital pharmacy for medication refills or:\n\nCall the Regional Clinical Contact Center at (855) 679-0074 and press 1 for pharmacy representatives.\n\nLocal pharmacies in the VA\u2019s community care network will also fill written prescriptions, or prescriptions as they appear on an active VA prescription bottle that is not older than six months and has available refills, to provide a 30-day supply.\n\nHickory, Forest City and Franklin outpatient VA clinics are now operating regularly.\n\nDue to the damage and personal losses caused by Hurricane Helene to the staff of the VA, it will take some time to bring staffing to full capacity.\n\nPlease be patient as the VA works to rebuild their workforce.\n\nResources for Farmers\n\nThe United States Department of Agriculture has put together a list of resources for farmers and other agricultural industry members.\n\nIf your agricultural operation has been impacted by Hurricane Helene, you can review this link, farmers.gov, for emergency and disaster assistance programs.\n\nAg supplies can be picked up by farmers in need from any of the following distribution centers (including non-NC-11 locations for farmers who may be closer to an out-of-district distribution center):\n\nAvery County\n\nMitchell-Avery County Center\n\n6880 Linville Falls Hwy., Newland, NC 28657\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday); 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Saturday)\n\nBuncombe County\n\nMills River Station\n\n74 Research Dr., Mills River, NC 28759\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nCaldwell County\n\nCaldwell County Fairgrounds\n\n2461 Fairground Rd., Lenoir, NC 28645\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Wednesday and Saturday only), or by appointment\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMarion - McDowell County\n\n188 Ag Services Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Saturday)\n\nHaywood County\n\nSmokey Mountain Event Center\n\n758 Crabtree Dr., Waynesville, NC 28785\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nWatauga County\n\nWatauga County Extension\n\n5715 U.S. Highway 421 N., Vilas, NC 28692\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) - NO HAY\n\n1:00-6:00 p.m. (Tuesday and Thursday) - HAY ONLY\n\nPower\n\nLess than 3,700 customers remain without power in Western North Carolina.\n\nMost remaining power outages are concentrated in Yancey County.\n\nAround 950 Duke Energy customers are without power.\n\nRoughly 2,700 co-op customers remain without power.\n\nLocal co-ops are utilizing their full teams to restore energy and have more than 500 reinforcements from more than 30 electric cooperatives across 11 states.\n\nFrench Broad Electric is focusing restoration efforts in their hardest hit areas in Yancey County, including Crabtree, Little Switzerland, along McKinney Mine Rd., Bakers Creek, Pensacola, and the western side of the county.\n\nOne of the most challenging areas to restore power is along the Cane River from Langford Branch to Huntdale.\n\nSeveral miles of power lines were destroyed and the bank where the lines were once located is no longer an option.\n\nFBE is having to reroute lines and build them from scratch.\n\nNCDOT crews are still coordinating closely with power companies to ensure service is being restored as quickly as possible, including along private roads, keeping in mind that cold months are approaching fast.\n\nFor more information on Duke Energy\u2019s power restoration efforts, you can review the following links:\n\nComplex Repair & Disaster Rebuild Zones Map: duke-energy.com/info/carolinas-restoration\n\nOutage Map: duke-energy.com/outages\n\nOutage Alerts: duke-energy.com/outages/alerts\n\nGenerator safety: duke-energy.com/outages/generators\n\nPower restoration process: duke-energy.com/outages/restoring-your-power\n\nRoads\n\nWestern North Carolina is FULLY OPEN to visitors!\n\nPlease come visit!\n\nEmergency roadway repair work continues with the installation of temporary bridges, numerous slide repairs, roadway reconstruction work, and repair of dangerous shoulder washouts.\n\nThe focus continues to be on major corridors and communities with limited access.\n\nCrews continue to refine estimates, determine what work can be done in-house and work to draw up contracts for site-specific repairs.\n\nNCDOT has established a Road Reopening Dashboard for folks to keep track of progress made by the department.\n\nYou can use this link to access the dashboard.\n\nThe dashboard is also linked on DriveNC.gov.\n\nTo monitor road conditions in and around NC-11, use drivenc.gov.\n\nThe website tracks NCDOT-managed road conditions in real time.\n\nNC DMV has reopened 14 of the 16 driver license offices that were closed due to Hurricane Helene.\n\nThe following DMV offices are open for walk-in services in or near NC-11, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., closed between 11:30 a.m. through 1:00 p.m. for a lunch break:\n\nBuncombe County\n\n1624 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nCherokee County\n\n1440 Main St., Andrews, NC 28901\n\nHaywood County\n\n290 Lee Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nHenderson County\n\n125 Baystone Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nJackson County\n\n876 Skyland Dr., Ste. 2, Sylva, NC 28779\n\nMacon County\n\n16 Patton Ave., Franklin, NC 28734\n\nMadison County\n\n1685 NC Highway 213, Marshall, NC 28753\n\nMcDowell County\n\n3975 NC 226 S., Marion, NC 28752\n\nRutherford County\n\n596 Withrow Rd., Forest City, NC 28043\n\nSwain County\n\n2650 Governors Island Rd., Bryson City, NC 28713\n\nTransylvania County\n\n50 Commerce St., Ste. 4, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAll but five license plate agencies have reopened.\n\nAir traffic has sustained at 300 percent above pre-hurricane levels in Western NC.\n\nNCDOT\u2019s aviation division continue to work to make sure flight operations are safe coming into and out of airports, including by:\n\nScheduling landing/unloading times and aircraft parking so aircraft are spaced out and to reduce the risk of incidents.\n\nEstablishing a first of its kind \u201ccorridors in the sky\u201d to separate civilian and military aircraft in the air.\n\nHaving search and rescue partners use short, time and location specific restrictions on air operations to enhance safety when multiple helicopters are engaged in search and rescue efforts.\n\nThe state of North Carolina is NOT turning away civil aviation support so long as it has been coordinated through the proper channels with NC Emergency Management.\n\nIf you or someone you know is interested in providing civil aviation support and don\u2019t know where to coordinate your efforts, please call my office and we will help you get in touch with the right folks.\n\nNCDOT has launched a detour map to show motorists how to get around closures on I-26 and I-40 at the Tennessee border.\n\nYou can access the map here.\n\nInternet Access\n\nThe fiber line has been restored from Lake Lure to Chimney Rock, restoring communication capabilities to the area for the first time since Hurricane Helene hit our mountains.\n\nInternet providers are working with local energy and cell providers to restore service for customers across Western North Carolina.\n\nFiber repair crews are also pairing with electric utility crews in the field to assist with any accidental fiber cuts.\n\nInternet providers including Optimum and Spectrum are working around the clock to restore service for customers. However, part of the network\u2019s infrastructure was destroyed by mudslides and collapsed bridges making restoration a lengthy process.\n\nAs a result, some impacted areas will require a rebuild of the network from scratch.\n\nTo mitigate the lack of service, Optimum, formerly Altice USA, has set up an Optimum Wi-Fi Trailer that is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the following locations:\n\n717 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\n1800 Four Seasons Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nThe following locations are offering free public wi-fi:\n\nFirst Baptist Church - Weaverville\n\n63 N. Main St, Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nDowntown Franklin\n\nThe Town of Franklin has free wi-fi on the town hill area in downtown.\n\nTransylvania County Library - 24/7\n\n212 S. Gaston St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nThe Yard Brevard\n\n284 Railroad Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nBrevard Visitor Center\n\n175 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAvailable daily from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThe Vine Anglican Church - and free coffee\n\n1055 Lee Rd, Clyde, NC 28721\n\nAvailable daily from 12:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nCell Service\n\nRoughly 94 percent of all cellular sites in Western North Carolina have been repaired and are now in service.\n\nThe remaining areas require significant infrastructure reconstruction.\n\nCell service providers have implemented disaster roaming for any phone located in Western North Carolina to maximize phone service for all users.\n\nDisaster roaming allows users to connect to any mobile network during a disaster when other networks are down.\n\nThis allows users to access emergency services, such as 911, even when their own network is out.\n\nIf you have service one moment, but experience a reduction in service the next, try restarting your phone to jumpstart disaster roaming again.\n\nUpCycle Tech in Transylvania County is offering free computers and phones for use at the following location:\n\n470 Asheville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAT&T has deployed its Mobile Connectivity Center to the following location:\n\nSam\u2019s Club: 645 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nThe Mobile Connectivity Center is an air-conditioned mobile unit open to the public, equipped with laptops, charging stations and wi-fi.\n\nThe public can use the center for various needs including contacting your insurance company, filling out paperwork or connecting with loved ones.\n\nVerizon has deployed Wireless Emergency Communication Centers to help hurricane survivors stay connected to their friends, family and other important contacts.\n\nWireless Emergency Communication Centers are generator-powered mobile units that have device charging and computer workstations, along with wireless phones, tablets, and other devices available for use.\n\nVerizon\u2019s Wireless Emergency Communication Centers have been set up at the following locations:\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nAsheville YMCA\n\n30 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nFamily Justice Center\n\n35 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nVerizon also has charging stations at the following locations:\n\nYMCA of Western North Carolina\n\n348 Grace Corpening Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nTwo charging stations at this location\n\nWNC Agricultural Center\n\n761 Boylston Hwy., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nThree charging stations at this location\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nOne charging station at this location\n\nT-Mobile has set up satellite cellular on light trucks (SatCOLTs), providing cellular voice and data along with wi-fi and charging stations at the following locations:\n\nAsheville Middle School\n\n211 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center\n\n285 Livingston St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nFirst Baptist Church\n\n130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nAdditional T-Mobile satellite cell on trucks are located in Hendersonville and at a Tractor Supply Co. in Asheville, with others planned for Mission Hospital in Asheville, Cherokee County Emergency Operations Center in Murphy, and in Cherokee.\n\nNorth Carolina National Guard & Department of Defense\n\nAs requests from some counties are decreasing, NC National Guard assets are NOT standing down, they are instead being reallocated to other areas.\n\nMore than 2,000 National Guard soldiers and airmen, active-duty service members, and emergency assistance compact units (National Guard units from 12 different states) are deployed across Western North Carolina to provide support.\n\n1,100 of the 1,500 active duty soldiers from Ft. Liberty and Ft. Campbell are returning to their bases by the end of the week.\n\nCurrently, only 400 active duty soldiers remain in Western North Carolina.\n\nAny remaining tasks have been transitioned over to the N.C. National Guard.\n\nThe National Guard has distributed more than 16,000 tons of commodities to Western North Carolina.\n\nHighlights from the last 24 hours:\n\nLake Lure debris clearance mission completed.\n\nDistributed 445 tons of fill and rock and 400 pallets of material to Yancey County.\n\nCompleted 670 humanitarian aid deliveries in Haywood County.\n\nCompleted culvert debris clean out in Marshall, NC, located in Madison County.\n\nWater is actively flowing through the culvert now.\n\nAlthough airspace is limited due to ongoing missions by the National Guard and Department of Defense, a process has been established for private pilots seeking to fly in humanitarian relief to coordinate with local authorities.\n\nIf you are looking to fly in resources and don\u2019t know where to turn, call my office and we will get you in contact with the right coordinators.\n\nHere are a few key phone numbers from the NCNG:\n\nHOTLINE: 888-892-1162\n\nEmergency management watch: 919-733-3300\n\nDonated goods: 919-825-2474\n\nThese lines have very high call volumes. If you do not get through the first try, keep calling.\n\nAsheville Regional Airport\n\nAsheville Regional Airport closed mid-day on Friday, September 27, due to risk of flooding.\n\nCommercial flights at Asheville Regional Airport have resumed.\n\nIf you parked your car in an Asheville Regional Airport lot and could not retrieve the vehicle due to the storm, great news - none of the airport\u2019s lots flooded and all cars are fine.\n\nStay safe and pick up your car when you are able.\n\nPLEASE NOTE:\n\nNo general aviation pilots are allowed to land at Asheville Regional Airport without prior clearance from FEMA to ensure the safety of aircraft and personnel.\n\nSupply deliveries by civilian pilots ARE permitted to land at Asheville Regional Airport so long as they have prior clearance from FEMA.\n\nFEMA is not turning away any pilot that has gone through the proper channels to coordinate delivery and ensure the safety of his fellow aircraft and personnel.\n\nFederal Nutrition Programs\n\nThe U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service has approved flexibilities due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene.\n\nSNAP\n\nNorth Carolina was granted a waiver for the 10-day reporting requirement for the replacement of food purchased with SNAP benefits lost because of the hurricane.\n\nThis waiver provides additional time beyond the standard 10-day time frame for households to report food losses and receive replacement benefits for food that was destroyed and previously purchased with SNAP benefits.\n\nD-SNAP\n\nPeople living in the 25 major disaster declared Western NC counties and members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians impacted by Hurricane Helene can apply to receive a one-time benefit to help buy food through the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP).\n\nPre-registration is available by using ePASS pre-registration tool.\n\nFor the tool and more information, visit epass.nc.gov/.\n\nTo be eligible, applicants must:\n\nHave suffered losses/damages related to Hurricane Helene, such as damage to property or loss of income.\n\nHave proof of identity and proof of residency.\n\nNot currently receiving benefits through the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS).\n\nPeople receiving FNS can also get extra help to buy food but do not need to fill out a D-SNAP application.\n\nCertain income and resource limits may apply.\n\nYesterday, October 24, was the deadline to apply for D-SNAP benefits for most counties.\n\nUSDA has granted a one-day extension for residents living in Buncombe, Haywood, Macon, and McDowell counties to apply for D-SNAP in person at the listed location in their county:\n\nBuncombe County\n\nBuncombe County Health & Human Services\n\n40 Coxe Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nHaywood County\n\nHaywood County Health and Human Services\n\n157 Paragon Pkwy. #300, Clyde, NC 28721\n\nMacon County\n\nMacon County Department of Social Services\n\n183 Holly Springs Plz., Franklin, NC 28734\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMcDowell County YMCA Gym: Bottom Level\n\n348 Grace Corpening Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nChild Nutrition\n\nThe North Carolina Department of Public Instruction was approved for a waiver pertaining to the child nutrition programs.\n\nUnder the waiver approval, NCDPI\u2019s local program operators may:\n\nServe meals in a non-congregate setting\n\nAdjust the time of meal service\n\nAllow parent pick-up\n\nAllow service of meals at school sites\n\nFood and Nutrition Services Program\n\nPeople and families in North Carolina who are enrolled in the Food and Nutrition Services program can now use their EBT card to purchase hot food.\n\nThis flexibility will remain in effect until November 3.\n\nSpecial Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, & Children (WIC)\n\nFamilies participating in WIC who may have relocated to a new area can go to any NC WIC agency to:\n\nHave a new eWIC card issued\n\nRequest replacement breastfeeding supplies or breast pumps\n\nRequest replacement food that was purchased with current WIC benefits and lost due to Hurricane Helene\n\nFor NC-11 Medical Providers\n\nIf you own a medical practice in NC-11 and are experiencing financial hardship due to Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina Medical Society is reactivating its Financial Recovery Program (FRP) to help you recover and open your doors again.\n\nFor more information on the disaster relief fund, you can visit this link.\n\nDetails on how medical practices can qualify and apply for funds will be coming soon.\n\nThe Department of Health and Human Services through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has made available:\n\nAccelerated payments to Medicare Part A providers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nAdvance payments to Medicare Part B suppliers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nFor Local Government Resource Requests\n\nFor county leaders: This is a reminder to make sure your Emergency Operation Center has submitted the request for gasoline, food, water, cell service deployables, etc. with North Carolina Emergency Management to have your request processed and resources delivered.\n\nMy office stands ready to assist with checking the status of your request if the county or municipality has not heard back from NC Emergency Management within 24 hours.\n\nDisaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)\n\nThe deadline to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits is Dec. 2, 2024 for all counties other than Swain, Graham and Cherokee counties.\n\nSwain County\u2019s deadline is Dec. 9, 2024.\n\nDisaster Unemployment Assistance benefits are now available for Western North Carolinians in counties with a major disaster declaration, including:\n\nBuncombe\n\nClay\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nJackson\n\nMacon\n\nMadison\n\nMcDowell\n\nPolk\n\nRutherford\n\nSwain\n\nTransylvania\n\nYancey\n\nIf your employment has been lost or interrupted because of Hurricane Helene, you may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance.\n\nFile an application for DUA:\n\nFile at des.nc.gov, or\n\nCall over the phone at (919) 629-3857\n\nA toll-free legal aid hotline is now available for low-income survivors with disaster-related legal questions: (866) 219-5262.\n\nFor Individual Assistance through FEMA\n\nThe deadline to file for FEMA Individual Assistance is Nov. 27, 2024. Please mark your calendars and ensure all applications are submitted on time.\n\nNorth Carolina received a Major Disaster Declaration for the following counties: Buncombe, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania and Yancey counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.\n\nPeople with damage to their homes or personal property who live in one of the above-listed counties should apply for Individual Assistance through FEMA, which may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies.\n\nFunds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay.\n\nIndividual Assistance provides financial aid and services to eligible individuals and households that have been affected by a disaster to assist with the recovery process. Individuals can officially begin applying for Individual Assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling the application phone number at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. EST.\n\nFind steps to help you replace important documents that were lost or damaged in the storm: www.fema.gov/disaster/4827/news-media\n\nIf you were initially denied for Individual Assistance, please see below for useful tips to help you file an appeal with FEMA:\n\nUnderstand why FEMA denied your claim before writing the appeal.\n\nIt could be as simple as a missing document, which you can submit with your appeal.\n\nRead FEMA\u2019s letter from beginning to end to completely understand what the agency needs from you.\n\nMake sure you provide evidence for your appeal. Depending on your situation, documentation may include:\n\nA copy of your flood insurance declaration page.\n\nProof of occupancy, which could be an employer statement, lease, utility bill, credit card statement, or other recent, formal document that states your address.\n\nProof of ownership, which might include your mortgage or insurance documents, tax receipts, deed, etc.\n\nCan\u2019t write the appeal yourself?\n\nI recommend having a trusted friend, family member, or lawyer write it for you.\n\nKnow your deadline.\n\nYou have 60 days from the date of your FEMA determination letter to appeal.\n\nCircle the deadline on your calendar or write yourself a note to keep the date in the forefront.\n\nOnce FEMA reviews your letter, you may receive a phone call or a follow-up letter asking for more documentation.\n\nDon\u2019t forget to sign your appeal letter!\n\nOnce signed, there are three ways to submit your appeal:\n\nFax it to (800) 827-8112\n\nSend it by mail to: FEMA Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782\n\nUpload all appeal documents to your disasterassistance.gov account.\n\nInclude your application number on every page of the documents you submit.\n\nExpect a decision letter to your appeal within 90 days.\n\nTo Connect with a Loved One\n\nResidents trying to connect with family members may call NC 211 (or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from out-of-state) to report missing loved ones or request a welfare check.\n\nPeople in the impacted areas can indicate that they are safe by reporting themselves safe through Red Cross Reunification by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).\n\nPlease only use 911 for life-threatening emergencies so the lines remain open for critical situations.\n\nIf you are still trying to locate a friend or family member, please complete this form, linked here, to notify local officials of their missing status.\n\nThe form was created by Buncombe County but information is being shared amongst all counties.\n\nRegardless of which county your loved one was last known to be in, you can still submit the form.\n\nBuncombe County will share the information with the appropriate officials to initiate search and rescue efforts.\n\nUnited Way is also fielding missing person/welfare check requests.\n\nText PERSON to 40403 to add a loved one to search and rescue efforts or fill out this form.\n\nResources for Utility & Other Status Updates\n\nFor information on the status of utilities, debris sites, etc., we want to share the following resources. As communications are restored and more information becomes available, these sites will continue to be updated.\n\nDrinking Water Systems: Public Water Supply Situation Report Tracking\n\nDebris Disposal Sites: Active Temporary Debris Disposal Sites\n\nNCDEQ Situation Report Tracking System\n\nNCDPS Hurricane Helene - Storm Information\n\nNCDPS County Emergency Management Agencies\n\nHow to Apply for FEMA Assistance After Hurricane Helene\n\nFree Legal Assistance\n\nLegal Aid of North Carolina stands ready to provide free advice and legal counsel regarding natural disaster needs, including legal representation if necessary, including for civil legal issues involving:\n\nFiling FEMA claims and appeals (a process which can be overwhelmingly bureaucratic and burdensome)\n\nReplacement of lost or destroyed legal and government documents, including driver\u2019s licenses and identification cards\n\nMedical and insurance claims\n\nHome repair contracts\n\nUtility disputes related to restoration of services\n\nConsumer protection issues like construction fraud, price-gouging on repairs and identity theft\n\nHousing issues such as unlawful eviction and foreclosures\n\nBankruptcy\n\nProbate and clearing title for survivors living in generational homes without a clear title\n\nFamily law cases and children in need of services (unfortunately, domestic violence tends to rise following a natural disaster)\n\nIf you need civil legal assistance, please contact Legal Aid of North Carolina via the following toll-free hotline:\n\n(866) 219-LANC or (866) 219-5262\n\nThe hotline is available from:\n\n8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; and 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Monday and Thursdays.\n\nConstituents can also apply online at legalaidnc.org/get-help/ between 1:00-4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday.\n\nIRS Guidance for Taxpayers Impacted by Hurricane Helene\n\nExtension of certain tax filing deadlines:\n\nIRS has extended various filing deadlines for taxpayers in impacted areas, including 2024 individual/business returns, certain quarterly estimated income tax payments, and certain payroll/excise taxes.\n\nClick here for the full list of extensions and respective dates\n\nClick here for more information from the IRS on disaster assistance\n\nTax relief for qualified payments, disaster-related losses:\n\nIRS released provided guidance to taxpayers on how to address disaster-related losses in their 2024 tax return, as well as providing guidance on how qualified disaster relief payments - like government assistance payments - are generally excluded from gross income.\n\nClick here for a general walkthrough of these policies (under header \u201cAdditional tax relief\u201d)\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of disaster-related losses\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of qualified disaster relief payments\n\nDisaster payments are usually tax-free:\n\nQualified disaster relief payments are generally excluded from gross income.\n\nIn general, this means that affected taxpayers can exclude the following payments from a government agency from their gross income. Amounts received for:\n\nReasonable and necessary personal, family, living or funeral expenses.\n\nThe repair or rehabilitation of your home.\n\nThe repair or replacement of your home\u2019s contents.\n\nYou may be eligible for a disaster loss deduction:\n\nIn some instances, individuals and businesses in a federally declared disaster area can qualify for a casualty loss tax deduction.\n\nThe deduction is available for damaged or destroyed property not covered by insurance or other reimbursement and can result in a larger refund.\n\nTaxpayers can choose to claim the deduction on either the return for the year the loss occurred (in this instance, the 2024 return normally filed next year), or the return for the prior year (the 2023 return filed this year).\n\nFor individual taxpayers, the deadline for making this election is Oct. 15, 2025.\n\nThe IRS also has a special hotline specifically dedicated to taxpayers with disaster-related tax questions. Disaster victims can call the agency\u2019s disaster hotline at (866) 562-5227.\n\nShelters\n\nFor those unable to evacuate to a safe location or in need of a place to go, the following shelters are currently open and available as of today:\n\nBuncombe County\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nGold\u2019s Gym\n\n801 Fairview Rd, Asheville, NC 28803\n\nWNC Agricultural Center\n\n1301 Fanning Bridge Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nHaywood County\n\nHaywood County Government Armory\n\n285 Armory Dr., Clyde, NC 28781\n\nHenderson County\n\nHenderson County Recreation Center\n\n708 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMcDowell County Senior Center\n\n100 Spaulding Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nRutherford County\n\nRutherfordton Presbyterian Church\n\n252 N. Washington St., Rutherfordton, NC 28139\n\nTransylvania County\n\nTransylvania Parks & Rec\n\n1078 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nYancey County\n\nBlue Ridge Elementary\n\n910 Cane River School Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nCarolina Cruiser mobile office hours\n\nIn keeping with my office's motto of being \"First in Constituent Services\" and to help constituents post-Hurricane Helene, my office has resumed Carolina Cruiser mobile office hours.\n\nFolks can stop by to share their thoughts on issues that matter to them or ask for assistance with federal agencies.\n\nVisit my website for updated Carolina Cruiser hours and locations, linked here.\n\nWith my warmest regards,\n\nChuck Edwards\n\nMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2024/10/congresswoman-ross-announces-over-105-million-in-federal-funding-for-the-north-carolina-railroad-company", "Congresswoman Ross Announces Over $105 Million in Federal Funding for the North Carolina Railroad Company", "2024-10-25", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) announced $105,595,000 in federal funding awarded to the North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR) from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). The grant will be used by NCRR in conjunction with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and Norfolk Southern to help complete key components of the freight and passenger rail networks between Greensboro and Raleigh. Already this year, the number of NC By Train passengers has increased by 20% in comparison to 2023.\n\nThis funding will also significantly increase on-time performance for existing Amtrak routes, allow for additional passenger trains along the growing corridor, and help meet growing transportation needs in North Carolina.\n\nIn June 2024, Congresswomen Ross was joined by Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Ted Budd (R-NC), along with other members of the North Carolina delegation, in supporting NCRR\u2019s application for this grant.\n\n\u201cI am thrilled to see this important investment coming to North Carolina that will help connect critical rail lines across our state,\u201d said Congresswoman Ross. \u201cFrom the Triangle to the Triad, North Carolina\u2019s rapid growth demands robust transportation solutions that can meet the needs of our communities. I will continue fighting for federal support that will invest in modern transportation options and strengthen our economy.\u201d\n\nThis grant will fund a majority of the Carolinian and Piedmont Passenger and Freight improvements project to upgrade the capacity of the NC-Line, owned by the NCRR, to meet the growing demands of both freight and passenger traffic in the state. This project will support various improvements, including reconstructing up to 69 miles of rail and adding over five miles of sidings.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/hurricane-recovery-update-27", "Hurricane recovery update #27", "2024-10-24", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Chuck Edwards", "E000246", "edwards.house.gov", "edwards", "https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "October 24, 2024\n\nDear Friend,\n\nYesterday, I shared that the U.S. House of Representatives was trying to prohibit me from continuing to share this vital information with you.\n\nThe House Communications Standards Commission told me I have had \u201cample time\u201d to communicate with you. Despite folks still being without critical needs like water, power, and housing, the Commission felt three weeks was long enough. According to them, nobody was in danger anymore, so there was no need to continue my communication.\n\nI wholeheartedly disagreed. Disaster Recovery Centers are still being stood up, food and water distribution sites are changing, shelter locations are changing, and more. These resources all support the life and safety of Western North Carolinians, and folks running these places are relying on my communication with you to get the word out.\n\nSo, I told the Commission that I wasn\u2019t going to comply. In my opinion, the health and safety of every single person in NC-11 is more important than some arbitrary communications rule.\n\nI actively fought against the Commission\u2019s decision that prohibits me from communicating with you and yesterday evening, I was told that we have received an extension to the blackout exemption. The Commission has finally realized the dire need for this communication and that Western NC is not healed. We are still very much responding and in the early stages of recovery from one of the worst natural disasters in North Carolina, and arguably American, history. I will continue to keep you posted on where to find vital resources for the foreseeable future.\n\nToday\u2019s update includes three new Disaster Recovery Centers in Madison, Rutherford, and Yancey counties, a change in location for the Buncombe County Disaster Recovery Center to accommodate back to school, new information on French Broad Electric power restoration efforts in Yancey County, and announces that today is the deadline for D-SNAP applications.\n\nThis is update number 27, with more information to follow in the coming days. As always, please make sure to read everything and share it with your friends and family.\n\nIndex\n\nClick the title to be taken to the correlating information in the update.\n\nFEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Sites\n\nLegislative Support\n\nHousing/Individual Assistance Updates\n\nFood and Water\n\nBuncombe County\n\nHaywood County\n\nHenderson County\n\nJackson County\n\nMadison County\n\nMcDowell County\n\nPolk County\n\nRutherford County\n\nTransylvania County\n\nYancey County\n\nTrash Services and Debris Removal\n\nBuncombe\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nMadison\n\nMcDowell\n\nPolk\n\nRutherford\n\nTransylvania\n\nYancey\n\nVoter Information\n\nUnited States Postal Service/Mail Services\n\nPharmacy Access\n\nOpen Urgent Cares/ Health Care Services\n\nDialysis Locations\n\nOxygen Locations\n\nResources for Veterans\n\nResources for Farmers\n\nPower\n\nRoads\n\nInternet Access\n\nCell Service\n\nNorth Carolina National Guard & Department of Defense\n\nAsheville Regional Airport\n\nFederal Nutrition Programs\n\nFor NC-11 Medical Providers\n\nFor Local Government Resource Requests\n\nFor Individual Assistance through FEMA\n\nTo Connect with a Loved One\n\nResources for Utility & Other Status Updates\n\nFree Legal Assistance\n\nIRS Guidance for Taxpayers Impacted by Hurricane Helene\n\nShelters\n\nBuncombe County\n\nHaywood County\n\nHenderson County\n\nMadison County\n\nMcDowell County\n\nRutherford County\n\nTransylvania County\n\nYancey County\n\nCarolina Cruiser Mobile Office Hours\n\nFEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Sites\n\nThe following FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers are open seven days a week to assist North Carolina survivors who have experienced losses from Hurricane Helene.\n\nBuncombe County: A.C. Reynolds High School - CLOSING TODAY AT 7:00 P.M.\n\n1 Rocket Dr., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nThe Asheville Social Security office remains closed due to a lack of power and water.\n\nThe Social Security Administration is maintaining staff at the Buncombe County Disaster Recovery Center until the Asheville office reopens.\n\nNEW TEMPORARY LOCATIONS: Buncombe County\n\nSwannanoa Fire Rescue - Bee Tree Fire Substation\n\n510 Bee Tree Rd., Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nOpen October 24-27, 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nBuncombe County Sports Park (Parking Lot)\n\n58 Apac Dr., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nOpen October 28-31, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nHaywood County\n\nRegional High Technical Center\n\n112 Industrial Park Dr., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nHenderson County\n\n2111 Asheville Hwy., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nJackson County Annex Building\n\n198 WBI Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nMadison County\n\nMadison County Public Library - Marshall Branch\n\n1335 N. Main St., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nMcDowell County\n\nA.C. \u201cBud\u201d Hogan Community Center\n\n909 E. Main St., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nCounty Senior Center\n\n100 Spaulding Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nRutherford County\n\nMountains Branch Library\n\n150 Bills Creek Rd., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nTransylvania County: Community Services Building\n\n106 E. Morgan St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nYancey County\n\nCounty Annex Facility\n\n677 W. U.S. Highway 19E Bypass, Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nA Disaster Recovery Center is a one-stop shop where survivors can meet face-to-face with FEMA representatives, apply for FEMA assistance, receive referrals to local assistance in their area, apply with the U.S. Small Business Administration for disaster loans, etc.\n\nAdditional recovery centers will be opening soon, and I will keep you posted as I learn about them.\n\nDisaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams are also stationed across NC-11 to help survivors apply for FEMA assistance and connect them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources.\n\nLegislative Support\n\nThe U.S. House of Representatives is gearing up to pass a disaster relief package when we return to session in November.\n\nI have begun conversations with leadership about how to best meet Western North Carolina\u2019s needs in any supplemental relief package passed by Congress in the coming months.\n\nThe North Carolina General Assembly unanimously passed the Disaster Recovery Act of 2024 on Oct. 9, 2024.\n\nThis bill creates a new Hurricane Helene fund with $273 million from the state\u2019s Savings Reserve Fund.\n\n$250 million will go to the Department of Public Safety's Division of Emergency Management to provide the state\u2019s match to federal disaster relief funds.\n\nAnother portion of the funds will be used to establish a revolving loan program to help local government and state agencies with cash flow while they are waiting for reimbursement from the federal government.\n\n$16 million will go to the Department of Public Instruction for \u201clost compensation of school nutrition employees due to school closures resulting from Hurricane Helene\u201d\n\n$2 million to provide local governments technical assistance with local recovery funds.\n\n$5 million to the State Board of Elections, alongside a variety of temporary election law changes such as changing polling sites that were rendered unusable by the storm and establishing a voter hotline, to make it easier for residents of Western North Carolina to vote.\n\nThe bill also:\n\nGrants school calendar flexibility to public schools by allowing them to make up or mark as completed any number of the days or hours missed.\n\nIt also allows the schools to use up to 30 days of remote instruction toward required instructional days.\n\nWaives DMV fees for things like obtaining a duplicate driver\u2019s license, ID card, etc.\n\nWaives certain environmental requirements for state highway repairs.\n\nThis provision will not reduce the safety of repairs conducted by NCDOT or negatively impact the environment.\n\nHousing/Individual Assistance Updates\n\nNearly 217,000 Western North Carolinians have registered for Individual Assistance with FEMA.\n\nThe Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program through FEMA is currently providing temporary hotel stays to almost 6,600 individuals.\n\nFEMA has distributed more than $134 million in housing assistance to more than 94,000 Western North Carolina households.\n\nInspectors have performed more than 27,000 home inspections for FEMA Individual Assistance evaluations.\n\nFEMA is seeking residential properties to lease for Helene survivors.\n\nInterested WNC property owner or management companies should reach out to FEMA on or before 5:00 p.m. EST, Nov. 6, 2024, via email to fema-direct_lease_dr4827nc@fema.dhs.gov.\n\nThe email subject line should read: RFI# 70FBR425-DL-DR4827NC\n\nFEMA is also seeking multifamily properties to house disaster survivors\n\nInterested property owner or management companies should reach out to FEMA no later than 5:00 p.m. EST, Nov. 6, 2024, via email to fema-mlr_dr4827nc@fema.dhs.gov.\n\nThe email subject line should read: RFI #70FBR425-MLR-DR4827NC Response: MLR-DR-4827-NC\n\nFood and Water\n\nFree drinking water testing is available by request through the Buncombe County Public Health Department.\n\nJust contact the Buncombe County Public Health Department to request a test kit.\n\nThe department will provide you with an empty bottle along with instructions to collect a drinking water sample and where to drop it off for analysis.\n\nIf you have a private well that flooded, the well should be disinfected and tested to ensure the safety of yourself and your family.\n\nThe Division of Public Health is providing free, well-testing kits through local health departments.\n\nContact your local health department (find your local department via this link) to obtain a free well testing and disinfection kit.\n\nWell disinfection and well water collection kits can be picked up from the following locations from October 22-24 and October 28-31, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.:\n\nBuncombe County Health Department - Environmental Health Building\n\n30 Valley St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nCherokee County Health Department\n\n228 Hilton St., Murphy, NC 28906\n\nHaywood County Environmental Health\n\n157 Paragon Pkwy., Ste. 200, Clyde, NC 28721\n\nHenderson County Health Department\n\n1200 Spartanburg Hwy., Ste. 100, Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nMadison - Environmental Health Building\n\n5707 US-25, Marshall, NC 28753\n\nYancey County Health Department\n\n202 Medical Campus Dr., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nSupplying drinkable water remains a top priority for emergency crews.\n\n22 water systems are on a partial or system-wide boil advisory.\n\nOnly one treatment plant has reported having no power, but this system does not serve any residential customers, and two systems remain out of water.\n\nWater restoration trends continue to move in a positive direction.\n\nThere are 233 wastewater treatment plants operating under normal conditions in the affected areas across Western NC.\n\nNCDEQ has provided the following resources to help community members track progress on water supply restoration efforts:\n\nPublic Water Supply Situation Report Tracking - ArcGIS map with filters for system status, county, etc. linked here.\n\nDEQ Dashboard - links to additional maps, including mobile view of water system status, and environmental guidance linked here.\n\nThe Federal Emergency Management Agency has promised 120 truckloads a day of food and water with no specified end date.\n\nFEMA has delivered more than 13 million meals and more than 12.9 million liters of water to Western North Carolina utilizing the $20 billion in funds that I helped to draft and pass for disaster relief just two days before Hurricane Helene hit.\n\nHome Depot will be passing out free disaster relief kits every day starting at 9:00 a.m., while supplies last, at the following locations:\n\nHome Depot Asheville\n\n795 Fairview Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nHome Depot West Asheville\n\n127 Acton Cir., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nHome Depot Hendersonville\n\n401 Linda Vista Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nWalmart is hosting activities at the following locations:\n\nHendersonville, NC Store 1242\n\n250 Highlands Square Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nPortable restrooms\n\nServing hot meals at 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily\n\nArden, NC Store 1179\n\n60 Airport Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nPortable restrooms\n\nLaundry\n\nShowers\n\nWi-fi hotspot and charging stations\n\nBuncombe County\n\nBuncombe County has water distribution at multiple sites. Each will be available daily from 12:00-4:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Please bring your own container.\n\nBuncombe County Sports Park Complex\n\n58 Apac Dr., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nBlack Mountain Ingles\n\n550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nLinwood Crump Shiloh Community Center\n\n121 Shiloh Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nPack Square Park\n\n80 Court Plz., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nSky Lanes Bowling Alley\n\n1477 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nThe following resources sites are available in Buncombe County, where citizens can access food, water and other basic necessities:\n\nBiltmore Baptist Church\n\n35 Clayton Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nDistribution and bulk pickup for volunteers looking to take bulk loads of supplies to in-need community members\n\nSaturday hours: 10:00 a.m. \u2013 1:00 p.m.\n\nCommunity drive-thru for anyone in the community needing supplies\n\nSaturday hours: 3:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church \u2013 Weaverville\n\n63 N. Main St., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nHot showers available from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nUnlimited clean drinking water is available, bring your own container.\n\nSupplies and bottled water.\n\nHot lunch served at 1:30 p.m.\n\nFellowship Asheville\n\n756 Fairview Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 1:00-4:00 p.m., Monday-Thursday\n\nWest Asheville Baptist Church\n\n926 Haywood Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-4:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday\n\nSaint Mary Margaret Catholic Church\n\n102 Andrews Pl., Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nSaturday hours: 3:00-4:30 p.m.\n\nPlease note: This location is not open during mass.\n\nHot meals are available at the following locations:\n\nWorld Central Kitchen in Bear\u2019s Smokehouse BBQ\n\n135 Coxe Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nServes 25,000 hot meals a day.\n\nDaily hours: 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.\n\nShiloh Community Center\n\n121 Shiloh Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nGrovemont Park\n\n251 Stonewall Ave., Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nManna Food Bank - Farmer\u2019s Market\n\n570 Brevard Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nReopening October 22-24 from 1:00-5:00 p.m. daily for a special event to distribute critical baby items.\n\nWesley Grant Community Center\n\n285 Livingston St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nWest Asheville Ingles\n\n669 Haywood Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 3:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nNesbitt Chapel\n\n12 Nesbitt Chapel Rd., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nDaily hours: 3:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nGroce United Methodist Church \u2013 also distributing essential supplies\n\n954 Tunnel Rd., Asheville, NC 28805\n\nDaily hours starting Wednesday, October 16: Only M/W/F/Sat, Supplies 12:00-4:00 p.m., meals 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nA Community Care Station is available at the following location:\n\n2319 Hwy. 70, Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nHot meals served daily: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCommunity Care Stations offer showers, laundry, bathrooms, access to cell towers, wi-fi, potable and non-potable water, and counseling.\n\nHaywood County\n\nThe following locations are providing community members with essential resources such as but not limited to, food, water, cleaning products, baby formula, and pet food, Monday through Fridays:\n\nFines Creek Community Center\n\n190 Fines Creek Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nOpen every day until 6:00 p.m.\n\nPigeon Community Center\n\n450 Pigeon St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nAlso offering hot meals every day at 2:00 p.m.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCruso Community Center\n\n13186 Cruso Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.\n\nFirst United Methodist Church\n\n566 S. Haywood St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nIncludes shower access.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.\n\nMaggie Valley Pavilion\n\n3935 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Saturday)\n\nWoodland Baptist Church\n\n545 Crabtree Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nNew Covenant Church\n\n767 Lee Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nIP Sportsplex\n\n305 Silkwood Dr., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nBethel Elementary School\n\n4700 Old River Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nJonathan Valley Elementary School\n\n410 Hall Dr., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nMonday through Friday\n\nSt. Barnabas Catholic Church\n\n109 Crescent Hill Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nDaily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.\n\nReynolds Baptist Church - Family Life Center\n\n520 Rose Hill Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.\n\nThis location also has potable water available to residents who bring their own vessels to fill.\n\nMountain Projects\n\n2177 Asheville Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nThe Community Kitchen\n\n288 Crabtree Mountain Rd., Canton, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.\n\nHaywood Christian Ministry\n\n150 Branner St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nThe following location offers hot meals daily:\n\nMaggie Valley Fire Department\n\n2901 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nJukebox Junction\n\n3606 Pigeon Rd., Canton, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nThe following location offers showers daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.:\n\nCalvary Baptist Church\n\n2701 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nThe following location is offering supplies for horses and livestock:\n\nWNC Regional Livestock Center\n\n474 Stock Dr., Canton, NC 28716\n\nHenderson County\n\nHenderson County has stood up one Resource Hub location for water distribution and other supplies as they become available.\n\n118 McAbee Ct., Flat Rock, NC 28731\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nEach family unit will be provided supplies for one day\u2019s meal and water as available.\n\nIndividuals are asked to enter the drive-through and remain in your car unless otherwise instructed by volunteers to ensure an efficient process.\n\nJackson County\n\nIn partnership with the Red Cross, the following is available for citizens of Jackson County:\n\nThe Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau are providing shelf-stable meals at the following location:\n\n558 Frank Allen Rd., Cashiers, NC 28717\n\nThe Canada Fire Department is distributing emergency supplies at the following location:\n\n149 Charleys Creek Rd., Tuckasegee, NC 28783\n\nThe following locations are providing resources to displaced families and individuals in need:\n\nMountain Projects\n\n154-B Medical Park Loop, Sylva, NC 28779\n\nUnited Christian Ministries\n\n191 Skyland Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nSt. Mary\u2019s Roman Catholic Church of Sylva\n\n22 Bartlett St., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.\n\nCornbread and Roses\n\n1294 Savannah Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours:\n\nWednesday, 6:00-8:00 p.m.\n\nThursday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nSunday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nMadison County\n\nThe following locations are offering food, water, and some supply distribution in Madison County:\n\nBeech Glen Community Center\n\n2936 Beech Glen Rd., Mars Hill, 28754\n\nDaily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.\n\nCenter Community Center\n\n1300 Grapevine Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nEbbs Chapel Community Center\n\n281 Laurel Valley Rd., Mars Hill, NC 28754\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nEnon Baptist Church\n\n174 Ammons Branch Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nOpen Sunday 12:00-4:00 p.m.\n\nFreedom Christian Church\n\n7350 US 25/70 Bypass, Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThis location offers additional resources such as hygiene products, blankets, clothes, cleaning supplies, diapers, pet food, etc.\n\nLaurel Community Center - also has supplies\n\n4100 NC 212 Hwy., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily Hours: 8:00 a.m. \u2013 8:00 p.m.\n\nRevere-Rice Community Center\n\n3980 Revere Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (Mon-Sat)\n\nSpring Creek Community Center\n\n13075 NC 209 Hwy., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThis location also has additional resources such as pet food, livestock feed and hay.\n\nWalnut Community Center - also has supplies\n\n46 School Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.\n\nN.C. Cooperative Extension - Madison County Center\n\n258 Carolina Ln., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nThis location is offering drive-thru food distribution only.\n\nLittle Ivy Baptist Church\n\n1053 Crossroads Pkwy., Mars Hill, NC 28754\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMcDowell County has established multiple points of distribution that are open daily.\n\nDistribution takes place daily at the following locations:\n\nTom Johnson\u2019s Camping Center\n\n348 Resistoflex Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nWeekend hours: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCherry Springs\n\n6 Bull Walker Rd., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: Wednesdays 4:00-7:00 p.m., Sundays 2:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nCamp Grier\n\n985 Camp Grier Rd., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and 4:00-7:00 p.m.\n\nRestoration Church\n\n2344 Ashworth Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nCentro Unido Latino Americano\n\n79 Academy St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church of Old Fort\n\n203 E. Main St., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: 4:00-7:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nFirst Baptist Church Marion\n\n99 N Main St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nConcord United Methodist Church\n\n8066 Linville Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 2:00-4:00 p.m.\n\nNew Manna Baptist Church\n\n225 E. Court St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 4:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nHot meals are also being provided at the following location:\n\nGrace Community Church\n\n5182 US 70 W., Marion, NC 28752\n\nLunch is served every day from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.\n\nDinner is available from 4:00-5:30 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church of Marion is offering hot showers, air conditioning, and areas to charge devices.\n\nCurrent hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 2:00-5:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday.\n\nPolk County\n\nThe following locations are offering food and water distribution for residents in need from 1:00-5:00 p.m.:\n\nMill Spring/Green Creek Community\n\n25 International Blvd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nColumbus Community\n\n95 Walker St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nSaluda Community Bus Parking Lot\n\n214 E. Main St., Saluda, NC 28773\n\nTryon Community\n\n301 N. Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782\n\nSunny View\n\n86 Sunny View School Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nThe following locations are serving hot meals daily:\n\nTryon Equestrian Center\n\n4066 Pea Ridge Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nRoseland Community Center\n\n56 Peake St., Tryon, NC 28782\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nRutherford County\n\nThe following two centralized distribution center locations are open from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. for citizens to get food and emergency supplies:\n\nThe Green Space\n\n658 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nWarehouse #7\n\n214 Vance St., Warehouse 7, Forest City, NC 28043\n\nTransylvania County\n\nThe following location is providing hot meals to county residents:\n\nBalsam Grove Community Center - daily until power is fully restored\n\n8732 Parkway Rd., Balsam Grove, NC 28708\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nBottled water is available daily at local fire departments and 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Anchor Baptist Church located at:\n\n3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nWater filling stations can be found at the following locations:\n\nCity Sports Complex\n\n824 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.\n\nRocky\u2019s Grill & Soda Shop\n\n50 S. Broad St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours\n\nCedar Mountain Outpost\n\n8431 Greenville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nDD Bullwinkles\n\n60 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nFirst United Methodist Church\n\n325 N. Broad St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nPisgah Forest Baptist Church\n\n494 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nFood, water, and other supplies such as hygiene products are being distributed at the following locations:\n\nAnchor Baptist Church\n\n3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nZion Baptist Church\n\n423 Main St., Rosman, NC 28772\n\nNo daily hours posted\n\nGrace Brevard\n\n55 E. Jordan St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2;00 p.m.\n\nMary C. Jenkins Community Center\n\n221 Mills Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nYancey County\n\nYancey County has transitioned to one centralized distribution site for water, food and ice located at the following address:\n\nFormer Fred\u2019s Store\n\n677 W. U.S. Highway 19E, Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nMobile laundry facilities are available in the GO Grocery parking lot located at the following address:\n\n631 W Hwy. 19E Bypass, Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nTrash Services and Debris Removal\n\nAll counties are actively working with NCDEQ to determine where mud, silt and sediment can be safely dropped off without risk of contamination.\n\nMore information to come.\n\nRecycling services are available through Curbside Management for the following counties:\n\nBuncombe\n\nClay\n\nGraham\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nJackson\n\nMacon\n\nMadison\n\nPolk\n\nRutherford\n\nYancey\n\nSome communities have halted recycling services to prioritize trash collection.\n\nIf that is the case for your community, Curbside Management has a drop-off site available for residents who wish to bring their recycling to the following location:\n\n116 N. Woodfin Ave., Asheville, NC 28804\n\nIf your home has damage and you need assistance with clean up, please call Crisis Cleanup for access to volunteer organizations that can assist you at 844-965-1386.\n\nIf Hurricane Helene caused damage to your home or belongings, make sure to document it.\n\nThis is critically important in getting reimbursed.\n\nTake photos before you begin cleaning up.\n\nMake a list of damaged or lost items and gather receipts.\n\nDoing this helps speed up the process with insurance and other assistance programs, and ensures you get properly compensated.\n\nBefore you start the clean-up process, remember:\n\nWear PPE such as long pants, goggles, gloves and sturdy shoes.\n\nStay off damaged structures.\n\nBe aware that snakes or other hazardous animals could be present.\n\nCall your local fire department to inspect or removal chemicals, propane tanks, and other hazardous materials.\n\nIf you suspect debris contains toxic substances, seal them in plastic bags to prevent them from becoming airborne.\n\nTo reduce the risk of accidental fires, please DO NOT burn your storm debris.\n\nEmergency personnel are continuing to work on other storm recovery and response efforts, limiting resources to respond to accidental fires.\n\nPlease discard storm debris at a local transfer site or via curbside debris pickup.\n\nDebris should be placed curbside and not block the roadway or access to the property.\n\nPlease place debris away from trees, poles or other structures (e.g., fire hydrants, meters, etc.) to make removal work easier.\n\nContact your local municipality for curbside storm debris removal collection schedules or see below for additional information on debris waste removal by county.\n\nAdditionally, the following counties have resources for where to take household trash and debris waste.\n\nBuncombe\n\nCurbside collection will begin Monday for City of Asheville sanitation customers.\n\nStorm debris collection has begun in Buncombe County.\n\nSeparate storm-related debris at the curb in the right of way according to material type:\n\nAppliances, construction debris, household hazardous waste such as pesticides and automotive fluid, vegetative debris, and electronics.\n\nDebris collection will require multiple passes and will be a long process.\n\nResidents do not have to set out all debris at one time or worry if there is debris left; another pass can collect additional debris.\n\nThe Town of Black Mountain Public Works Department has secured four 15-yard dumpsters located in two sites for Black Mountain residents to throw away household trash ONLY:\n\nTractor Supply: 125 Old US Hwy. 70 E., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nIngles: 550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nPlease Note: Yard waste, bulk items, separate recycling and debris collection are not available at this time.\n\nWaste Pro collection service has resumed for regular Monday route customers.\n\nHaywood\n\nHousehold waste will be accepted at the Materials Recovery Facility at 247 Recycle Rd., Clyde and at Convenience Centers at Jonathan Creek, Beaverdam, Bethel, Hazelwood, Mauney Cove, Jones Cove and Highway 110.\n\nWhite Oak Landfill has reopened.\n\nHenderson\n\nHenderson County Transfer Station is open and accepting storm debris with normal fees.\n\nHenderson County has begun curbside storm debris removal to county residents as a free service.\n\nThe county will pick up storm debris for free if it is pushed to the right of way of a property.\n\nStorm debris includes tree branches, leaves, logs, building materials, furniture, paint etc.\n\nPlease be patient.\n\nThe county will pick up storm debris for free as quickly as possible.\n\nMadison\n\nThe Hot Springs collection center is operating on normal hours for household trash ONLY:\n\nMonday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nWednesday: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.\n\nFriday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nSaturday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nHot Springs trash pickup is returning to Mondays like usual.\n\nPlease only use this pickup service if you cannot bring it to the collection center yourself.\n\nThe pickup service is being led by volunteers at this time.\n\nMcDowell\n\nMcDowell County has hired private contractors to facilitate storm debris pickup from public right of ways in the Town of Old Fort, City of Marion, and along state secondary roads in the county.\n\nResidents are asked to separate debris into the following categories:\n\nLarge appliances\n\nConstruction debris\n\nVegetative debris\n\nHazardous waste\n\nElectronics\n\nHousehold waste\n\nPolk\n\nThe Polk County landfill is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\n322 Landfill Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nDrop-off of residential trash is $10.\n\nGFL trash services will continue the regular schedule. However, certain areas may be inaccessible due to ongoing power outages from Hurricane Helene.\n\nTwo dumpsters are located on Gibson Street for immediate trash disposal due to road inaccessibility.\n\nRutherford\n\nThe county has begun storm debris removal along state-maintained and municipally-controlled roads.\n\nResidents are asked to place storm-related vegetative debris, including trees and limbs, within the road\u2019s right-of-way.\n\nCut large debris into four to six ft. sections.\n\nThe Rutherford County Landfill and all convenience centers have reopened with normal hours.\n\nTransylvania\n\nThe City of Brevard has resumed regular trash pickup.\n\nThe county landfill accepts natural vegetative storm debris, including spoiled hay, trees, brush, etc. for free.\n\nYancey\n\nThe Riverside and East Yancey Recycling Centers have resumed operations.\n\nDaily hours: 7:00 a.m. \u2013 4:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday\n\nThe Yancey-Mitchell Landfill is now open, following repairs from Hurricane Helene.\n\n555 Landfill Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday); 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Saturday)\n\nResidents should sort storm debris from regular household waste.\n\nHazardous materials will not be accepted and construction debris should be separated from household waste.\n\nVoter Information\n\nThe Justice Department has launched a website with information to help Western North Carolinians and other communities impacted by recent hurricanes to vote.\n\nThe site identifies and provides links to various state changes made to accommodate displaced voters and information for folks who have lost their ID cards, had polling sites moved or who are unsure where or how they can vote.\n\nYou can access the website via this link.\n\nReminder: Early voting has started!\n\nVoters may cast a ballot at any early voting site in their county.\n\nOnly four early voting sites were closed due to Hurricane Helene across NC-11, all in Buncombe County.\n\nThe following four sites are NO LONGER eligible early voting sites, as was originally planned prior to Hurricane Helene:\n\nBee Tree Fire Station\n\nFriendship Center\n\nNorth Asheville Library\n\nUpper Hominy Fire & Rescue Department\n\nAll other regular early voting sites are OPEN across NC-11.\n\nCoordination is ongoing to develop messaging in multiple languages to inform shelter residents and guests of how and where to vote.\n\nThe North Carolina State Board of Elections has provided pertinent information and recommendations for voters in the Helene disaster area during the 2024 general election.\n\nTo review information on voting in the 2024 general election after Hurricane Helene, you can follow this link.\n\nThe site provides information on absentee voting, how to change your polling location if you have a new permanent address, county board of elections, office closures and more.\n\nFor any additional questions on voting post-hurricane, please contact your county Board of Elections.\n\nPlease note: Your county Board of Elections is the best place to get any questions answered.\n\nI have been permitted to share the above, nonpartisan information but am prohibited from answering any questions related to the 2024 general election.\n\nUnited States Postal Service/Mail Services\n\nUSPS anticipates continued improvement of mail delivery operations with local recovery efforts, to include power, connectivity, and roads.\n\nSocial Security checks are being routed to all units for delivery and/or are available for customer pick up.\n\nFor impacted residents who have relocated due to the storm, please be sure to complete a change of address request at moversguide.usps.com.\n\nMost USPS offices have reopened under normal operations.\n\nSunday delivery is being made in some of the affected communities to ensure delayed mail is delivered as soon as possible.\n\nOnly 21 offices, or 10 percent of all USPS offices in Western NC remain closed.\n\nOnly one facility was fully destroyed, the Micaville PO box office in ZIP code 28755.\n\nUSPS is utilizing Mobile Operations Units where residents can send or receive mail and packages in many of the areas with closed offices.\n\nThe mobile units are located in the following communities:\n\nAlexander - 28701\n\nBarnardsville - 28709\n\nCedar Mountain - 28718\n\nEdneyville - 28727\n\nHot Springs - 28743\n\nMarshall - 28753\n\nMicaville - 28755\n\nMontreat - 28757\n\nRosman - 28772\n\nSwannanoa - 28778\n\nPharmacy Access\n\nPharmacy Locator\n\nHundreds of pharmacies never closed or have reopened across Western North Carolina.\n\nUse this link to locate pharmacy locations open to the public by county.\n\nThe Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response under the Department of Health and Human Services has activated the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) for North Carolinians.\n\nThe EPAP program helps uninsured residents replace prescription medication or certain medical equipment lost or damaged during Hurricane Helene.\n\nThrough the program, uninsured residents can:\n\nRequest a free 30-day supply of certain prescription medications at any EPAP-participating pharmacy which can be renewed every 30 days while the EPAP is active.\n\nReplace certain medical equipment and supplies such as canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, blood sugar meters and blood sugar test strips for diabetics.\n\nUninsured North Carolina residents affected by the recent hurricane can call the EPAP hotline, 855-793-7470, or visit the EPAP website to check their eligibility, determine if their medications or medical equipment are covered, or locate a participating pharmacy.\n\nPrescription Pad is open from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and filling prescriptions for Yancey County residents at the following location:\n\n730 E. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nOpen Urgent Cares/ Health Care Services\n\nThere is a field hospital with physicians, nurses and paramedics who can treat patients at the Burnsville Fire Department. The address is as follows:\n\n305 Pineola St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nThe following urgent cares are open and accessible for community members with non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries:\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Weaverville\n\n61 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nMercy Urgent Care West Asheville\n\n1201 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nMercy Urgent Care Waynesville\n\n120 Frazier St., Ste. 6, Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nLocations open between 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Brevard\n\n22 Trust Ln., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Columbus\n\n140 West Mills St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nLocations open between 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.:\n\nMobile Urgent Care Clinic\n\n12 Florida Ave., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nMental Health & Basic Medical Support Center\n\n130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nPardee Urgent Care\n\n45 Hendersonville Hwy., Ste. A, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nOther locations available:\n\nHeart to Heart International - in Haywood Department of Health Parking Lot\n\n157 Paragon Pkwy., Ste. 800, Clyde, NC 28721\n\nDaily hours: Not available at this time.\n\nFree mental health services - All available for drop-in\n\nIf you have been impacted by the storm and need someone to talk to, call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1 (800) 985-5990.\n\nHelp is also available to anyone, anytime in English or Spanish through a call, text or chat to 988.\n\nLearn more at 988Lifeline.org.\n\nCare Collaborative for Western North Carolina Clinicians is a partnership among more than 200 mental health professionals volunteering to provide free mental health services for Hurricane Helene survivors.\n\nServices are provided virtually, and you can follow this link to find a professional that fits your needs and their contact information to schedule a session.\n\nHot Springs Elementary School - Art Room\n\n63 N. Serpentine Ave., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nThe Pearl Institute\n\n55 Academy St., Waynesville, NC\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-6:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nFree telehealth appointments are also available.\n\nTo book a telehealth appointment, you can email info@pearlpsychedelicinstitute.org or call/text (828) 400-7091\n\nCommunity Support Group\n\nThe first of a series of free support groups occurred on Monday, October 14, to help the community manage the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.\n\nRegular group sessions will be occurring through the end of December at the following locations:\n\n221 Mills Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nMary C. Jenkins Community & Cultural Center\n\nHosted by the City of Brevard, AARP, and Blue Ridge Community College\n\n9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on October 21 and 28\n\n45 Oak Park Dr., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nBlue Ridge Community College, Brevard Campus, Room 140\n\n9:00-11:00 a.m. on November 4, 18, 25; December 2, 9 ,16\n\nAll University of North Carolina System students have access to free mental health through their university.\n\nPlease monitor your student email for more information on how to access these services.\n\nThe following orthopedic urgent care locations are open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily, physical therapy appointments are also available at each of these locations:\n\nEmergeOrtho Hendersonville\n\n800 Fleming St., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nEmergeOrtho Arden (South Asheville)\n\n2585 Hendersonville Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nEmergeOrtho Waynesville\n\n9 Haywood Office Park, Ste. 102 and 103, Waynesville, NC 28785\n\nEmergeOrtho Brevard\n\n89 Hospital Dr., Ste. A, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nEmergeOrtho Weaverville\n\n159 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nDialysis Locations\n\nThe following location is open and available for dialysis treatments in NC-11:\n\nPardee Hospital\n\n800 N. Justice St., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nThis location can dialyze 30 patients a day.\n\nDaVita Kidney Care nurses are reaching out to their patients to coordinate treatment, but the following DaVita locations are available:\n\nDaVita Greer South Dialysis\n\n3254 Brushy Greek Rd., Greer, SC 29650\n\nContact Number: (864) 801-2065\n\nDaVita Saluda River Dialysis\n\n8080 Augusta Rd., Piedmont, SC 29673\n\nContact Number: (833) 378-2702\n\nDaVita Wofford at Home\n\n8024 White Ave., Spartanburg, SC 29303\n\nContact Number: (864) 583-4788\n\nDaVita Boiling Springs Dialysis\n\n196 Sloane Garden Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316\n\nContact Number: (833) 458-4809\n\nOxygen Locations\n\nHendersonville High School\n\n1 Bearcat Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nMust be assessed through Pardee Hospital.\n\nLincare is only serving established patients.\n\nPatients must bring in empty tanks to one of the following locations:\n\nAsheville Lincare\n\n103 Elk Park Dr., Asheville, NC 28804\n\nFax number: (866) 234-6698\n\nGreenville Lincare\n\n355 Woodruff Rd., Ste. 204 and 205, Greenville, SC 29607\n\nFax Number: (864) 288-0339\n\nThe following locations are available for oxygen refills, but patients must bring their own oxygen equipment - fire departments are available 24/7:\n\nBoiling Springs Fire Department\n\n186 Rainbow Lake Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316\n\nReidville Fire Department\n\n7450 Reidville Rd., Woodruff, SC 29388\n\nInman City Fire Department\n\n6 Humphrey St., Inman, SC 29349\n\nFirst Presbyterian Church\n\n393 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29302\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.\n\nGreer Relief Indigo Hope Neighborhood Impact Center\n\n113C Berry Ave., Greer, SC 29651\n\nDaily hours: 2:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nCroft Fire Department\n\n370 Cedar Springs Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29302\n\nArkwright Fire Department\n\n1070 Southport Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29306\n\nRoebuck Fire Department\n\n2639 Stone Station Rd., Roebuck, SC 29376\\\n\nNorth Spartanburg Fire Department\n\n8767 Asheville Hwy., Spartanburg, SC 29316\n\nResources for Veterans\n\nOutpatient clinics have rescheduled 66 percent of the appointments that were cancelled due to Hurricane Helene, with more being rescheduled every day.\n\nThe U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs launched a new web page with disaster relief resources, providing a single place for veterans and their caregivers to access VA resources on health care, housing, benefits payments, insurance, and more.\n\nYou can access the web site via this link.\n\nThe VA has established a Veterans Disaster Response Hotline, which is available 24/7 at 1(800) 507-4571.\n\nIf you or a veteran you know needs immediate housing assistance after Hurricane Helene, please call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at (877) 424-3838.\n\nThe call center is open 24/7.\n\nIf you have a VA-backed home loan and are unable to make your mortgage payments, please contact your mortgage servicer.\n\nYou can also call the VA at (877) 827-3702, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nHome loan servicers are allowed to put a 90-day pause on foreclosures and encouraged to waive late charges for VA-guaranteed home loans after a disaster.\n\nLegionnaires, Sons of the American Legion members and Legion Posts that have been displaced from their primary residence due to damage sustained during Hurricane Helene may be eligible for financial assistance through the American Legion.\n\nLegionnaires and Sons of the American Legion members may be eligible for up to $3,000.\n\nLegion Posts may be eligible for up to $10,000.\n\nTo learn more or to request assistance, please use this link.\n\nApplications must be submitted within 90 days of the disaster: Dec. 26, 2024.\n\nThe Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville and Master Sergeant Jerry K. Crump VA Clinic in Forest City are open for essential and emergency services.\n\nVeterans can:\n\nVisit the Asheville VA Hospital pharmacy for medication refills or:\n\nCall the Regional Clinical Contact Center at (855) 679-0074 and press 1 for pharmacy representatives.\n\nLocal pharmacies in the VA\u2019s community care network will also fill written prescriptions, or prescriptions as they appear on an active VA prescription bottle that is not older than six months and has available refills, to provide a 30-day supply.\n\nHickory, Forest City and Franklin outpatient VA clinics are now operating regularly.\n\nDue to the damage and personal losses caused by Hurricane Helene to the staff of the VA, it will take some time to bring staffing to full capacity.\n\nPlease be patient as the VA works to rebuild their workforce.\n\nResources for Farmers\n\nThe United States Department of Agriculture has put together a list of resources for farmers and other agricultural industry members.\n\nIf your agricultural operation has been impacted by Hurricane Helene, you can review this link, farmers.gov, for emergency and disaster assistance programs.\n\nAg supplies can be picked up by farmers in need from any of the following distribution centers (including non-NC-11 locations for farmers who may be closer to an out-of-district distribution center):\n\nAvery County\n\nMitchell-Avery County Center\n\n6880 Linville Falls Hwy., Newland, NC 28657\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday); 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Saturday)\n\nBuncombe County\n\nMills River Station\n\n74 Research Dr., Mills River, NC 28759\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nCaldwell County\n\nCaldwell County Fairgrounds\n\n2461 Fairground Rd., Lenoir, NC 28645\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Wednesday and Saturday only), or by appointment\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMarion - McDowell County\n\n188 Ag Services Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Saturday)\n\nHaywood County\n\nSmokey Mountain Event Center\n\n758 Crabtree Dr., Waynesville, NC 28785\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nWatauga County\n\nWatauga County Extension\n\n5715 U.S. Highway 421 N., Vilas, NC 28692\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) - NO HAY\n\n1:00-6:00 p.m. (Tuesday and Thursday) - HAY ONLY\n\nPower\n\nLess than 4,800 customers remain without power in Western North Carolina.\n\nThe majority of remaining power outages are concentrated in Western North Carolina, with the highest percentage of outages being reported in Yancey County.\n\nAround 750 Duke Energy customers are without power.\n\nRoughly 4,000 co-op customers remain without power.\n\nLocal co-ops are utilizing their full teams to restore energy and have more than 500 reinforcements from more than 30 electric cooperatives across 11 states.\n\nFrench Broad Electric is focusing restoration efforts in their hardest hit areas in Yancey County, including Crabtree, Little Switzerland, along McKinney Mine Rd., Bakers Creek, Pensacola, and the western side of the county.\n\nOne of the most challenging areas to restore power is along the Cane River from Langford Branch to Huntdale.\n\nSeveral miles of power lines were destroyed and the bank where the lines were once located is no longer an option.\n\nFBE is having to reroute lines and build them from scratch.\n\nMore co-op crews arrived yesterday, October 21, to provide additional support, including to help replace broken poles and wires.\n\nNCDOT crews are still coordinating closely with power companies to ensure service is being restored as quickly as possible, including along private roads, keeping in mind that cold months are approaching fast.\n\nFor more information on Duke Energy\u2019s power restoration efforts, you can review the following links:\n\nComplex Repair & Disaster Rebuild Zones Map: duke-energy.com/info/carolinas-restoration\n\nOutage Map: duke-energy.com/outages\n\nOutage Alerts: duke-energy.com/outages/alerts\n\nGenerator safety: duke-energy.com/outages/generators\n\nPower restoration process: duke-energy.com/outages/restoring-your-power\n\nRoads\n\nWestern North Carolina is FULLY OPEN to visitors!\n\nPlease come visit!\n\nNCDOT staff have transitioned to temporary repairs and reconstruction of damaged roadways.\n\nThe state has reopened 870 roads and are only reporting 417 road closures.\n\nMore than 2,000 DOT employees are working in Western NC, including 375 units from Central NC and 70 from Kentucky.\n\nMore than 900 pieces of heavy equipment, including dump trucks, backhoes, loaders, and graders in the affected areas to assist with recovery and repairs.\n\nCrews continue to refine estimates, determine what work can be done in-house and work to draw up contracts for site-specific repairs.\n\nNCDOT has established a Road Reopening Dashboard for folks to keep track of progress made by the department.\n\nYou can use this link to access the dashboard.\n\nThe dashboard is also linked on DriveNC.gov.\n\nTo monitor road conditions in and around NC-11, use drivenc.gov.\n\nThe website tracks NCDOT-managed road conditions in real time.\n\nNC DMV has reopened 14 of the 16 driver license offices that were closed due to Hurricane Helene.\n\nThe following DMV offices are open for walk-in services in or near NC-11, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., closed between 11:30 a.m. through 1:00 p.m. for a lunch break:\n\nBuncombe County\n\n1624 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nCherokee County\n\n1440 Main St., Andrews, NC 28901\n\nHaywood County\n\n290 Lee Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nHenderson County\n\n125 Baystone Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nJackson County\n\n876 Skyland Dr., Ste. 2, Sylva, NC 28779\n\nMacon County\n\n16 Patton Ave., Franklin, NC 28734\n\nMadison County\n\n1685 NC Highway 213, Marshall, NC 28753\n\nMcDowell County\n\n3975 NC 226 S., Marion, NC 28752\n\nRutherford County\n\n596 Withrow Rd., Forest City, NC 28043\n\nSwain County\n\n2650 Governors Island Rd., Bryson City, NC 28713\n\nTransylvania County\n\n50 Commerce St., Ste. 4, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAll but five license plate agencies have reopened.\n\nAir traffic has sustained at 300 percent above pre-hurricane levels in Western NC.\n\nNCDOT\u2019s aviation division continue to work to make sure flight operations are safe coming into and out of airports, including by:\n\nScheduling landing/unloading times and aircraft parking so aircraft are spaced out and to reduce the risk of incidents.\n\nEstablishing a first of its kind \u201ccorridors in the sky\u201d to separate civilian and military aircraft in the air.\n\nHaving search and rescue partners use short, time and location specific restrictions on air operations to enhance safety when multiple helicopters are engaged in search and rescue efforts.\n\nThe state of North Carolina is NOT turning away civil aviation support so long as it has been coordinated through the proper channels with NC Emergency Management.\n\nIf you or someone you know is interested in providing civil aviation support and don\u2019t know where to coordinate your efforts, please call my office and we will help you get in touch with the right folks.\n\nNCDOT has launched a detour map to show motorists how to get around closures on I-26 and I-40 at the Tennessee border.\n\nYou can access the map here.\n\nInternet Access\n\nThe fiber line has been restored from Lake Lure to Chimney Rock, restoring communication capabilities to the area for the first time since Hurricane Helene hit our mountains.\n\nInternet providers are working with local energy and cell providers to restore service for customers across Western North Carolina.\n\nFiber repair crews are also pairing with electric utility crews in the field to assist with any accidental fiber cuts.\n\nInternet providers including Optimum and Spectrum are working around the clock to restore service for customers. However, part of the network\u2019s infrastructure was destroyed by mudslides and collapsed bridges making restoration a lengthy process.\n\nAs a result, some impacted areas will require a rebuild of the network from scratch.\n\nTo mitigate the lack of service, Optimum, formerly Altice USA, has set up an Optimum Wi-Fi Trailer that is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the following locations:\n\n717 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\n1800 Four Seasons Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nThe following locations are offering free public wi-fi:\n\nFirst Baptist Church - Weaverville\n\n63 N. Main St, Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nDowntown Franklin\n\nThe Town of Franklin has free wi-fi on the town hill area in downtown.\n\nTransylvania County Library - 24/7\n\n212 S. Gaston St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nThe Yard Brevard\n\n284 Railroad Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nBrevard Visitor Center\n\n175 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAvailable daily from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThe Vine Anglican Church - and free coffee\n\n1055 Lee Rd, Clyde, NC 28721\n\nAvailable daily from 12:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nCell Service\n\nRoughly 94 percent of all cellular sites in Western North Carolina have been repaired and are now in service.\n\nThe remaining areas require significant infrastructure reconstruction.\n\nCell service providers have implemented disaster roaming for any phone located in Western North Carolina to maximize phone service for all users.\n\nDisaster roaming allows users to connect to any mobile network during a disaster when other networks are down.\n\nThis allows users to access emergency services, such as 911, even when their own network is out.\n\nIf you have service one moment, but experience a reduction in service the next, try restarting your phone to jumpstart disaster roaming again.\n\nUpCycle Tech in Transylvania County is offering free computers and phones for use at the following location:\n\n470 Asheville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAT&T has deployed its Mobile Connectivity Center to the following location:\n\nSam\u2019s Club: 645 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nThe Mobile Connectivity Center is an air-conditioned mobile unit open to the public, equipped with laptops, charging stations and wi-fi.\n\nThe public can use the center for various needs including contacting your insurance company, filling out paperwork or connecting with loved ones.\n\nVerizon has deployed Wireless Emergency Communication Centers to help hurricane survivors stay connected to their friends, family and other important contacts.\n\nWireless Emergency Communication Centers are generator-powered mobile units that have device charging and computer workstations, along with wireless phones, tablets, and other devices available for use.\n\nVerizon\u2019s Wireless Emergency Communication Centers have been set up at the following locations:\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nAsheville YMCA\n\n30 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nFamily Justice Center\n\n35 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nVerizon also has charging stations at the following locations:\n\nYMCA of Western North Carolina\n\n348 Grace Corpening Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nTwo charging stations at this location\n\nWNC Agricultural Center\n\n761 Boylston Hwy., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nThree charging stations at this location\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nOne charging station at this location\n\nT-Mobile has set up satellite cellular on light trucks (SatCOLTs), providing cellular voice and data along with wi-fi and charging stations at the following locations:\n\nAsheville Middle School\n\n211 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center\n\n285 Livingston St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nFirst Baptist Church\n\n130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nAdditional T-Mobile satellite cell on trucks are located in Hendersonville and at a Tractor Supply Co. in Asheville, with others planned for Mission Hospital in Asheville, Cherokee County Emergency Operations Center in Murphy, and in Cherokee.\n\nNorth Carolina National Guard & Department of Defense\n\nAs requests from some counties are decreasing, NC National Guard assets are NOT standing down, they are instead being reallocated to other areas.\n\nMore than 3,100 National Guard soldiers and airmen, active-duty service members, and Emergency Management Assistance Compact units (National Guard units from 12 different states) are deployed across Western North Carolina to provide support.\n\nThis includes:\n\nAlmost 1,300 vehicles\n\n10 helicopters\n\nAs search and rescue needs diminish and roads are being cleared and restored, the need for aerial support is decreasing and ground vehicles are becoming an increasingly more effective means of support.\n\nThe National Guard has distributed more than 12,200 tons of commodities to Western North Carolina.\n\nAlthough airspace is limited due to ongoing missions by the National Guard and Department of Defense, a process has been established for private pilots seeking to fly in humanitarian relief to coordinate with local authorities.\n\nIf you are looking to fly in resources and don\u2019t know where to turn, call my office and we will get you in contact with the right coordinators.\n\nHere are a few key phone numbers from the NCNG:\n\nHOTLINE: 888-892-1162\n\nEmergency management watch: 919-733-3300\n\nDonated goods: 919-825-2474\n\nThese lines have very high call volumes. If you do not get through the first try, keep calling.\n\nAsheville Regional Airport\n\nAsheville Regional Airport closed mid-day on Friday, September 27, due to risk of flooding.\n\nCommercial flights at Asheville Regional Airport have resumed.\n\nIf you parked your car in an Asheville Regional Airport lot and could not retrieve the vehicle due to the storm, great news - none of the airport\u2019s lots flooded and all cars are fine.\n\nStay safe and pick up your car when you are able.\n\nPLEASE NOTE:\n\nNo general aviation pilots are allowed to land at Asheville Regional Airport without prior clearance from FEMA to ensure the safety of aircraft and personnel.\n\nSupply deliveries by civilian pilots ARE permitted to land at Asheville Regional Airport so long as they have prior clearance from FEMA.\n\nFEMA is not turning away any pilot that has gone through the proper channels to coordinate delivery and ensure the safety of his fellow aircraft and personnel.\n\nFederal Nutrition Programs\n\nThe U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service has approved flexibilities due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene.\n\nSNAP\n\nNorth Carolina was granted a waiver for the 10-day reporting requirement for the replacement of food purchased with SNAP benefits lost because of the hurricane.\n\nThis waiver provides additional time beyond the standard 10-day time frame for households to report food losses and receive replacement benefits for food that was destroyed and previously purchased with SNAP benefits.\n\nD-SNAP\n\nPeople living in the 25 major disaster declared Western NC counties and members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians impacted by Hurricane Helene can apply to receive a one-time benefit to help buy food through the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP).\n\nPre-registration is available by using ePASS pre-registration tool.\n\nFor the tool and more information, visit epass.nc.gov/.\n\nTo be eligible, applicants must:\n\nHave suffered losses/damages related to Hurricane Helene, such as damage to property or loss of income.\n\nHave proof of identity and proof of residency.\n\nNot currently receiving benefits through the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS).\n\nPeople receiving FNS can also get extra help to buy food but do not need to fill out a D-SNAP application.\n\nCertain income and resource limits may apply.\n\nApplications are being accepted through TODAY, October 24.\n\nChild Nutrition\n\nThe North Carolina Department of Public Instruction was approved for a waiver pertaining to the child nutrition programs.\n\nUnder the waiver approval, NCDPI\u2019s local program operators may:\n\nServe meals in a non-congregate setting\n\nAdjust the time of meal service\n\nAllow parent pick-up\n\nAllow service of meals at school sites\n\nFood and Nutrition Services Program\n\nPeople and families in North Carolina who are enrolled in the Food and Nutrition Services program can now use their EBT card to purchase hot food.\n\nThis flexibility will remain in effect until November 3.\n\nSpecial Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, & Children (WIC)\n\nFamilies participating in WIC who may have relocated to a new area can go to any NC WIC agency to:\n\nHave a new eWIC card issued\n\nRequest replacement breastfeeding supplies or breast pumps\n\nRequest replacement food that was purchased with current WIC benefits and lost due to Hurricane Helene\n\nFor NC-11 Medical Providers\n\nIf you own a medical practice in NC-11 and are experiencing financial hardship due to Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina Medical Society is reactivating its Financial Recovery Program (FRP) to help you recover and open your doors again.\n\nFor more information on the disaster relief fund, you can visit this link.\n\nDetails on how medical practices can qualify and apply for funds will be coming soon.\n\nThe Department of Health and Human Services through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has made available:\n\nAccelerated payments to Medicare Part A providers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nAdvance payments to Medicare Part B suppliers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nFor Local Government Resource Requests\n\nFor county leaders: This is a reminder to make sure your Emergency Operation Center has submitted the request for gasoline, food, water, cell service deployables, etc. with North Carolina Emergency Management to have your request processed and resources delivered.\n\nMy office stands ready to assist with checking the status of your request if the county or municipality has not heard back from NC Emergency Management within 24 hours.\n\nDisaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)\n\nThe deadline to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits is Dec. 2, 2024 for all counties other than Swain, Graham and Cherokee counties.\n\nSwain County\u2019s deadline is Dec. 9, 2024.\n\nDisaster Unemployment Assistance benefits are now available for Western North Carolinians in counties with a major disaster declaration, including:\n\nBuncombe\n\nClay\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nJackson\n\nMacon\n\nMadison\n\nMcDowell\n\nPolk\n\nRutherford\n\nSwain\n\nTransylvania\n\nYancey\n\nIf your employment has been lost or interrupted because of Hurricane Helene, you may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance.\n\nFile an application for DUA:\n\nFile at des.nc.gov, or\n\nCall over the phone at (919) 629-3857\n\nA toll-free legal aid hotline is now available for low-income survivors with disaster-related legal questions: (866) 219-5262.\n\nFor Individual Assistance through FEMA\n\nThe deadline to file for FEMA Individual Assistance is Nov. 27, 2024. Please mark your calendars and ensure all applications are submitted on time.\n\nNorth Carolina received a Major Disaster Declaration for the following counties: Buncombe, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania and Yancey counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.\n\nPeople with damage to their homes or personal property who live in one of the above-listed counties should apply for Individual Assistance through FEMA, which may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies.\n\nFunds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay.\n\nIndividual Assistance provides financial aid and services to eligible individuals and households that have been affected by a disaster to assist with the recovery process. Individuals can officially begin applying for Individual Assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling the application phone number at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. EST.\n\nFind steps to help you replace important documents that were lost or damaged in the storm: www.fema.gov/disaster/4827/news-media\n\nIf you were initially denied for Individual Assistance, please see below for useful tips to help you file an appeal with FEMA:\n\nUnderstand why FEMA denied your claim before writing the appeal.\n\nIt could be as simple as a missing document, which you can submit with your appeal.\n\nRead FEMA\u2019s letter from beginning to end to completely understand what the agency needs from you.\n\nMake sure you provide evidence for your appeal. Depending on your situation, documentation may include:\n\nA copy of your flood insurance declaration page.\n\nProof of occupancy, which could be an employer statement, lease, utility bill, credit card statement, or other recent, formal document that states your address.\n\nProof of ownership, which might include your mortgage or insurance documents, tax receipts, deed, etc.\n\nCan\u2019t write the appeal yourself?\n\nI recommend having a trusted friend, family member, or lawyer write it for you.\n\nKnow your deadline.\n\nYou have 60 days from the date of your FEMA determination letter to appeal.\n\nCircle the deadline on your calendar or write yourself a note to keep the date in the forefront.\n\nOnce FEMA reviews your letter, you may receive a phone call or a follow-up letter asking for more documentation.\n\nDon\u2019t forget to sign your appeal letter!\n\nOnce signed, there are three ways to submit your appeal:\n\nFax it to (800) 827-8112\n\nSend it by mail to: FEMA Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782\n\nUpload all appeal documents to your disasterassistance.gov account.\n\nInclude your application number on every page of the documents you submit.\n\nExpect a decision letter to your appeal within 90 days.\n\nTo Connect with a Loved One\n\nResidents trying to connect with family members may call NC 211 (or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from out-of-state) to report missing loved ones or request a welfare check.\n\nPeople in the impacted areas can indicate that they are safe by reporting themselves safe through Red Cross Reunification by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).\n\nPlease only use 911 for life-threatening emergencies so the lines remain open for critical situations.\n\nIf you are still trying to locate a friend or family member, please complete this form, linked here, to notify local officials of their missing status.\n\nThe form was created by Buncombe County but information is being shared amongst all counties.\n\nRegardless of which county your loved one was last known to be in, you can still submit the form.\n\nBuncombe County will share the information with the appropriate officials to initiate search and rescue efforts.\n\nUnited Way is also fielding missing person/welfare check requests.\n\nText PERSON to 40403 to add a loved one to search and rescue efforts or fill out this form.\n\nResources for Utility & Other Status Updates\n\nFor information on the status of utilities, debris sites, etc., we want to share the following resources. As communications are restored and more information becomes available, these sites will continue to be updated.\n\nDrinking Water Systems: Public Water Supply Situation Report Tracking\n\nDebris Disposal Sites: Active Temporary Debris Disposal Sites\n\nNCDEQ Situation Report Tracking System\n\nNCDPS Hurricane Helene - Storm Information\n\nNCDPS County Emergency Management Agencies\n\nHow to Apply for FEMA Assistance After Hurricane Helene\n\nFree Legal Assistance\n\nLegal Aid of North Carolina stands ready to provide free advice and legal counsel regarding natural disaster needs, including legal representation if necessary, including for civil legal issues involving:\n\nFiling FEMA claims and appeals (a process which can be overwhelmingly bureaucratic and burdensome)\n\nReplacement of lost or destroyed legal and government documents, including driver\u2019s licenses and identification cards\n\nMedical and insurance claims\n\nHome repair contracts\n\nUtility disputes related to restoration of services\n\nConsumer protection issues like construction fraud, price-gouging on repairs and identity theft\n\nHousing issues such as unlawful eviction and foreclosures\n\nBankruptcy\n\nProbate and clearing title for survivors living in generational homes without a clear title\n\nFamily law cases and children in need of services (unfortunately, domestic violence tends to rise following a natural disaster)\n\nIf you need civil legal assistance, please contact Legal Aid of North Carolina via the following toll-free hotline:\n\n(866) 219-LANC or (866) 219-5262\n\nThe hotline is available from:\n\n8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; and 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Monday and Thursdays.\n\nConstituents can also apply online at legalaidnc.org/get-help/ between 1:00-4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday.\n\nIRS Guidance for Taxpayers Impacted by Hurricane Helene\n\nExtension of certain tax filing deadlines:\n\nIRS has extended various filing deadlines for taxpayers in impacted areas, including 2024 individual/business returns, certain quarterly estimated income tax payments, and certain payroll/excise taxes.\n\nClick here for the full list of extensions and respective dates\n\nClick here for more information from the IRS on disaster assistance\n\nTax relief for qualified payments, disaster-related losses:\n\nIRS released provided guidance to taxpayers on how to address disaster-related losses in their 2024 tax return, as well as providing guidance on how qualified disaster relief payments - like government assistance payments - are generally excluded from gross income.\n\nClick here for a general walkthrough of these policies (under header \u201cAdditional tax relief\u201d)\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of disaster-related losses\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of qualified disaster relief payments\n\nDisaster payments are usually tax-free:\n\nQualified disaster relief payments are generally excluded from gross income.\n\nIn general, this means that affected taxpayers can exclude the following payments from a government agency from their gross income. Amounts received for:\n\nReasonable and necessary personal, family, living or funeral expenses.\n\nThe repair or rehabilitation of your home.\n\nThe repair or replacement of your home\u2019s contents.\n\nYou may be eligible for a disaster loss deduction:\n\nIn some instances, individuals and businesses in a federally declared disaster area can qualify for a casualty loss tax deduction.\n\nThe deduction is available for damaged or destroyed property not covered by insurance or other reimbursement and can result in a larger refund.\n\nTaxpayers can choose to claim the deduction on either the return for the year the loss occurred (in this instance, the 2024 return normally filed next year), or the return for the prior year (the 2023 return filed this year).\n\nFor individual taxpayers, the deadline for making this election is Oct. 15, 2025.\n\nThe IRS also has a special hotline specifically dedicated to taxpayers with disaster-related tax questions. Disaster victims can call the agency\u2019s disaster hotline at (866) 562-5227.\n\nShelters\n\nFor those unable to evacuate to a safe location or in need of a place to go, the following shelters are currently open and available as of today:\n\nBuncombe County\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nGold\u2019s Gym\n\n801 Fairview Rd, Asheville, NC 28803\n\nWNC Agricultural Center\n\n1301 Fanning Bridge Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nHaywood County\n\nHaywood County Government Armory\n\n285 Armory Dr., Clyde, NC 28781\n\nHenderson County\n\nHenderson County Recreation Center\n\n708 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMcDowell County Senior Center\n\n100 Spaulding Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nRutherford County\n\nRutherfordton Presbyterian Church\n\n252 N. Washington St., Rutherfordton, NC 28139\n\nTransylvania County\n\nTransylvania Parks & Rec\n\n1078 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nYancey County\n\nBlue Ridge Elementary\n\n910 Cane River School Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nCarolina Cruiser mobile office hours\n\nIn keeping with my office's motto of being \"First in Constituent Services\" and to help constituents post-Hurricane Helene, my office has resumed Carolina Cruiser mobile office hours.\n\nFolks can stop by to share their thoughts on issues that matter to them or ask for assistance with federal agencies.\n\nVisit my website for updated Carolina Cruiser hours and locations, linked here.\n\nWith my warmest regards,\n\nChuck Edwards\n\nMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswomen-foushee-ross-announce-12-million-in-federal-funding-for-raleigh-durham-international-airport", "Congresswomen Foushee, Ross Announce $12 Million in Federal Funding for Raleigh-Durham International Airport", "2024-10-24", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Valerie P. Foushee", "F000477", "foushee.house.gov", "foushee", "https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Funding will support the Terminal 2 Landside Expansion project\n\nDURHAM, NC (October 24, 2024) \u2014 Today, Congresswomen Valerie Foushee (NC-04) and Deborah Ross (NC-02) announced $12 million in federal funding awarded to the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority (RDU) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under the FY 2025 Airport Terminal Program. This award will fund a portion of the Terminal 2 ticketing check-in, baggage claim areas, security checkpoint, and international arrival processing area. This funding will also significantly enhance accessibility with new and modernized restroom facilities and reconstructed arrival and departure curbs to comply with current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.\n\nIn September 2024, Congresswomen Foushee and Ross were joined by Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Ted Budd (R-NC) in supporting RDU\u2019s application for this grant.\n\nIn 2023, RDU led the nation in growth with a record 14.5 million passengers and this year, the number of travelers is already 10.5% higher. Last month alone, more than 967,600 travelers flew through the airport.\n\n\u201cI am very pleased Raleigh-Durham International Airport will receive $12 million in federal funding to support its continued growth and expansion efforts,\u201d said Congresswoman Foushee. \u201cAs one of the fastest growing airports in the country, this significant federal grant will expand capacity, modernize infrastructure, and enhance efficiency for the millions of passengers RDU serves. I am proud to help secure this funding alongside my North Carolina Congressional colleagues, and I am grateful for the Biden-Harris Administration\u2019s continued commitment to improving and investing in our nation\u2019s transportation infrastructure.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2024/10/congresswomen-ross-foushee-announce-12-million-in-federal-funding-for-raleigh-durham-international-airport", "Congresswomen Ross, Foushee Announce $12 Million in Federal Funding for Raleigh-Durham International Airport", "2024-10-24", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congresswomen Deborah Ross (NC-02) and Valerie Foushee (NC-04) announced $12 million in federal funding awarded to the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority (RDU) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under the FY 2025 Airport Terminal Program. This award will fund a portion of the Terminal 2 ticketing check-in, baggage claim areas, security checkpoint, and international arrival processing area. This funding will also significantly enhance accessibility with new and modernized restroom facilities and reconstructed arrival and departure curbs to comply with current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.\n\nIn September 2024, Congresswomen Ross and Foushee were joined by Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Ted Budd (R-NC) in supporting RDU\u2019s application for this grant.\n\nIn 2023, RDU led the nation in growth with a record 14.5 million passengers and this year, the number of travelers is already 10.5% higher. Last month alone, more than 967,600 travelers flew through the airport.\n\n\u201cI am excited to see another historic investment coming to RDU,\u201d said Congresswoman Ross. \u201cAs North Carolina continues to grow and attract visitors from all over the country and around the world, this funding will provide residents and travelers with a modern, efficient experience and help boost our local economy. I was proud to support RDU\u2019s application for this critical funding and will continue working across the aisle to bring needed investments like this one back to the Triangle.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am very pleased Raleigh-Durham International Airport will receive $12 million in federal funding to support its continued growth and expansion efforts,\u201d said Congresswoman Foushee. \u201cAs one of the fastest growing airports in the country, this significant federal grant will expand capacity, modernize infrastructure, and enhance efficiency for the millions of passengers RDU serves. I am proud to help secure this funding alongside my North Carolina Congressional colleagues, and I am grateful for the Biden-Harris Administration\u2019s continued commitment to improving and investing in our nation\u2019s transportation infrastructure.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter is available here\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/hurricane-recovery-update-26-must-subscribe-continue-receiving-updates", "Hurricane recovery update #26 - must SUBSCRIBE to continue receiving updates", "2024-10-23", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Chuck Edwards", "E000246", "edwards.house.gov", "edwards", "https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "October 23, 2024\n\nDear Friend,\n\nI have thoroughly enjoyed writing these updates to you every day. I truly believe the information I am sharing has been helpful to the folks of Western North Carolina and could otherwise not be located if I weren\u2019t sending it out.\n\nThat said, I have some alarming news.\n\nBureaucracy in the House of Representatives is trying to prevent me from sending any more of these updates to you if you are not a subscriber of my newsletter. Over the past 26 days, I have only shared critical information on where to find resources, how to apply for federal assistance, updates on restoration efforts in our mountains, and the likes. I have not politicized the tragedy of Hurricane Helene, and I never intend to.\n\nAs you know, we are less than two weeks away from Election Day. Usually, Members of Congress have certain prohibitions about communicating with their constituency for 60 days before the election. In the case of the 2024 general election, the communication restrictions began on September 6, 2024. This is known as the \u201cblackout rule\u201d.\n\nI abided by that requirement until Hurricane Helene hit and it became very clear that the health and safety of my community was more important than an arbitrary communications rule. I immediately began to send out communication with vital information and ended up receiving an exemption to the blackout rule that has been allowing me to send out information.\n\nNow, despite our community still being in a State of Emergency and in critical need of the information I am sharing, the House of Representatives is trying to stop me from sending any new updates beginning at 11:59 p.m. tonight, Wednesday, October 23, 2024.\n\nI am pushing back on this ruling as much as I can, but on the chance that I\u2019m unable to continue communicating with you and you would like to still receive this vital information, I recommend you sign up for my newsletter.\n\nYou can sign up for my e-newsletter using this link.\n\nIf you sign up, I will still be sending daily information until one-month post hurricane, and then transition to sending the information once a week.\n\nThis update includes where and when you can pick up well water testing and disinfection kits, reopening of a portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway, and a new voter assistance resource from the Department of Justice.\n\nToday is update number 26, and I will hopefully be able to share more information in the coming days. Please make sure to read everything and share it with your friends and family.\n\nIndex\n\nClick the title to be taken to the correlating information in the update.\n\nFEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Sites\n\nLegislative Support\n\nHousing/Individual Assistance Updates\n\nFood and Water\n\nBuncombe County\n\nHaywood County\n\nHenderson County\n\nJackson County\n\nMadison County\n\nMcDowell County\n\nPolk County\n\nRutherford County\n\nTransylvania County\n\nYancey County\n\nTrash Services and Debris Removal\n\nBuncombe\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nMadison\n\nMcDowell\n\nPolk\n\nRutherford\n\nTransylvania\n\nYancey\n\nVoter Information\n\nUnited States Postal Service/Mail Services\n\nPharmacy Access\n\nOpen Urgent Cares/ Health Care Services\n\nDialysis Locations\n\nOxygen Locations\n\nResources for Veterans\n\nResources for Farmers\n\nPower\n\nRoads\n\nInternet Access\n\nCell Service\n\nNorth Carolina National Guard & Department of Defense\n\nAsheville Regional Airport\n\nFederal Nutrition Programs\n\nFor NC-11 Medical Providers\n\nFor Local Government Resource Requests\n\nFor Individual Assistance through FEMA\n\nTo Connect with a Loved One\n\nResources for Utility & Other Status Updates\n\nFree Legal Assistance\n\nIRS Guidance for Taxpayers Impacted by Hurricane Helene\n\nShelters\n\nBuncombe County\n\nHaywood County\n\nHenderson County\n\nMadison County\n\nMcDowell County\n\nRutherford County\n\nTransylvania County\n\nYancey County\n\nCarolina Cruiser Mobile Office Hours\n\nFEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Sites\n\nThe following FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers are open seven days a week to assist North Carolina survivors who have experienced losses from Hurricane Helene.\n\nBuncombe County: A.C. Reynolds High School\n\n1 Rocket Dr., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nA Comfort Care Center will also be available at this location where survivors can shower, do laundry and use other services.\n\nThe Asheville Social Security office remains closed due to a lack of power and water.\n\nThe Social Security Administration is maintaining staff at the Buncombe County Disaster Recovery Center until the Asheville office reopens.\n\nHaywood County\n\nRegional High Technical Center\n\n112 Industrial Park Dr., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nHenderson County\n\n2111 Asheville Hwy., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nJackson County Annex Building\n\n198 WBI Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nMcDowell County: A.C. \u201cBud\u201d Hogan Community Center\n\n909 E. Main St., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nMcDowell County Senior Center\n\n100 Spaulding Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nTransylvania County: Community Services Building\n\n106 E. Morgan St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nA Disaster Recovery Center is a one-stop shop where survivors can meet face-to-face with FEMA representatives, apply for FEMA assistance, receive referrals to local assistance in their area, apply with the U.S. Small Business Administration for disaster loans, etc.\n\nAdditional recovery centers will be opening soon, and I will keep you posted as I learn about them.\n\nDisaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams are also stationed across NC-11 to help survivors apply for FEMA assistance and connect them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources.\n\nLegislative Support\n\nThe U.S. House of Representatives is gearing up to pass a disaster relief package when we return to session in November.\n\nI have begun conversations with leadership about how to best meet Western North Carolina\u2019s needs in any supplemental relief package passed by Congress in the coming months.\n\nThe North Carolina General Assembly unanimously passed the Disaster Recovery Act of 2024 on Oct. 9, 2024.\n\nThis bill creates a new Hurricane Helene fund with $273 million from the state\u2019s Savings Reserve Fund.\n\n$250 million will go to the Department of Public Safety's Division of Emergency Management to provide the state\u2019s match to federal disaster relief funds.\n\nAnother portion of the funds will be used to establish a revolving loan program to help local government and state agencies with cash flow while they are waiting for reimbursement from the federal government.\n\n$16 million will go to the Department of Public Instruction for \u201clost compensation of school nutrition employees due to school closures resulting from Hurricane Helene\u201d\n\n$2 million to provide local governments technical assistance with local recovery funds.\n\n$5 million to the State Board of Elections, alongside a variety of temporary election law changes such as changing polling sites that were rendered unusable by the storm and establishing a voter hotline, to make it easier for residents of Western North Carolina to vote.\n\nThe bill also:\n\nGrants school calendar flexibility to public schools by allowing them to make up or mark as completed any number of the days or hours missed.\n\nIt also allows the schools to use up to 30 days of remote instruction toward required instructional days.\n\nWaives DMV fees for things like obtaining a duplicate driver\u2019s license, ID card, etc.\n\nWaives certain environmental requirements for state highway repairs.\n\nThis provision will not reduce the safety of repairs conducted by NCDOT or negatively impact the environment.\n\nHousing/Individual Assistance Updates\n\nMore than 207,000 Western North Carolinians have registered for Individual Assistance with FEMA.\n\nThe Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program through FEMA is currently providing temporary hotel stays to almost 6,300 individuals.\n\nFEMA has distributed more than $130 million in housing assistance to more than 90,000 Western North Carolina households.\n\nInspectors have performed more than 24,000 home inspections for FEMA Individual Assistance evaluations.\n\nFEMA is seeking residential properties to lease for Helene survivors.\n\nInterested WNC property owner or management companies should reach out to FEMA on or before 5:00 p.m. EST, Nov. 6, 2024, via email to fema-direct_lease_dr4827nc@fema.dhs.gov.\n\nThe email subject line should read: RFI# 70FBR425-DL-DR4827NC\n\nFEMA is also seeking multifamily properties to house disaster survivors\n\nInterested property owner or management companies should reach out to FEMA no later than 5:00 p.m. EST, Nov. 6, 2024, via email to fema-mlr_dr4827nc@fema.dhs.gov.\n\nThe email subject line should read: RFI #70FBR425-MLR-DR4827NC Response: MLR-DR-4827-NC\n\nFood and Water\n\nFree drinking water testing is available by request through the Buncombe County Public Health Department.\n\nJust contact the Buncombe County Public Health Department to request a test kit.\n\nThe department will provide you with an empty bottle along with instructions to collect a drinking water sample and where to drop it off for analysis.\n\nIf you have a private well that flooded, the well should be disinfected and tested to ensure the safety of yourself and your family.\n\nThe Division of Public Health is providing free, well-testing kits through local health departments.\n\nContact your local health department (find your local department via this link) to obtain a free well testing and disinfection kit.\n\nWell disinfection and well water collection kits can be picked up from the following locations from October 22-24 and October 28-31, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.:\n\nBuncombe County Health Department - Environmental Health Building\n\n30 Valley St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nCherokee County Health Department\n\n228 Hilton St., Murphy, NC 28906\n\nHaywood County Environmental Health\n\n157 Paragon Pkwy., Ste. 200, Clyde, NC 28721\n\nHenderson County Health Department\n\n1200 Spartanburg Hwy., Ste. 100, Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nMadison - Environmental Health Building\n\n5707 US-25, Marshall, NC 28753\n\nYancey County Health Department\n\n202 Medical Campus Dr., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nSupplying drinkable water remains a top priority for emergency crews.\n\n22 water systems are on a partial or system-wide boil advisory.\n\nOnly one treatment plant has reported having no power, but this system does not serve any residential customers, and two systems remain out of water.\n\nWater restoration trends continue to move in a positive direction.\n\nThere are 229 wastewater treatment plants operating under normal conditions in the affected areas across Western NC.\n\nNCDEQ has provided the following resources to help community members track progress on water supply restoration efforts:\n\nPublic Water Supply Situation Report Tracking - ArcGIS map with filters for system status, county, etc. linked here.\n\nDEQ Dashboard - links to additional maps, including mobile view of water system status, and environmental guidance linked here.\n\nThe Federal Emergency Management Agency has promised 120 truckloads a day of food and water with no specified end date.\n\nFEMA has delivered more than 13 million meals and more than 12.9 million liters of water to Western North Carolina utilizing the $20 billion in funds that I helped to draft and pass for disaster relief just two days before Hurricane Helene hit.\n\nHome Depot will be passing out free disaster relief kits every day starting at 9:00 a.m., while supplies last, at the following locations:\n\nHome Depot Asheville\n\n795 Fairview Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nHome Depot West Asheville\n\n127 Acton Cir., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nHome Depot Hendersonville\n\n401 Linda Vista Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nWalmart is hosting activities at the following locations:\n\nHendersonville, NC Store 1242\n\n250 Highlands Square Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nPortable restrooms\n\nServing hot meals at 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily\n\nArden, NC Store 1179\n\n60 Airport Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nPortable restrooms\n\nLaundry\n\nShowers\n\nWi-fi hotspot and charging stations\n\nBuncombe County\n\nBuncombe County has water distribution at multiple sites. Each will be available daily from 12:00-4:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Please bring your own container.\n\nBuncombe County Sports Park Complex\n\n58 Apac Dr., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nBlack Mountain Ingles\n\n550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nLinwood Crump Shiloh Community Center\n\n121 Shiloh Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nPack Square Park\n\n80 Court Plz., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nSky Lanes Bowling Alley\n\n1477 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nThe following resources sites are available in Buncombe County, where citizens can access food, water and other basic necessities:\n\nBiltmore Baptist Church\n\n35 Clayton Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nDistribution and bulk pickup for volunteers looking to take bulk loads of supplies to in-need community members\n\nSaturday hours: 10:00 a.m. \u2013 1:00 p.m.\n\nCommunity drive-thru for anyone in the community needing supplies\n\nSaturday hours: 3:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church \u2013 Weaverville\n\n63 N. Main St., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nHot showers available from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nUnlimited clean drinking water is available, bring your own container.\n\nSupplies and bottled water.\n\nHot lunch served at 1:30 p.m.\n\nFellowship Asheville\n\n756 Fairview Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 1:00-4:00 p.m., Monday-Thursday\n\nWest Asheville Baptist Church\n\n926 Haywood Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-4:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday\n\nSaint Mary Margaret Catholic Church\n\n102 Andrews Pl., Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nSaturday hours: 3:00-4:30 p.m.\n\nPlease note: This location is not open during mass.\n\nHot meals are available at the following locations:\n\nWorld Central Kitchen in Bear\u2019s Smokehouse BBQ\n\n135 Coxe Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nServes 25,000 hot meals a day.\n\nDaily hours: 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.\n\nShiloh Community Center\n\n121 Shiloh Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nGrovemont Park\n\n251 Stonewall Ave., Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nManna Food Bank - Farmer\u2019s Market\n\n570 Brevard Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nReopening October 22-24 from 1:00-5:00 p.m. daily for a special event to distribute critical baby items.\n\nWesley Grant Community Center\n\n285 Livingston St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nWest Asheville Ingles\n\n669 Haywood Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 3:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nNesbitt Chapel\n\n12 Nesbitt Chapel Rd., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nDaily hours: 3:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nGroce United Methodist Church \u2013 also distributing essential supplies\n\n954 Tunnel Rd., Asheville, NC 28805\n\nDaily hours starting Wednesday, October 16: Only M/W/F/Sat, Supplies 12:00-4:00 p.m., meals 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nA Community Care Station is available at the following location:\n\n2319 Hwy. 70, Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nHot meals served daily: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCommunity Care Stations offer showers, laundry, bathrooms, access to cell towers, wi-fi, potable and non-potable water, and counseling.\n\nHaywood County\n\nThe following locations are providing community members with essential resources such as but not limited to, food, water, cleaning products, baby formula, and pet food, Monday through Fridays:\n\nFines Creek Community Center\n\n190 Fines Creek Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nOpen every day until 6:00 p.m.\n\nPigeon Community Center\n\n450 Pigeon St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nAlso offering hot meals every day at 2:00 p.m.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCruso Community Center\n\n13186 Cruso Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.\n\nFirst United Methodist Church\n\n566 S. Haywood St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nIncludes shower access.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.\n\nMaggie Valley Pavilion\n\n3935 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Saturday)\n\nWoodland Baptist Church\n\n545 Crabtree Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nNew Covenant Church\n\n767 Lee Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nIP Sportsplex\n\n305 Silkwood Dr., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nBethel Elementary School\n\n4700 Old River Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nJonathan Valley Elementary School\n\n410 Hall Dr., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nMonday through Friday\n\nSt. Barnabas Catholic Church\n\n109 Crescent Hill Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nDaily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.\n\nReynolds Baptist Church - Family Life Center\n\n520 Rose Hill Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.\n\nThis location also has potable water available to residents who bring their own vessels to fill.\n\nMountain Projects\n\n2177 Asheville Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nThe Community Kitchen\n\n288 Crabtree Mountain Rd., Canton, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.\n\nHaywood Christian Ministry\n\n150 Branner St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nThe following location offers hot meals daily:\n\nMaggie Valley Fire Department\n\n2901 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nJukebox Junction\n\n3606 Pigeon Rd., Canton, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nThe following location offers showers daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.:\n\nCalvary Baptist Church\n\n2701 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nThe following location is offering supplies for horses and livestock:\n\nWNC Regional Livestock Center\n\n474 Stock Dr., Canton, NC 28716\n\nHenderson County\n\nHenderson County has stood up one Resource Hub location for water distribution and other supplies as they become available.\n\n118 McAbee Ct., Flat Rock, NC 28731\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nEach family unit will be provided supplies for one day\u2019s meal and water as available.\n\nIndividuals are asked to enter the drive-through and remain in your car unless otherwise instructed by volunteers to ensure an efficient process.\n\nJackson County\n\nIn partnership with the Red Cross, the following is available for citizens of Jackson County:\n\nThe Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau are providing shelf-stable meals at the following location:\n\n558 Frank Allen Rd., Cashiers, NC 28717\n\nThe Canada Fire Department is distributing emergency supplies at the following location:\n\n149 Charleys Creek Rd., Tuckasegee, NC 28783\n\nThe following locations are providing resources to displaced families and individuals in need:\n\nMountain Projects\n\n154-B Medical Park Loop, Sylva, NC 28779\n\nUnited Christian Ministries\n\n191 Skyland Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nSt. Mary\u2019s Roman Catholic Church of Sylva\n\n22 Bartlett St., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.\n\nCornbread and Roses\n\n1294 Savannah Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours:\n\nWednesday, 6:00-8:00 p.m.\n\nThursday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nSunday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nMadison County\n\nThe following locations are offering food, water, and some supply distribution in Madison County:\n\nBeech Glen Community Center\n\n2936 Beech Glen Rd., Mars Hill, 28754\n\nDaily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.\n\nCenter Community Center\n\n1300 Grapevine Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nEbbs Chapel Community Center\n\n281 Laurel Valley Rd., Mars Hill, NC 28754\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nEnon Baptist Church\n\n174 Ammons Branch Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nOpen Sunday 12:00-4:00 p.m.\n\nFreedom Christian Church\n\n7350 US 25/70 Bypass, Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThis location offers additional resources such as hygiene products, blankets, clothes, cleaning supplies, diapers, pet food, etc.\n\nLaurel Community Center - also has supplies\n\n4100 NC 212 Hwy., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily Hours: 8:00 a.m. \u2013 8:00 p.m.\n\nRevere-Rice Community Center\n\n3980 Revere Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (Mon-Sat)\n\nSpring Creek Community Center\n\n13075 NC 209 Hwy., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThis location also has additional resources such as pet food, livestock feed and hay.\n\nWalnut Community Center - also has supplies\n\n46 School Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.\n\nN.C. Cooperative Extension - Madison County Center\n\n258 Carolina Ln., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nThis location is offering drive-thru food distribution only.\n\nLittle Ivy Baptist Church\n\n1053 Crossroads Pkwy., Mars Hill, NC 28754\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMcDowell County has established multiple points of distribution that are open daily.\n\nDistribution takes place daily at the following locations:\n\nTom Johnson\u2019s Camping Center\n\n348 Resistoflex Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nWeekend hours: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCherry Springs\n\n6 Bull Walker Rd., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: Wednesdays 4:00-7:00 p.m., Sundays 2:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nCamp Grier\n\n985 Camp Grier Rd., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and 4:00-7:00 p.m.\n\nRestoration Church\n\n2344 Ashworth Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nCentro Unido Latino Americano\n\n79 Academy St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church of Old Fort\n\n203 E. Main St., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: 4:00-7:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nFirst Baptist Church Marion\n\n99 N Main St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nConcord United Methodist Church\n\n8066 Linville Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 2:00-4:00 p.m.\n\nNew Manna Baptist Church\n\n225 E. Court St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 4:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nHot meals are also being provided at the following location:\n\nGrace Community Church\n\n5182 US 70 W., Marion, NC 28752\n\nLunch is served every day from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.\n\nDinner is available from 4:00-5:30 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church of Marion is offering hot showers, air conditioning, and areas to charge devices.\n\nCurrent hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 2:00-5:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday.\n\nPolk County\n\nThe following locations are offering food and water distribution for residents in need from 1:00-5:00 p.m.:\n\nMill Spring/Green Creek Community\n\n25 International Blvd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nColumbus Community\n\n95 Walker St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nSaluda Community Bus Parking Lot\n\n214 E. Main St., Saluda, NC 28773\n\nTryon Community\n\n301 N. Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782\n\nSunny View\n\n86 Sunny View School Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nThe following locations are serving hot meals daily:\n\nTryon Equestrian Center\n\n4066 Pea Ridge Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nRoseland Community Center\n\n56 Peake St., Tryon, NC 28782\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nRutherford County\n\nThe following two centralized distribution center locations are open from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. for citizens to get food and emergency supplies:\n\nThe Green Space\n\n658 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nWarehouse #7\n\n214 Vance St., Warehouse 7, Forest City, NC 28043\n\nTransylvania County\n\nThe following location is providing hot meals to county residents:\n\nBalsam Grove Community Center - daily until power is fully restored\n\n8732 Parkway Rd., Balsam Grove, NC 28708\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nBottled water is available daily at local fire departments and 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Anchor Baptist Church located at:\n\n3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nWater filling stations can be found at the following locations:\n\nCity Sports Complex\n\n824 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.\n\nRocky\u2019s Grill & Soda Shop\n\n50 S. Broad St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours\n\nCedar Mountain Outpost\n\n8431 Greenville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nDD Bullwinkles\n\n60 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nFirst United Methodist Church\n\n325 N. Broad St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nPisgah Forest Baptist Church\n\n494 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nFood, water, and other supplies such as hygiene products are being distributed at the following locations:\n\nAnchor Baptist Church\n\n3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nZion Baptist Church\n\n423 Main St., Rosman, NC 28772\n\nNo daily hours posted\n\nGrace Brevard\n\n55 E. Jordan St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2;00 p.m.\n\nMary C. Jenkins Community Center\n\n221 Mills Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nYancey County\n\nYancey County has transitioned to one centralized distribution site for water, food and ice located at the following address:\n\nFormer Fred\u2019s Store\n\n677 W. U.S. Highway 19E, Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nMobile laundry facilities are available in the GO Grocery parking lot located at the following address:\n\n631 W Hwy. 19E Bypass, Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nTrash Services and Debris Removal\n\nAll counties are actively working with NCDEQ to determine where mud, silt and sediment can be safely dropped off without risk of contamination.\n\nMore information to come.\n\nRecycling services are available through Curbside Management for the following counties:\n\nBuncombe\n\nClay\n\nGraham\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nJackson\n\nMacon\n\nMadison\n\nPolk\n\nRutherford\n\nYancey\n\nSome communities have halted recycling services to prioritize trash collection.\n\nIf that is the case for your community, Curbside Management has a drop-off site available for residents who wish to bring their recycling to the following location:\n\n116 N. Woodfin Ave., Asheville, NC 28804\n\nIf your home has damage and you need assistance with clean up, please call Crisis Cleanup for access to volunteer organizations that can assist you at 844-965-1386.\n\nIf Hurricane Helene caused damage to your home or belongings, make sure to document it.\n\nThis is critically important in getting reimbursed.\n\nTake photos before you begin cleaning up.\n\nMake a list of damaged or lost items and gather receipts.\n\nDoing this helps speed up the process with insurance and other assistance programs, and ensures you get properly compensated.\n\nBefore you start the clean-up process, remember:\n\nWear PPE such as long pants, goggles, gloves and sturdy shoes.\n\nStay off damaged structures.\n\nBe aware that snakes or other hazardous animals could be present.\n\nCall your local fire department to inspect or removal chemicals, propane tanks, and other hazardous materials.\n\nIf you suspect debris contains toxic substances, seal them in plastic bags to prevent them from becoming airborne.\n\nTo reduce the risk of accidental fires, please DO NOT burn your storm debris.\n\nEmergency personnel are continuing to work on other storm recovery and response efforts, limiting resources to respond to accidental fires.\n\nPlease discard storm debris at a local transfer site or via curbside debris pickup.\n\nDebris should be placed curbside and not block the roadway or access to the property.\n\nPlease place debris away from trees, poles or other structures (e.g., fire hydrants, meters, etc.) to make removal work easier.\n\nContact your local municipality for curbside storm debris removal collection schedules or see below for additional information on debris waste removal by county.\n\nAdditionally, the following counties have resources for where to take household trash and debris waste.\n\nBuncombe\n\nCurbside collection will begin Monday for City of Asheville sanitation customers.\n\nStorm debris collection has begun in Buncombe County.\n\nSeparate storm-related debris at the curb in the right of way according to material type:\n\nAppliances, construction debris, household hazardous waste such as pesticides and automotive fluid, vegetative debris, and electronics.\n\nDebris collection will require multiple passes and will be a long process.\n\nResidents do not have to set out all debris at one time or worry if there is debris left; another pass can collect additional debris.\n\nThe Town of Black Mountain Public Works Department has secured four 15-yard dumpsters located in two sites for Black Mountain residents to throw away household trash ONLY:\n\nTractor Supply: 125 Old US Hwy. 70 E., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nIngles: 550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nPlease Note: Yard waste, bulk items, separate recycling and debris collection are not available at this time.\n\nWaste Pro collection service has resumed for regular Monday route customers.\n\nHaywood\n\nHousehold waste will be accepted at the Materials Recovery Facility at 247 Recycle Rd., Clyde and at Convenience Centers at Jonathan Creek, Beaverdam, Bethel, Hazelwood, Mauney Cove, Jones Cove and Highway 110.\n\nWhite Oak Landfill has reopened.\n\nHenderson\n\nHenderson County Transfer Station is open and accepting storm debris with normal fees.\n\nHenderson County has begun curbside storm debris removal to county residents as a free service.\n\nThe county will pick up storm debris for free if it is pushed to the right of way of a property.\n\nStorm debris includes tree branches, leaves, logs, building materials, furniture, paint etc.\n\nPlease be patient.\n\nThe county will pick up storm debris for free as quickly as possible.\n\nMadison\n\nThe Hot Springs collection center is operating on normal hours for household trash ONLY:\n\nMonday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nWednesday: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.\n\nFriday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nSaturday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nHot Springs trash pickup is returning to Mondays like usual.\n\nPlease only use this pickup service if you cannot bring it to the collection center yourself.\n\nThe pickup service is being led by volunteers at this time.\n\nMcDowell\n\nMcDowell County has hired private contractors to facilitate storm debris pickup from public right of ways in the Town of Old Fort, City of Marion, and along state secondary roads in the county.\n\nResidents are asked to separate debris into the following categories:\n\nLarge appliances\n\nConstruction debris\n\nVegetative debris\n\nHazardous waste\n\nElectronics\n\nHousehold waste\n\nPolk\n\nThe Polk County landfill is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\n322 Landfill Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nDrop-off of residential trash is $10.\n\nGFL trash services will continue the regular schedule. However, certain areas may be inaccessible due to ongoing power outages from Hurricane Helene.\n\nTwo dumpsters are located on Gibson Street for immediate trash disposal due to road inaccessibility.\n\nRutherford\n\nThe county has begun storm debris removal along state-maintained and municipally-controlled roads.\n\nResidents are asked to place storm-related vegetative debris, including trees and limbs, within the road\u2019s right-of-way.\n\nCut large debris into four to six ft. sections.\n\nThe Rutherford County Landfill and all convenience centers have reopened with normal hours.\n\nTransylvania\n\nThe City of Brevard has resumed regular trash pickup.\n\nThe county landfill accepts natural vegetative storm debris, including spoiled hay, trees, brush, etc. for free.\n\nYancey\n\nThe Riverside and East Yancey Recycling Centers have resumed operations.\n\nDaily hours: 7:00 a.m. \u2013 4:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday\n\nThe Yancey-Mitchell Landfill is now open, following repairs from Hurricane Helene.\n\n555 Landfill Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday); 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Saturday)\n\nResidents should sort storm debris from regular household waste.\n\nHazardous materials will not be accepted and construction debris should be separated from household waste.\n\nVoter Information\n\nThe Justice Department has launched a website with information to help Western North Carolinians and other communities impacted by recent hurricanes to vote.\n\nThe site identifies and provides links to various state changes made to accommodate displaced voters and information for folks who have lost their ID cards, had polling sites moved or who are unsure where or how they can vote.\n\nYou can access the website via this link.\n\nReminder: Early voting has started!\n\nVoters may cast a ballot at any early voting site in their county.\n\nOnly four early voting sites were closed due to Hurricane Helene across NC-11, all in Buncombe County.\n\nThe following four sites are NO LONGER eligible early voting sites, as was originally planned prior to Hurricane Helene:\n\nBee Tree Fire Station\n\nFriendship Center\n\nNorth Asheville Library\n\nUpper Hominy Fire & Rescue Department\n\nAll other regular early voting sites are OPEN across NC-11.\n\nCoordination is ongoing to develop messaging in multiple languages to inform shelter residents and guests of how and where to vote.\n\nThe North Carolina State Board of Elections has provided pertinent information and recommendations for voters in the Helene disaster area during the 2024 general election.\n\nTo review information on voting in the 2024 general election after Hurricane Helene, you can follow this link.\n\nThe site provides information on absentee voting, how to change your polling location if you have a new permanent address, county board of elections, office closures and more.\n\nFor any additional questions on voting post-hurricane, please contact your county Board of Elections.\n\nPlease note: Your county Board of Elections is the best place to get any questions answered.\n\nI have been permitted to share the above, nonpartisan information but am prohibited from answering any questions related to the 2024 general election.\n\nUnited States Postal Service/Mail Services\n\nUSPS anticipates continued improvement of mail delivery operations with local recovery efforts, to include power, connectivity, and roads.\n\nSocial Security checks are being routed to all units for delivery and/or are available for customer pick up.\n\nFor impacted residents who have relocated due to the storm, please be sure to complete a change of address request at moversguide.usps.com.\n\nMost USPS offices have reopened under normal operations.\n\nSunday delivery is being made in some of the affected communities to ensure delayed mail is delivered as soon as possible.\n\nOnly 21 offices, or 10 percent of all USPS offices in Western NC remain closed.\n\nOnly one facility was fully destroyed, the Micaville PO box office in ZIP code 28755.\n\nUSPS is utilizing Mobile Operations Units where residents can send or receive mail and packages in many of the areas with closed offices.\n\nThe mobile units are located in the following communities:\n\nAlexander - 28701\n\nBarnardsville - 28709\n\nCedar Mountain - 28718\n\nEdneyville - 28727\n\nHot Springs - 28743\n\nMarshall - 28753\n\nMicaville - 28755\n\nMontreat - 28757\n\nRosman - 28772\n\nSwannanoa - 28778\n\nPharmacy Access\n\nPharmacy Locator\n\nHundreds of pharmacies never closed or have reopened across Western North Carolina.\n\nUse this link to locate pharmacy locations open to the public by county.\n\nThe Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response under the Department of Health and Human Services has activated the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) for North Carolinians.\n\nThe EPAP program helps uninsured residents replace prescription medication or certain medical equipment lost or damaged during Hurricane Helene.\n\nThrough the program, uninsured residents can:\n\nRequest a free 30-day supply of certain prescription medications at any EPAP-participating pharmacy which can be renewed every 30 days while the EPAP is active.\n\nReplace certain medical equipment and supplies such as canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, blood sugar meters and blood sugar test strips for diabetics.\n\nUninsured North Carolina residents affected by the recent hurricane can call the EPAP hotline, 855-793-7470, or visit the EPAP website to check their eligibility, determine if their medications or medical equipment are covered, or locate a participating pharmacy.\n\nPrescription Pad is open from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and filling prescriptions for Yancey County residents at the following location:\n\n730 E. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nOpen Urgent Cares/ Health Care Services\n\nThere is a field hospital with physicians, nurses and paramedics who can treat patients at the Burnsville Fire Department. The address is as follows:\n\n305 Pineola St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nThe following urgent cares are open and accessible for community members with non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries:\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Weaverville\n\n61 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nMercy Urgent Care West Asheville\n\n1201 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nMercy Urgent Care Waynesville\n\n120 Frazier St., Ste. 6, Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nLocations open between 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Brevard\n\n22 Trust Ln., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Columbus\n\n140 West Mills St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nLocations open between 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.:\n\nMobile Urgent Care Clinic\n\n12 Florida Ave., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nMental Health & Basic Medical Support Center\n\n130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nPardee Urgent Care\n\n45 Hendersonville Hwy., Ste. A, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nOther locations available:\n\nHeart to Heart International - in Haywood Department of Health Parking Lot\n\n157 Paragon Pkwy., Ste. 800, Clyde, NC 28721\n\nDaily hours: Not available at this time.\n\nFree mental health services - All available for drop-in\n\nIf you have been impacted by the storm and need someone to talk to, call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1 (800) 985-5990.\n\nHelp is also available to anyone, anytime in English or Spanish through a call, text or chat to 988.\n\nLearn more at 988Lifeline.org.\n\nCare Collaborative for Western North Carolina Clinicians is a partnership among more than 200 mental health professionals volunteering to provide free mental health services for Hurricane Helene survivors.\n\nServices are provided virtually, and you can follow this link to find a professional that fits your needs and their contact information to schedule a session.\n\nHot Springs Elementary School - Art Room\n\n63 N. Serpentine Ave., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nThe Pearl Institute\n\n55 Academy St., Waynesville, NC\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-6:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nFree telehealth appointments are also available.\n\nTo book a telehealth appointment, you can email info@pearlpsychedelicinstitute.org or call/text (828) 400-7091\n\nCommunity Support Group\n\nThe first of a series of free support groups occurred on Monday, October 14, to help the community manage the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.\n\nRegular group sessions will be occurring through the end of December at the following locations:\n\n221 Mills Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nMary C. Jenkins Community & Cultural Center\n\nHosted by the City of Brevard, AARP, and Blue Ridge Community College\n\n9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on October 21 and 28\n\n45 Oak Park Dr., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nBlue Ridge Community College, Brevard Campus, Room 140\n\n9:00-11:00 a.m. on November 4, 18, 25; December 2, 9 ,16\n\nAll University of North Carolina System students have access to free mental health through their university.\n\nPlease monitor your student email for more information on how to access these services.\n\nThe following orthopedic urgent care locations are open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily, physical therapy appointments are also available at each of these locations:\n\nEmergeOrtho Hendersonville\n\n800 Fleming St., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nEmergeOrtho Arden (South Asheville)\n\n2585 Hendersonville Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nEmergeOrtho Waynesville\n\n9 Haywood Office Park, Ste. 102 and 103, Waynesville, NC 28785\n\nEmergeOrtho Brevard\n\n89 Hospital Dr., Ste. A, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nEmergeOrtho Weaverville\n\n159 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nDialysis Locations\n\nThe following location is open and available for dialysis treatments in NC-11:\n\nPardee Hospital\n\n800 N. Justice St., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nThis location can dialyze 30 patients a day.\n\nDaVita Kidney Care nurses are reaching out to their patients to coordinate treatment, but the following DaVita locations are available:\n\nDaVita Greer South Dialysis\n\n3254 Brushy Greek Rd., Greer, SC 29650\n\nContact Number: (864) 801-2065\n\nDaVita Saluda River Dialysis\n\n8080 Augusta Rd., Piedmont, SC 29673\n\nContact Number: (833) 378-2702\n\nDaVita Wofford at Home\n\n8024 White Ave., Spartanburg, SC 29303\n\nContact Number: (864) 583-4788\n\nDaVita Boiling Springs Dialysis\n\n196 Sloane Garden Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316\n\nContact Number: (833) 458-4809\n\nOxygen Locations\n\nHendersonville High School\n\n1 Bearcat Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nMust be assessed through Pardee Hospital.\n\nLincare is only serving established patients.\n\nPatients must bring in empty tanks to one of the following locations:\n\nAsheville Lincare\n\n103 Elk Park Dr., Asheville, NC 28804\n\nFax number: (866) 234-6698\n\nGreenville Lincare\n\n355 Woodruff Rd., Ste. 204 and 205, Greenville, SC 29607\n\nFax Number: (864) 288-0339\n\nThe following locations are available for oxygen refills, but patients must bring their own oxygen equipment - fire departments are available 24/7:\n\nBoiling Springs Fire Department\n\n186 Rainbow Lake Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316\n\nReidville Fire Department\n\n7450 Reidville Rd., Woodruff, SC 29388\n\nInman City Fire Department\n\n6 Humphrey St., Inman, SC 29349\n\nFirst Presbyterian Church\n\n393 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29302\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.\n\nGreer Relief Indigo Hope Neighborhood Impact Center\n\n113C Berry Ave., Greer, SC 29651\n\nDaily hours: 2:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nCroft Fire Department\n\n370 Cedar Springs Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29302\n\nArkwright Fire Department\n\n1070 Southport Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29306\n\nRoebuck Fire Department\n\n2639 Stone Station Rd., Roebuck, SC 29376\\\n\nNorth Spartanburg Fire Department\n\n8767 Asheville Hwy., Spartanburg, SC 29316\n\nResources for Veterans\n\nOutpatient clinics have rescheduled 66 percent of the appointments that were cancelled due to Hurricane Helene, with more being rescheduled every day.\n\nThe U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs launched a new web page with disaster relief resources, providing a single place for veterans and their caregivers to access VA resources on health care, housing, benefits payments, insurance, and more.\n\nYou can access the web site via this link.\n\nThe VA has established a Veterans Disaster Response Hotline, which is available 24/7 at 1(800) 507-4571.\n\nIf you or a veteran you know needs immediate housing assistance after Hurricane Helene, please call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at (877) 424-3838.\n\nThe call center is open 24/7.\n\nIf you have a VA-backed home loan and are unable to make your mortgage payments, please contact your mortgage servicer.\n\nYou can also call the VA at (877) 827-3702, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nHome loan servicers are allowed to put a 90-day pause on foreclosures and encouraged to waive late charges for VA-guaranteed home loans after a disaster.\n\nLegionnaires, Sons of the American Legion members and Legion Posts that have been displaced from their primary residence due to damage sustained during Hurricane Helene may be eligible for financial assistance through the American Legion.\n\nLegionnaires and Sons of the American Legion members may be eligible for up to $3,000.\n\nLegion Posts may be eligible for up to $10,000.\n\nTo learn more or to request assistance, please use this link.\n\nApplications must be submitted within 90 days of the disaster: Dec. 26, 2024.\n\nThe Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville and Master Sergeant Jerry K. Crump VA Clinic in Forest City are open for essential and emergency services.\n\nVeterans can:\n\nVisit the Asheville VA Hospital pharmacy for medication refills or:\n\nCall the Regional Clinical Contact Center at (855) 679-0074 and press 1 for pharmacy representatives.\n\nLocal pharmacies in the VA\u2019s community care network will also fill written prescriptions, or prescriptions as they appear on an active VA prescription bottle that is not older than six months and has available refills, to provide a 30-day supply.\n\nHickory, Forest City and Franklin outpatient VA clinics are now operating regularly.\n\nDue to the damage and personal losses caused by Hurricane Helene to the staff of the VA, it will take some time to bring staffing to full capacity.\n\nPlease be patient as the VA works to rebuild their workforce.\n\nResources for Farmers\n\nThe United States Department of Agriculture has put together a list of resources for farmers and other agricultural industry members.\n\nIf your agricultural operation has been impacted by Hurricane Helene, you can review this link, farmers.gov, for emergency and disaster assistance programs.\n\nAg supplies can be picked up by farmers in need from any of the following distribution centers (including non-NC-11 locations for farmers who may be closer to an out-of-district distribution center):\n\nAvery County\n\nMitchell-Avery County Center\n\n6880 Linville Falls Hwy., Newland, NC 28657\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday); 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Saturday)\n\nBuncombe County\n\nMills River Station\n\n74 Research Dr., Mills River, NC 28759\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nCaldwell County\n\nCaldwell County Fairgrounds\n\n2461 Fairground Rd., Lenoir, NC 28645\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Wednesday and Saturday only), or by appointment\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMarion - McDowell County\n\n188 Ag Services Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Saturday)\n\nHaywood County\n\nSmokey Mountain Event Center\n\n758 Crabtree Dr., Waynesville, NC 28785\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nWatauga County\n\nWatauga County Extension\n\n5715 U.S. Highway 421 N., Vilas, NC 28692\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) - NO HAY\n\n1:00-6:00 p.m. (Tuesday and Thursday) - HAY ONLY\n\nPower\n\nRoughly 6,200 customers remain without power in Western North Carolina.\n\nUp from less than 5,500 customers yesterday.\n\nThe majority of remaining power outages are concentrated in Western North Carolina, with the highest percentage of outages being reported in Yancey County.\n\nAround 2,500 Duke Energy customers are without power.\n\nThis is up from around 900 yesterday.\n\nRoughly 3,600 co-op customers remain without power.\n\nLocal co-ops are utilizing their full teams to restore energy and have more than 500 reinforcements from more than 30 electric cooperatives across 11 states.\n\nFrench Broad Electric is averaging over 100 pole replacements per day.\n\nPrior to Helene, the most replaced poles in any given time were the replacement of 120 poles over a seven-day period in 2009.\n\nTo date, FBE has replaced more than 1,200 poles, and they still have hundreds left to do.\n\nMore co-op crews arrived yesterday, October 21, to provide additional support, including to help replace broken poles and wires.\n\nNCDOT crews are still coordinating closely with power companies to ensure service is being restored as quickly as possible, including along private roads, keeping in mind that cold months are approaching fast.\n\nFor more information on Duke Energy\u2019s power restoration efforts, you can review the following links:\n\nComplex Repair & Disaster Rebuild Zones Map: duke-energy.com/info/carolinas-restoration\n\nOutage Map: duke-energy.com/outages\n\nOutage Alerts: duke-energy.com/outages/alerts\n\nGenerator safety: duke-energy.com/outages/generators\n\nPower restoration process: duke-energy.com/outages/restoring-your-power\n\nRoads\n\nWestern North Carolina is FULLY OPEN to visitors!\n\nPlease come visit!\n\nA portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway is reopening TODAY!\n\nThe National Park Service will has opened from milepost 285.5 at Bamboo Gap to milepost 305 at Beacon Heights (near Grandfather Mountain).\n\nNCDOT staff have transitioned to temporary repairs and reconstruction of damaged roadways.\n\nThe state has reopened 818 roads and are only reporting 468 road closures.\n\nMore than 2,000 DOT employees are working in Western NC, including 375 units from Central NC and 70 from Kentucky.\n\nNCDOT has established a new Road Reopening Dashboard for folks to keep track of progress made by the department.\n\nYou can use this link to access the dashboard.\n\nThe dashboard is also linked on DriveNC.gov.\n\nTo monitor road conditions in and around NC-11, use drivenc.gov.\n\nThe website tracks NCDOT-managed road conditions in real time.\n\nNC DMV has reopened 14 of the 16 driver license offices that were closed due to Hurricane Helene.\n\nThe following DMV offices are open for walk-in services in or near NC-11, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., closed between 11:30 a.m. through 1:00 p.m. for a lunch break:\n\nBuncombe County\n\n1624 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nCherokee County\n\n1440 Main St., Andrews, NC 28901\n\nHaywood County\n\n290 Lee Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nHenderson County\n\n125 Baystone Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nJackson County\n\n876 Skyland Dr., Ste. 2, Sylva, NC 28779\n\nMacon County\n\n16 Patton Ave., Franklin, NC 28734\n\nMadison County\n\n1685 NC Highway 213, Marshall, NC 28753\n\nMcDowell County\n\n3975 NC 226 S., Marion, NC 28752\n\nRutherford County\n\n596 Withrow Rd., Forest City, NC 28043\n\nSwain County\n\n2650 Governors Island Rd., Bryson City, NC 28713\n\nTransylvania County\n\n50 Commerce St., Ste. 4, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAll but five license plate agencies have reopened.\n\nAir traffic has sustained at 300 percent above pre-hurricane levels in Western NC.\n\nNCDOT\u2019s aviation division continue to work to make sure flight operations are safe coming into and out of airports, including by:\n\nScheduling landing/unloading times and aircraft parking so aircraft are spaced out and to reduce the risk of incidents.\n\nEstablishing a first of its kind \u201ccorridors in the sky\u201d to separate civilian and military aircraft in the air.\n\nHaving search and rescue partners use short, time and location specific restrictions on air operations to enhance safety when multiple helicopters are engaged in search and rescue efforts.\n\nThe state of North Carolina is NOT turning away civil aviation support so long as it has been coordinated through the proper channels with NC Emergency Management.\n\nIf you or someone you know is interested in providing civil aviation support and don\u2019t know where to coordinate your efforts, please call my office and we will help you get in touch with the right folks.\n\nNCDOT has launched a detour map to show motorists how to get around closures on I-26 and I-40 at the Tennessee border.\n\nYou can access the map here.\n\nInternet Access\n\nThe fiber line has been restored from Lake Lure to Chimney Rock, restoring communication capabilities to the area for the first time since Hurricane Helene hit our mountains.\n\nInternet providers are working with local energy and cell providers to restore service for customers across Western North Carolina.\n\nFiber repair crews are also pairing with electric utility crews in the field to assist with any accidental fiber cuts.\n\nInternet providers including Optimum and Spectrum are working around the clock to restore service for customers. However, part of the network\u2019s infrastructure was destroyed by mudslides and collapsed bridges making restoration a lengthy process.\n\nAs a result, some impacted areas will require a rebuild of the network from scratch.\n\nTo mitigate the lack of service, Optimum, formerly Altice USA, has set up an Optimum Wi-Fi Trailer that is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the following locations:\n\n717 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\n1800 Four Seasons Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nThe following locations are offering free public wi-fi:\n\nFirst Baptist Church - Weaverville\n\n63 N. Main St, Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nDowntown Franklin\n\nThe Town of Franklin has free wi-fi on the town hill area in downtown.\n\nTransylvania County Library - 24/7\n\n212 S. Gaston St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nThe Yard Brevard\n\n284 Railroad Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nBrevard Visitor Center\n\n175 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAvailable daily from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThe Vine Anglican Church - and free coffee\n\n1055 Lee Rd, Clyde, NC 28721\n\nAvailable daily from 12:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nCell Service\n\nRoughly 94 percent of all cellular sites in Western North Carolina have been repaired and are now in service.\n\nThe remaining areas require significant infrastructure reconstruction.\n\nCell service providers have implemented disaster roaming for any phone located in Western North Carolina to maximize phone service for all users.\n\nDisaster roaming allows users to connect to any mobile network during a disaster when other networks are down.\n\nThis allows users to access emergency services, such as 911, even when their own network is out.\n\nIf you have service one moment, but experience a reduction in service the next, try restarting your phone to jumpstart disaster roaming again.\n\nUpCycle Tech in Transylvania County is offering free computers and phones for use at the following location:\n\n470 Asheville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAT&T has deployed its Mobile Connectivity Center to the following location:\n\nSam\u2019s Club: 645 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nThe Mobile Connectivity Center is an air-conditioned mobile unit open to the public, equipped with laptops, charging stations and wi-fi.\n\nThe public can use the center for various needs including contacting your insurance company, filling out paperwork or connecting with loved ones.\n\nVerizon has deployed Wireless Emergency Communication Centers to help hurricane survivors stay connected to their friends, family and other important contacts.\n\nWireless Emergency Communication Centers are generator-powered mobile units that have device charging and computer workstations, along with wireless phones, tablets, and other devices available for use.\n\nVerizon\u2019s Wireless Emergency Communication Centers have been set up at the following locations:\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nAsheville YMCA\n\n30 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nFamily Justice Center\n\n35 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nVerizon also has charging stations at the following locations:\n\nYMCA of Western North Carolina\n\n348 Grace Corpening Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nTwo charging stations at this location\n\nWNC Agricultural Center\n\n761 Boylston Hwy., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nThree charging stations at this location\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nOne charging station at this location\n\nT-Mobile has set up satellite cellular on light trucks (SatCOLTs), providing cellular voice and data along with wi-fi and charging stations at the following locations:\n\nAsheville Middle School\n\n211 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center\n\n285 Livingston St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nFirst Baptist Church\n\n130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nAdditional T-Mobile satellite cell on trucks are located in Hendersonville and at a Tractor Supply Co. in Asheville, with others planned for Mission Hospital in Asheville, Cherokee County Emergency Operations Center in Murphy, and in Cherokee.\n\nNorth Carolina National Guard & Department of Defense\n\nAs requests from some counties are decreasing, NC National Guard assets are NOT standing down, they are instead being reallocated to other areas.\n\nMore than 3,100 National Guard soldiers and airmen, active-duty service members, and Emergency Management Assistance Compact units (National Guard units from 12 different states) are deployed across Western North Carolina to provide support.\n\nThis includes:\n\nAlmost 1,300 vehicles\n\n10 helicopters\n\nAs search and rescue needs diminish and roads are being cleared and restored, the need for aerial support is decreasing and ground vehicles are becoming an increasingly more effective means of support.\n\nThe National Guard has distributed more than 12,200 tons of commodities to Western North Carolina.\n\nHighlights from the last 24 hours:\n\nCompleted relocation of palletized goods from Asheville airport.\n\nCompleted culvert cleanout and cleared more than 74 cubic yards of debris by hand in Madison County.\n\nContinued large scale consolidation of palletized goods and continued assembly and delivery of 450 generators in support of Samaritan's Purse in Yancey County.\n\nAlthough airspace is limited due to ongoing missions by the National Guard and Department of Defense, a process has been established for private pilots seeking to fly in humanitarian relief to coordinate with local authorities.\n\nIf you are looking to fly in resources and don\u2019t know where to turn, call my office and we will get you in contact with the right coordinators.\n\nHere are a few key phone numbers from the NCNG:\n\nHOTLINE: 888-892-1162\n\nEmergency management watch: 919-733-3300\n\nDonated goods: 919-825-2474\n\nThese lines have very high call volumes. If you do not get through the first try, keep calling.\n\nAsheville Regional Airport\n\nAsheville Regional Airport closed mid-day on Friday, September 27, due to risk of flooding.\n\nCommercial flights at Asheville Regional Airport have resumed.\n\nIf you parked your car in an Asheville Regional Airport lot and could not retrieve the vehicle due to the storm, great news - none of the airport\u2019s lots flooded and all cars are fine.\n\nStay safe and pick up your car when you are able.\n\nPLEASE NOTE:\n\nNo general aviation pilots are allowed to land at Asheville Regional Airport without prior clearance from FEMA to ensure the safety of aircraft and personnel.\n\nSupply deliveries by civilian pilots ARE permitted to land at Asheville Regional Airport so long as they have prior clearance from FEMA.\n\nFEMA is not turning away any pilot that has gone through the proper channels to coordinate delivery and ensure the safety of his fellow aircraft and personnel.\n\nFederal Nutrition Programs\n\nThe U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service has approved flexibilities due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene.\n\nSNAP\n\nNorth Carolina was granted a waiver for the 10-day reporting requirement for the replacement of food purchased with SNAP benefits lost because of the hurricane.\n\nThis waiver provides additional time beyond the standard 10-day time frame for households to report food losses and receive replacement benefits for food that was destroyed and previously purchased with SNAP benefits.\n\nD-SNAP\n\nPeople living in the 25 major disaster declared Western NC counties and members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians impacted by Hurricane Helene can apply to receive a one-time benefit to help buy food through the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP).\n\nPre-registration is available by using ePASS pre-registration tool.\n\nFor the tool and more information, visit epass.nc.gov/.\n\nTo be eligible, applicants must:\n\nHave suffered losses/damages related to Hurricane Helene, such as damage to property or loss of income.\n\nHave proof of identity and proof of residency.\n\nNot currently receiving benefits through the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS).\n\nPeople receiving FNS can also get extra help to buy food but do not need to fill out a D-SNAP application.\n\nCertain income and resource limits may apply.\n\nChild Nutrition\n\nThe North Carolina Department of Public Instruction was approved for a waiver pertaining to the child nutrition programs.\n\nUnder the waiver approval, NCDPI\u2019s local program operators may:\n\nServe meals in a non-congregate setting\n\nAdjust the time of meal service\n\nAllow parent pick-up\n\nAllow service of meals at school sites\n\nFood and Nutrition Services Program\n\nPeople and families in North Carolina who are enrolled in the Food and Nutrition Services program can now use their EBT card to purchase hot food.\n\nThis flexibility will remain in effect until November 3.\n\nSpecial Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, & Children (WIC)\n\nFamilies participating in WIC who may have relocated to a new area can go to any NC WIC agency to:\n\nHave a new eWIC card issued\n\nRequest replacement breastfeeding supplies or breast pumps\n\nRequest replacement food that was purchased with current WIC benefits and lost due to Hurricane Helene\n\nFor NC-11 Medical Providers\n\nIf you own a medical practice in NC-11 and are experiencing financial hardship due to Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina Medical Society is reactivating its Financial Recovery Program (FRP) to help you recover and open your doors again.\n\nFor more information on the disaster relief fund, you can visit this link.\n\nDetails on how medical practices can qualify and apply for funds will be coming soon.\n\nThe Department of Health and Human Services through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has made available:\n\nAccelerated payments to Medicare Part A providers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nAdvance payments to Medicare Part B suppliers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nFor Local Government Resource Requests\n\nFor county leaders: This is a reminder to make sure your Emergency Operation Center has submitted the request for gasoline, food, water, cell service deployables, etc. with North Carolina Emergency Management to have your request processed and resources delivered.\n\nMy office stands ready to assist with checking the status of your request if the county or municipality has not heard back from NC Emergency Management within 24 hours.\n\nDisaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)\n\nThe deadline to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits is Dec. 2, 2024 for all counties other than Swain, Graham and Cherokee counties.\n\nSwain County\u2019s deadline is Dec. 9, 2024.\n\nDisaster Unemployment Assistance benefits are now available for Western North Carolinians in counties with a major disaster declaration, including:\n\nBuncombe\n\nClay\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nJackson\n\nMacon\n\nMadison\n\nMcDowell\n\nPolk\n\nRutherford\n\nSwain\n\nTransylvania\n\nYancey\n\nIf your employment has been lost or interrupted because of Hurricane Helene, you may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance.\n\nFile an application for DUA:\n\nFile at des.nc.gov, or\n\nCall over the phone at (919) 629-3857\n\nA toll-free legal aid hotline is now available for low-income survivors with disaster-related legal questions: (866) 219-5262.\n\nFor Individual Assistance through FEMA\n\nThe deadline to file for FEMA Individual Assistance is Nov. 27, 2024. Please mark your calendars and ensure all applications are submitted on time.\n\nNorth Carolina received a Major Disaster Declaration for the following counties: Buncombe, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania and Yancey counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.\n\nPeople with damage to their homes or personal property who live in one of the above-listed counties should apply for Individual Assistance through FEMA, which may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies.\n\nFunds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay.\n\nIndividual Assistance provides financial aid and services to eligible individuals and households that have been affected by a disaster to assist with the recovery process. Individuals can officially begin applying for Individual Assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling the application phone number at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. EST.\n\nFind steps to help you replace important documents that were lost or damaged in the storm: www.fema.gov/disaster/4827/news-media\n\nIf you were initially denied for Individual Assistance, please see below for useful tips to help you file an appeal with FEMA:\n\nUnderstand why FEMA denied your claim before writing the appeal.\n\nIt could be as simple as a missing document, which you can submit with your appeal.\n\nRead FEMA\u2019s letter from beginning to end to completely understand what the agency needs from you.\n\nMake sure you provide evidence for your appeal. Depending on your situation, documentation may include:\n\nA copy of your flood insurance declaration page.\n\nProof of occupancy, which could be an employer statement, lease, utility bill, credit card statement, or other recent, formal document that states your address.\n\nProof of ownership, which might include your mortgage or insurance documents, tax receipts, deed, etc.\n\nCan\u2019t write the appeal yourself?\n\nI recommend having a trusted friend, family member, or lawyer write it for you.\n\nKnow your deadline.\n\nYou have 60 days from the date of your FEMA determination letter to appeal.\n\nCircle the deadline on your calendar or write yourself a note to keep the date in the forefront.\n\nOnce FEMA reviews your letter, you may receive a phone call or a follow-up letter asking for more documentation.\n\nDon\u2019t forget to sign your appeal letter!\n\nOnce signed, there are three ways to submit your appeal:\n\nFax it to (800) 827-8112\n\nSend it by mail to: FEMA Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782\n\nUpload all appeal documents to your disasterassistance.gov account.\n\nInclude your application number on every page of the documents you submit.\n\nExpect a decision letter to your appeal within 90 days.\n\nTo Connect with a Loved One\n\nResidents trying to connect with family members may call NC 211 (or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from out-of-state) to report missing loved ones or request a welfare check.\n\nPeople in the impacted areas can indicate that they are safe by reporting themselves safe through Red Cross Reunification by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).\n\nPlease only use 911 for life-threatening emergencies so the lines remain open for critical situations.\n\nIf you are still trying to locate a friend or family member, please complete this form, linked here, to notify local officials of their missing status.\n\nThe form was created by Buncombe County but information is being shared amongst all counties.\n\nRegardless of which county your loved one was last known to be in, you can still submit the form.\n\nBuncombe County will share the information with the appropriate officials to initiate search and rescue efforts.\n\nUnited Way is also fielding missing person/welfare check requests.\n\nText PERSON to 40403 to add a loved one to search and rescue efforts or fill out this form.\n\nResources for Utility & Other Status Updates\n\nFor information on the status of utilities, debris sites, etc., we want to share the following resources. As communications are restored and more information becomes available, these sites will continue to be updated.\n\nDrinking Water Systems: Public Water Supply Situation Report Tracking\n\nDebris Disposal Sites: Active Temporary Debris Disposal Sites\n\nNCDEQ Situation Report Tracking System\n\nNCDPS Hurricane Helene - Storm Information\n\nNCDPS County Emergency Management Agencies\n\nHow to Apply for FEMA Assistance After Hurricane Helene\n\nFree Legal Assistance\n\nLegal Aid of North Carolina stands ready to provide free advice and legal counsel regarding natural disaster needs, including legal representation if necessary, including for civil legal issues involving:\n\nFiling FEMA claims and appeals (a process which can be overwhelmingly bureaucratic and burdensome)\n\nReplacement of lost or destroyed legal and government documents, including driver\u2019s licenses and identification cards\n\nMedical and insurance claims\n\nHome repair contracts\n\nUtility disputes related to restoration of services\n\nConsumer protection issues like construction fraud, price-gouging on repairs and identity theft\n\nHousing issues such as unlawful eviction and foreclosures\n\nBankruptcy\n\nProbate and clearing title for survivors living in generational homes without a clear title\n\nFamily law cases and children in need of services (unfortunately, domestic violence tends to rise following a natural disaster)\n\nIf you need civil legal assistance, please contact Legal Aid of North Carolina via the following toll-free hotline:\n\n(866) 219-LANC or (866) 219-5262\n\nThe hotline is available from:\n\n8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; and 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Monday and Thursdays.\n\nConstituents can also apply online at legalaidnc.org/get-help/ between 1:00-4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday.\n\nIRS Guidance for Taxpayers Impacted by Hurricane Helene\n\nExtension of certain tax filing deadlines:\n\nIRS has extended various filing deadlines for taxpayers in impacted areas, including 2024 individual/business returns, certain quarterly estimated income tax payments, and certain payroll/excise taxes.\n\nClick here for the full list of extensions and respective dates\n\nClick here for more information from the IRS on disaster assistance\n\nTax relief for qualified payments, disaster-related losses:\n\nIRS released provided guidance to taxpayers on how to address disaster-related losses in their 2024 tax return, as well as providing guidance on how qualified disaster relief payments - like government assistance payments - are generally excluded from gross income.\n\nClick here for a general walkthrough of these policies (under header \u201cAdditional tax relief\u201d)\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of disaster-related losses\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of qualified disaster relief payments\n\nDisaster payments are usually tax-free:\n\nQualified disaster relief payments are generally excluded from gross income.\n\nIn general, this means that affected taxpayers can exclude the following payments from a government agency from their gross income. Amounts received for:\n\nReasonable and necessary personal, family, living or funeral expenses.\n\nThe repair or rehabilitation of your home.\n\nThe repair or replacement of your home\u2019s contents.\n\nYou may be eligible for a disaster loss deduction:\n\nIn some instances, individuals and businesses in a federally declared disaster area can qualify for a casualty loss tax deduction.\n\nThe deduction is available for damaged or destroyed property not covered by insurance or other reimbursement and can result in a larger refund.\n\nTaxpayers can choose to claim the deduction on either the return for the year the loss occurred (in this instance, the 2024 return normally filed next year), or the return for the prior year (the 2023 return filed this year).\n\nFor individual taxpayers, the deadline for making this election is Oct. 15, 2025.\n\nThe IRS also has a special hotline specifically dedicated to taxpayers with disaster-related tax questions. Disaster victims can call the agency\u2019s disaster hotline at (866) 562-5227.\n\nShelters\n\nFor those unable to evacuate to a safe location or in need of a place to go, the following shelters are currently open and available as of today:\n\nBuncombe County\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nGold\u2019s Gym\n\n801 Fairview Rd, Asheville, NC 28803\n\nWNC Agricultural Center\n\n1301 Fanning Bridge Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nHaywood County\n\nHaywood County Government Armory\n\n285 Armory Dr., Clyde, NC 28781\n\nHenderson County\n\nHenderson County Recreation Center\n\n708 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMcDowell County Senior Center\n\n100 Spaulding Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nRutherford County\n\nRutherfordton Presbyterian Church\n\n252 N. Washington St., Rutherfordton, NC 28139\n\nTransylvania County\n\nTransylvania Parks & Rec\n\n1078 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nYancey County\n\nBlue Ridge Elementary\n\n910 Cane River School Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nCarolina Cruiser mobile office hours\n\nIn keeping with my office's motto of being \"First in Constituent Services\" and to help constituents post-Hurricane Helene, my office has resumed Carolina Cruiser mobile office hours.\n\nFolks can stop by to share their thoughts on issues that matter to them or ask for assistance with federal agencies.\n\nVisit my website for updated Carolina Cruiser hours and locations, linked here.\n\nWith my warmest regards,\n\nChuck Edwards\n\nMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/murphy-statement-41st-anniversary-beirut-bombing", "Murphy Statement on 41st Anniversary of Beirut Bombing", "2024-10-23", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Gregory F. Murphy", "M001210", "murphy.house.gov", "murphy", "https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Greenville, NC \u2014 Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. issued the following statement on the 41st anniversary of the Marine Barracks Bombing in Beirut, Lebanon which occurred on October 23rd, 1983.\n\n\"Today is a solemn day as we remember the 241 service members, the majority deployed from Camp Lejeune, who lost their lives in the Beirut Bombing of 1983,\" said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. \"This tragedy is the deadliest single-day attack on the U.S. Marines since the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II. While nothing will replace the incredible lives that were taken from us, justice has been served to the mastermind of this heinous attack, Fuad Shukr, who was eliminated by Israeli forces on July 30th this summer. As we remember the selfless heroes who sacrificed their lives in service to our nation, I ask you to join me in praying for the continued peace and healing of their families.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2024/10/congresswoman-ross-leads-members-in-urging-congressional-investigation-of-hurricane-misinformation-on-social-media", "Congresswoman Ross Leads Members in Urging Congressional Investigation of Hurricane Misinformation on Social Media", "2024-10-23", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) led members of the North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida delegations in urging the House Judiciary, Oversight, and Energy & Commerce Committees to investigate and hold hearings on the role of social media platforms in the spread of misinformation following Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Representatives Kathy Castor (FL-14), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), Kathy Manning (NC-06), Valerie Foushee (NC-04), and Wiley Nickel (NC-13) joined the letter.\n\nIn North Carolina, misinformation has seriously impeded Hurricane Helene disaster relief. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Director Deanne Criswell called the level of misinformation: \u201cthe worst [she\u2019s] ever seen.\u201d Former President Donald Trump himself has spread harmful lies and outrageous rumors.\n\n\u201cA series of widely circulated posts on Facebook and X falsely claimed that FEMA was offering a new grant for immediate cash assistance to all residents, regardless of impact, resulting in a flood of applications to non-existent programs. These scams took advantage of families who were already in distress, further delaying their ability to access legitimate aid,\u201d the lawmakers wrote. \u201cSimilarly, on Instagram, TikTok, and Discord, conspiracy theories have spread claiming that both storms are the result of government actions. It is gravely concerning to witness these behaviors now escalating into harassment, death threats, and calls for violence against government officials, meteorologists, and aid workers. One post on TikTok stated that FEMA employees should be \u2018arrested or shot or hung on sight.\u2019\u201d\n\nThe lawmakers continued, \u201cMisinformation not only delays the recovery process but also erodes public trust in institutions that are essential to helping our states to rebuild. It is critical that the American people know where to turn for reliable information during these emergencies, and social media platforms play a significant role in shaping those sources of information.\u201d\n\nSpecifically, the lawmakers are urging the committees to investigate:\n\nThe failure of social media companies to adequately address misinformation;\n\nThe role of algorithms in amplifying misinformation and scams;\n\nThe impact of misinformation on public trust and disaster recovery; and\n\nFailures to protect against scams and frauds.\n\nFull text of the letter is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/helene-recovery-update-25-congressman-edwards", "Helene recovery update #25 from Congressman Edwards", "2024-10-22", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Chuck Edwards", "E000246", "edwards.house.gov", "edwards", "https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "October 22, 2024\n\nDear Friend,\n\nIt\u2019s been almost a month since Hurricane Helene hit, and top of mind for many of our community\u2019s residents and business owners is whether to rebuild in the wake of Helene\u2019s destruction.\n\nThe realities of your business being closed for weeks, having your home washed away or damaged beyond repair by flood waters, and not knowing what to do next is frightening; but if I can insert my two cents, here\u2019s what I would say: This is home.\n\nIt would probably be easier for many of you to relocate elsewhere and forget about the rubble left behind, but anywhere else in the country isn\u2019t the same as the mountains of Western North Carolina. Our communities are special.\n\nSo, as you make the difficult decision to stay or go, to close shop or rebuild, I encourage you to lean on your neighbors and remember that this place, these mountains, are home. We want you to stay, and we want to see you succeed.\n\nRebuilding our mountains isn\u2019t just about repairing our infrastructure and buildings. It\u2019s about building back up the businesses and families that were hit hardest by the storm. It\u2019s about letting folks know that their community is backing them, and that we will support them every step of the way through their recovery.\n\nThe mountains are special because of the tight-knit, neighbor-help-neighbor communities that we have built. As folks make lifelong decisions to stay in Western NC or go, let\u2019s remind them why they chose to come to the mountains in the first place. Because we are a community, and we are home.\n\nThis edition includes an update on French Broad Electric\u2019s repair efforts and restoration of communication in Chimney Rock for the first time since Helene hit.\n\nToday is update number 25, with more information to follow in the coming days. Please make sure to read everything and share it with your friends and family.\n\nIndex\n\nClick the title to be taken to the correlating information in the update.\n\nFEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Sites\n\nLegislative Support\n\nHousing/Individual Assistance Updates\n\nFood and Water\n\nBuncombe County\n\nHaywood County\n\nHenderson County\n\nJackson County\n\nMadison County\n\nMcDowell County\n\nPolk County\n\nRutherford County\n\nTransylvania County\n\nYancey County\n\nTrash Services and Debris Removal\n\nBuncombe\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nMadison\n\nMcDowell\n\nPolk\n\nRutherford\n\nTransylvania\n\nYancey\n\nVoter Information\n\nUnited States Postal Service/Mail Services\n\nPharmacy Access\n\nOpen Urgent Cares/ Health Care Services\n\nDialysis Locations\n\nOxygen Locations\n\nResources for Veterans\n\nResources for Farmers\n\nPower\n\nRoads\n\nInternet Access\n\nCell Service\n\nNorth Carolina National Guard & Department of Defense\n\nAsheville Regional Airport\n\nFederal Nutrition Programs\n\nFor NC-11 Medical Providers\n\nFor Local Government Resource Requests\n\nFor Individual Assistance through FEMA\n\nTo Connect with a Loved One\n\nResources for Utility & Other Status Updates\n\nFree Legal Assistance\n\nIRS Guidance for Taxpayers Impacted by Hurricane Helene\n\nShelters\n\nBuncombe County\n\nHaywood County\n\nHenderson County\n\nMadison County\n\nMcDowell County\n\nRutherford County\n\nTransylvania County\n\nYancey County\n\nCarolina Cruiser Mobile Office Hours\n\nFEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Sites\n\nThe following FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers are open seven days a week to assist North Carolina survivors who have experienced losses from Hurricane Helene.\n\nBuncombe County: A.C. Reynolds High School\n\n1 Rocket Dr., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nA Comfort Care Center will also be available at this location where survivors can shower, do laundry and use other services.\n\nThe Asheville Social Security office remains closed due to a lack of power and water.\n\nThe Social Security Administration is maintaining staff at the Buncombe County Disaster Recovery Center until the Asheville office reopens.\n\nHaywood County\n\nRegional High Technical Center\n\n112 Industrial Park Dr., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nHenderson County\n\n2111 Asheville Hwy., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nJackson County Annex Building\n\n198 WBI Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nMcDowell County: A.C. \u201cBud\u201d Hogan Community Center\n\n909 E. Main St., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nMcDowell County Senior Center\n\n100 Spaulding Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nTransylvania County: Community Services Building\n\n106 E. Morgan St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nA Disaster Recovery Center is a one-stop shop where survivors can meet face-to-face with FEMA representatives, apply for FEMA assistance, receive referrals to local assistance in their area, apply with the U.S. Small Business Administration for disaster loans, etc.\n\nAdditional recovery centers will be opening soon, and I will keep you posted as I learn about them.\n\nDisaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams are also stationed across NC-11 to help survivors apply for FEMA assistance and connect them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources.\n\nLegislative Support\n\nThe U.S. House of Representatives is gearing up to pass a disaster relief package when we return to session in November.\n\nI have begun conversations with leadership about how to best meet Western North Carolina\u2019s needs in any supplemental relief package passed by Congress in the coming months.\n\nThe North Carolina General Assembly unanimously passed the Disaster Recovery Act of 2024 on Oct. 9, 2024.\n\nThis bill creates a new Hurricane Helene fund with $273 million from the state\u2019s Savings Reserve Fund.\n\n$250 million will go to the Department of Public Safety's Division of Emergency Management to provide the state\u2019s match to federal disaster relief funds.\n\nAnother portion of the funds will be used to establish a revolving loan program to help local government and state agencies with cash flow while they are waiting for reimbursement from the federal government.\n\n$16 million will go to the Department of Public Instruction for \u201clost compensation of school nutrition employees due to school closures resulting from Hurricane Helene\u201d\n\n$2 million to provide local governments technical assistance with local recovery funds.\n\n$5 million to the State Board of Elections, alongside a variety of temporary election law changes such as changing polling sites that were rendered unusable by the storm and establishing a voter hotline, to make it easier for residents of Western North Carolina to vote.\n\nThe bill also:\n\nGrants school calendar flexibility to public schools by allowing them to make up or mark as completed any number of the days or hours missed.\n\nIt also allows the schools to use up to 30 days of remote instruction toward required instructional days.\n\nWaives DMV fees for things like obtaining a duplicate driver\u2019s license, ID card, etc.\n\nWaives certain environmental requirements for state highway repairs.\n\nThis provision will not reduce the safety of repairs conducted by NCDOT or negatively impact the environment.\n\nHousing/Individual Assistance Updates\n\nMore than 207,000 Western North Carolinians have registered for Individual Assistance with FEMA.\n\nThe Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program through FEMA is currently providing temporary hotel stays to almost 6,300 individuals.\n\nFEMA has distributed more than $130 million in housing assistance to more than 90,000 Western North Carolina households.\n\nInspectors have performed more than 22,000 home inspections for FEMA Individual Assistance evaluations.\n\nFEMA is seeking residential properties to lease for Helene survivors.\n\nInterested WNC property owner or management companies should reach out to FEMA on or before 5:00 p.m. EST, Nov. 6, 2024, via email to fema-direct_lease_dr4827nc@fema.dhs.gov.\n\nThe email subject line should read: RFI# 70FBR425-DL-DR4827NC\n\nFEMA is also seeking multifamily properties to house disaster survivors\n\nInterested property owner or management companies should reach out to FEMA no later than 5:00 p.m. EST, Nov. 6, 2024, via email to fema-mlr_dr4827nc@fema.dhs.gov.\n\nThe email subject line should read: RFI #70FBR425-MLR-DR4827NC Response: MLR-DR-4827-NC\n\nFood and Water\n\nFree drinking water testing is available by request through the Buncombe County Public Health Department.\n\nJust contact the Buncombe County Public Health Department to request a test kit.\n\nThe department will provide you with an empty bottle along with instructions to collect a drinking water sample and where to drop it off for analysis.\n\nIf you have a private well that flooded, the well should be disinfected and tested to ensure the safety of yourself and your family.\n\nThe Division of Public Health is providing free, well-testing kits through local health departments.\n\nContact your local health department (find your local department via this link) to obtain a free well testing kit.\n\nSupplying drinkable water remains a top priority for emergency crews.\n\n22 water systems are on a partial or system-wide boil advisory.\n\nOnly one treatment plant has reported having no power, but this system does not serve any residential customers, and two systems remain out of water.\n\nWater restoration trends continue to move in a positive direction.\n\nThere are 229 wastewater treatment plants operating under normal conditions in the affected areas across Western NC.\n\nNCDEQ has provided the following resources to help community members track progress on water supply restoration efforts:\n\nPublic Water Supply Situation Report Tracking - ArcGIS map with filters for system status, county, etc. linked here.\n\nDEQ Dashboard - links to additional maps, including mobile view of water system status, and environmental guidance linked here.\n\nThe Federal Emergency Management Agency has promised 120 truckloads a day of food and water with no specified end date.\n\nFEMA has delivered more than 13 million meals and more than 12.9 million liters of water to Western North Carolina utilizing the $20 billion in funds that I helped to draft and pass for disaster relief just two days before Hurricane Helene hit.\n\nHome Depot will be passing out free disaster relief kits every day starting at 9:00 a.m., while supplies last, at the following locations:\n\nHome Depot Asheville\n\n795 Fairview Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nHome Depot West Asheville\n\n127 Acton Cir., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nHome Depot Hendersonville\n\n401 Linda Vista Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nWalmart is hosting activities at the following locations:\n\nHendersonville, NC Store 1242\n\n250 Highlands Square Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nPortable restrooms\n\nServing hot meals at 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily\n\nArden, NC Store 1179\n\n60 Airport Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nPortable restrooms\n\nLaundry\n\nShowers\n\nWi-fi hotspot and charging stations\n\nBuncombe County\n\nBuncombe County has water distribution at multiple sites. Each will be available daily from 12:00-4:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Please bring your own container.\n\nAC Reynolds High School\n\n1 Rocket Dr., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nAsheville Middle School\n\n211 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nBuncombe County Sports Park Complex\n\n58 Apac Dr., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nBlack Mountain Ingles\n\n550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nFairview Elementary School\n\n1355 Charlotte Hwy., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nSwannanoa Ingles\n\n2299 U.S. 70, Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nLeicester Elementary School\n\n31 Gilbert Rd., Leicester, NC 28748\n\nLinwood Crump Shiloh Community Center\n\n121 Shiloh Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nLucy Herring Elementary School\n\n98 Sulphur Springs Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nNorth Windy Ridge Intermediate School\n\n20 Doan Rd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nPack Square Park\n\n80 Court Plz., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nOakley Elementary\n\n753 Fairview Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\n9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nWilliam W. Estes Elementary School\n\n275 Overlook Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nThe following resources sites are available in Buncombe County, where citizens can access food, water and other basic necessities:\n\nBiltmore Baptist Church\n\n35 Clayton Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nDistribution and bulk pickup for volunteers looking to take bulk loads of supplies to in-need community members\n\nSaturday hours: 10:00 a.m. \u2013 1:00 p.m.\n\nCommunity drive-thru for anyone in the community needing supplies\n\nSaturday hours: 3:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church \u2013 Weaverville\n\n63 N. Main St., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nHot showers available from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nUnlimited clean drinking water is available, bring your own container.\n\nSupplies and bottled water.\n\nHot lunch served at 1:30 p.m.\n\nFellowship Asheville\n\n756 Fairview Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 1:00-4:00 p.m., Monday-Thursday\n\nWest Asheville Baptist Church\n\n926 Haywood Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-4:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday\n\nSaint Mary Margaret Catholic Church\n\n102 Andrews Pl., Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nSaturday hours: 3:00-4:30 p.m.\n\nPlease note: This location is not open during mass.\n\nHot meals are available at the following locations:\n\nWorld Central Kitchen in Bear\u2019s Smokehouse BBQ\n\n135 Coxe Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nServes 25,000 hot meals a day.\n\nDaily hours: 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.\n\nShiloh Community Center\n\n121 Shiloh Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nGrovemont Park\n\n251 Stonewall Ave., Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nManna Food Bank - Farmer\u2019s Market\n\n570 Brevard Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nReopening October 22-24 from 1:00-5:00 p.m. daily for a special event to distribute critical baby items.\n\nWesley Grant Community Center\n\n285 Livingston St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nWest Asheville Ingles\n\n669 Haywood Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 3:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nNesbitt Chapel\n\n12 Nesbitt Chapel Rd., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nDaily hours: 3:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nGroce United Methodist Church \u2013 also distributing essential supplies\n\n954 Tunnel Rd., Asheville, NC 28805\n\nDaily hours starting Wednesday, October 16: Only M/W/F/Sat, Supplies 12:00-4:00 p.m., meals 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nA Community Care Station is available at the following location:\n\n2319 Hwy. 70, Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nHot meals served daily: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCommunity Care Stations offer showers, laundry, bathrooms, access to cell towers, wi-fi, potable and non-potable water, and counseling.\n\nHaywood County\n\nThe following locations are providing community members with essential resources such as but not limited to, food, water, cleaning products, baby formula, and pet food, Monday through Fridays:\n\nFines Creek Community Center\n\n190 Fines Creek Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nOpen every day until 6:00 p.m.\n\nPigeon Community Center\n\n450 Pigeon St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nAlso offering hot meals every day at 2:00 p.m.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCruso Community Center\n\n13186 Cruso Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.\n\nFirst United Methodist Church\n\n566 S. Haywood St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nIncludes shower access.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.\n\nMaggie Valley Pavilion\n\n3935 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nDaily Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.\n\nWoodland Baptist Church\n\n545 Crabtree Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nNew Covenant Church\n\n767 Lee Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nIP Sportsplex\n\n305 Silkwood Dr., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nBethel Elementary School\n\n4700 Old River Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nJonathan Valley Elementary School\n\n410 Hall Dr., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nMonday through Friday\n\nSt. Barnabas Catholic Church\n\n109 Crescent Hill Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nDaily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.\n\nReynolds Baptist Church - Family Life Center\n\n520 Rose Hill Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.\n\nThis location also has potable water available to residents who bring their own vessels to fill.\n\nMountain Projects\n\n2177 Asheville Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nThe Community Kitchen\n\n288 Crabtree Mountain Rd., Canton, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.\n\nHaywood Christian Ministry\n\n150 Branner St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nThe following location offers hot meals daily:\n\nMaggie Valley Fire Department\n\n2901 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nJukebox Junction\n\n3606 Pigeon Rd., Canton, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nThe following location offers showers daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.:\n\nCalvary Baptist Church\n\n2701 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nThe following location is offering supplies for horses and livestock:\n\nWNC Regional Livestock Center\n\n474 Stock Dr., Canton, NC 28716\n\nHenderson County\n\nHenderson County has stood up one Resource Hub location for water distribution and other supplies as they become available.\n\n118 McAbee Ct., Flat Rock, NC 28731\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nEach family unit will be provided supplies for one day\u2019s meal and water as available.\n\nIndividuals are asked to enter the drive-through and remain in your car unless otherwise instructed by volunteers to ensure an efficient process.\n\nJackson County\n\nIn partnership with the Red Cross, the following is available for citizens of Jackson County:\n\nThe Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau are providing shelf-stable meals at the following location:\n\n558 Frank Allen Rd., Cashiers, NC 28717\n\nThe Canada Fire Department is distributing emergency supplies at the following location:\n\n149 Charleys Creek Rd., Tuckasegee, NC 28783\n\nThe following locations are providing resources to displaced families and individuals in need:\n\nMountain Projects\n\n154-B Medical Park Loop, Sylva, NC 28779\n\nUnited Christian Ministries\n\n191 Skyland Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nSt. Mary\u2019s Roman Catholic Church of Sylva\n\n22 Bartlett St., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.\n\nCornbread and Roses\n\n1294 Savannah Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours:\n\nWednesday, 6:00-8:00 p.m.\n\nThursday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nSunday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nMadison County\n\nThe following locations are offering food, water, and some supply distribution in Madison County:\n\nBeech Glen Community Center\n\n2936 Beech Glen Rd., Mars Hill, 28754\n\nDaily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.\n\nCenter Community Center\n\n1300 Grapevine Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nEbbs Chapel Community Center\n\n281 Laurel Valley Rd., Mars Hill, NC 28754\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nEnon Baptist Church\n\n174 Ammons Branch Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nOpen Sunday 12:00-4:00 p.m.\n\nFreedom Christian Church\n\n7350 US 25/70 Bypass, Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThis location offers additional resources such as hygiene products, blankets, clothes, cleaning supplies, diapers, pet food, etc.\n\nLaurel Community Center - also has supplies\n\n4100 NC 212 Hwy., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily Hours: 8:00 a.m. \u2013 8:00 p.m.\n\nRevere-Rice Community Center\n\n3980 Revere Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (Mon-Sat)\n\nSpring Creek Community Center\n\n13075 NC 209 Hwy., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThis location also has additional resources such as pet food, livestock feed and hay.\n\nWalnut Community Center - also has supplies\n\n46 School Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.\n\nN.C. Cooperative Extension - Madison County Center\n\n258 Carolina Ln., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nThis location is offering drive-thru food distribution only.\n\nLittle Ivy Baptist Church\n\n1053 Crossroads Pkwy., Mars Hill, NC 28754\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMcDowell County has established multiple points of distribution that are open daily.\n\nDistribution takes place daily at the following locations:\n\nTom Johnson\u2019s Camping Center\n\n348 Resistoflex Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nWeekend hours: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCherry Springs\n\n6 Bull Walker Rd., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: Wednesdays 4:00-7:00 p.m., Sundays 2:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nCamp Grier\n\n985 Camp Grier Rd., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and 4:00-7:00 p.m.\n\nRestoration Church\n\n2344 Ashworth Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nCentro Unido Latino Americano\n\n79 Academy St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church of Old Fort\n\n203 E. Main St., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: 4:00-7:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nFirst Baptist Church Marion\n\n99 N Main St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nConcord United Methodist Church\n\n8066 Linville Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 2:00-4:00 p.m.\n\nNew Manna Baptist Church\n\n225 E. Court St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 4:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nHot meals are also being provided at the following location:\n\nGrace Community Church\n\n5182 US 70 W., Marion, NC 28752\n\nLunch is served every day from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.\n\nDinner is available from 4:00-5:30 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church of Marion is offering hot showers, air conditioning, and areas to charge devices.\n\nCurrent hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 2:00-5:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday.\n\nPolk County\n\nThe following locations are offering food and water distribution for residents in need from 1:00-5:00 p.m.:\n\nMill Spring/Green Creek Community\n\n25 International Blvd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nColumbus Community\n\n95 Walker St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nSaluda Community Bus Parking Lot\n\n214 E. Main St., Saluda, NC 28773\n\nTryon Community\n\n301 N. Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782\n\nSunny View\n\n86 Sunny View School Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nThe following locations are serving hot meals daily:\n\nTryon Equestrian Center\n\n4066 Pea Ridge Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nRoseland Community Center\n\n56 Peake St., Tryon, NC 28782\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nRutherford County\n\nThe following two centralized distribution center locations are open from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. for citizens to get food and emergency supplies:\n\nThe Green Space\n\n658 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nWarehouse #7\n\n214 Vance St., Warehouse 7, Forest City, NC 28043\n\nTransylvania County\n\nThe following location is providing hot meals to county residents:\n\nBalsam Grove Community Center - daily until power is fully restored\n\n8732 Parkway Rd., Balsam Grove, NC 28708\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nBottled water is available daily at local fire departments and 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Anchor Baptist Church located at:\n\n3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nWater filling stations can be found at the following locations:\n\nCity Sports Complex\n\n824 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.\n\nRocky\u2019s Grill & Soda Shop\n\n50 S. Broad St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours\n\nCedar Mountain Outpost\n\n8431 Greenville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nDD Bullwinkles\n\n60 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nFirst United Methodist Church\n\n325 N. Broad St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nPisgah Forest Baptist Church\n\n494 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nFood, water, and other supplies such as hygiene products are being distributed at the following locations:\n\nAnchor Baptist Church\n\n3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nZion Baptist Church\n\n423 Main St., Rosman, NC 28772\n\nNo daily hours posted\n\nGrace Brevard\n\n55 E. Jordan St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2;00 p.m.\n\nMary C. Jenkins Community Center\n\n221 Mills Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nYancey County\n\nYancey County has transitioned to one centralized distribution site for water, food and ice located at the following address:\n\nFormer Fred\u2019s Store\n\n677 W. U.S. Highway 19E, Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nMobile laundry facilities are available in the GO Grocery parking lot located at the following address:\n\n631 W Hwy. 19E Bypass, Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nTrash Services and Debris Removal\n\nAll counties are actively working with NCDEQ to determine where mud, silt and sediment can be safely dropped off without risk of contamination.\n\nMore information to come.\n\nRecycling services are available through Curbside Management for the following counties:\n\nBuncombe\n\nClay\n\nGraham\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nJackson\n\nMacon\n\nMadison\n\nPolk\n\nRutherford\n\nYancey\n\nSome communities have halted recycling services to prioritize trash collection.\n\nIf that is the case for your community, Curbside Management has a drop-off site available for residents who wish to bring their recycling to the following location:\n\n116 N. Woodfin Ave., Asheville, NC 28804\n\nIf your home has damage and you need assistance with clean up, please call Crisis Cleanup for access to volunteer organizations that can assist you at 844-965-1386.\n\nIf Hurricane Helene caused damage to your home or belongings, make sure to document it.\n\nThis is critically important in getting reimbursed.\n\nTake photos before you begin cleaning up.\n\nMake a list of damaged or lost items and gather receipts.\n\nDoing this helps speed up the process with insurance and other assistance programs, and ensures you get properly compensated.\n\nBefore you start the clean-up process, remember:\n\nWear PPE such as long pants, goggles, gloves and sturdy shoes.\n\nStay off damaged structures.\n\nBe aware that snakes or other hazardous animals could be present.\n\nCall your local fire department to inspect or removal chemicals, propane tanks, and other hazardous materials.\n\nIf you suspect debris contains toxic substances, seal them in plastic bags to prevent them from becoming airborne.\n\nTo reduce the risk of accidental fires, please DO NOT burn your storm debris.\n\nEmergency personnel are continuing to work on other storm recovery and response efforts, limiting resources to respond to accidental fires.\n\nPlease discard storm debris at a local transfer site or via curbside debris pickup.\n\nDebris should be placed curbside and not block the roadway or access to the property.\n\nPlease place debris away from trees, poles or other structures (e.g., fire hydrants, meters, etc.) to make removal work easier.\n\nContact your local municipality for curbside storm debris removal collection schedules or see below for additional information on debris waste removal by county.\n\nAdditionally, the following counties have resources for where to take household trash and debris waste.\n\nBuncombe\n\nCurbside collection will begin Monday for City of Asheville sanitation customers.\n\nStorm debris collection has begun in Buncombe County.\n\nSeparate storm-related debris at the curb in the right of way according to material type:\n\nAppliances, construction debris, household hazardous waste such as pesticides and automotive fluid, vegetative debris, and electronics.\n\nDebris collection will require multiple passes and will be a long process.\n\nResidents do not have to set out all debris at one time or worry if there is debris left; another pass can collect additional debris.\n\nThe Town of Black Mountain Public Works Department has secured four 15-yard dumpsters located in two sites for Black Mountain residents to throw away household trash ONLY:\n\nTractor Supply: 125 Old US Hwy. 70 E., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nIngles: 550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nPlease Note: Yard waste, bulk items, separate recycling and debris collection are not available at this time.\n\nWaste Pro collection service has resumed for regular Monday route customers.\n\nHaywood\n\nHousehold waste will be accepted at the Materials Recovery Facility at 247 Recycle Rd., Clyde and at Convenience Centers at Jonathan Creek, Beaverdam, Bethel, Hazelwood, Mauney Cove, Jones Cove and Highway 110.\n\nWhite Oak Landfill has reopened.\n\nHenderson\n\nHenderson County Transfer Station is open and accepting storm debris with normal fees.\n\nHenderson County has begun curbside storm debris removal to county residents as a free service.\n\nThe county will pick up storm debris for free if it is pushed to the right of way of a property.\n\nStorm debris includes tree branches, leaves, logs, building materials, furniture, paint etc.\n\nPlease be patient.\n\nThe county will pick up storm debris for free as quickly as possible.\n\nMadison\n\nThe Hot Springs collection center is operating on normal hours for household trash ONLY:\n\nMonday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nWednesday: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.\n\nFriday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nSaturday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nHot Springs trash pickup is returning to Mondays like usual.\n\nPlease only use this pickup service if you cannot bring it to the collection center yourself.\n\nThe pickup service is being led by volunteers at this time.\n\nMcDowell\n\nMcDowell County has hired private contractors to facilitate storm debris pickup from public right of ways in the Town of Old Fort, City of Marion, and along state secondary roads in the county.\n\nResidents are asked to separate debris into the following categories:\n\nLarge appliances\n\nConstruction debris\n\nVegetative debris\n\nHazardous waste\n\nElectronics\n\nHousehold waste\n\nPolk\n\nThe Polk County landfill is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\n322 Landfill Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nDrop-off of residential trash is $10.\n\nGFL trash services will continue the regular schedule. However, certain areas may be inaccessible due to ongoing power outages from Hurricane Helene.\n\nTwo dumpsters are located on Gibson Street for immediate trash disposal due to road inaccessibility.\n\nRutherford\n\nThe county has begun storm debris removal along state-maintained and municipally-controlled roads.\n\nResidents are asked to place storm-related vegetative debris, including trees and limbs, within the road\u2019s right-of-way.\n\nCut large debris into four to six ft. sections.\n\nThe Rutherford County Landfill and all convenience centers have reopened with normal hours.\n\nTransylvania\n\nThe City of Brevard has resumed regular trash pickup.\n\nThe county landfill accepts natural vegetative storm debris, including spoiled hay, trees, brush, etc. for free.\n\nYancey\n\nThe Riverside and East Yancey Recycling Centers have resumed operations.\n\nDaily hours: 7:00 a.m. \u2013 4:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday\n\nThe Yancey-Mitchell Landfill is now open, following repairs from Hurricane Helene.\n\n555 Landfill Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday); 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Saturday)\n\nResidents should sort storm debris from regular household waste.\n\nHazardous materials will not be accepted and construction debris should be separated from household waste.\n\nVoter Information\n\nReminder: Early voting has started!\n\nVoters may cast a ballot at any early voting site in their county.\n\nOnly four early voting sites were closed due to Hurricane Helene across NC-11, all in Buncombe County.\n\nThe following four sites are NO LONGER eligible early voting sites, as was originally planned prior to Hurricane Helene:\n\nBee Tree Fire Station\n\nFriendship Center\n\nNorth Asheville Library\n\nUpper Hominy Fire & Rescue Department\n\nAll other regular early voting sites are OPEN across NC-11.\n\nCoordination is ongoing to develop messaging in multiple languages to inform shelter residents and guests of how and where to vote.\n\nThe North Carolina State Board of Elections has provided pertinent information and recommendations for voters in the Helene disaster area during the 2024 general election.\n\nTo review information on voting in the 2024 general election after Hurricane Helene, you can follow this link.\n\nThe site provides information on absentee voting, how to change your polling location if you have a new permanent address, county board of elections, office closures and more.\n\nFor any additional questions on voting post-hurricane, please contact your county Board of Elections.\n\nPlease note: Your county Board of Elections is the best place to get any questions answered.\n\nI have been permitted to share the above, nonpartisan information but am prohibited from answering any questions related to the 2024 general election.\n\nUnited States Postal Service/Mail Services\n\nUSPS anticipates continued improvement of mail delivery operations with local recovery efforts, to include power, connectivity, and roads.\n\nSocial Security checks are being routed to all units for delivery and/or are available for customer pick up.\n\nFor impacted residents who have relocated due to the storm, please be sure to complete a change of address request at moversguide.usps.com.\n\nMost USPS offices have reopened under normal operations.\n\nSunday delivery is being made in some of the affected communities to ensure delayed mail is delivered as soon as possible.\n\nOnly 21 offices, or 10 percent of all USPS offices in Western NC remain closed.\n\nOnly one facility was fully destroyed, the Micaville PO box office in ZIP code 28755.\n\nUSPS is utilizing Mobile Operations Units where residents can send or receive mail and packages in many of the areas with closed offices.\n\nThe mobile units are located in the following communities:\n\nAlexander - 28701\n\nBarnardsville - 28709\n\nCedar Mountain - 28718\n\nEdneyville - 28727\n\nHot Springs - 28743\n\nMarshall - 28753\n\nMicaville - 28755\n\nMontreat - 28757\n\nRosman - 28772\n\nSwannanoa - 28778\n\nPharmacy Access\n\nPharmacy Locator\n\nHundreds of pharmacies never closed or have reopened across Western North Carolina.\n\nUse this link to locate pharmacy locations open to the public by county.\n\nThe Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response under the Department of Health and Human Services has activated the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) for North Carolinians.\n\nThe EPAP program helps uninsured residents replace prescription medication or certain medical equipment lost or damaged during Hurricane Helene.\n\nThrough the program, uninsured residents can:\n\nRequest a free 30-day supply of certain prescription medications at any EPAP-participating pharmacy which can be renewed every 30 days while the EPAP is active.\n\nReplace certain medical equipment and supplies such as canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, blood sugar meters and blood sugar test strips for diabetics.\n\nUninsured North Carolina residents affected by the recent hurricane can call the EPAP hotline, 855-793-7470, or visit the EPAP website to check their eligibility, determine if their medications or medical equipment are covered, or locate a participating pharmacy.\n\nPrescription Pad is open from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and filling prescriptions for Yancey County residents at the following location:\n\n730 E. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nOpen Urgent Cares/ Health Care Services\n\nThere is a field hospital with physicians, nurses and paramedics who can treat patients at the Burnsville Fire Department. The address is as follows:\n\n305 Pineola St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nThe following urgent cares are open and accessible for community members with non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries:\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Weaverville\n\n61 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nMercy Urgent Care West Asheville\n\n1201 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nMercy Urgent Care Waynesville\n\n120 Frazier St., Ste. 6, Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nLocations open between 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Brevard\n\n22 Trust Ln., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Columbus\n\n140 West Mills St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nLocations open between 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.:\n\nMobile Urgent Care Clinic\n\n12 Florida Ave., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nMental Health & Basic Medical Support Center\n\n130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nPardee Urgent Care\n\n45 Hendersonville Hwy., Ste. A, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nOther locations available:\n\nHeart to Heart International - in Haywood Department of Health Parking Lot\n\n157 Paragon Pkwy., Ste. 800, Clyde, NC 28721\n\nDaily hours: Not available at this time.\n\nFree mental health services - All available for drop-in\n\nIf you have been impacted by the storm and need someone to talk to, call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1 (800) 985-5990.\n\nHelp is also available to anyone, anytime in English or Spanish through a call, text or chat to 988.\n\nLearn more at 988Lifeline.org.\n\nCare Collaborative for Western North Carolina Clinicians is a partnership among more than 200 mental health professionals volunteering to provide free mental health services for Hurricane Helene survivors.\n\nServices are provided virtually, and you can follow this link to find a professional that fits your needs and their contact information to schedule a session.\n\nHot Springs Elementary School - Art Room\n\n63 N. Serpentine Ave., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nThe Pearl Institute\n\n55 Academy St., Waynesville, NC\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-6:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nFree telehealth appointments are also available.\n\nTo book a telehealth appointment, you can email info@pearlpsychedelicinstitute.org or call/text (828) 400-7091\n\nCommunity Support Group\n\nThe first of a series of free support groups occurred on Monday, October 14, to help the community manage the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.\n\nRegular group sessions will be occurring through the end of December at the following locations:\n\n221 Mills Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nMary C. Jenkins Community & Cultural Center\n\nHosted by the City of Brevard, AARP, and Blue Ridge Community College\n\n9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on October 21 and 28\n\n45 Oak Park Dr., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nBlue Ridge Community College, Brevard Campus, Room 140\n\n9:00-11:00 a.m. on November 4, 18, 25; December 2, 9 ,16\n\nAll University of North Carolina System students have access to free mental health through their university.\n\nPlease monitor your student email for more information on how to access these services.\n\nThe following orthopedic urgent care locations are open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily, physical therapy appointments are also available at each of these locations:\n\nEmergeOrtho Hendersonville\n\n800 Fleming St., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nEmergeOrtho Arden (South Asheville)\n\n2585 Hendersonville Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nEmergeOrtho Waynesville\n\n9 Haywood Office Park, Ste. 102 and 103, Waynesville, NC 28785\n\nEmergeOrtho Brevard\n\n89 Hospital Dr., Ste. A, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nEmergeOrtho Weaverville\n\n159 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nDialysis Locations\n\nThe following location is open and available for dialysis treatments in NC-11:\n\nPardee Hospital\n\n800 N. Justice St., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nThis location can dialyze 30 patients a day.\n\nDaVita Kidney Care nurses are reaching out to their patients to coordinate treatment, but the following DaVita locations are available:\n\nDaVita Greer South Dialysis\n\n3254 Brushy Greek Rd., Greer, SC 29650\n\nContact Number: (864) 801-2065\n\nDaVita Saluda River Dialysis\n\n8080 Augusta Rd., Piedmont, SC 29673\n\nContact Number: (833) 378-2702\n\nDaVita Wofford at Home\n\n8024 White Ave., Spartanburg, SC 29303\n\nContact Number: (864) 583-4788\n\nDaVita Boiling Springs Dialysis\n\n196 Sloane Garden Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316\n\nContact Number: (833) 458-4809\n\nOxygen Locations\n\nHendersonville High School\n\n1 Bearcat Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nMust be assessed through Pardee Hospital.\n\nLincare is only serving established patients.\n\nPatients must bring in empty tanks to one of the following locations:\n\nAsheville Lincare\n\n103 Elk Park Dr., Asheville, NC 28804\n\nFax number: (866) 234-6698\n\nGreenville Lincare\n\n355 Woodruff Rd., Ste. 204 and 205, Greenville, SC 29607\n\nFax Number: (864) 288-0339\n\nThe following locations are available for oxygen refills, but patients must bring their own oxygen equipment - fire departments are available 24/7:\n\nBoiling Springs Fire Department\n\n186 Rainbow Lake Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316\n\nReidville Fire Department\n\n7450 Reidville Rd., Woodruff, SC 29388\n\nInman City Fire Department\n\n6 Humphrey St., Inman, SC 29349\n\nFirst Presbyterian Church\n\n393 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29302\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.\n\nGreer Relief Indigo Hope Neighborhood Impact Center\n\n113C Berry Ave., Greer, SC 29651\n\nDaily hours: 2:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nCroft Fire Department\n\n370 Cedar Springs Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29302\n\nArkwright Fire Department\n\n1070 Southport Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29306\n\nRoebuck Fire Department\n\n2639 Stone Station Rd., Roebuck, SC 29376\\\n\nNorth Spartanburg Fire Department\n\n8767 Asheville Hwy., Spartanburg, SC 29316\n\nResources for Veterans\n\nOutpatient clinics have rescheduled 66 percent of the appointments that were cancelled due to Hurricane Helene, with more being rescheduled every day.\n\nThe U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs launched a new web page with disaster relief resources, providing a single place for veterans and their caregivers to access VA resources on health care, housing, benefits payments, insurance, and more.\n\nYou can access the web site via this link.\n\nThe VA has established a Veterans Disaster Response Hotline, which is available 24/7 at 1(800) 507-4571.\n\nIf you or a veteran you know needs immediate housing assistance after Hurricane Helene, please call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at (877) 424-3838.\n\nThe call center is open 24/7.\n\nIf you have a VA-backed home loan and are unable to make your mortgage payments, please contact your mortgage servicer.\n\nYou can also call the VA at (877) 827-3702, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nHome loan servicers are allowed to put a 90-day pause on foreclosures and encouraged to waive late charges for VA-guaranteed home loans after a disaster.\n\nLegionnaires, Sons of the American Legion members and Legion Posts that have been displaced from their primary residence due to damage sustained during Hurricane Helene may be eligible for financial assistance through the American Legion.\n\nLegionnaires and Sons of the American Legion members may be eligible for up to $3,000.\n\nLegion Posts may be eligible for up to $10,000.\n\nTo learn more or to request assistance, please use this link.\n\nApplications must be submitted within 90 days of the disaster: Dec. 26, 2024.\n\nThe Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville and Master Sergeant Jerry K. Crump VA Clinic in Forest City are open for essential and emergency services.\n\nVeterans can:\n\nVisit the Asheville VA Hospital pharmacy for medication refills or:\n\nCall the Regional Clinical Contact Center at (855) 679-0074 and press 1 for pharmacy representatives.\n\nLocal pharmacies in the VA\u2019s community care network will also fill written prescriptions, or prescriptions as they appear on an active VA prescription bottle that is not older than six months and has available refills, to provide a 30-day supply.\n\nHickory, Forest City and Franklin outpatient VA clinics are now operating regularly.\n\nDue to the damage and personal losses caused by Hurricane Helene to the staff of the VA, it will take some time to bring staffing to full capacity.\n\nPlease be patient as the VA works to rebuild their workforce.\n\nResources for Farmers\n\nThe United States Department of Agriculture has put together a list of resources for farmers and other agricultural industry members.\n\nIf your agricultural operation has been impacted by Hurricane Helene, you can review this link, farmers.gov, for emergency and disaster assistance programs.\n\nAg supplies can be picked up by farmers in need from any of the following distribution centers (including non-NC-11 locations for farmers who may be closer to an out-of-district distribution center):\n\nAvery County\n\nMitchell-Avery County Center\n\n6880 Linville Falls Hwy., Newland, NC 28657\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday); 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Saturday)\n\nBuncombe County\n\nMills River Station\n\n74 Research Dr., Mills River, NC 28759\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nCaldwell County\n\nCaldwell County Fairgrounds\n\n2461 Fairground Rd., Lenoir, NC 28645\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Wednesday and Saturday only), or by appointment\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMarion - McDowell County\n\n188 Ag Services Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Saturday)\n\nHaywood County\n\nSmokey Mountain Event Center\n\n758 Crabtree Dr., Waynesville, NC 28785\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nWatauga County\n\nWatauga County Extension\n\n5715 U.S. Highway 421 N., Vilas, NC 28692\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) - NO HAY\n\n1:00-6:00 p.m. (Tuesday and Thursday) - HAY ONLY\n\nPower\n\nRoughly 6,200 customers remain without power in Western North Carolina.\n\nUp from less than 5,500 customers yesterday.\n\nThe majority of remaining power outages are concentrated in Western North Carolina, with the highest percentage of outages being reported in Yancey County.\n\nAround 2,500 Duke Energy customers are without power.\n\nThis is up from around 900 yesterday.\n\nRoughly 3,600 co-op customers remain without power.\n\nLocal co-ops are utilizing their full teams to restore energy and have more than 500 reinforcements from more than 30 electric cooperatives across 11 states.\n\nFrench Broad Electric is averaging over 100 pole replacements per day.\n\nPrior to Helene, the most replaced poles in any given time were the replacement of 120 poles over a seven-day period in 2009.\n\nTo date, FBE has replaced more than 1,200 poles, and they still have hundreds left to do.\n\nMore co-op crews arrived yesterday, October 21, to provide additional support, including to help replace broken poles and wires.\n\nNCDOT crews are still coordinating closely with power companies to ensure service is being restored as quickly as possible, including along private roads, keeping in mind that cold months are approaching fast.\n\nFor more information on Duke Energy\u2019s power restoration efforts, you can review the following links:\n\nComplex Repair & Disaster Rebuild Zones Map: duke-energy.com/info/carolinas-restoration\n\nOutage Map: duke-energy.com/outages\n\nOutage Alerts: duke-energy.com/outages/alerts\n\nGenerator safety: duke-energy.com/outages/generators\n\nPower restoration process: duke-energy.com/outages/restoring-your-power\n\nRoads\n\nWestern North Carolina is FULLY OPEN to visitors!\n\nPlease come visit!\n\nNCDOT staff have transitioned to temporary repairs and reconstruction of damaged roadways.\n\nThe state has reopened 818 roads and are only reporting 468 road closures.\n\nMore than 2,000 DOT employees are working in Western NC, including 375 units from Central NC and 70 from Kentucky.\n\nNCDOT has established a new Road Reopening Dashboard for folks to keep track of progress made by the department.\n\nYou can use this link to access the dashboard.\n\nThe dashboard is also linked on DriveNC.gov.\n\nTo monitor road conditions in and around NC-11, use drivenc.gov.\n\nThe website tracks NCDOT-managed road conditions in real time.\n\nNC DMV has reopened 14 of the 16 driver license offices that were closed due to Hurricane Helene.\n\nThe following DMV offices are open for walk-in services in or near NC-11, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., closed between 11:30 a.m. through 1:00 p.m. for a lunch break:\n\nBuncombe County\n\n1624 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nCherokee County\n\n1440 Main St., Andrews, NC 28901\n\nHaywood County\n\n290 Lee Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nHenderson County\n\n125 Baystone Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nJackson County\n\n876 Skyland Dr., Ste. 2, Sylva, NC 28779\n\nMacon County\n\n16 Patton Ave., Franklin, NC 28734\n\nMadison County\n\n1685 NC Highway 213, Marshall, NC 28753\n\nMcDowell County\n\n3975 NC 226 S., Marion, NC 28752\n\nRutherford County\n\n596 Withrow Rd., Forest City, NC 28043\n\nSwain County\n\n2650 Governors Island Rd., Bryson City, NC 28713\n\nTransylvania County\n\n50 Commerce St., Ste. 4, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAll but five license plate agencies have reopened.\n\nAir traffic has sustained at 300 percent above pre-hurricane levels in Western NC.\n\nNCDOT\u2019s aviation division continue to work to make sure flight operations are safe coming into and out of airports, including by:\n\nScheduling landing/unloading times and aircraft parking so aircraft are spaced out and to reduce the risk of incidents.\n\nEstablishing a first of its kind \u201ccorridors in the sky\u201d to separate civilian and military aircraft in the air.\n\nHaving search and rescue partners use short, time and location specific restrictions on air operations to enhance safety when multiple helicopters are engaged in search and rescue efforts.\n\nThe state of North Carolina is NOT turning away civil aviation support so long as it has been coordinated through the proper channels with NC Emergency Management.\n\nIf you or someone you know is interested in providing civil aviation support and don\u2019t know where to coordinate your efforts, please call my office and we will help you get in touch with the right folks.\n\nNCDOT has launched a detour map to show motorists how to get around closures on I-26 and I-40 at the Tennessee border.\n\nYou can access the map here.\n\nInternet Access\n\nThe fiber line has been restored from Lake Lure to Chimney Rock, restoring communication capabilities to the area for the first time since Hurricane Helene hit our mountains.\n\nInternet providers are working with local energy and cell providers to restore service for customers across Western North Carolina.\n\nFiber repair crews are also pairing with electric utility crews in the field to assist with any accidental fiber cuts.\n\nInternet providers including Optimum and Spectrum are working around the clock to restore service for customers. However, part of the network\u2019s infrastructure was destroyed by mudslides and collapsed bridges making restoration a lengthy process.\n\nAs a result, some impacted areas will require a rebuild of the network from scratch.\n\nTo mitigate the lack of service, Optimum, formerly Altice USA, has set up an Optimum Wi-Fi Trailer that is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the following locations:\n\n717 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\n1800 Four Seasons Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nThe following locations are offering free public wi-fi:\n\nFirst Baptist Church - Weaverville\n\n63 N. Main St, Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nDowntown Franklin\n\nThe Town of Franklin has free wi-fi on the town hill area in downtown.\n\nTransylvania County Library - 24/7\n\n212 S. Gaston St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nThe Yard Brevard\n\n284 Railroad Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nBrevard Visitor Center\n\n175 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAvailable daily from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThe Vine Anglican Church - and free coffee\n\n1055 Lee Rd, Clyde, NC 28721\n\nAvailable daily from 12:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nCell Service\n\nRoughly 94 percent of all cellular sites in Western North Carolina have been repaired and are now in service.\n\nThe remaining areas require significant infrastructure reconstruction.\n\nCell service providers have implemented disaster roaming for any phone located in Western North Carolina to maximize phone service for all users.\n\nDisaster roaming allows users to connect to any mobile network during a disaster when other networks are down.\n\nThis allows users to access emergency services, such as 911, even when their own network is out.\n\nIf you have service one moment, but experience a reduction in service the next, try restarting your phone to jumpstart disaster roaming again.\n\nUpCycle Tech in Transylvania County is offering free computers and phones for use at the following location:\n\n470 Asheville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAT&T has deployed its Mobile Connectivity Center to the following location:\n\nSam\u2019s Club: 645 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nThe Mobile Connectivity Center is an air-conditioned mobile unit open to the public, equipped with laptops, charging stations and wi-fi.\n\nThe public can use the center for various needs including contacting your insurance company, filling out paperwork or connecting with loved ones.\n\nVerizon has deployed Wireless Emergency Communication Centers to help hurricane survivors stay connected to their friends, family and other important contacts.\n\nWireless Emergency Communication Centers are generator-powered mobile units that have device charging and computer workstations, along with wireless phones, tablets, and other devices available for use.\n\nVerizon\u2019s Wireless Emergency Communication Centers have been set up at the following locations:\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nAsheville YMCA\n\n30 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nFamily Justice Center\n\n35 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nVerizon also has charging stations at the following locations:\n\nYMCA of Western North Carolina\n\n348 Grace Corpening Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nTwo charging stations at this location\n\nWNC Agricultural Center\n\n761 Boylston Hwy., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nThree charging stations at this location\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nOne charging station at this location\n\nT-Mobile has set up satellite cellular on light trucks (SatCOLTs), providing cellular voice and data along with wi-fi and charging stations at the following locations:\n\nAsheville Middle School\n\n211 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center\n\n285 Livingston St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nFirst Baptist Church\n\n130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nAdditional T-Mobile satellite cell on trucks are located in Hendersonville and at a Tractor Supply Co. in Asheville, with others planned for Mission Hospital in Asheville, Cherokee County Emergency Operations Center in Murphy, and in Cherokee.\n\nNorth Carolina National Guard & Department of Defense\n\nAs requests from some counties are decreasing, NC National Guard assets are NOT standing down, they are instead being reallocated to other areas.\n\nMore than 3,100 National Guard soldiers and airmen, active-duty service members, and Emergency Management Assistance Compact units (National Guard units from 12 different states) are deployed across Western North Carolina to provide support.\n\nThis includes:\n\nAlmost 1,300 vehicles\n\n10 helicopters\n\nAs search and rescue needs diminish and roads are being cleared and restored, the need for aerial support is decreasing and ground vehicles are becoming an increasingly more effective means of support.\n\nThe National Guard has distributed more than 12,200 tons of commodities to Western North Carolina.\n\nHighlights from the last 24 hours:\n\nCompleted relocation of palletized goods from Asheville airport.\n\nCompleted culvert cleanout and cleared more than 74 cubic yards of debris by hand in Madison County.\n\nContinued large scale consolidation of palletized goods and continued assembly and delivery of 450 generators in support of Samaritan's Purse in Yancey County.\n\nAlthough airspace is limited due to ongoing missions by the National Guard and Department of Defense, a process has been established for private pilots seeking to fly in humanitarian relief to coordinate with local authorities.\n\nIf you are looking to fly in resources and don\u2019t know where to turn, call my office and we will get you in contact with the right coordinators.\n\nHere are a few key phone numbers from the NCNG:\n\nHOTLINE: 888-892-1162\n\nEmergency management watch: 919-733-3300\n\nDonated goods: 919-825-2474\n\nThese lines have very high call volumes. If you do not get through the first try, keep calling.\n\nAsheville Regional Airport\n\nAsheville Regional Airport closed mid-day on Friday, September 27, due to risk of flooding.\n\nCommercial flights at Asheville Regional Airport have resumed.\n\nIf you parked your car in an Asheville Regional Airport lot and could not retrieve the vehicle due to the storm, great news - none of the airport\u2019s lots flooded and all cars are fine.\n\nStay safe and pick up your car when you are able.\n\nPLEASE NOTE:\n\nNo general aviation pilots are allowed to land at Asheville Regional Airport without prior clearance from FEMA to ensure the safety of aircraft and personnel.\n\nSupply deliveries by civilian pilots ARE permitted to land at Asheville Regional Airport so long as they have prior clearance from FEMA.\n\nFEMA is not turning away any pilot that has gone through the proper channels to coordinate delivery and ensure the safety of his fellow aircraft and personnel.\n\nFederal Nutrition Programs\n\nThe U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service has approved flexibilities due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene.\n\nSNAP\n\nNorth Carolina was granted a waiver for the 10-day reporting requirement for the replacement of food purchased with SNAP benefits lost because of the hurricane.\n\nThis waiver provides additional time beyond the standard 10-day time frame for households to report food losses and receive replacement benefits for food that was destroyed and previously purchased with SNAP benefits.\n\nD-SNAP\n\nPeople living in the 25 major disaster declared Western NC counties and members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians impacted by Hurricane Helene can apply to receive a one-time benefit to help buy food through the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP).\n\nPre-registration is available by using ePASS pre-registration tool.\n\nFor the tool and more information, visit epass.nc.gov/.\n\nTo be eligible, applicants must:\n\nHave suffered losses/damages related to Hurricane Helene, such as damage to property or loss of income.\n\nHave proof of identity and proof of residency.\n\nNot currently receiving benefits through the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS).\n\nPeople receiving FNS can also get extra help to buy food but do not need to fill out a D-SNAP application.\n\nCertain income and resource limits may apply.\n\nChild Nutrition\n\nThe North Carolina Department of Public Instruction was approved for a waiver pertaining to the child nutrition programs.\n\nUnder the waiver approval, NCDPI\u2019s local program operators may:\n\nServe meals in a non-congregate setting\n\nAdjust the time of meal service\n\nAllow parent pick-up\n\nAllow service of meals at school sites\n\nFood and Nutrition Services Program\n\nPeople and families in North Carolina who are enrolled in the Food and Nutrition Services program can now use their EBT card to purchase hot food.\n\nThis flexibility will remain in effect until November 3.\n\nSpecial Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, & Children (WIC)\n\nFamilies participating in WIC who may have relocated to a new area can go to any NC WIC agency to:\n\nHave a new eWIC card issued\n\nRequest replacement breastfeeding supplies or breast pumps\n\nRequest replacement food that was purchased with current WIC benefits and lost due to Hurricane Helene\n\nFor NC-11 Medical Providers\n\nIf you own a medical practice in NC-11 and are experiencing financial hardship due to Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina Medical Society is reactivating its Financial Recovery Program (FRP) to help you recover and open your doors again.\n\nFor more information on the disaster relief fund, you can visit this link.\n\nDetails on how medical practices can qualify and apply for funds will be coming soon.\n\nThe Department of Health and Human Services through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has made available:\n\nAccelerated payments to Medicare Part A providers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nAdvance payments to Medicare Part B suppliers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nFor Local Government Resource Requests\n\nFor county leaders: This is a reminder to make sure your Emergency Operation Center has submitted the request for gasoline, food, water, cell service deployables, etc. with North Carolina Emergency Management to have your request processed and resources delivered.\n\nMy office stands ready to assist with checking the status of your request if the county or municipality has not heard back from NC Emergency Management within 24 hours.\n\nDisaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)\n\nThe deadline to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits is Dec. 2, 2024 for all counties other than Swain, Graham and Cherokee counties.\n\nSwain County\u2019s deadline is Dec. 9, 2024.\n\nDisaster Unemployment Assistance benefits are now available for Western North Carolinians in counties with a major disaster declaration, including:\n\nBuncombe\n\nClay\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nJackson\n\nMacon\n\nMadison\n\nMcDowell\n\nPolk\n\nRutherford\n\nSwain\n\nTransylvania\n\nYancey\n\nIf your employment has been lost or interrupted because of Hurricane Helene, you may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance.\n\nFile an application for DUA:\n\nFile at des.nc.gov, or\n\nCall over the phone at (919) 629-3857\n\nA toll-free legal aid hotline is now available for low-income survivors with disaster-related legal questions: (866) 219-5262.\n\nFor Individual Assistance through FEMA\n\nThe deadline to file for FEMA Individual Assistance is Nov. 27, 2024. Please mark your calendars and ensure all applications are submitted on time.\n\nNorth Carolina received a Major Disaster Declaration for the following counties: Buncombe, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania and Yancey counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.\n\nPeople with damage to their homes or personal property who live in one of the above-listed counties should apply for Individual Assistance through FEMA, which may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies.\n\nFunds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay.\n\nIndividual Assistance provides financial aid and services to eligible individuals and households that have been affected by a disaster to assist with the recovery process. Individuals can officially begin applying for Individual Assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling the application phone number at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. EST.\n\nFind steps to help you replace important documents that were lost or damaged in the storm: www.fema.gov/disaster/4827/news-media\n\nIf you were initially denied for Individual Assistance, please see below for useful tips to help you file an appeal with FEMA:\n\nUnderstand why FEMA denied your claim before writing the appeal.\n\nIt could be as simple as a missing document, which you can submit with your appeal.\n\nRead FEMA\u2019s letter from beginning to end to completely understand what the agency needs from you.\n\nMake sure you provide evidence for your appeal. Depending on your situation, documentation may include:\n\nA copy of your flood insurance declaration page.\n\nProof of occupancy, which could be an employer statement, lease, utility bill, credit card statement, or other recent, formal document that states your address.\n\nProof of ownership, which might include your mortgage or insurance documents, tax receipts, deed, etc.\n\nCan\u2019t write the appeal yourself?\n\nI recommend having a trusted friend, family member, or lawyer write it for you.\n\nKnow your deadline.\n\nYou have 60 days from the date of your FEMA determination letter to appeal.\n\nCircle the deadline on your calendar or write yourself a note to keep the date in the forefront.\n\nOnce FEMA reviews your letter, you may receive a phone call or a follow-up letter asking for more documentation.\n\nDon\u2019t forget to sign your appeal letter!\n\nOnce signed, there are three ways to submit your appeal:\n\nFax it to (800) 827-8112\n\nSend it by mail to: FEMA Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782\n\nUpload all appeal documents to your disasterassistance.gov account.\n\nInclude your application number on every page of the documents you submit.\n\nExpect a decision letter to your appeal within 90 days.\n\nTo Connect with a Loved One\n\nResidents trying to connect with family members may call NC 211 (or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from out-of-state) to report missing loved ones or request a welfare check.\n\nPeople in the impacted areas can indicate that they are safe by reporting themselves safe through Red Cross Reunification by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).\n\nPlease only use 911 for life-threatening emergencies so the lines remain open for critical situations.\n\nIf you are still trying to locate a friend or family member, please complete this form, linked here, to notify local officials of their missing status.\n\nThe form was created by Buncombe County but information is being shared amongst all counties.\n\nRegardless of which county your loved one was last known to be in, you can still submit the form.\n\nBuncombe County will share the information with the appropriate officials to initiate search and rescue efforts.\n\nUnited Way is also fielding missing person/welfare check requests.\n\nText PERSON to 40403 to add a loved one to search and rescue efforts or fill out this form.\n\nResources for Utility & Other Status Updates\n\nFor information on the status of utilities, debris sites, etc., we want to share the following resources. As communications are restored and more information becomes available, these sites will continue to be updated.\n\nDrinking Water Systems: Public Water Supply Situation Report Tracking\n\nDebris Disposal Sites: Active Temporary Debris Disposal Sites\n\nNCDEQ Situation Report Tracking System\n\nNCDPS Hurricane Helene - Storm Information\n\nNCDPS County Emergency Management Agencies\n\nHow to Apply for FEMA Assistance After Hurricane Helene\n\nFree Legal Assistance\n\nLegal Aid of North Carolina stands ready to provide free advice and legal counsel regarding natural disaster needs, including legal representation if necessary, including for civil legal issues involving:\n\nFiling FEMA claims and appeals (a process which can be overwhelmingly bureaucratic and burdensome)\n\nReplacement of lost or destroyed legal and government documents, including driver\u2019s licenses and identification cards\n\nMedical and insurance claims\n\nHome repair contracts\n\nUtility disputes related to restoration of services\n\nConsumer protection issues like construction fraud, price-gouging on repairs and identity theft\n\nHousing issues such as unlawful eviction and foreclosures\n\nBankruptcy\n\nProbate and clearing title for survivors living in generational homes without a clear title\n\nFamily law cases and children in need of services (unfortunately, domestic violence tends to rise following a natural disaster)\n\nIf you need civil legal assistance, please contact Legal Aid of North Carolina via the following toll-free hotline:\n\n(866) 219-LANC or (866) 219-5262\n\nThe hotline is available from:\n\n8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; and 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Monday and Thursdays.\n\nConstituents can also apply online at legalaidnc.org/get-help/ between 1:00-4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday.\n\nIRS Guidance for Taxpayers Impacted by Hurricane Helene\n\nExtension of certain tax filing deadlines:\n\nIRS has extended various filing deadlines for taxpayers in impacted areas, including 2024 individual/business returns, certain quarterly estimated income tax payments, and certain payroll/excise taxes.\n\nClick here for the full list of extensions and respective dates\n\nClick here for more information from the IRS on disaster assistance\n\nTax relief for qualified payments, disaster-related losses:\n\nIRS released provided guidance to taxpayers on how to address disaster-related losses in their 2024 tax return, as well as providing guidance on how qualified disaster relief payments - like government assistance payments - are generally excluded from gross income.\n\nClick here for a general walkthrough of these policies (under header \u201cAdditional tax relief\u201d)\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of disaster-related losses\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of qualified disaster relief payments\n\nDisaster payments are usually tax-free:\n\nQualified disaster relief payments are generally excluded from gross income.\n\nIn general, this means that affected taxpayers can exclude the following payments from a government agency from their gross income. Amounts received for:\n\nReasonable and necessary personal, family, living or funeral expenses.\n\nThe repair or rehabilitation of your home.\n\nThe repair or replacement of your home\u2019s contents.\n\nYou may be eligible for a disaster loss deduction:\n\nIn some instances, individuals and businesses in a federally declared disaster area can qualify for a casualty loss tax deduction.\n\nThe deduction is available for damaged or destroyed property not covered by insurance or other reimbursement and can result in a larger refund.\n\nTaxpayers can choose to claim the deduction on either the return for the year the loss occurred (in this instance, the 2024 return normally filed next year), or the return for the prior year (the 2023 return filed this year).\n\nFor individual taxpayers, the deadline for making this election is Oct. 15, 2025.\n\nThe IRS also has a special hotline specifically dedicated to taxpayers with disaster-related tax questions. Disaster victims can call the agency\u2019s disaster hotline at (866) 562-5227.\n\nShelters\n\nFor those unable to evacuate to a safe location or in need of a place to go, the following shelters are currently open and available as of today:\n\nBuncombe County\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nGold\u2019s Gym\n\n801 Fairview Rd, Asheville, NC 28803\n\nWNC Agricultural Center\n\n1301 Fanning Bridge Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nHaywood County\n\nHaywood County Government Armory\n\n285 Armory Dr., Clyde, NC 28781\n\nHenderson County\n\nHenderson County Recreation Center\n\n708 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMcDowell County Senior Center\n\n100 Spaulding Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nRutherford County\n\nRutherfordton Presbyterian Church\n\n252 N. Washington St., Rutherfordton, NC 28139\n\nTransylvania County\n\nTransylvania Parks & Rec\n\n1078 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nYancey County\n\nBlue Ridge Elementary\n\n910 Cane River School Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nCarolina Cruiser mobile office hours\n\nIn keeping with my office's motto of being \"First in Constituent Services\" and to help constituents post-Hurricane Helene, my office has resumed Carolina Cruiser mobile office hours.\n\nFolks can stop by to share their thoughts on issues that matter to them or ask for assistance with federal agencies.\n\nVisit my website for updated Carolina Cruiser hours and locations, linked here.\n\nWith my warmest regards,\n\nChuck Edwards\n\nMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/murphy-introduces-bipartisan-resolution-raise-awareness-aadc-deficiency", "Murphy Introduces Bipartisan Resolution to Raise Awareness for AADC Deficiency", "2024-10-22", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Gregory F. Murphy", "M001210", "murphy.house.gov", "murphy", "https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. issued the following statement after introducing a bipartisan resolution alongside Congressman Stephen Lynch (D-MA) to designate October 23rd, 2024, as AADC Deficiency Awareness Day.\n\n\"I am proud to introduce this resolution to bring greater awareness about AADC Deficiency,\" said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. \"Increasing recognition of this disease will support patients experiencing symptoms of this disease and guide them toward appropriate care. As a physician of over 30 years, I am honored to amplify awareness of AADC Deficiency in Congress and help inform the public about this rare disease.\"\n\n\"I am proud to continue my work with Rep. Greg Murphy and reintroduce this bipartisan resolution designating October 23, 2024 as 'AADC Deficiency Awareness Day,'\" said Congressman Stephen F. Lynch. \"Raising awareness of this rare, yet devastating, disease will help patients and families recognize their symptoms and pursue treatment. I thank the AADC Family Network for their continued advocacy, research, and services they offer those who are affected by this disease, and I am hopeful this resolution will promote medical research and progress to find better treatment for those suffering from AADC Deficiency.\"\n\n\"Building awareness is crucial - not only within the AADC community but also among healthcare providers - enabling them to identify symptoms early and deliver prompt, accurate diagnoses,\" said Kelly Heger, Director of the AADC Family Network.\n\nBackground\n\nAADC Deficiency is a genetic neurologic rare disease that affects approximately 1 in 100,000 people in the United States.\n\nAromatic L-Amino Acid Decarboxylase (AADC) Deficiency is a genetic neurologic rare disease that severely debilitates a patient's development, motor skills, growth, and cognitive and language skills and limits a patient's life.\n\nAADC Deficiency results from an inherited genetic disease where patients lack the AADC enzyme required to create dopamine and, without dopamine, patients will never achieve motor milestones, such as holding their heads up, sitting, and standing, or develop the ability to communicate or perform basic life functions.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/helene-recovery-update-24-congressman-edwards", "Helene recovery update #24 from Congressman Edwards", "2024-10-21", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Chuck Edwards", "E000246", "edwards.house.gov", "edwards", "https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "October 21, 2024\n\nDear Friend,\n\nYesterday I shared how my office is here for you and today, I wanted to take a moment to share how FEMA is showing up for the people of Western North Carolina.\n\nAfter a rocky start to hurricane response, and amidst continued hiccups here and there, FEMA has more than 1,500 responders deployed across Western North Carolina dedicated to supporting our communities.\n\nDisaster Survivor Assistance specialists have been out and about across our district and helped register more than 6,900 survivors for Individual Assistance.\n\nFEMA has also set up 14 Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs), including seven centers across six counties in NC-11. The counties with DRCs are Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, McDowell, and Transylvania, with more centers being established as local officials work with FEMA to find the right location.\n\nThese centers provide guidance regarding disaster recovery, including by helping individuals apply for FEMA and SBA assistance, clarifying written correspondence received from FEMA, and writing referrals to local assistance in the area. Recovery Center staff have served more than 5,700 visitors and as a whole, FEMA has accepted more than 206,000 applications for assistance so far.\n\nFEMA\u2019s response has been far from perfect, but the Disaster Survivor Assistance teams and Disaster Recovery Centers are showing up for the people of Western North Carolina. They are staffed by folk who want to help and are providing much-needed assistance to our mountains.\n\nThis update includes where to find agriculture supplies, updates on storm debris removal for multiple counties and the reopening of the Patton Ave DMV in Buncombe County.\n\nToday is update number 24, with more information to follow in the coming days. Please make sure to read everything and share it with your friends and family.\n\nIndex\n\nClick the title to be taken to the correlating information in the update.\n\nFEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Sites\n\nLegislative Support\n\nHousing/Individual Assistance Updates\n\nFood and Water\n\nBuncombe County\n\nHaywood County\n\nHenderson County\n\nJackson County\n\nMadison County\n\nMcDowell County\n\nPolk County\n\nRutherford County\n\nTransylvania County\n\nYancey County\n\nTrash Services and Debris Removal\n\nBuncombe\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nMadison\n\nMcDowell\n\nPolk\n\nRutherford\n\nTransylvania\n\nYancey\n\nVoter Information\n\nUnited States Postal Service/Mail Services\n\nPharmacy Access\n\nOpen Urgent Cares/ Health Care Services\n\nDialysis Locations\n\nOxygen Locations\n\nResources for Veterans\n\nResources for Farmers\n\nPower\n\nRoads\n\nInternet Access\n\nCell Service\n\nNorth Carolina National Guard & Department of Defense\n\nAsheville Regional Airport\n\nFederal Nutrition Programs\n\nFor NC-11 Medical Providers\n\nFor Local Government Resource Requests\n\nFor Individual Assistance through FEMA\n\nTo Connect with a Loved One\n\nResources for Utility & Other Status Updates\n\nFree Legal Assistance\n\nIRS Guidance for Taxpayers Impacted by Hurricane Helene\n\nShelters\n\nBuncombe County\n\nHaywood County\n\nHenderson County\n\nMadison County\n\nMcDowell County\n\nRutherford County\n\nTransylvania County\n\nYancey County\n\nCarolina Cruiser Mobile Office Hours\n\nFEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Sites\n\nThe following FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers are open seven days a week to assist North Carolina survivors who have experienced losses from Hurricane Helene.\n\nBuncombe County: A.C. Reynolds High School\n\n1 Rocket Dr., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nA Comfort Care Center will also be available at this location where survivors can shower, do laundry and use other services.\n\nThe Asheville Social Security office remains closed due to a lack of power and water.\n\nThe Social Security Administration is maintaining staff at the Buncombe County Disaster Recovery Center until the Asheville office reopens.\n\nHaywood County\n\nRegional High Technical Center\n\n112 Industrial Park Dr., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nHenderson County\n\n2111 Asheville Hwy., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nJackson County Annex Building\n\n198 WBI Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nMcDowell County: A.C. \u201cBud\u201d Hogan Community Center\n\n909 E. Main St., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nMcDowell County Senior Center\n\n100 Spaulding Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nTransylvania County: Community Services Building\n\n106 E. Morgan St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nA Disaster Recovery Center is a one-stop shop where survivors can meet face-to-face with FEMA representatives, apply for FEMA assistance, receive referrals to local assistance in their area, apply with the U.S. Small Business Administration for disaster loans, etc.\n\nAdditional recovery centers will be opening soon, and I will keep you posted as I learn about them.\n\nDisaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams are also stationed across NC-11 to help survivors apply for FEMA assistance and connect them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources.\n\nLegislative Support\n\nThe U.S. House of Representatives is gearing up to pass a disaster relief package when we return to session in November.\n\nI have begun conversations with leadership about how to best meet Western North Carolina\u2019s needs in any supplemental relief package passed by Congress in the coming months.\n\nThe North Carolina General Assembly unanimously passed the Disaster Recovery Act of 2024 on Oct. 9, 2024.\n\nThis bill creates a new Hurricane Helene fund with $273 million from the state\u2019s Savings Reserve Fund.\n\n$250 million will go to the Department of Public Safety's Division of Emergency Management to provide the state\u2019s match to federal disaster relief funds.\n\nAnother portion of the funds will be used to establish a revolving loan program to help local government and state agencies with cash flow while they are waiting for reimbursement from the federal government.\n\n$16 million will go to the Department of Public Instruction for \u201clost compensation of school nutrition employees due to school closures resulting from Hurricane Helene\u201d\n\n$2 million to provide local governments technical assistance with local recovery funds.\n\n$5 million to the State Board of Elections, alongside a variety of temporary election law changes such as changing polling sites that were rendered unusable by the storm and establishing a voter hotline, to make it easier for residents of Western North Carolina to vote.\n\nThe bill also:\n\nGrants school calendar flexibility to public schools by allowing them to make up or mark as completed any number of the days or hours missed.\n\nIt also allows the schools to use up to 30 days of remote instruction toward required instructional days.\n\nWaives DMV fees for things like obtaining a duplicate driver\u2019s license, ID card, etc.\n\nWaives certain environmental requirements for state highway repairs.\n\nThis provision will not reduce the safety of repairs conducted by NCDOT or negatively impact the environment.\n\nHousing/Individual Assistance Updates\n\nMore than 206,000 Western North Carolinians have registered for Individual Assistance with FEMA.\n\nThe Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program through FEMA is currently providing temporary hotel stays to more than 6,100 individuals.\n\nFEMA has distributed more than $124 million in housing assistance to more than 87,600 Western North Carolina households.\n\nInspectors have performed more than 21,000 home inspections for FEMA Individual Assistance evaluations.\n\nFEMA is seeking residential properties to lease for Helene survivors.\n\nInterested WNC property owner or management companies should reach out to FEMA on or before 5:00 p.m. EST, Nov. 6, 2024, via email to fema-direct_lease_dr4827nc@fema.dhs.gov.\n\nThe email subject line should read: RFI# 70FBR425-DL-DR4827NC\n\nFEMA is also seeking multifamily properties to house disaster survivors\n\nInterested property owner or management companies should reach out to FEMA no later than 5:00 p.m. EST, Nov. 6, 2024, via email to fema-mlr_dr4827nc@fema.dhs.gov.\n\nThe email subject line should read: RFI #70FBR425-MLR-DR4827NC Response: MLR-DR-4827-NC\n\nFood and Water\n\nFree drinking water testing is available by request through the Buncombe County Public Health Department.\n\nJust contact the Buncombe County Public Health Department to request a test kit.\n\nThe department will provide you with an empty bottle along with instructions to collect a drinking water sample and where to drop it off for analysis.\n\nIf you have a private well that flooded, the well should be disinfected and tested to ensure the safety of yourself and your family.\n\nThe Division of Public Health is providing free, well-testing kits through local health departments.\n\nContact your local health department (find your local department via this link) to obtain a free well testing kit.\n\nSupplying drinkable water remains a top priority for emergency crews.\n\n25 water systems are on a partial or system-wide boil advisory.\n\nThis is up from 19 water systems yesterday.\n\nOnly one treatment plant has reported having no power and two systems remain out of water.\n\nWater restoration trends continue to move in a positive direction.\n\nThere are 224 wastewater treatment plants operating under normal conditions in the affected areas across Western NC.\n\nNCDEQ has provided the following resources to help community members track progress on water supply restoration efforts:\n\nPublic Water Supply Situation Report Tracking - ArcGIS map with filters for system status, county, etc. linked here.\n\nDEQ Dashboard - links to additional maps, including mobile view of water system status, and environmental guidance linked here.\n\nThe Federal Emergency Management Agency has promised 120 truckloads a day of food and water with no specified end date.\n\nFEMA has delivered more than 13 million meals and more than 12.9 million liters of water to Western North Carolina utilizing the $20 billion in funds that I helped to draft and pass for disaster relief just two days before Hurricane Helene hit.\n\nHome Depot will be passing out free disaster relief kits every day starting at 9:00 a.m., while supplies last, at the following locations:\n\nHome Depot Asheville\n\n795 Fairview Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nHome Depot West Asheville\n\n127 Acton Cir., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nHome Depot Hendersonville\n\n401 Linda Vista Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nWalmart is hosting activities at the following locations:\n\nHendersonville, NC Store 1242\n\n250 Highlands Square Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nPortable restrooms\n\nServing hot meals at 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily\n\nArden, NC Store 1179\n\n60 Airport Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nPortable restrooms\n\nLaundry\n\nShowers\n\nWi-fi hotspot and charging stations\n\nBuncombe County\n\nBuncombe County has water distribution at multiple sites. Each will be available daily from 12:00-4:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Please bring your own container.\n\nAC Reynolds High School\n\n1 Rocket Dr., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nAsheville Middle School\n\n211 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nBuncombe County Sports Park Complex\n\n58 Apac Dr., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nBlack Mountain Ingles\n\n550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nFairview Elementary School\n\n1355 Charlotte Hwy., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nSwannanoa Ingles\n\n2299 U.S. 70, Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nLeicester Elementary School\n\n31 Gilbert Rd., Leicester, NC 28748\n\nLinwood Crump Shiloh Community Center\n\n121 Shiloh Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nLucy Herring Elementary School\n\n98 Sulphur Springs Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nNorth Windy Ridge Intermediate School\n\n20 Doan Rd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nPack Square Park\n\n80 Court Plz., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nOakley Elementary\n\n753 Fairview Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\n9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nWilliam W. Estes Elementary School\n\n275 Overlook Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nThe following resources sites are available in Buncombe County, where citizens can access food, water and other basic necessities:\n\nBiltmore Baptist Church\n\n35 Clayton Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nDistribution and bulk pickup for volunteers looking to take bulk loads of supplies to in-need community members\n\nSaturday hours: 10:00 a.m. \u2013 1:00 p.m.\n\nCommunity drive-thru for anyone in the community needing supplies\n\nSaturday hours: 3:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church \u2013 Weaverville\n\n63 N. Main St., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nHot showers available from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nUnlimited clean drinking water is available, bring your own container.\n\nSupplies and bottled water.\n\nHot lunch served at 1:30 p.m.\n\nFellowship Asheville\n\n756 Fairview Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-4:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nWest Asheville Baptist Church\n\n926 Haywood Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-4:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday\n\nSaint Mary Margaret Catholic Church\n\n102 Andrews Pl., Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nSaturday hours: 3:00-4:30 p.m.\n\nPlease note: This location is not open during mass.\n\nHot meals are available at the following locations:\n\nWorld Central Kitchen in Bear\u2019s Smokehouse BBQ\n\n135 Coxe Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nServes 25,000 hot meals a day.\n\nDaily hours: 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.\n\nShiloh Community Center\n\n121 Shiloh Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nGrovemont Park\n\n251 Stonewall Ave., Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nManna Food Bank - Farmer\u2019s Market\n\n570 Brevard Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nReopening October 22-24 from 1:00-5:00 p.m. daily for a special event to distribute critical baby items.\n\nWesley Grant Community Center\n\n285 Livingston St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nWest Asheville Ingles\n\n669 Haywood Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 3:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nNesbitt Chapel\n\n12 Nesbitt Chapel Rd., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nDaily hours: 3:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nGroce United Methodist Church \u2013 also distributing essential supplies\n\n954 Tunnel Rd., Asheville, NC 28805\n\nDaily hours starting Wednesday, October 16: Only M/W/F/Sat, Supplies 12:00-4:00 p.m., meals 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nA Community Care Station is available at the following location:\n\n2319 Hwy. 70, Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nHot meals served daily: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCommunity Care Stations offer showers, laundry, bathrooms, access to cell towers, wi-fi, potable and non-potable water, and counseling.\n\nHaywood County\n\nThe following locations are providing community members with essential resources such as but not limited to, food, water, cleaning products, baby formula, and pet food, Monday through Fridays:\n\nFines Creek Community Center\n\n190 Fines Creek Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nOpen every day until 6:00 p.m.\n\nPigeon Community Center\n\n450 Pigeon St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nAlso offering hot meals every day at 2:00 p.m.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCruso Community Center\n\n13186 Cruso Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.\n\nFirst United Methodist Church\n\n566 S. Haywood St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nIncludes shower access.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.\n\nMaggie Valley Pavilion\n\n3935 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nDaily Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.\n\nWoodland Baptist Church\n\n545 Crabtree Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nNew Covenant Church\n\n767 Lee Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nIP Sportsplex\n\n305 Silkwood Dr., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nBethel Elementary School\n\n4700 Old River Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nJonathan Valley Elementary School\n\n410 Hall Dr., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nMonday through Friday\n\nSt. Barnabas Catholic Church\n\n109 Crescent Hill Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nDaily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.\n\nReynolds Baptist Church - Family Life Center\n\n520 Rose Hill Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.\n\nThis location also has potable water available to residents who bring their own vessels to fill.\n\nMountain Projects\n\n2177 Asheville Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nThe Community Kitchen\n\n288 Crabtree Mountain Rd., Canton, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.\n\nHaywood Christian Ministry\n\n150 Branner St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nThe following location offers hot meals daily:\n\nMaggie Valley Fire Department\n\n2901 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nJukebox Junction\n\n3606 Pigeon Rd., Canton, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nThe following location offers showers daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.:\n\nCalvary Baptist Church\n\n2701 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nThe following location is offering supplies for horses and livestock:\n\nWNC Regional Livestock Center\n\n474 Stock Dr., Canton, NC 28716\n\nHenderson County\n\nHenderson County has stood up one Resource Hub location for water distribution and other supplies as they become available.\n\n118 McAbee Ct., Flat Rock, NC 28731\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nEach family unit will be provided supplies for one day\u2019s meal and water as available.\n\nIndividuals are asked to enter the drive-through and remain in your car unless otherwise instructed by volunteers to ensure an efficient process.\n\nJackson County\n\nIn partnership with the Red Cross, the following is available for citizens of Jackson County:\n\nThe Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau are providing shelf-stable meals at the following location:\n\n558 Frank Allen Rd., Cashiers, NC 28717\n\nThe Canada Fire Department is distributing emergency supplies at the following location:\n\n149 Charleys Creek Rd., Tuckasegee, NC 28783\n\nThe following locations are providing resources to displaced families and individuals in need:\n\nMountain Projects\n\n154-B Medical Park Loop, Sylva, NC 28779\n\nUnited Christian Ministries\n\n191 Skyland Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nSt. Mary\u2019s Roman Catholic Church of Sylva\n\n22 Bartlett St., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.\n\nCornbread and Roses\n\n1294 Savannah Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours:\n\nWednesday, 6:00-8:00 p.m.\n\nThursday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nSunday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nMadison County\n\nThe following locations are offering food, water, and some supply distribution in Madison County:\n\nBeech Glen Community Center\n\n2936 Beech Glen Rd., Mars Hill, 28754\n\nDaily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.\n\nCenter Community Center\n\n1300 Grapevine Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nEbbs Chapel Community Center\n\n281 Laurel Valley Rd., Mars Hill, NC 28754\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nEnon Baptist Church\n\n174 Ammons Branch Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nOpen Sunday 12:00-4:00 p.m.\n\nFreedom Christian Church\n\n7350 US 25/70 Bypass, Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThis location offers additional resources such as hygiene products, blankets, clothes, cleaning supplies, diapers, pet food, etc.\n\nLaurel Community Center - also has supplies\n\n4100 NC 212 Hwy., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily Hours: 8:00 a.m. \u2013 8:00 p.m.\n\nRevere-Rice Community Center\n\n3980 Revere Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (Mon-Sat)\n\nSpring Creek Community Center\n\n13075 NC 209 Hwy., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThis location also has additional resources such as pet food, livestock feed and hay.\n\nWalnut Community Center - also has supplies\n\n46 School Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.\n\nN.C. Cooperative Extension - Madison County Center\n\n258 Carolina Ln., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nThis location is offering drive-thru food distribution only.\n\nLittle Ivy Baptist Church\n\n1053 Crossroads Pkwy., Mars Hill, NC 28754\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMcDowell County has established multiple points of distribution that are open daily.\n\nDistribution takes place daily at the following locations:\n\nTom Johnson\u2019s Camping Center\n\n348 Resistoflex Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nWeekend hours: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCherry Springs\n\n6 Bull Walker Rd., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: Wednesdays 4:00-7:00 p.m., Sundays 2:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nCamp Grier\n\n985 Camp Grier Rd., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and 4:00-7:00 p.m.\n\nRestoration Church\n\n2344 Ashworth Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nCentro Unido Latino Americano\n\n79 Academy St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church of Old Fort\n\n203 E. Main St., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: 4:00-7:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nFirst Baptist Church Marion\n\n99 N Main St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nConcord United Methodist Church\n\n8066 Linville Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 2:00-4:00 p.m.\n\nNew Manna Baptist Church\n\n225 E. Court St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 4:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nHot meals are also being provided at the following location:\n\nGrace Community Church\n\n5182 US 70 W., Marion, NC 28752\n\nLunch is served every day from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.\n\nDinner is available from 4:00-5:30 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church of Marion is offering hot showers, air conditioning, and areas to charge devices.\n\nCurrent hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 2:00-5:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday.\n\nPolk County\n\nThe following locations are offering food and water distribution for residents in need from 1:00-5:00 p.m.:\n\nMill Spring/Green Creek Community\n\n25 International Blvd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nColumbus Community\n\n95 Walker St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nSaluda Community Bus Parking Lot\n\n214 E. Main St., Saluda, NC 28773\n\nTryon Community\n\n301 N. Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782\n\nSunny View\n\n86 Sunny View School Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nThe following locations are serving hot meals daily:\n\nTryon Equestrian Center\n\n4066 Pea Ridge Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nRoseland Community Center\n\n56 Peake St., Tryon, NC 28782\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nRutherford County\n\nThe following two centralized distribution center locations are open from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. for citizens to get food and emergency supplies:\n\nThe Green Space\n\n658 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nWarehouse #7\n\n214 Vance St., Warehouse 7, Forest City, NC 28043\n\nTransylvania County\n\nThe following location is providing hot meals to county residents:\n\nBalsam Grove Community Center - daily until power is fully restored\n\n8732 Parkway Rd., Balsam Grove, NC 28708\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nBottled water is available daily at local fire departments and 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Anchor Baptist Church located at:\n\n3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nWater filling stations can be found at the following locations:\n\nCity Sports Complex\n\n824 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.\n\nRocky\u2019s Grill & Soda Shop\n\n50 S. Broad St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours\n\nCedar Mountain Outpost\n\n8431 Greenville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nDD Bullwinkles\n\n60 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nFirst United Methodist Church\n\n325 N. Broad St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nPisgah Forest Baptist Church\n\n494 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nFood, water, and other supplies such as hygiene products are being distributed at the following locations:\n\nAnchor Baptist Church\n\n3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nZion Baptist Church\n\n423 Main St., Rosman, NC 28772\n\nNo daily hours posted\n\nGrace Brevard\n\n55 E. Jordan St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2;00 p.m.\n\nMary C. Jenkins Community Center\n\n221 Mills Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nYancey County\n\nYancey County has transitioned to one centralized distribution site for water, food and ice located at the following address:\n\nFormer Fred\u2019s Store\n\n677 W. U.S. Highway 19E, Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nMobile laundry facilities are available in the GO Grocery parking lot located at the following address:\n\n631 W Hwy. 19E Bypass, Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nTrash Services and Debris Removal\n\nAll counties are actively working with NCDEQ to determine where mud, silt and sediment can be safely dropped off without risk of contamination.\n\nMore information to come.\n\nRecycling services are available through Curbside Management for the following counties:\n\nBuncombe\n\nClay\n\nGraham\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nJackson\n\nMacon\n\nMadison\n\nPolk\n\nRutherford\n\nYancey\n\nSome communities have halted recycling services to prioritize trash collection.\n\nIf that is the case for your community, Curbside Management has a drop-off site available for residents who wish to bring their recycling to the following location:\n\n116 N. Woodfin Ave., Asheville, NC 28804\n\nIf your home has damage and you need assistance with clean up, please call Crisis Cleanup for access to volunteer organizations that can assist you at 844-965-1386.\n\nIf Hurricane Helene caused damage to your home or belongings, make sure to document it.\n\nThis is critically important in getting reimbursed.\n\nTake photos before you begin cleaning up.\n\nMake a list of damaged or lost items and gather receipts.\n\nDoing this helps speed up the process with insurance and other assistance programs, and ensures you get properly compensated.\n\nBefore you start the clean-up process, remember:\n\nWear PPE such as long pants, goggles, gloves and sturdy shoes.\n\nStay off damaged structures.\n\nBe aware that snakes or other hazardous animals could be present.\n\nCall your local fire department to inspect or removal chemicals, propane tanks, and other hazardous materials.\n\nIf you suspect debris contains toxic substances, seal them in plastic bags to prevent them from becoming airborne.\n\nTo reduce the risk of accidental fires, please DO NOT burn your storm debris.\n\nEmergency personnel are continuing to work on other storm recovery and response efforts, limiting resources to respond to accidental fires.\n\nPlease discard storm debris at a local transfer site or via curbside debris pickup.\n\nDebris should be placed curbside and not block the roadway or access to the property.\n\nPlease place debris away from trees, poles or other structures (e.g., fire hydrants, meters, etc.) to make removal work easier.\n\nContact your local municipality for curbside storm debris removal collection schedules or see below for additional information on debris waste removal by county.\n\nAdditionally, the following counties have resources for where to take household trash and debris waste.\n\nBuncombe\n\nCurbside collection will begin Monday for City of Asheville sanitation customers.\n\nStorm debris collection has begun in Buncombe County.\n\nSeparate storm-related debris at the curb in the right of way according to material type:\n\nAppliances, construction debris, household hazardous waste such as pesticides and automotive fluid, vegetative debris, and electronics.\n\nDebris collection will require multiple passes and will be a long process.\n\nResidents do not have to set out all debris at one time or worry if there is debris left; another pass can collect additional debris.\n\nThe Town of Black Mountain Public Works Department has secured four 15-yard dumpsters located in two sites for Black Mountain residents to throw away household trash ONLY:\n\nTractor Supply: 125 Old US Hwy. 70 E., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nIngles: 550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nPlease Note: Yard waste, bulk items, separate recycling and debris collection are not available at this time.\n\nWaste Pro collection service has resumed for regular Monday route customers.\n\nHaywood\n\nHousehold waste will be accepted at the Materials Recovery Facility at 247 Recycle Rd., Clyde and at Convenience Centers at Jonathan Creek, Beaverdam, Bethel, Hazelwood, Mauney Cove, Jones Cove and Highway 110.\n\nWhite Oak Landfill has reopened.\n\nHenderson\n\nHenderson County Transfer Station is open and accepting storm debris with normal fees.\n\nHenderson County has begun curbside storm debris removal to county residents as a free service.\n\nThe county will pick up storm debris for free if it is pushed to the right of way of a property.\n\nStorm debris includes tree branches, leaves, logs, building materials, furniture, paint etc.\n\nPlease be patient.\n\nThe county will pick up storm debris for free as quickly as possible.\n\nMadison\n\nThe Hot Springs collection center is operating on normal hours for household trash ONLY:\n\nMonday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nWednesday: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.\n\nFriday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nSaturday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nHot Springs trash pickup is returning to Mondays like usual.\n\nPlease only use this pickup service if you cannot bring it to the collection center yourself.\n\nThe pickup service is being led by volunteers at this time.\n\nMcDowell\n\nMcDowell County has hired private contractors to facilitate storm debris pickup from public right of ways in the Town of Old Fort, City of Marion, and along state secondary roads in the county.\n\nResidents are asked to separate debris into the following categories:\n\nLarge appliances\n\nConstruction debris\n\nVegetative debris\n\nHazardous waste\n\nElectronics\n\nHousehold waste\n\nPolk\n\nThe Polk County landfill is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\n322 Landfill Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nDrop-off of residential trash is $10.\n\nGFL trash services will continue the regular schedule. However, certain areas may be inaccessible due to ongoing power outages from Hurricane Helene.\n\nTwo dumpsters are located on Gibson Street for immediate trash disposal due to road inaccessibility.\n\nRutherford\n\nThe county has begun storm debris removal along state-maintained and municipally-controlled roads.\n\nResidents are asked to place storm-related vegetative debris, including trees and limbs, within the road\u2019s right-of-way.\n\nCut large debris into four to six ft. sections.\n\nThe Rutherford County Landfill and all convenience centers have reopened with normal hours.\n\nTransylvania\n\nThe City of Brevard has resumed regular trash pickup.\n\nThe county landfill accepts natural vegetative storm debris, including spoiled hay, trees, brush, etc. for free.\n\nYancey\n\nThe Riverside and East Yancey Recycling Centers have resumed operations.\n\nDaily hours: 7:00 a.m. \u2013 4:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday\n\nThe Yancey-Mitchell Landfill is now open, following repairs from Hurricane Helene.\n\n555 Landfill Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday); 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Saturday)\n\nResidents should sort storm debris from regular household waste.\n\nHazardous materials will not be accepted and construction debris should be separated from household waste.\n\nVoter Information\n\nReminder: Early voting has started!\n\nVoters may cast a ballot at any early voting site in their county.\n\nOnly four early voting sites were closed due to Hurricane Helene across NC-11, all in Buncombe County.\n\nThe following four sites are NO LONGER eligible early voting sites, as was originally planned prior to Hurricane Helene:\n\nBee Tree Fire Station\n\nFriendship Center\n\nNorth Asheville Library\n\nUpper Hominy Fire & Rescue Department\n\nAll other regular early voting sites are OPEN across NC-11.\n\nCoordination is ongoing to develop messaging in multiple languages to inform shelter residents and guests of how and where to vote.\n\nThe North Carolina State Board of Elections has provided pertinent information and recommendations for voters in the Helene disaster area during the 2024 general election.\n\nTo review information on voting in the 2024 general election after Hurricane Helene, you can follow this link.\n\nThe site provides information on absentee voting, how to change your polling location if you have a new permanent address, county board of elections, office closures and more.\n\nFor any additional questions on voting post-hurricane, please contact your county Board of Elections.\n\nPlease note: Your county Board of Elections is the best place to get any questions answered.\n\nI have been permitted to share the above, nonpartisan information but am prohibited from answering any questions related to the 2024 general election.\n\nUnited States Postal Service/Mail Services\n\nUSPS anticipates continued improvement of mail delivery operations with local recovery efforts, to include power, connectivity, and roads.\n\nSocial Security checks are being routed to all units for delivery and/or are available for customer pick up.\n\nFor impacted residents who have relocated due to the storm, please be sure to complete a change of address request at moversguide.usps.com.\n\nMost USPS offices have reopened under normal operations.\n\nSunday delivery is being made in some of the affected communities to ensure delayed mail is delivered as soon as possible.\n\nOnly 21 offices, or 10 percent of all USPS offices in Western NC remain closed.\n\nOnly one facility was fully destroyed, the Micaville PO box office in ZIP code 28755.\n\nUSPS is utilizing Mobile Operations Units where residents can send or receive mail and packages in many of the areas with closed offices.\n\nThe mobile units are located in the following communities:\n\nAlexander - 28701\n\nBarnardsville - 28709\n\nCedar Mountain - 28718\n\nEdneyville - 28727\n\nHot Springs - 28743\n\nMarshall - 28753\n\nMicaville - 28755\n\nMontreat - 28757\n\nRosman - 28772\n\nSwannanoa - 28778\n\nPharmacy Access\n\nPharmacy Locator\n\nHundreds of pharmacies never closed or have reopened across Western North Carolina.\n\nUse this link to locate pharmacy locations open to the public by county.\n\nThe Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response under the Department of Health and Human Services has activated the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) for North Carolinians.\n\nThe EPAP program helps uninsured residents replace prescription medication or certain medical equipment lost or damaged during Hurricane Helene.\n\nThrough the program, uninsured residents can:\n\nRequest a free 30-day supply of certain prescription medications at any EPAP-participating pharmacy which can be renewed every 30 days while the EPAP is active.\n\nReplace certain medical equipment and supplies such as canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, blood sugar meters and blood sugar test strips for diabetics.\n\nUninsured North Carolina residents affected by the recent hurricane can call the EPAP hotline, 855-793-7470, or visit the EPAP website to check their eligibility, determine if their medications or medical equipment are covered, or locate a participating pharmacy.\n\nPrescription Pad is open from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and filling prescriptions for Yancey County residents at the following location:\n\n730 E. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nOpen Urgent Cares/ Health Care Services\n\nThere is a field hospital with physicians, nurses and paramedics who can treat patients at the Burnsville Fire Department. The address is as follows:\n\n305 Pineola St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nThe following urgent cares are open and accessible for community members with non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries:\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Weaverville\n\n61 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nMercy Urgent Care West Asheville\n\n1201 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nMercy Urgent Care Waynesville\n\n120 Frazier St., Ste. 6, Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nLocations open between 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Brevard\n\n22 Trust Ln., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Columbus\n\n140 West Mills St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nLocations open between 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.:\n\nMobile Urgent Care Clinic\n\n12 Florida Ave., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nMental Health & Basic Medical Support Center\n\n130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nPardee Urgent Care\n\n45 Hendersonville Hwy., Ste. A, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nOther locations available:\n\nHeart to Heart International - in Haywood Department of Health Parking Lot\n\n157 Paragon Pkwy., Ste. 800, Clyde, NC 28721\n\nDaily hours: Not available at this time.\n\nFree mental health services - All available for drop-in\n\nIf you have been impacted by the storm and need someone to talk to, call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1 (800) 985-5990.\n\nHelp is also available to anyone, anytime in English or Spanish through a call, text or chat to 988.\n\nLearn more at 988Lifeline.org.\n\nCare Collaborative for Western North Carolina Clinicians is a partnership among more than 200 mental health professionals volunteering to provide free mental health services for Hurricane Helene survivors.\n\nServices are provided virtually, and you can follow this link to find a professional that fits your needs and their contact information to schedule a session.\n\nHot Springs Elementary School - Art Room\n\n63 N. Serpentine Ave., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nThe Pearl Institute\n\n55 Academy St., Waynesville, NC\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-6:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nFree telehealth appointments are also available.\n\nTo book a telehealth appointment, you can email info@pearlpsychedelicinstitute.org or call/text (828) 400-7091\n\nCommunity Support Group\n\nThe first of a series of free support groups occurred on Monday, October 14, to help the community manage the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.\n\nRegular group sessions will be occurring through the end of December at the following locations:\n\n221 Mills Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nMary C. Jenkins Community & Cultural Center\n\nHosted by the City of Brevard, AARP, and Blue Ridge Community College\n\n9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on October 21 and 28\n\n45 Oak Park Dr., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nBlue Ridge Community College, Brevard Campus, Room 140\n\n9:00-11:00 a.m. on November 4, 18, 25; December 2, 9 ,16\n\nAll University of North Carolina System students have access to free mental health through their university.\n\nPlease monitor your student email for more information on how to access these services.\n\nThe following orthopedic urgent care locations are open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily, physical therapy appointments are also available at each of these locations:\n\nEmergeOrtho Hendersonville\n\n800 Fleming St., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nEmergeOrtho Arden (South Asheville)\n\n2585 Hendersonville Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nEmergeOrtho Waynesville\n\n9 Haywood Office Park, Ste. 102 and 103, Waynesville, NC 28785\n\nEmergeOrtho Brevard\n\n89 Hospital Dr., Ste. A, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nEmergeOrtho Weaverville\n\n159 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nDialysis Locations\n\nThe following location is open and available for dialysis treatments in NC-11:\n\nPardee Hospital\n\n800 N. Justice St., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nThis location can dialyze 30 patients a day.\n\nDaVita Kidney Care nurses are reaching out to their patients to coordinate treatment, but the following DaVita locations are available:\n\nDaVita Greer South Dialysis\n\n3254 Brushy Greek Rd., Greer, SC 29650\n\nContact Number: (864) 801-2065\n\nDaVita Saluda River Dialysis\n\n8080 Augusta Rd., Piedmont, SC 29673\n\nContact Number: (833) 378-2702\n\nDaVita Wofford at Home\n\n8024 White Ave., Spartanburg, SC 29303\n\nContact Number: (864) 583-4788\n\nDaVita Boiling Springs Dialysis\n\n196 Sloane Garden Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316\n\nContact Number: (833) 458-4809\n\nOxygen Locations\n\nHendersonville High School\n\n1 Bearcat Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nMust be assessed through Pardee Hospital.\n\nLincare is only serving established patients.\n\nPatients must bring in empty tanks to one of the following locations:\n\nAsheville Lincare\n\n103 Elk Park Dr., Asheville, NC 28804\n\nFax number: (866) 234-6698\n\nGreenville Lincare\n\n355 Woodruff Rd., Ste. 204 and 205, Greenville, SC 29607\n\nFax Number: (864) 288-0339\n\nThe following locations are available for oxygen refills, but patients must bring their own oxygen equipment - fire departments are available 24/7:\n\nBoiling Springs Fire Department\n\n186 Rainbow Lake Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316\n\nReidville Fire Department\n\n7450 Reidville Rd., Woodruff, SC 29388\n\nInman City Fire Department\n\n6 Humphrey St., Inman, SC 29349\n\nFirst Presbyterian Church\n\n393 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29302\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.\n\nGreer Relief Indigo Hope Neighborhood Impact Center\n\n113C Berry Ave., Greer, SC 29651\n\nDaily hours: 2:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nCroft Fire Department\n\n370 Cedar Springs Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29302\n\nArkwright Fire Department\n\n1070 Southport Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29306\n\nRoebuck Fire Department\n\n2639 Stone Station Rd., Roebuck, SC 29376\\\n\nNorth Spartanburg Fire Department\n\n8767 Asheville Hwy., Spartanburg, SC 29316\n\nResources for Veterans\n\nOutpatient clinics have rescheduled 66 percent of the appointments that were cancelled due to Hurricane Helene, with more being rescheduled every day.\n\nThe U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs launched a new web page with disaster relief resources, providing a single place for veterans and their caregivers to access VA resources on health care, housing, benefits payments, insurance, and more.\n\nYou can access the web site via this link.\n\nThe VA has established a Veterans Disaster Response Hotline, which is available 24/7 at 1(800) 507-4571.\n\nIf you or a veteran you know needs immediate housing assistance after Hurricane Helene, please call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at (877) 424-3838.\n\nThe call center is open 24/7.\n\nIf you have a VA-backed home loan and are unable to make your mortgage payments, please contact your mortgage servicer.\n\nYou can also call the VA at (877) 827-3702, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nHome loan servicers are allowed to put a 90-day pause on foreclosures and encouraged to waive late charges for VA-guaranteed home loans after a disaster.\n\nLegionnaires, Sons of the American Legion members and Legion Posts that have been displaced from their primary residence due to damage sustained during Hurricane Helene may be eligible for financial assistance through the American Legion.\n\nLegionnaires and Sons of the American Legion members may be eligible for up to $3,000.\n\nLegion Posts may be eligible for up to $10,000.\n\nTo learn more or to request assistance, please use this link.\n\nApplications must be submitted within 90 days of the disaster: Dec. 26, 2024.\n\nThe Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville and Master Sergeant Jerry K. Crump VA Clinic in Forest City are open for essential and emergency services.\n\nVeterans can:\n\nVisit the Asheville VA Hospital pharmacy for medication refills or:\n\nCall the Regional Clinical Contact Center at (855) 679-0074 and press 1 for pharmacy representatives.\n\nLocal pharmacies in the VA\u2019s community care network will also fill written prescriptions, or prescriptions as they appear on an active VA prescription bottle that is not older than six months and has available refills, to provide a 30-day supply.\n\nHickory, Forest City and Franklin outpatient VA clinics are now operating regularly.\n\nDue to the damage and personal losses caused by Hurricane Helene to the staff of the VA, it will take some time to bring staffing to full capacity.\n\nPlease be patient as the VA works to rebuild their workforce.\n\nResources for Farmers\n\nThe United States Department of Agriculture has put together a list of resources for farmers and other agricultural industry members.\n\nIf your agricultural operation has been impacted by Hurricane Helene, you can review this link, farmers.gov, for emergency and disaster assistance programs.\n\nAg supplies can be picked up by farmers in need from any of the following distribution centers (including non-NC-11 locations for farmers who may be closer to an out-of-district distribution center):\n\nAvery County\n\nMitchell-Avery County Center\n\n6880 Linville Falls Hwy., Newland, NC 28657\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday); 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Saturday)\n\nBuncombe County\n\nMills River Station\n\n74 Research Dr., Mills River, NC 28759\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nCaldwell County\n\nCaldwell County Fairgrounds\n\n2461 Fairground Rd., Lenoir, NC 28645\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Wednesday and Saturday only), or by appointment\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMarion - McDowell County\n\n188 Ag Services Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Saturday)\n\nHaywood County\n\nSmokey Mountain Event Center\n\n758 Crabtree Dr., Waynesville, NC 28785\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nWatauga County\n\nWatauga County Extension\n\n5715 U.S. Highway 421 N., Vilas, NC 28692\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) - NO HAY\n\n1:00-6:00 p.m. (Tuesday and Thursday) - HAY ONLY\n\nPower\n\nLess than 5,500 customers remain without power in Western North Carolina.\n\nThe majority of remaining power outages remain concentrated in Western North Carolina, with the highest percentage of outages being reported in Yancey County.\n\nAround 900 Duke Energy customers remain without power.\n\nThis is up from less than 800 yesterday\n\nLocal co-ops faced a hiccup over the past 24 hours, as a little over 400 customers lost power.\n\nCurrently, more than 5,600 co-op customers remain without power.\n\nLess than 4,500 co-op customers remain without power.\n\nLocal co-ops are utilizing their full teams to restore energy and have more than 500 reinforcements from more than 30 electric cooperatives across 11 states.\n\nNCDOT crews are still coordinating closely with power companies to ensure service is being restored as quickly as possible, including along private roads, keeping in mind that cold months are approaching fast.\n\nFor more information on Duke Energy\u2019s power restoration efforts, you can review the following links:\n\nComplex Repair & Disaster Rebuild Zones Map: duke-energy.com/info/carolinas-restoration\n\nOutage Map: duke-energy.com/outages\n\nOutage Alerts: duke-energy.com/outages/alerts\n\nGenerator safety: duke-energy.com/outages/generators\n\nPower restoration process: duke-energy.com/outages/restoring-your-power\n\nRoads\n\nWestern North Carolina is FULLY OPEN to visitors!\n\nPlease come visit!\n\nTraffic between Western NC and Tennessee is limited, especially for trucks greater than 30 feet long.\n\nNCDOT staff are now transitioning to temporary repairs and reconstruction of damaged roadways.\n\nThe state has reopened 782 roads and are only reporting 483 remaining road closures.\n\nNCDOT has established a new Road Reopening Dashboard for folks to keep track of progress made by the department.\n\nYou can use this link to access the dashboard.\n\nThe dashboard is also linked on DriveNC.gov.\n\nTo monitor road conditions in and around NC-11, use drivenc.gov.\n\nThe website tracks NCDOT-managed road conditions in real time.\n\nNC DMV has reopened 14 of the 16 driver license offices that were closed due to Hurricane Helene.\n\nThe following DMV offices are open for walk-in services in or near NC-11, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., closed between 11:30 a.m. through 1:00 p.m. for a lunch break:\n\nBuncombe County\n\n1624 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nCherokee County\n\n1440 Main St., Andrews, NC 28901\n\nHaywood County\n\n290 Lee Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nHenderson County\n\n125 Baystone Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nJackson County\n\n876 Skyland Dr., Ste. 2, Sylva, NC 28779\n\nMacon County\n\n16 Patton Ave., Franklin, NC 28734\n\nMadison County\n\n1685 NC Highway 213, Marshall, NC 28753\n\nMcDowell County\n\n3975 NC 226 S., Marion, NC 28752\n\nRutherford County\n\n596 Withrow Rd., Forest City, NC 28043\n\nSwain County\n\n2650 Governors Island Rd., Bryson City, NC 28713\n\nTransylvania County\n\n50 Commerce St., Ste. 4, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAll but five license plate agencies have reopened.\n\nAir traffic has sustained at 300 percent above pre-hurricane levels in Western NC.\n\nNCDOT\u2019s aviation division continue to work to make sure flight operations are safe coming into and out of airports, including by:\n\nScheduling landing/unloading times and aircraft parking so aircraft are spaced out and to reduce the risk of incidents.\n\nEstablishing a first of its kind \u201ccorridors in the sky\u201d to separate civilian and military aircraft in the air.\n\nHaving search and rescue partners use short, time and location specific restrictions on air operations to enhance safety when multiple helicopters are engaged in search and rescue efforts.\n\nThe state of North Carolina is NOT turning away civil aviation support so long as it has been coordinated through the proper channels with NC Emergency Management.\n\nIf you or someone you know is interested in providing civil aviation support and don\u2019t know where to coordinate your efforts, please call my office and we will help you get in touch with the right folks.\n\nNCDOT has launched a detour map to show motorists how to get around closures on I-26 and I-40 at the Tennessee border.\n\nYou can access the map here.\n\nInternet Access\n\nInternet providers are working with local energy and cell providers to restore service for customers across Western North Carolina.\n\nFiber repair crews are also pairing with electric utility crews in the field to assist with any accidental fiber cuts.\n\nInternet providers including Optimum and Spectrum are working around the clock to restore service for customers. However, part of the network\u2019s infrastructure was destroyed by mudslides and collapsed bridges making restoration a lengthy process.\n\nAs a result, some impacted areas will require a rebuild of the network from scratch.\n\nTo mitigate the lack of service, Optimum, formerly Altice USA, has set up an Optimum Wi-Fi Trailer that is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the following locations:\n\n717 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\n1800 Four Seasons Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nThe following locations are offering free public wi-fi:\n\nFirst Baptist Church - Weaverville\n\n63 N. Main St, Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nDowntown Franklin\n\nThe Town of Franklin has free wi-fi on the town hill area in downtown.\n\nTransylvania County Library - 24/7\n\n212 S. Gaston St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nThe Yard Brevard\n\n284 Railroad Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nBrevard Visitor Center\n\n175 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAvailable daily from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThe Vine Anglican Church - and free coffee\n\n1055 Lee Rd, Clyde, NC 28721\n\nAvailable daily from 12:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nCell Service\n\nRoughly 94 percent of all cellular sites in Western North Carolina have been repaired and are now in service.\n\nThe remaining areas require significant infrastructure reconstruction.\n\nCell service providers have implemented disaster roaming for any phone located in Western North Carolina to maximize phone service for all users.\n\nDisaster roaming allows users to connect to any mobile network during a disaster when other networks are down.\n\nThis allows users to access emergency services, such as 911, even when their own network is out.\n\nIf you have service one moment, but experience a reduction in service the next, try restarting your phone to jumpstart disaster roaming again.\n\nUpCycle Tech in Transylvania County is offering free computers and phones for use at the following location:\n\n470 Asheville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAT&T has deployed its Mobile Connectivity Center to the following location:\n\nSam\u2019s Club: 645 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nThe Mobile Connectivity Center is an air-conditioned mobile unit open to the public, equipped with laptops, charging stations and wi-fi.\n\nThe public can use the center for various needs including contacting your insurance company, filling out paperwork or connecting with loved ones.\n\nVerizon has deployed Wireless Emergency Communication Centers to help hurricane survivors stay connected to their friends, family and other important contacts.\n\nWireless Emergency Communication Centers are generator-powered mobile units that have device charging and computer workstations, along with wireless phones, tablets, and other devices available for use.\n\nVerizon\u2019s Wireless Emergency Communication Centers have been set up at the following locations:\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nAsheville YMCA\n\n30 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nFamily Justice Center\n\n35 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nVerizon also has charging stations at the following locations:\n\nYMCA of Western North Carolina\n\n348 Grace Corpening Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nTwo charging stations at this location\n\nWNC Agricultural Center\n\n761 Boylston Hwy., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nThree charging stations at this location\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nOne charging station at this location\n\nT-Mobile has set up satellite cellular on light trucks (SatCOLTs), providing cellular voice and data along with wi-fi and charging stations at the following locations:\n\nAsheville Middle School\n\n211 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center\n\n285 Livingston St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nFirst Baptist Church\n\n130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nAdditional T-Mobile satellite cell on trucks are located in Hendersonville and at a Tractor Supply Co. in Asheville, with others planned for Mission Hospital in Asheville, Cherokee County Emergency Operations Center in Murphy, and in Cherokee.\n\nNorth Carolina National Guard & Department of Defense\n\nAs requests from some counties are decreasing, NC National Guard assets are NOT standing down, they are instead being reallocated to other areas.\n\nAlmost 3,700 National Guard soldiers and airmen, active-duty service members, and Emergency Management Assistance Compact units (National Guard units from 12 different states) are deployed across Western North Carolina to provide support.\n\nThis includes:\n\nAlmost 1,300 vehicles\n\n10 helicopters\n\nAs search and rescue needs diminish and roads are being cleared and restored, the need for aerial support is decreasing and ground vehicles are becoming an increasingly more effective means of support.\n\nAlthough airspace is limited due to ongoing missions by the National Guard and Department of Defense, a process has been established for private pilots seeking to fly in humanitarian relief to coordinate with local authorities.\n\nIf you are looking to fly in resources and don\u2019t know where to turn, call my office and we will get you in contact with the right coordinators.\n\nHere are a few key phone numbers from the NCNG:\n\nHOTLINE: 888-892-1162\n\nEmergency management watch: 919-733-3300\n\nDonated goods: 919-825-2474\n\nThese lines have very high call volumes. If you do not get through the first try, keep calling.\n\nAsheville Regional Airport\n\nAsheville Regional Airport closed mid-day on Friday, September 27, due to risk of flooding.\n\nCommercial flights at Asheville Regional Airport have resumed.\n\nIf you parked your car in an Asheville Regional Airport lot and could not retrieve the vehicle due to the storm, great news - none of the airport\u2019s lots flooded and all cars are fine.\n\nStay safe and pick up your car when you are able.\n\nPLEASE NOTE:\n\nNo general aviation pilots are allowed to land at Asheville Regional Airport without prior clearance from FEMA to ensure the safety of aircraft and personnel.\n\nSupply deliveries by civilian pilots ARE permitted to land at Asheville Regional Airport so long as they have prior clearance from FEMA.\n\nFEMA is not turning away any pilot that has gone through the proper channels to coordinate delivery and ensure the safety of his fellow aircraft and personnel.\n\nFederal Nutrition Programs\n\nThe U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service has approved flexibilities due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene.\n\nSNAP\n\nNorth Carolina was granted a waiver for the 10-day reporting requirement for the replacement of food purchased with SNAP benefits lost because of the hurricane.\n\nThis waiver provides additional time beyond the standard 10-day time frame for households to report food losses and receive replacement benefits for food that was destroyed and previously purchased with SNAP benefits.\n\nD-SNAP\n\nPeople living in the 25 major disaster declared Western NC counties and members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians impacted by Hurricane Helene can apply to receive a one-time benefit to help buy food through the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP).\n\nPre-registration is available by using ePASS pre-registration tool.\n\nFor the tool and more information, visit epass.nc.gov/.\n\nTo be eligible, applicants must:\n\nHave suffered losses/damages related to Hurricane Helene, such as damage to property or loss of income.\n\nHave proof of identity and proof of residency.\n\nNot currently receiving benefits through the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS).\n\nPeople receiving FNS can also get extra help to buy food but do not need to fill out a D-SNAP application.\n\nCertain income and resource limits may apply.\n\nChild Nutrition\n\nThe North Carolina Department of Public Instruction was approved for a waiver pertaining to the child nutrition programs.\n\nUnder the waiver approval, NCDPI\u2019s local program operators may:\n\nServe meals in a non-congregate setting\n\nAdjust the time of meal service\n\nAllow parent pick-up\n\nAllow service of meals at school sites\n\nFood and Nutrition Services Program\n\nPeople and families in North Carolina who are enrolled in the Food and Nutrition Services program can now use their EBT card to purchase hot food.\n\nThis flexibility will remain in effect until November 3.\n\nSpecial Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, & Children (WIC)\n\nFamilies participating in WIC who may have relocated to a new area can go to any NC WIC agency to:\n\nHave a new eWIC card issued\n\nRequest replacement breastfeeding supplies or breast pumps\n\nRequest replacement food that was purchased with current WIC benefits and lost due to Hurricane Helene\n\nFor NC-11 Medical Providers\n\nIf you own a medical practice in NC-11 and are experiencing financial hardship due to Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina Medical Society is reactivating its Financial Recovery Program (FRP) to help you recover and open your doors again.\n\nFor more information on the disaster relief fund, you can visit this link.\n\nDetails on how medical practices can qualify and apply for funds will be coming soon.\n\nThe Department of Health and Human Services through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has made available:\n\nAccelerated payments to Medicare Part A providers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nAdvance payments to Medicare Part B suppliers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nFor Local Government Resource Requests\n\nFor county leaders: This is a reminder to make sure your Emergency Operation Center has submitted the request for gasoline, food, water, cell service deployables, etc. with North Carolina Emergency Management to have your request processed and resources delivered.\n\nMy office stands ready to assist with checking the status of your request if the county or municipality has not heard back from NC Emergency Management within 24 hours.\n\nDisaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)\n\nThe deadline to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits is Dec. 2, 2024 for all counties other than Swain, Graham and Cherokee counties.\n\nSwain County\u2019s deadline is Dec. 9, 2024.\n\nDisaster Unemployment Assistance benefits are now available for Western North Carolinians in counties with a major disaster declaration, including:\n\nBuncombe\n\nClay\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nJackson\n\nMacon\n\nMadison\n\nMcDowell\n\nPolk\n\nRutherford\n\nSwain\n\nTransylvania\n\nYancey\n\nIf your employment has been lost or interrupted because of Hurricane Helene, you may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance.\n\nFile an application for DUA:\n\nFile at des.nc.gov, or\n\nCall over the phone at (919) 629-3857\n\nA toll-free legal aid hotline is now available for low-income survivors with disaster-related legal questions: (866) 219-5262.\n\nFor Individual Assistance through FEMA\n\nThe deadline to file for FEMA Individual Assistance is Nov. 27, 2024. Please mark your calendars and ensure all applications are submitted on time.\n\nNorth Carolina received a Major Disaster Declaration for the following counties: Buncombe, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania and Yancey counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.\n\nPeople with damage to their homes or personal property who live in one of the above-listed counties should apply for Individual Assistance through FEMA, which may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies.\n\nFunds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay.\n\nIndividual Assistance provides financial aid and services to eligible individuals and households that have been affected by a disaster to assist with the recovery process. Individuals can officially begin applying for Individual Assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling the application phone number at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. EST.\n\nFind steps to help you replace important documents that were lost or damaged in the storm: www.fema.gov/disaster/4827/news-media\n\nIf you were initially denied for Individual Assistance, please see below for useful tips to help you file an appeal with FEMA:\n\nUnderstand why FEMA denied your claim before writing the appeal.\n\nIt could be as simple as a missing document, which you can submit with your appeal.\n\nRead FEMA\u2019s letter from beginning to end to completely understand what the agency needs from you.\n\nMake sure you provide evidence for your appeal. Depending on your situation, documentation may include:\n\nA copy of your flood insurance declaration page.\n\nProof of occupancy, which could be an employer statement, lease, utility bill, credit card statement, or other recent, formal document that states your address.\n\nProof of ownership, which might include your mortgage or insurance documents, tax receipts, deed, etc.\n\nCan\u2019t write the appeal yourself?\n\nI recommend having a trusted friend, family member, or lawyer write it for you.\n\nKnow your deadline.\n\nYou have 60 days from the date of your FEMA determination letter to appeal.\n\nCircle the deadline on your calendar or write yourself a note to keep the date in the forefront.\n\nOnce FEMA reviews your letter, you may receive a phone call or a follow-up letter asking for more documentation.\n\nDon\u2019t forget to sign your appeal letter!\n\nOnce signed, there are three ways to submit your appeal:\n\nFax it to (800) 827-8112\n\nSend it by mail to: FEMA Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782\n\nUpload all appeal documents to your disasterassistance.gov account.\n\nInclude your application number on every page of the documents you submit.\n\nExpect a decision letter to your appeal within 90 days.\n\nTo Connect with a Loved One\n\nResidents trying to connect with family members may call NC 211 (or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from out-of-state) to report missing loved ones or request a welfare check.\n\nPeople in the impacted areas can indicate that they are safe by reporting themselves safe through Red Cross Reunification by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).\n\nPlease only use 911 for life-threatening emergencies so the lines remain open for critical situations.\n\nIf you are still trying to locate a friend or family member, please complete this form, linked here, to notify local officials of their missing status.\n\nThe form was created by Buncombe County but information is being shared amongst all counties.\n\nRegardless of which county your loved one was last known to be in, you can still submit the form.\n\nBuncombe County will share the information with the appropriate officials to initiate search and rescue efforts.\n\nUnited Way is also fielding missing person/welfare check requests.\n\nText PERSON to 40403 to add a loved one to search and rescue efforts or fill out this form.\n\nResources for Utility & Other Status Updates\n\nFor information on the status of utilities, debris sites, etc., we want to share the following resources. As communications are restored and more information becomes available, these sites will continue to be updated.\n\nDrinking Water Systems: Public Water Supply Situation Report Tracking\n\nDebris Disposal Sites: Active Temporary Debris Disposal Sites\n\nNCDEQ Situation Report Tracking System\n\nNCDPS Hurricane Helene - Storm Information\n\nNCDPS County Emergency Management Agencies\n\nHow to Apply for FEMA Assistance After Hurricane Helene\n\nFree Legal Assistance\n\nLegal Aid of North Carolina stands ready to provide free advice and legal counsel regarding natural disaster needs, including legal representation if necessary, including for civil legal issues involving:\n\nFiling FEMA claims and appeals (a process which can be overwhelmingly bureaucratic and burdensome)\n\nReplacement of lost or destroyed legal and government documents, including driver\u2019s licenses and identification cards\n\nMedical and insurance claims\n\nHome repair contracts\n\nUtility disputes related to restoration of services\n\nConsumer protection issues like construction fraud, price-gouging on repairs and identity theft\n\nHousing issues such as unlawful eviction and foreclosures\n\nBankruptcy\n\nProbate and clearing title for survivors living in generational homes without a clear title\n\nFamily law cases and children in need of services (unfortunately, domestic violence tends to rise following a natural disaster)\n\nIf you need civil legal assistance, please contact Legal Aid of North Carolina via the following toll-free hotline:\n\n(866) 219-LANC or (866) 219-5262\n\nThe hotline is available from:\n\n8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; and 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Monday and Thursdays.\n\nConstituents can also apply online at legalaidnc.org/get-help/ between 1:00-4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday.\n\nIRS Guidance for Taxpayers Impacted by Hurricane Helene\n\nExtension of certain tax filing deadlines:\n\nIRS has extended various filing deadlines for taxpayers in impacted areas, including 2024 individual/business returns, certain quarterly estimated income tax payments, and certain payroll/excise taxes.\n\nClick here for the full list of extensions and respective dates\n\nClick here for more information from the IRS on disaster assistance\n\nTax relief for qualified payments, disaster-related losses:\n\nIRS released provided guidance to taxpayers on how to address disaster-related losses in their 2024 tax return, as well as providing guidance on how qualified disaster relief payments - like government assistance payments - are generally excluded from gross income.\n\nClick here for a general walkthrough of these policies (under header \u201cAdditional tax relief\u201d)\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of disaster-related losses\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of qualified disaster relief payments\n\nDisaster payments are usually tax-free:\n\nQualified disaster relief payments are generally excluded from gross income.\n\nIn general, this means that affected taxpayers can exclude the following payments from a government agency from their gross income. Amounts received for:\n\nReasonable and necessary personal, family, living or funeral expenses.\n\nThe repair or rehabilitation of your home.\n\nThe repair or replacement of your home\u2019s contents.\n\nYou may be eligible for a disaster loss deduction:\n\nIn some instances, individuals and businesses in a federally declared disaster area can qualify for a casualty loss tax deduction.\n\nThe deduction is available for damaged or destroyed property not covered by insurance or other reimbursement and can result in a larger refund.\n\nTaxpayers can choose to claim the deduction on either the return for the year the loss occurred (in this instance, the 2024 return normally filed next year), or the return for the prior year (the 2023 return filed this year).\n\nFor individual taxpayers, the deadline for making this election is Oct. 15, 2025.\n\nThe IRS also has a special hotline specifically dedicated to taxpayers with disaster-related tax questions. Disaster victims can call the agency\u2019s disaster hotline at (866) 562-5227.\n\nShelters\n\nFor those unable to evacuate to a safe location or in need of a place to go, the following shelters are currently open and available as of today:\n\nBuncombe County\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nGold\u2019s Gym\n\n801 Fairview Rd, Asheville, NC 28803\n\nWNC Agricultural Center\n\n1301 Fanning Bridge Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nHaywood County\n\nHaywood County Government Armory\n\n285 Armory Dr., Clyde, NC 28781\n\nHenderson County\n\nHenderson County Recreation Center\n\n708 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMcDowell County Senior Center\n\n100 Spaulding Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nRutherford County\n\nRutherfordton Presbyterian Church\n\n252 N. Washington St., Rutherfordton, NC 28139\n\nTransylvania County\n\nTransylvania Parks & Rec\n\n1078 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nYancey County\n\nBlue Ridge Elementary\n\n910 Cane River School Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nCarolina Cruiser mobile office hours\n\nIn keeping with my office's motto of being \"First in Constituent Services\" and to help constituents post-Hurricane Helene, my office has resumed Carolina Cruiser mobile office hours.\n\nFolks can stop by to share their thoughts on issues that matter to them or ask for assistance with federal agencies.\n\nVisit my website for updated Carolina Cruiser hours and locations, linked here.\n\nWith my warmest regards,\n\nChuck Edwards\n\nMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/helene-recovery-update-23-congressman-edwards", "Helene recovery update #23 from Congressman Edwards", "2024-10-20", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Chuck Edwards", "E000246", "edwards.house.gov", "edwards", "https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "October 20, 2024\n\nDear Friend,\n\nI\u2019ve said it before, but I\u2019ve never really explained what I meant when I shared that I am here for you. Today, I wanted to give you an example and remind you that me and my team are a resource for you.\n\nMy team has worked on numerous cases over the past few weeks, but here is one I am especially proud of:\n\nMy office received a message from a concerned daughter about her mother\u2019s living conditions at a local retirement community. The mother\u2019s apartment flooded, as many others did, during Hurricane Helene; and she was living in a unit with soaking wet carpets and wet wall board for days. Eventually the carpet was removed, but the mother was continuing to live in the unit that was wet with contamination. The daughter requested the mother be moved units without any luck. That\u2019s when she reached out to my office.\n\nMy team was able to work with local law enforcement and first responders to conduct a wellness check of the mother. Her unit was obviously not ideal, and within 24 hours the mother was moved to a new unit, free of mold and contamination.\n\nWhether you\u2019re experiencing a similar situation, or you need help navigating hurricane relief through FEMA and the SBA, or even if you have an issue with another federal agency not related to the hurricane, please don\u2019t hesitate to contact my office at (828) 435-7310; (202) 225-6401; or edwards.house.gov/contact. We are here and happy to help.\n\nAs a final note, I wanted to correct update #21, where I shared which counties in Western North Carolina are open for tourism. My original list included Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon, McDowell, Transylvania, and parts of Henderson, Polk, and Rutherford counties, but as of today, all of Western North Carolina is open for business. This includes Buncombe, Madison, Swain, and Yancey counties, as well as all of Henderson, Polk, and Rutherford counties.\n\nPer my previous message, if you have the means to make a trip, please come visit Western North Carolina. Our folks are waiting for you.\n\nThis update includes a list of the four early voting sites that were closed due to Hurricane Helene, the end of a \u201cDO NOT TRAVEL\u201d advisory in Western NC, and a milestone of more than 200 wastewater treatment centers operating normally across NC-11.\n\nToday is update number 23, with more information to follow in the coming days. Please make sure to read everything and share it with your friends and family.\n\nIndex\n\nClick the title to be taken to the correlating information in the update.\n\nFEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Sites\n\nLegislative Support\n\nHousing/Individual Assistance Updates\n\nFood and Water\n\nBuncombe County\n\nHaywood County\n\nHenderson County\n\nJackson County\n\nMadison County\n\nMcDowell County\n\nPolk County\n\nRutherford County\n\nTransylvania County\n\nYancey County\n\nTrash Services and Debris Removal\n\nBuncombe\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nMadison\n\nPolk\n\nTransylvania\n\nYancey\n\nVoter Information\n\nUnited States Postal Service/Mail Services\n\nPharmacy Access\n\nOpen Urgent Cares/ Health Care Services\n\nDialysis Locations\n\nOxygen Locations\n\nResources for Veterans\n\nResources for Farmers\n\nPower\n\nRoads\n\nInternet Access\n\nCell Service\n\nNorth Carolina National Guard & Department of Defense\n\nAsheville Regional Airport\n\nFederal Nutrition Programs\n\nFor NC-11 Medical Providers\n\nFor Local Government Resource Requests\n\nFor Individual Assistance through FEMA\n\nTo Connect with a Loved One\n\nResources for Utility & Other Status Updates\n\nFree Legal Assistance\n\nIRS Guidance for Taxpayers Impacted by Hurricane Helene\n\nShelters\n\nBuncombe County\n\nHaywood County\n\nHenderson County\n\nMadison County\n\nMcDowell County\n\nRutherford County\n\nTransylvania County\n\nYancey County\n\nCarolina Cruiser Mobile Office Hours\n\nFEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Sites\n\nThe following FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers are open seven days a week to assist North Carolina survivors who have experienced losses from Hurricane Helene.\n\nBuncombe County: A.C. Reynolds High School\n\n1 Rocket Dr., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nA Comfort Care Center will also be available at this location where survivors can shower, do laundry and use other services.\n\nThe Asheville Social Security office remains closed due to a lack of power and water.\n\nThe Social Security Administration is maintaining staff at the Buncombe County Disaster Recovery Center until the Asheville office reopens.\n\nHenderson County\n\n2111 Asheville Hwy., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nJackson County Annex Building\n\n198 WBI Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nMcDowell County: A.C. \u201cBud\u201d Hogan Community Center\n\n909 E. Main St., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nMcDowell County Senior Center\n\n100 Spaulding Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nTransylvania County: Community Services Building\n\n106 E. Morgan St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nA Disaster Recovery Center is a one-stop shop where survivors can meet face-to-face with FEMA representatives, apply for FEMA assistance, receive referrals to local assistance in their area, apply with the U.S. Small Business Administration for disaster loans, etc.\n\nAdditional recovery centers will be opening soon, and I will keep you posted as I learn about them.\n\nDisaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams are also stationed across NC-11 to help survivors apply for FEMA assistance and connect them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources.\n\nLegislative Support\n\nThe U.S. House of Representatives is gearing up to pass a disaster relief package when we return to session in November.\n\nI have begun conversations with leadership about how to best meet Western North Carolina\u2019s needs in any supplemental relief package passed by Congress in the coming months.\n\nThe North Carolina General Assembly unanimously passed the Disaster Recovery Act of 2024 on Oct. 9, 2024.\n\nThis bill creates a new Hurricane Helene fund with $273 million from the state\u2019s Savings Reserve Fund.\n\n$250 million will go to the Department of Public Safety's Division of Emergency Management to provide the state\u2019s match to federal disaster relief funds.\n\nAnother portion of the funds will be used to establish a revolving loan program to help local government and state agencies with cash flow while they are waiting for reimbursement from the federal government.\n\n$16 million will go to the Department of Public Instruction for \u201clost compensation of school nutrition employees due to school closures resulting from Hurricane Helene\u201d\n\n$2 million to provide local governments technical assistance with local recovery funds.\n\n$5 million to the State Board of Elections, alongside a variety of temporary election law changes such as changing polling sites that were rendered unusable by the storm and establishing a voter hotline, to make it easier for residents of Western North Carolina to vote.\n\nThe bill also:\n\nGrants school calendar flexibility to public schools by allowing them to make up or mark as completed any number of the days or hours missed.\n\nIt also allows the schools to use up to 30 days of remote instruction toward required instructional days.\n\nWaives DMV fees for things like obtaining a duplicate driver\u2019s license, ID card, etc.\n\nWaives certain environmental requirements for state highway repairs.\n\nThis provision will not reduce the safety of repairs conducted by NCDOT or negatively impact the environment.\n\nHousing/Individual Assistance Updates\n\nMore than 202,000 Western North Carolinians have registered for Individual Assistance with FEMA.\n\nThe Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program through FEMA is currently providing temporary hotel stays to more than 5,800 individuals.\n\nFEMA has distributed almost $121 million in housing assistance to more than 87,00 Western North Carolina households.\n\nInspectors have performed more than 18,000 home inspections for FEMA Individual Assistance evaluations.\n\nFEMA is seeking residential properties to lease for Helene survivors.\n\nInterested WNC property owner or management companies should reach out to FEMA on or before 5:00 p.m. EST, Nov. 6, 2024, via email to fema-direct_lease_dr4827nc@fema.dhs.gov.\n\nThe email subject line should read: RFI# 70FBR425-DL-DR4827NC\n\nFEMA is also seeking multifamily properties to house disaster survivors\n\nInterested property owner or management companies should reach out to FEMA no later than 5:00 p.m. EST, Nov. 6, 2024, via email to fema-mlr_dr4827nc@fema.dhs.gov.\n\nThe email subject line should read: RFI #70FBR425-MLR-DR4827NC Response: MLR-DR-4827-NC\n\nFood and Water\n\nFree drinking water testing is available by request through the Buncombe County Public Health Department.\n\nJust contact the Buncombe County Public Health Department to request a test kit.\n\nThe department will provide you with an empty bottle along with instructions to collect a drinking water sample and where to drop it off for analysis.\n\nIf you have a private well that flooded, the well should be disinfected and tested to ensure the safety of yourself and your family.\n\nThe Division of Public Health is providing free, well-testing kits through local health departments.\n\nContact your local health department (find your local department via this link) to obtain a free well testing kit.\n\nSupplying drinkable water remains a top priority for emergency crews.\n\n19 water systems are on a partial or system-wide boil advisory.\n\nOnly one treatment plant has reported having no power and two systems remain out of water.\n\nWater restoration trends continue to move in a positive direction.\n\nThere are 219 wastewater treatment plants operating under normal conditions in the affected areas across Western NC.\n\nNCDEQ has provided the following resources to help community members track progress on water supply restoration efforts:\n\nPublic Water Supply Situation Report Tracking - ArcGIS map with filters for system status, county, etc. linked here.\n\nDEQ Dashboard - links to additional maps, including mobile view of water system status, and environmental guidance linked here.\n\nThe Federal Emergency Management Agency has promised 120 truckloads a day of food and water with no specified end date.\n\nFEMA has delivered more than 13 million meals and more than 12.9 million liters of water to Western North Carolina utilizing the $20 billion in funds that I helped to draft and pass for disaster relief just two days before Hurricane Helene hit.\n\nHome Depot will be passing out free disaster relief kits every day starting at 9:00 a.m., while supplies last, at the following locations:\n\nHome Depot Asheville\n\n795 Fairview Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nHome Depot West Asheville\n\n127 Acton Cir., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nHome Depot Hendersonville\n\n401 Linda Vista Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nWalmart is hosting activities at the following locations:\n\nHendersonville, NC Store 1242\n\n250 Highlands Square Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nPortable restrooms\n\nServing hot meals at 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily\n\nArden, NC Store 1179\n\n60 Airport Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nPortable restrooms\n\nLaundry\n\nShowers\n\nWi-fi hotspot and charging stations\n\nBuncombe County\n\nBuncombe County has water distribution at multiple sites. Each will be available daily from 12:00-4:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Please bring your own container.\n\nAC Reynolds High School\n\n1 Rocket Dr., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nAsheville Middle School\n\n211 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nBuncombe County Sports Park Complex\n\n58 Apac Dr., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nBlack Mountain Ingles\n\n550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nFairview Elementary School\n\n1355 Charlotte Hwy., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nSwannanoa Ingles\n\n2299 U.S. 70, Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nLeicester Elementary School\n\n31 Gilbert Rd., Leicester, NC 28748\n\nLinwood Crump Shiloh Community Center\n\n121 Shiloh Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nLucy Herring Elementary School\n\n98 Sulphur Springs Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nNorth Windy Ridge Intermediate School\n\n20 Doan Rd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nPack Square Park\n\n80 Court Plz., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nOakley Elementary\n\n753 Fairview Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\n9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nWilliam W. Estes Elementary School\n\n275 Overlook Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nThe following resources sites are available in Buncombe County, where citizens can access food, water and other basic necessities:\n\nBiltmore Baptist Church\n\n35 Clayton Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nDistribution and bulk pickup for volunteers looking to take bulk loads of supplies to in-need community members\n\nSaturday hours: 10:00 a.m. \u2013 1:00 p.m.\n\nCommunity drive-thru for anyone in the community needing supplies\n\nSaturday hours: 3:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church \u2013 Weaverville\n\n63 N. Main St., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nHot showers available from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nUnlimited clean drinking water is available, bring your own container.\n\nSupplies and bottled water.\n\nHot lunch served at 1:30 p.m.\n\nFellowship Asheville\n\n756 Fairview Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-4:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nWest Asheville Baptist Church\n\n926 Haywood Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-4:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday\n\nSaint Mary Margaret Catholic Church\n\n102 Andrews Pl., Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nSaturday hours: 3:00-4:30 p.m.\n\nPlease note: This location is not open during mass.\n\nHot meals are available at the following locations:\n\nWorld Central Kitchen in Bear\u2019s Smokehouse BBQ\n\n135 Coxe Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nServes 25,000 hot meals a day.\n\nDaily hours: 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.\n\nShiloh Community Center\n\n121 Shiloh Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nGrovemont Park\n\n251 Stonewall Ave., Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nManna Food Bank - Farmer\u2019s Market\n\n570 Brevard Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nReopening October 22-24 from 1:00-5:00 p.m. daily for a special event to distribute critical baby items.\n\nWesley Grant Community Center\n\n285 Livingston St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nWest Asheville Ingles\n\n669 Haywood Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 3:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nNesbitt Chapel\n\n12 Nesbitt Chapel Rd., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nDaily hours: 3:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nGroce United Methodist Church \u2013 also distributing essential supplies\n\n954 Tunnel Rd., Asheville, NC 28805\n\nDaily hours starting Wednesday, October 16: Only M/W/F/Sat, Supplies 12:00-4:00 p.m., meals 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nA Community Care Station is available at the following location:\n\n2319 Hwy. 70, Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nHot meals served daily: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCommunity Care Stations offer showers, laundry, bathrooms, access to cell towers, wi-fi, potable and non-potable water, and counseling.\n\nHaywood County\n\nThe following locations are providing community members with essential resources such as but not limited to, food, water, cleaning products, baby formula, and pet food, Monday through Fridays:\n\nFines Creek Community Center\n\n190 Fines Creek Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nOpen every day until 6:00 p.m.\n\nPigeon Community Center\n\n450 Pigeon St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nAlso offering hot meals every day at 2:00 p.m.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCruso Community Center\n\n13186 Cruso Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.\n\nFirst United Methodist Church\n\n566 S. Haywood St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nIncludes shower access.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.\n\nMaggie Valley Pavilion\n\n3935 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nDaily Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.\n\nWoodland Baptist Church\n\n545 Crabtree Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nNew Covenant Church\n\n767 Lee Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nIP Sportsplex\n\n305 Silkwood Dr., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nBethel Elementary School\n\n4700 Old River Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nJonathan Valley Elementary School\n\n410 Hall Dr., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nMonday through Friday\n\nSt. Barnabas Catholic Church\n\n109 Crescent Hill Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nDaily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.\n\nReynolds Baptist Church - Family Life Center\n\n520 Rose Hill Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.\n\nThis location also has potable water available to residents who bring their own vessels to fill.\n\nMountain Projects\n\n2177 Asheville Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nThe Community Kitchen\n\n288 Crabtree Mountain Rd., Canton, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.\n\nHaywood Christian Ministry\n\n150 Branner St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nThe following location offers hot meals daily:\n\nMaggie Valley Fire Department\n\n2901 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nJukebox Junction\n\n3606 Pigeon Rd., Canton, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nThe following location offers showers daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.:\n\nCalvary Baptist Church\n\n2701 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nThe following location is offering supplies for horses and livestock:\n\nWNC Regional Livestock Center\n\n474 Stock Dr., Canton, NC 28716\n\nHenderson County\n\nHenderson County has stood up one Resource Hub location for water distribution and other supplies as they become available.\n\n118 McAbee Ct., Flat Rock, NC 28731\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nEach family unit will be provided supplies for one day\u2019s meal and water as available.\n\nIndividuals are asked to enter the drive-through and remain in your car unless otherwise instructed by volunteers to ensure an efficient process.\n\nJackson County\n\nIn partnership with the Red Cross, the following is available for citizens of Jackson County:\n\nThe Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau are providing shelf-stable meals at the following location:\n\n558 Frank Allen Rd., Cashiers, NC 28717\n\nThe Canada Fire Department is distributing emergency supplies at the following location:\n\n149 Charleys Creek Rd., Tuckasegee, NC 28783\n\nThe following locations are providing resources to displaced families and individuals in need:\n\nMountain Projects\n\n154-B Medical Park Loop, Sylva, NC 28779\n\nUnited Christian Ministries\n\n191 Skyland Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nSt. Mary\u2019s Roman Catholic Church of Sylva\n\n22 Bartlett St., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.\n\nCornbread and Roses\n\n1294 Savannah Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours:\n\nWednesday, 6:00-8:00 p.m.\n\nThursday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nSunday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nMadison County\n\nThe following locations are offering food, water, and some supply distribution in Madison County:\n\nBeech Glen Community Center\n\n2936 Beech Glen Rd., Mars Hill, 28754\n\nDaily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.\n\nCenter Community Center\n\n1300 Grapevine Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nEbbs Chapel Community Center\n\n281 Laurel Valley Rd., Mars Hill, NC 28754\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nEnon Baptist Church\n\n174 Ammons Branch Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nOpen Sunday 12:00-4:00 p.m.\n\nFreedom Christian Church\n\n7350 US 25/70 Bypass, Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThis location offers additional resources such as hygiene products, blankets, clothes, cleaning supplies, diapers, pet food, etc.\n\nLaurel Community Center - also has supplies\n\n4100 NC 212 Hwy., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily Hours: 8:00 a.m. \u2013 8:00 p.m.\n\nRevere-Rice Community Center\n\n3980 Revere Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (Mon-Sat)\n\nSpring Creek Community Center\n\n13075 NC 209 Hwy., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThis location also has additional resources such as pet food, livestock feed and hay.\n\nWalnut Community Center - also has supplies\n\n46 School Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.\n\nN.C. Cooperative Extension - Madison County Center\n\n258 Carolina Ln., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nThis location is offering drive-thru food distribution only.\n\nLittle Ivy Baptist Church\n\n1053 Crossroads Pkwy., Mars Hill, NC 28754\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMcDowell County has established multiple points of distribution that are open daily.\n\nDistribution takes place daily at the following locations:\n\nTom Johnson\u2019s Camping Center\n\n348 Resistoflex Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nWeekend hours: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCherry Springs\n\n6 Bull Walker Rd., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: Wednesdays 4:00-7:00 p.m., Sundays 2:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nCamp Grier\n\n985 Camp Grier Rd., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and 4:00-7:00 p.m.\n\nRestoration Church\n\n2344 Ashworth Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nCentro Unido Latino Americano\n\n79 Academy St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church of Old Fort\n\n203 E. Main St., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: 4:00-7:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nFirst Baptist Church Marion\n\n99 N Main St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nConcord United Methodist Church\n\n8066 Linville Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 2:00-4:00 p.m.\n\nNew Manna Baptist Church\n\n225 E. Court St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 4:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nHot meals are also being provided at the following location:\n\nGrace Community Church\n\n5182 US 70 W., Marion, NC 28752\n\nLunch is served every day from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.\n\nDinner is available from 4:00-5:30 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church of Marion is offering hot showers, air conditioning, and areas to charge devices.\n\nCurrent hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 2:00-5:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday.\n\nPolk County\n\nThe following locations are offering food and water distribution for residents in need from 1:00-5:00 p.m.:\n\nMill Spring/Green Creek Community\n\n25 International Blvd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nColumbus Community\n\n95 Walker St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nSaluda Community Bus Parking Lot\n\n214 E. Main St., Saluda, NC 28773\n\nTryon Community\n\n301 N. Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782\n\nSunny View\n\n86 Sunny View School Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nThe following locations are serving hot meals daily:\n\nTryon Equestrian Center\n\n4066 Pea Ridge Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nRoseland Community Center\n\n56 Peake St., Tryon, NC 28782\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nRutherford County\n\nThe following two centralized distribution center locations are open from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. for citizens to get food and emergency supplies:\n\nThe Green Space\n\n658 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nWarehouse #7\n\n214 Vance St., Warehouse 7, Forest City, NC 28043\n\nTransylvania County\n\nThe following location is providing hot meals to county residents:\n\nBalsam Grove Community Center - daily until power is fully restored\n\n8732 Parkway Rd., Balsam Grove, NC 28708\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nBottled water is available daily at local fire departments and 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Anchor Baptist Church located at:\n\n3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nWater filling stations can be found at the following locations:\n\nCity Sports Complex\n\n824 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.\n\nRocky\u2019s Grill & Soda Shop\n\n50 S. Broad St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours\n\nCedar Mountain Outpost\n\n8431 Greenville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nDD Bullwinkles\n\n60 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nFirst United Methodist Church\n\n325 N. Broad St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nPisgah Forest Baptist Church\n\n494 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nFood, water, and other supplies such as hygiene products are being distributed at the following locations:\n\nAnchor Baptist Church\n\n3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nZion Baptist Church\n\n423 Main St., Rosman, NC 28772\n\nNo daily hours posted\n\nGrace Brevard\n\n55 E. Jordan St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2;00 p.m.\n\nMary C. Jenkins Community Center\n\n221 Mills Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nYancey County\n\nYancey County has transitioned to one centralized distribution site for water, food and ice located at the following address:\n\nFormer Fred\u2019s Store\n\n677 W. U.S. Highway 19E, Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nMobile laundry facilities are available in the GO Grocery parking lot located at the following address:\n\n631 W Hwy. 19E Bypass, Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nTrash Services and Debris Removal\n\nAll counties are actively working with NCDEQ to determine where mud, silt and sediment can be safely dropped off without risk of contamination.\n\nMore information to come.\n\nRecycling services are available through Curbside Management for the following counties:\n\nBuncombe\n\nClay\n\nGraham\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nJackson\n\nMacon\n\nMadison\n\nPolk\n\nRutherford\n\nYancey\n\nSome communities have halted recycling services to prioritize trash collection.\n\nIf that is the case for your community, Curbside Management has a drop-off site available for residents who wish to bring their recycling to the following location:\n\n116 N. Woodfin Ave., Asheville, NC 28804\n\nIf your home has damage and you need assistance with clean up, please call Crisis Cleanup for access to volunteer organizations that can assist you at 844-965-1386.\n\nIf Hurricane Helene caused damage to your home or belongings, make sure to document it.\n\nThis is critically important in getting reimbursed.\n\nTake photos before you begin cleaning up.\n\nMake a list of damaged or lost items and gather receipts.\n\nDoing this helps speed up the process with insurance and other assistance programs, and ensures you get properly compensated.\n\nBefore you start the clean-up process, remember:\n\nWear PPE such as long pants, goggles, gloves and sturdy shoes.\n\nStay off damaged structures.\n\nBe aware that snakes or other hazardous animals could be present.\n\nCall your local fire department to inspect or removal chemicals, propane tanks, and other hazardous materials.\n\nIf you suspect debris contains toxic substances, seal them in plastic bags to prevent them from becoming airborne.\n\nTo reduce the risk of accidental fires, please DO NOT burn your storm debris.\n\nEmergency personnel are continuing to work on other storm recovery and response efforts, limiting resources to respond to accidental fires.\n\nPlease discard storm debris at a local transfer site or via curbside debris pickup.\n\nDebris should be placed curbside and not block the roadway or access to the property.\n\nPlease place debris away from trees, poles or other structures (e.g., fire hydrants, meters, etc.) to make removal work easier.\n\nContact your local municipality for curbside storm debris removal collection schedules or see below for additional information on debris waste removal by county.\n\nAdditionally, the following counties have resources for where to take household trash and debris waste.\n\nBuncombe\n\nCurbside collection will begin Monday for City of Asheville sanitation customers.\n\nThe following materials cannot be collected at this time: Mud, construction debris, concrete and other bulky or hazardous items.\n\nDebris collection is estimated to start in mid-October.\n\nThe Town of Black Mountain Public Works Department has secured four 15-yard dumpsters located in two sites for Black Mountain residents to throw away household trash ONLY:\n\nTractor Supply: 125 Old US Hwy. 70 E., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nIngles: 550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nPlease Note: Yard waste, bulk items, separate recycling and debris collection are not available at this time.\n\nWaste Pro collection service has resumed for regular Monday route customers.\n\nHaywood\n\nHousehold waste will be accepted at the Materials Recovery Facility at 247 Recycle Rd., Clyde and at Convenience Centers at Jonathan Creek, Beaverdam, Bethel, Hazelwood, Mauney Cove, Jones Cove and Highway 110.\n\nWhite Oak Landfill has reopened.\n\nHenderson\n\nHenderson County Transfer Station is open and accepting storm debris with normal fees.\n\nHenderson County has begun curbside storm debris removal to county residents as a free service.\n\nThe county will pick up storm debris for free if it is pushed to the right of way of a property.\n\nStorm debris includes tree branches, leaves, logs, building materials, furniture, paint etc.\n\nPlease be patient.\n\nThe county will pick up storm debris for free as quickly as possible.\n\nMadison\n\nThe Hot Springs collection center is operating on normal hours for household trash ONLY:\n\nMonday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nWednesday: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.\n\nFriday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nSaturday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nHot Springs trash pickup is returning to Mondays like usual.\n\nPlease only use this pickup service if you cannot bring it to the collection center yourself.\n\nThe pickup service is being led by volunteers at this time.\n\nPolk\n\nThe Polk County landfill is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\n322 Landfill Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nDrop-off of residential trash is $10.\n\nGFL trash services will continue the regular schedule. However, certain areas may be inaccessible due to ongoing power outages from Hurricane Helene.\n\nTwo dumpsters are located on Gibson Street for immediate trash disposal due to road inaccessibility.\n\nTransylvania\n\nThe City of Brevard has resumed regular trash pickup.\n\nYancey\n\nThe Riverside and East Yancey Recycling Centers have resumed operations.\n\nDaily hours: 7:00 a.m. \u2013 4:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday\n\nVoter Information\n\nReminder: Early voting has started!\n\nVoters may cast a ballot at any early voting site in their county.\n\nOnly four early voting sites were closed due to Hurricane Helene across NC-11, all in Buncombe County.\n\nThe following four sites are NO LONGER eligible early voting sites, as was originally planned prior to Hurricane Helene:\n\nBee Tree Fire Station\n\nFriendship Center\n\nNorth Asheville Library\n\nUpper Hominy Fire & Rescue Department\n\nAll other regular early voting sites are OPEN across NC-11.\n\nCoordination is ongoing to develop messaging in multiple languages to inform shelter residents and guests of how and where to vote.\n\nThe North Carolina State Board of Elections has provided pertinent information and recommendations for voters in the Helene disaster area during the 2024 general election.\n\nTo review information on voting in the 2024 general election after Hurricane Helene, you can follow this link.\n\nThe site provides information on absentee voting, how to change your polling location if you have a new permanent address, county board of elections, office closures and more.\n\nFor any additional questions on voting post-hurricane, please contact your county Board of Elections.\n\nPlease note: Your county Board of Elections is the best place to get any questions answered.\n\nI have been permitted to share the above, nonpartisan information but am prohibited from answering any questions related to the 2024 general election.\n\nUnited States Postal Service/Mail Services\n\nUSPS anticipates continued improvement of mail delivery operations with local recovery efforts, to include power, connectivity, and roads.\n\nSocial Security checks are being routed to all units for delivery and/or are available for customer pick up.\n\nFor impacted residents who have relocated due to the storm, please be sure to complete a change of address request at moversguide.usps.com.\n\nMost USPS offices have reopened under normal operations.\n\nSunday delivery is being made in some of the affected communities to ensure delayed mail is delivered as soon as possible.\n\nOnly 21 offices, or 10 percent of all USPS offices in Western NC remain closed.\n\nOnly one facility was fully destroyed, the Micaville PO box office in ZIP code 28755.\n\nUSPS is utilizing Mobile Operations Units where residents can send or receive mail and packages in many of the areas with closed offices.\n\nThe mobile units are located in the following communities:\n\nAlexander - 28701\n\nBarnardsville - 28709\n\nCedar Mountain - 28718\n\nEdneyville - 28727\n\nHot Springs - 28743\n\nMarshall - 28753\n\nMicaville - 28755\n\nMontreat - 28757\n\nRosman - 28772\n\nSwannanoa - 28778\n\nPharmacy Access\n\nPharmacy Locator\n\nHundreds of pharmacies never closed or have reopened across Western North Carolina.\n\nUse this link to locate pharmacy locations open to the public by county.\n\nThe Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response under the Department of Health and Human Services has activated the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) for North Carolinians.\n\nThe EPAP program helps uninsured residents replace prescription medication or certain medical equipment lost or damaged during Hurricane Helene.\n\nThrough the program, uninsured residents can:\n\nRequest a free 30-day supply of certain prescription medications at any EPAP-participating pharmacy which can be renewed every 30 days while the EPAP is active.\n\nReplace certain medical equipment and supplies such as canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, blood sugar meters and blood sugar test strips for diabetics.\n\nUninsured North Carolina residents affected by the recent hurricane can call the EPAP hotline, 855-793-7470, or visit the EPAP website to check their eligibility, determine if their medications or medical equipment are covered, or locate a participating pharmacy.\n\nPrescription Pad is open from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and filling prescriptions for Yancey County residents at the following location:\n\n730 E. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nOpen Urgent Cares/ Health Care Services\n\nThere is a field hospital with physicians, nurses and paramedics who can treat patients at the Burnsville Fire Department. The address is as follows:\n\n305 Pineola St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nThe following urgent cares are open and accessible for community members with non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries:\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Weaverville\n\n61 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nMercy Urgent Care West Asheville\n\n1201 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nMercy Urgent Care Waynesville\n\n120 Frazier St., Ste. 6, Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nLocations open between 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Brevard\n\n22 Trust Ln., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Columbus\n\n140 West Mills St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nLocations open between 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.:\n\nMobile Urgent Care Clinic\n\n12 Florida Ave., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nMental Health & Basic Medical Support Center\n\n130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nPardee Urgent Care\n\n45 Hendersonville Hwy., Ste. A, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nOther locations available:\n\nHeart to Heart International - in Haywood Department of Health Parking Lot\n\n157 Paragon Pkwy., Ste. 800, Clyde, NC 28721\n\nDaily hours: Not available at this time.\n\nFree mental health services - All available for drop-in\n\nIf you have been impacted by the storm and need someone to talk to, call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1 (800) 985-5990.\n\nHelp is also available to anyone, anytime in English or Spanish through a call, text or chat to 988.\n\nLearn more at 988Lifeline.org.\n\nCare Collaborative for Western North Carolina Clinicians is a partnership among more than 200 mental health professionals volunteering to provide free mental health services for Hurricane Helene survivors.\n\nServices are provided virtually, and you can follow this link to find a professional that fits your needs and their contact information to schedule a session.\n\nHot Springs Elementary School - Art Room\n\n63 N. Serpentine Ave., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nThe Pearl Institute\n\n55 Academy St., Waynesville, NC\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-6:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nFree telehealth appointments are also available.\n\nTo book a telehealth appointment, you can email info@pearlpsychedelicinstitute.org or call/text (828) 400-7091\n\nCommunity Support Group\n\nThe first of a series of free support groups occurred on Monday, October 14, to help the community manage the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.\n\nRegular group sessions will be occurring through the end of December at the following locations:\n\n221 Mills Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nMary C. Jenkins Community & Cultural Center\n\nHosted by the City of Brevard, AARP, and Blue Ridge Community College\n\n9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on October 21 and 28\n\n45 Oak Park Dr., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nBlue Ridge Community College, Brevard Campus, Room 140\n\n9:00-11:00 a.m. on November 4, 18, 25; December 2, 9 ,16\n\nAll University of North Carolina System students have access to free mental health through their university.\n\nPlease monitor your student email for more information on how to access these services.\n\nThe following orthopedic urgent care locations are open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily, physical therapy appointments are also available at each of these locations:\n\nEmergeOrtho Hendersonville\n\n800 Fleming St., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nEmergeOrtho Arden (South Asheville)\n\n2585 Hendersonville Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nEmergeOrtho Waynesville\n\n9 Haywood Office Park, Ste. 102 and 103, Waynesville, NC 28785\n\nEmergeOrtho Brevard\n\n89 Hospital Dr., Ste. A, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nEmergeOrtho Weaverville\n\n159 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nDialysis Locations\n\nThe following location is open and available for dialysis treatments in NC-11:\n\nPardee Hospital\n\n800 N. Justice St., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nThis location can dialyze 30 patients a day.\n\nDaVita Kidney Care nurses are reaching out to their patients to coordinate treatment, but the following DaVita locations are available:\n\nDaVita Greer South Dialysis\n\n3254 Brushy Greek Rd., Greer, SC 29650\n\nContact Number: (864) 801-2065\n\nDaVita Saluda River Dialysis\n\n8080 Augusta Rd., Piedmont, SC 29673\n\nContact Number: (833) 378-2702\n\nDaVita Wofford at Home\n\n8024 White Ave., Spartanburg, SC 29303\n\nContact Number: (864) 583-4788\n\nDaVita Boiling Springs Dialysis\n\n196 Sloane Garden Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316\n\nContact Number: (833) 458-4809\n\nOxygen Locations\n\nHendersonville High School\n\n1 Bearcat Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nMust be assessed through Pardee Hospital.\n\nLincare is only serving established patients.\n\nPatients must bring in empty tanks to one of the following locations:\n\nAsheville Lincare\n\n103 Elk Park Dr., Asheville, NC 28804\n\nFax number: (866) 234-6698\n\nGreenville Lincare\n\n355 Woodruff Rd., Ste. 204 and 205, Greenville, SC 29607\n\nFax Number: (864) 288-0339\n\nThe following locations are available for oxygen refills, but patients must bring their own oxygen equipment - fire departments are available 24/7:\n\nBoiling Springs Fire Department\n\n186 Rainbow Lake Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316\n\nReidville Fire Department\n\n7450 Reidville Rd., Woodruff, SC 29388\n\nInman City Fire Department\n\n6 Humphrey St., Inman, SC 29349\n\nFirst Presbyterian Church\n\n393 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29302\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.\n\nGreer Relief Indigo Hope Neighborhood Impact Center\n\n113C Berry Ave., Greer, SC 29651\n\nDaily hours: 2:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nCroft Fire Department\n\n370 Cedar Springs Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29302\n\nArkwright Fire Department\n\n1070 Southport Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29306\n\nRoebuck Fire Department\n\n2639 Stone Station Rd., Roebuck, SC 29376\\\n\nNorth Spartanburg Fire Department\n\n8767 Asheville Hwy., Spartanburg, SC 29316\n\nResources for Veterans\n\nOutpatient clinics have rescheduled 66 percent of the appointments that were cancelled due to Hurricane Helene, with more being rescheduled every day.\n\nThe U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs launched a new web page with disaster relief resources, providing a single place for veterans and their caregivers to access VA resources on health care, housing, benefits payments, insurance, and more.\n\nYou can access the web site via this link.\n\nThe VA has established a Veterans Disaster Response Hotline, which is available 24/7 at 1(800) 507-4571.\n\nIf you or a veteran you know needs immediate housing assistance after Hurricane Helene, please call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at (877) 424-3838.\n\nThe call center is open 24/7.\n\nIf you have a VA-backed home loan and are unable to make your mortgage payments, please contact your mortgage servicer.\n\nYou can also call the VA at (877) 827-3702, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nHome loan servicers are allowed to put a 90-day pause on foreclosures and encouraged to waive late charges for VA-guaranteed home loans after a disaster.\n\nLegionnaires, Sons of the American Legion members and Legion Posts that have been displaced from their primary residence due to damage sustained during Hurricane Helene may be eligible for financial assistance through the American Legion.\n\nLegionnaires and Sons of the American Legion members may be eligible for up to $3,000.\n\nLegion Posts may be eligible for up to $10,000.\n\nTo learn more or to request assistance, please use this link.\n\nApplications must be submitted within 90 days of the disaster: Dec. 26, 2024.\n\nThe Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville and Master Sergeant Jerry K. Crump VA Clinic in Forest City are open for essential and emergency services.\n\nVeterans can:\n\nVisit the Asheville VA Hospital pharmacy for medication refills or:\n\nCall the Regional Clinical Contact Center at (855) 679-0074 and press 1 for pharmacy representatives.\n\nLocal pharmacies in the VA\u2019s community care network will also fill written prescriptions, or prescriptions as they appear on an active VA prescription bottle that is not older than six months and has available refills, to provide a 30-day supply.\n\nHickory, Forest City and Franklin outpatient VA clinics are now operating regularly.\n\nDue to the damage and personal losses caused by Hurricane Helene to the staff of the VA, it will take some time to bring staffing to full capacity.\n\nPlease be patient as the VA works to rebuild their workforce.\n\nResources for Farmers\n\nThe United States Department of Agriculture has put together a list of resources for farmers and other agricultural industry members.\n\nIf your agricultural operation has been impacted by Hurricane Helene, you can review this link, farmers.gov, for emergency and disaster assistance programs.\n\nPower\n\nLess than 6,500 customers remain without power in Western North Carolina.\n\nThe majority of remaining power outages remain concentrated in Western North Carolina, with the highest percentage of outages being reported in Yancey County.\n\nUnder 800 Duke Energy customers remain without power.\n\nLocal co-ops faced a hiccup over the past 24 hours, as a little over 400 customers lost power.\n\nCurrently, more than 5,600 co-op customers remain without power.\n\nLocal co-ops are utilizing their full teams to restore energy and have more than 500 reinforcements from more than 30 electric cooperatives in 11 states.\n\nNCDOT crews are still coordinating closely with power companies to ensure service is being restored as quickly as possible, including along private roads, keeping in mind that cold months are approaching fast.\n\nFor more information on Duke Energy\u2019s power restoration efforts, you can review the following links:\n\nComplex Repair & Disaster Rebuild Zones Map: duke-energy.com/info/carolinas-restoration\n\nOutage Map: duke-energy.com/outages\n\nOutage Alerts: duke-energy.com/outages/alerts\n\nGenerator safety: duke-energy.com/outages/generators\n\nPower restoration process: duke-energy.com/outages/restoring-your-power\n\nRoads\n\nWestern North Carolina is FULLY OPEN to visitors!\n\nPlease come visit!\n\nNCDOT staff are now transitioning to temporary repairs and reconstruction of damaged roadways.\n\nThe state has reopened 782 roads and are only reporting 483 remaining road closures.\n\nNCDOT has established a new Road Reopening Dashboard for folks to keep track of progress made by the department.\n\nYou can use this link to access the dashboard.\n\nThe dashboard is also linked on DriveNC.gov.\n\nTo monitor road conditions in and around NC-11, use drivenc.gov.\n\nThe website tracks NCDOT-managed road conditions in real time.\n\nNC DMV has reopened 13 of the 16 driver license offices that were closed due to Hurricane Helene.\n\nThe Asheville Driver\u2019s License Office on Patton Avenue is expected to reopen on Monday, October 21.\n\nThe following DMV offices are open for walk-in services in or near NC-11, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., closed between 11:30 a.m. through 1:00 p.m. for a lunch break:\n\nCherokee County\n\n1440 Main St., Andrews, NC 28901\n\nHaywood County\n\n290 Lee Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nHenderson County\n\n125 Baystone Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nJackson County\n\n876 Skyland Dr., Ste. 2, Sylva, NC 28779\n\nMacon County\n\n16 Patton Ave., Franklin, NC 28734\n\nMadison County\n\n1685 NC Highway 213, Marshall, NC 28753\n\nMcDowell County\n\n3975 NC 226 S., Marion, NC 28752\n\nRutherford County\n\n596 Withrow Rd., Forest City, NC 28043\n\nSwain County\n\n2650 Governors Island Rd., Bryson City, NC 28713\n\nTransylvania County\n\n50 Commerce St., Ste. 4, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAll but five license plate agencies have reopened.\n\nAir traffic has sustained at 300 percent above pre-hurricane levels in Western NC.\n\nNCDOT\u2019s aviation division continue to work to make sure flight operations are safe coming into and out of airports, including by:\n\nScheduling landing/unloading times and aircraft parking so aircraft are spaced out and to reduce the risk of incidents.\n\nEstablishing a first of its kind \u201ccorridors in the sky\u201d to separate civilian and military aircraft in the air.\n\nHaving search and rescue partners use short, time and location specific restrictions on air operations to enhance safety when multiple helicopters are engaged in search and rescue efforts.\n\nThe state of North Carolina is NOT turning away civil aviation support so long as it has been coordinated through the proper channels with NC Emergency Management.\n\nIf you or someone you know is interested in providing civil aviation support and don\u2019t know where to coordinate your efforts, please call my office and we will help you get in touch with the right folks.\n\nNCDOT has launched a detour map to show motorists how to get around closures on I-26 and I-40 at the Tennessee border.\n\nYou can access the map here.\n\nInternet Access\n\nInternet providers are working with local energy and cell providers to restore service for customers across Western North Carolina.\n\nFiber repair crews are also pairing with electric utility crews in the field to assist with any accidental fiber cuts.\n\nInternet providers including Optimum and Spectrum are working around the clock to restore service for customers. However, part of the network\u2019s infrastructure was destroyed by mudslides and collapsed bridges making restoration a lengthy process.\n\nAs a result, some impacted areas will require a rebuild of the network from scratch.\n\nTo mitigate the lack of service, Optimum, formerly Altice USA, has set up an Optimum Wi-Fi Trailer that is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the following locations:\n\n717 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\n1800 Four Seasons Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nThe following locations are offering free public wi-fi:\n\nFirst Baptist Church - Weaverville\n\n63 N. Main St, Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nDowntown Franklin\n\nThe Town of Franklin has free wi-fi on the town hill area in downtown.\n\nTransylvania County Library - 24/7\n\n212 S. Gaston St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nThe Yard Brevard\n\n284 Railroad Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nBrevard Visitor Center\n\n175 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAvailable daily from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThe Vine Anglican Church - and free coffee\n\n1055 Lee Rd, Clyde, NC 28721\n\nAvailable daily from 12:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nCell Service\n\nRoughly 94 percent of all cellular sites in Western North Carolina have been repaired and are now in service.\n\nThe remaining areas require significant infrastructure reconstruction.\n\nDue to a drop in service caused by damage to telecommunications equipment during debris clearance efforts, calls for two emergency services departments are being routed to an alternate location.\n\nAll 911 calls are being answered.\n\nCell service providers have implemented disaster roaming for any phone located in Western North Carolina to maximize phone service for all users.\n\nDisaster roaming allows users to connect to any mobile network during a disaster when other networks are down.\n\nThis allows users to access emergency services, such as 911, even when their own network is out.\n\nIf you have service one moment, but experience a reduction in service the next, try restarting your phone to jumpstart disaster roaming again.\n\nUpCycle Tech in Transylvania County is offering free computers and phones for use at the following location:\n\n470 Asheville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAT&T has deployed its Mobile Connectivity Center to the following location:\n\nSam\u2019s Club: 645 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nThe Mobile Connectivity Center is an air-conditioned mobile unit open to the public, equipped with laptops, charging stations and wi-fi.\n\nThe public can use the center for various needs including contacting your insurance company, filling out paperwork or connecting with loved ones.\n\nVerizon has deployed Wireless Emergency Communication Centers to help hurricane survivors stay connected to their friends, family and other important contacts.\n\nWireless Emergency Communication Centers are generator-powered mobile units that have device charging and computer workstations, along with wireless phones, tablets, and other devices available for use.\n\nVerizon\u2019s Wireless Emergency Communication Centers have been set up at the following locations:\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nAsheville YMCA\n\n30 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nFamily Justice Center\n\n35 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nVerizon also has charging stations at the following locations:\n\nYMCA of Western North Carolina\n\n348 Grace Corpening Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nTwo charging stations at this location\n\nWNC Agricultural Center\n\n761 Boylston Hwy., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nThree charging stations at this location\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nOne charging station at this location\n\nT-Mobile has set up satellite cellular on light trucks (SatCOLTs), providing cellular voice and data along with wi-fi and charging stations at the following locations:\n\nAsheville Middle School\n\n211 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center\n\n285 Livingston St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nFirst Baptist Church\n\n130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nAdditional T-Mobile satellite cell on trucks are located in Hendersonville and at a Tractor Supply Co. in Asheville, with others planned for Mission Hospital in Asheville, Cherokee County Emergency Operations Center in Murphy, and in Cherokee.\n\nNorth Carolina National Guard & Department of Defense\n\nAs requests from some counties are decreasing, NC National Guard assets are NOT standing down, they are instead being reallocated to other areas.\n\nAlmost 3,700 National Guard soldiers and airmen, active-duty service members, and Emergency Management Assistance Compact units (National Guard units from 12 different states) are deployed across Western North Carolina to provide support.\n\nThis includes:\n\nAlmost 1,300 vehicles\n\n10 helicopters\n\nAs search and rescue needs diminish and roads are being cleared and restored, the need for aerial support is decreasing and ground vehicles are becoming an increasingly more effective means of support.\n\nAlthough airspace is limited due to ongoing missions by the National Guard and Department of Defense, a process has been established for private pilots seeking to fly in humanitarian relief to coordinate with local authorities.\n\nIf you are looking to fly in resources and don\u2019t know where to turn, call my office and we will get you in contact with the right coordinators.\n\nHere are a few key phone numbers from the NCNG:\n\nHOTLINE: 888-892-1162\n\nEmergency management watch: 919-733-3300\n\nDonated goods: 919-825-2474\n\nThese lines have very high call volumes. If you do not get through the first try, keep calling.\n\nAsheville Regional Airport\n\nAsheville Regional Airport closed mid-day on Friday, September 27, due to risk of flooding.\n\nCommercial flights at Asheville Regional Airport have resumed.\n\nIf you parked your car in an Asheville Regional Airport lot and could not retrieve the vehicle due to the storm, great news - none of the airport\u2019s lots flooded and all cars are fine.\n\nStay safe and pick up your car when you are able.\n\nPLEASE NOTE:\n\nNo general aviation pilots are allowed to land at Asheville Regional Airport without prior clearance from FEMA to ensure the safety of aircraft and personnel.\n\nSupply deliveries by civilian pilots ARE permitted to land at Asheville Regional Airport so long as they have prior clearance from FEMA.\n\nFEMA is not turning away any pilot that has gone through the proper channels to coordinate delivery and ensure the safety of his fellow aircraft and personnel.\n\nFederal Nutrition Programs\n\nThe U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service has approved flexibilities due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene.\n\nSNAP\n\nNorth Carolina was granted a waiver for the 10-day reporting requirement for the replacement of food purchased with SNAP benefits lost because of the hurricane.\n\nThis waiver provides additional time beyond the standard 10-day time frame for households to report food losses and receive replacement benefits for food that was destroyed and previously purchased with SNAP benefits.\n\nD-SNAP\n\nPeople living in the 25 major disaster declared Western NC counties and members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians impacted by Hurricane Helene can apply to receive a one-time benefit to help buy food through the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP).\n\nPre-registration is available by using ePASS pre-registration tool.\n\nFor the tool and more information, visit epass.nc.gov/.\n\nTo be eligible, applicants must:\n\nHave suffered losses/damages related to Hurricane Helene, such as damage to property or loss of income.\n\nHave proof of identity and proof of residency.\n\nNot currently receiving benefits through the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS).\n\nPeople receiving FNS can also get extra help to buy food but do not need to fill out a D-SNAP application.\n\nCertain income and resource limits may apply.\n\nChild Nutrition\n\nThe North Carolina Department of Public Instruction was approved for a waiver pertaining to the child nutrition programs.\n\nUnder the waiver approval, NCDPI\u2019s local program operators may:\n\nServe meals in a non-congregate setting\n\nAdjust the time of meal service\n\nAllow parent pick-up\n\nAllow service of meals at school sites\n\nFood and Nutrition Services Program\n\nPeople and families in North Carolina who are enrolled in the Food and Nutrition Services program can now use their EBT card to purchase hot food.\n\nThis flexibility will remain in effect until November 3.\n\nSpecial Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, & Children (WIC)\n\nFamilies participating in WIC who may have relocated to a new area can go to any NC WIC agency to:\n\nHave a new eWIC card issued\n\nRequest replacement breastfeeding supplies or breast pumps\n\nRequest replacement food that was purchased with current WIC benefits and lost due to Hurricane Helene\n\nFor NC-11 Medical Providers\n\nIf you own a medical practice in NC-11 and are experiencing financial hardship due to Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina Medical Society is reactivating its Financial Recovery Program (FRP) to help you recover and open your doors again.\n\nFor more information on the disaster relief fund, you can visit this link.\n\nDetails on how medical practices can qualify and apply for funds will be coming soon.\n\nThe Department of Health and Human Services through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has made available:\n\nAccelerated payments to Medicare Part A providers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nAdvance payments to Medicare Part B suppliers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nFor Local Government Resource Requests\n\nFor county leaders: This is a reminder to make sure your Emergency Operation Center has submitted the request for gasoline, food, water, cell service deployables, etc. with North Carolina Emergency Management to have your request processed and resources delivered.\n\nMy office stands ready to assist with checking the status of your request if the county or municipality has not heard back from NC Emergency Management within 24 hours.\n\nDisaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)\n\nThe deadline to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits is Dec. 2, 2024 for all counties other than Swain, Graham and Cherokee counties.\n\nSwain County\u2019s deadline is Dec. 9, 2024.\n\nDisaster Unemployment Assistance benefits are now available for Western North Carolinians in counties with a major disaster declaration, including:\n\nBuncombe\n\nClay\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nJackson\n\nMacon\n\nMadison\n\nMcDowell\n\nPolk\n\nRutherford\n\nSwain\n\nTransylvania\n\nYancey\n\nIf your employment has been lost or interrupted because of Hurricane Helene, you may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance.\n\nFile an application for DUA:\n\nFile at des.nc.gov, or\n\nCall over the phone at (919) 629-3857\n\nA toll-free legal aid hotline is now available for low-income survivors with disaster-related legal questions: (866) 219-5262.\n\nFor Individual Assistance through FEMA\n\nThe deadline to file for FEMA Individual Assistance is Nov. 27, 2024. Please mark your calendars and ensure all applications are submitted on time.\n\nNorth Carolina received a Major Disaster Declaration for the following counties: Buncombe, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania and Yancey counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.\n\nPeople with damage to their homes or personal property who live in one of the above-listed counties should apply for Individual Assistance through FEMA, which may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies.\n\nFunds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay.\n\nIndividual Assistance provides financial aid and services to eligible individuals and households that have been affected by a disaster to assist with the recovery process. Individuals can officially begin applying for Individual Assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling the application phone number at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. EST.\n\nFind steps to help you replace important documents that were lost or damaged in the storm: www.fema.gov/disaster/4827/news-media\n\nIf you were initially denied for Individual Assistance, please see below for useful tips to help you file an appeal with FEMA:\n\nUnderstand why FEMA denied your claim before writing the appeal.\n\nIt could be as simple as a missing document, which you can submit with your appeal.\n\nRead FEMA\u2019s letter from beginning to end to completely understand what the agency needs from you.\n\nMake sure you provide evidence for your appeal. Depending on your situation, documentation may include:\n\nA copy of your flood insurance declaration page.\n\nProof of occupancy, which could be an employer statement, lease, utility bill, credit card statement, or other recent, formal document that states your address.\n\nProof of ownership, which might include your mortgage or insurance documents, tax receipts, deed, etc.\n\nCan\u2019t write the appeal yourself?\n\nI recommend having a trusted friend, family member, or lawyer write it for you.\n\nKnow your deadline.\n\nYou have 60 days from the date of your FEMA determination letter to appeal.\n\nCircle the deadline on your calendar or write yourself a note to keep the date in the forefront.\n\nOnce FEMA reviews your letter, you may receive a phone call or a follow-up letter asking for more documentation.\n\nDon\u2019t forget to sign your appeal letter!\n\nOnce signed, there are three ways to submit your appeal:\n\nFax it to (800) 827-8112\n\nSend it by mail to: FEMA Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782\n\nUpload all appeal documents to your disasterassistance.gov account.\n\nInclude your application number on every page of the documents you submit.\n\nExpect a decision letter to your appeal within 90 days.\n\nTo Connect with a Loved One\n\nResidents trying to connect with family members may call NC 211 (or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from out-of-state) to report missing loved ones or request a welfare check.\n\nPeople in the impacted areas can indicate that they are safe by reporting themselves safe through Red Cross Reunification by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).\n\nPlease only use 911 for life-threatening emergencies so the lines remain open for critical situations.\n\nIf you are still trying to locate a friend or family member, please complete this form, linked here, to notify local officials of their missing status.\n\nThe form was created by Buncombe County but information is being shared amongst all counties.\n\nRegardless of which county your loved one was last known to be in, you can still submit the form.\n\nBuncombe County will share the information with the appropriate officials to initiate search and rescue efforts.\n\nUnited Way is also fielding missing person/welfare check requests.\n\nText PERSON to 40403 to add a loved one to search and rescue efforts or fill out this form.\n\nResources for Utility & Other Status Updates\n\nFor information on the status of utilities, debris sites, etc., we want to share the following resources. As communications are restored and more information becomes available, these sites will continue to be updated.\n\nDrinking Water Systems: Public Water Supply Situation Report Tracking\n\nDebris Disposal Sites: Active Temporary Debris Disposal Sites\n\nNCDEQ Situation Report Tracking System\n\nNCDPS Hurricane Helene - Storm Information\n\nNCDPS County Emergency Management Agencies\n\nHow to Apply for FEMA Assistance After Hurricane Helene\n\nFree Legal Assistance\n\nLegal Aid of North Carolina stands ready to provide free advice and legal counsel regarding natural disaster needs, including legal representation if necessary, including for civil legal issues involving:\n\nFiling FEMA claims and appeals (a process which can be overwhelmingly bureaucratic and burdensome)\n\nReplacement of lost or destroyed legal and government documents, including driver\u2019s licenses and identification cards\n\nMedical and insurance claims\n\nHome repair contracts\n\nUtility disputes related to restoration of services\n\nConsumer protection issues like construction fraud, price-gouging on repairs and identity theft\n\nHousing issues such as unlawful eviction and foreclosures\n\nBankruptcy\n\nProbate and clearing title for survivors living in generational homes without a clear title\n\nFamily law cases and children in need of services (unfortunately, domestic violence tends to rise following a natural disaster)\n\nIf you need civil legal assistance, please contact Legal Aid of North Carolina via the following toll-free hotline:\n\n(866) 219-LANC or (866) 219-5262\n\nThe hotline is available from:\n\n8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; and 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Monday and Thursdays.\n\nConstituents can also apply online at legalaidnc.org/get-help/ between 1:00-4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday.\n\nIRS Guidance for Taxpayers Impacted by Hurricane Helene\n\nExtension of certain tax filing deadlines:\n\nIRS has extended various filing deadlines for taxpayers in impacted areas, including 2024 individual/business returns, certain quarterly estimated income tax payments, and certain payroll/excise taxes.\n\nClick here for the full list of extensions and respective dates\n\nClick here for more information from the IRS on disaster assistance\n\nTax relief for qualified payments, disaster-related losses:\n\nIRS released provided guidance to taxpayers on how to address disaster-related losses in their 2024 tax return, as well as providing guidance on how qualified disaster relief payments - like government assistance payments - are generally excluded from gross income.\n\nClick here for a general walkthrough of these policies (under header \u201cAdditional tax relief\u201d)\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of disaster-related losses\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of qualified disaster relief payments\n\nDisaster payments are usually tax-free:\n\nQualified disaster relief payments are generally excluded from gross income.\n\nIn general, this means that affected taxpayers can exclude the following payments from a government agency from their gross income. Amounts received for:\n\nReasonable and necessary personal, family, living or funeral expenses.\n\nThe repair or rehabilitation of your home.\n\nThe repair or replacement of your home\u2019s contents.\n\nYou may be eligible for a disaster loss deduction:\n\nIn some instances, individuals and businesses in a federally declared disaster area can qualify for a casualty loss tax deduction.\n\nThe deduction is available for damaged or destroyed property not covered by insurance or other reimbursement and can result in a larger refund.\n\nTaxpayers can choose to claim the deduction on either the return for the year the loss occurred (in this instance, the 2024 return normally filed next year), or the return for the prior year (the 2023 return filed this year).\n\nFor individual taxpayers, the deadline for making this election is Oct. 15, 2025.\n\nThe IRS also has a special hotline specifically dedicated to taxpayers with disaster-related tax questions. Disaster victims can call the agency\u2019s disaster hotline at (866) 562-5227.\n\nShelters\n\nFor those unable to evacuate to a safe location or in need of a place to go, the following shelters are currently open and available as of today:\n\nBuncombe County\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nGold\u2019s Gym\n\n801 Fairview Rd, Asheville, NC 28803\n\nWNC Agricultural Center\n\n1301 Fanning Bridge Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nHaywood County\n\nHaywood County Government Armory\n\n285 Armory Dr., Clyde, NC 28781\n\nHenderson County\n\nHenderson County Recreation Center\n\n708 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMcDowell County Senior Center\n\n100 Spaulding Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nRutherford County\n\nRutherfordton Presbyterian Church\n\n252 N. Washington St., Rutherfordton, NC 28139\n\nTransylvania County\n\nTransylvania Parks & Rec\n\n1078 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nYancey County\n\nBlue Ridge Elementary\n\n910 Cane River School Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nCarolina Cruiser mobile office hours\n\nIn keeping with my office's motto of being \"First in Constituent Services\" and to help constituents post-Hurricane Helene, my office has resumed Carolina Cruiser mobile office hours.\n\nFolks can stop by to share their thoughts on issues that matter to them or ask for assistance with federal agencies.\n\nVisit my website for updated Carolina Cruiser hours and locations, linked here.\n\nWith my warmest regards,\n\nChuck Edwards\n\nMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/hurricane-helene-recovery-update-22-congressman-edwards", "Hurricane Helene recovery update #22 from Congressman Edwards", "2024-10-19", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Chuck Edwards", "E000246", "edwards.house.gov", "edwards", "https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "October 19, 2024\n\nDear Friend,\n\nAs North Carolina\u2019s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner nears its final count of community members we lost due to Hurricane Helene, I\u2019m solemnly reporting that NC DHHS has confirmed 95 deaths as of 9:00 a.m., yesterday, October 18.\n\nNC-11 tragically makes up for the largest share of lost lives, with 76 of the 95 total losses being our community\u2019s mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, friends, neighbors and colleagues. Three of the 76 losses were also local first responders who passed away in the line of duty, putting the lives of Western North Carolina ahead of their own.\n\nAs we enter week four of hurricane response, I\u2019m requesting you take a moment of silence for those folks who lost their lives to this devastating storm.\n\nThis update includes a second McDowell County Disaster Recovery Center, an update on open USPS operations and a new NCDOT Road Reopening Dashboard.\n\nToday is update number 22, with more information to follow in the coming days. Please make sure to read everything and share it with your friends and family.\n\nIndex\n\nClick the title to be taken to the correlating information in the update.\n\nFEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Sites\n\nLegislative Support\n\nHousing/Individual Assistance Updates\n\nFood and Water\n\nBuncombe County\n\nHaywood County\n\nHenderson County\n\nJackson County\n\nMadison County\n\nMcDowell County\n\nPolk County\n\nRutherford County\n\nTransylvania County\n\nYancey County\n\nTrash Services and Debris Removal\n\nBuncombe\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nMadison\n\nPolk\n\nTransylvania\n\nYancey\n\nVoter Information\n\nUnited States Postal Service/Mail Services\n\nPharmacy Access\n\nOpen Urgent Cares/ Health Care Services\n\nDialysis Locations\n\nOxygen Locations\n\nResources for Veterans\n\nResources for Farmers\n\nPower\n\nRoads\n\nInternet Access\n\nCell Service\n\nNorth Carolina National Guard & Department of Defense\n\nAsheville Regional Airport\n\nFederal Nutrition Programs\n\nFor NC-11 Medical Providers\n\nFor Local Government Resource Requests\n\nFor Individual Assistance through FEMA\n\nTo Connect with a Loved One\n\nResources for Utility & Other Status Updates\n\nFree Legal Assistance\n\nIRS Guidance for Taxpayers Impacted by Hurricane Helene\n\nShelters\n\nBuncombe County\n\nHaywood County\n\nHenderson County\n\nMadison County\n\nMcDowell County\n\nRutherford County\n\nTransylvania County\n\nYancey County\n\nCarolina Cruiser Mobile Office Hours\n\nFEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Sites\n\nThe following FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers are open seven days a week to assist North Carolina survivors who have experienced losses from Hurricane Helene.\n\nBuncombe County: A.C. Reynolds High School\n\n1 Rocket Dr., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nA Comfort Care Center will also be available at this location where survivors can shower, do laundry and use other services.\n\nThe Asheville Social Security office remains closed due to a lack of power and water.\n\nThe Social Security Administration is maintaining staff at the Buncombe County Disaster Recovery Center until the Asheville office reopens.\n\nHenderson County\n\n2111 Asheville Hwy., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nJackson County Annex Building\n\n198 WBI Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nMcDowell County: A.C. \u201cBud\u201d Hogan Community Center\n\n909 E. Main St., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nMcDowell County Senior Center\n\n100 Spaulding Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nTransylvania County: Community Services Building\n\n106 E. Morgan St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nA Disaster Recovery Center is a one-stop shop where survivors can meet face-to-face with FEMA representatives, apply for FEMA assistance, receive referrals to local assistance in their area, apply with the U.S. Small Business Administration for disaster loans, etc.\n\nAdditional recovery centers will be opening soon, and I will keep you posted as I learn about them.\n\nDisaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams are also stationed across NC-11 to help survivors apply for FEMA assistance and connect them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources.\n\nLegislative Support\n\nThe U.S. House of Representatives is gearing up to pass a disaster relief package when we return to session in November.\n\nI have begun conversations with leadership about how to best meet Western North Carolina\u2019s needs in any supplemental relief package passed by Congress in the coming months.\n\nThe North Carolina General Assembly unanimously passed the Disaster Recovery Act of 2024 on Oct. 9, 2024.\n\nThis bill creates a new Hurricane Helene fund with $273 million from the state\u2019s Savings Reserve Fund.\n\n$250 million will go to the Department of Public Safety's Division of Emergency Management to provide the state\u2019s match to federal disaster relief funds.\n\nAnother portion of the funds will be used to establish a revolving loan program to help local government and state agencies with cash flow while they are waiting for reimbursement from the federal government.\n\n$16 million will go to the Department of Public Instruction for \u201clost compensation of school nutrition employees due to school closures resulting from Hurricane Helene\u201d\n\n$2 million to provide local governments technical assistance with local recovery funds.\n\n$5 million to the State Board of Elections, alongside a variety of temporary election law changes such as changing polling sites that were rendered unusable by the storm and establishing a voter hotline, to make it easier for residents of Western North Carolina to vote.\n\nThe bill also:\n\nGrants school calendar flexibility to public schools by allowing them to make up or mark as completed any number of the days or hours missed.\n\nIt also allows the schools to use up to 30 days of remote instruction toward required instructional days.\n\nWaives DMV fees for things like obtaining a duplicate driver\u2019s license, ID card, etc.\n\nWaives certain environmental requirements for state highway repairs.\n\nThis provision will not reduce the safety of repairs conducted by NCDOT or negatively impact the environment.\n\nHousing/Individual Assistance Updates\n\nMore than196,000 Western North Carolinians have registered for Individual Assistance with FEMA.\n\nThe Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program through FEMA is currently providing temporary hotel stays to more than 5,300 households.\n\nFEMA has distributed almost $116 million in housing assistance to more than 84,00 Western North Carolina households.\n\nInspectors have performed more than 17,800 home inspections for FEMA Individual Assistance evaluations.\n\nFEMA is seeking residential properties to lease for Helene survivors.\n\nInterested WNC property owner or management companies should reach out to FEMA on or before 5:00 p.m. EST, Nov. 6, 2024, via email to fema-direct_lease_dr4827nc@fema.dhs.gov.\n\nThe email subject line should read: RFI# 70FBR425-DL-DR4827NC\n\nFEMA is also seeking multifamily properties to house disaster survivors\n\nInterested property owner or management companies should reach out to FEMA no later than 5:00 p.m. EST, Nov. 6, 2024, via email to fema-mlr_dr4827nc@fema.dhs.gov.\n\nThe email subject line should read: RFI #70FBR425-MLR-DR4827NC Response: MLR-DR-4827-NC\n\nFood and Water\n\nFree drinking water testing is available by request through the Buncombe County Public Health Department.\n\nJust contact the Buncombe County Public Health Department to request a test kit.\n\nThe department will provide you with an empty bottle along with instructions to collect a drinking water sample and where to drop it off for analysis.\n\nIf you have a private well that flooded, the well should be disinfected and tested to ensure the safety of yourself and your family.\n\nThe Division of Public Health is providing free, well-testing kits through local health departments.\n\nContact your local health department (find your local department via this link) to obtain a free well testing kit.\n\nSupplying drinkable water remains a top priority for emergency crews.\n\n24 water systems are on a partial or system-wide boil advisory.\n\nOnly one treatment plant has reported having no power and three systems remain out of water.\n\nWater restoration trends continue to move in a positive direction.\n\nThere are 192 wastewater treatment plants operating under normal conditions in the affected areas across Western NC.\n\nNCDEQ has provided the following resources to help community members track progress on water supply restoration efforts:\n\nPublic Water Supply Situation Report Tracking - ArcGIS map with filters for system status, county, etc. linked here.\n\nDEQ Dashboard - links to additional maps, including mobile view of water system status, and environmental guidance linked here.\n\nNorth Carolina Emergency Management has delivered more than 6,400 pallets of water and 8,000 pallets of meals to date.\n\nThe Federal Emergency Management Agency has promised 120 truckloads a day of food and water with no specified end date.\n\nFEMA has delivered more than 13 million meals and more than 12.9 million liters of water to Western North Carolina utilizing the $20 billion in funds that I helped to draft and pass for disaster relief just two days before Hurricane Helene hit.\n\nCoca-Cola Consolidated has donated $3 million to Hurricane Helene relief.\n\n$1 million of this donation was in the form of an emergency grant to the American Red Cross which was used for the support of nearly 1,400 disaster workers, the deployment of 45 emergency response vehicles, and 70 shelters for more than 2,000 displaced people.\n\nHome Depot will be passing out free disaster relief kits every day starting at 9:00 a.m., while supplies last, at the following locations:\n\nHome Depot Asheville\n\n795 Fairview Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nHome Depot West Asheville\n\n127 Acton Cir., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nHome Depot Hendersonville\n\n401 Linda Vista Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nWalmart is hosting activities at the following locations:\n\nHendersonville, NC Store 1242\n\n250 Highlands Square Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nPortable restrooms\n\nServing hot meals at 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily\n\nArden, NC Store 1179\n\n60 Airport Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nPortable restrooms\n\nLaundry\n\nShowers\n\nWi-fi hotspot and charging stations\n\nBuncombe County\n\nBuncombe County has water distribution at multiple sites. Each will be available daily from 12:00-4:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Please bring your own container.\n\nAC Reynolds High School\n\n1 Rocket Dr., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nAsheville Middle School\n\n211 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nBuncombe County Sports Park Complex\n\n58 Apac Dr., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nBlack Mountain Ingles\n\n550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nFairview Elementary School\n\n1355 Charlotte Hwy., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nSwannanoa Ingles\n\n2299 U.S. 70, Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nLeicester Elementary School\n\n31 Gilbert Rd., Leicester, NC 28748\n\nLinwood Crump Shiloh Community Center\n\n121 Shiloh Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nLucy Herring Elementary School\n\n98 Sulphur Springs Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nNorth Windy Ridge Intermediate School\n\n20 Doan Rd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nPack Square Park\n\n80 Court Plz., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nOakley Elementary\n\n753 Fairview Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\n9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nWilliam W. Estes Elementary School\n\n275 Overlook Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nThe following resources sites are available in Buncombe County, where citizens can access food, water and other basic necessities:\n\nBiltmore Baptist Church\n\n35 Clayton Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nDistribution and bulk pickup for volunteers looking to take bulk loads of supplies to in-need community members\n\nSaturday hours: 10:00 a.m. \u2013 1:00 p.m.\n\nCommunity drive-thru for anyone in the community needing supplies\n\nSaturday hours: 3:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church \u2013 Weaverville\n\n63 N. Main St., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nHot showers available from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nUnlimited clean drinking water is available, bring your own container.\n\nSupplies and bottled water.\n\nHot lunch served at 1:30 p.m.\n\nFellowship Asheville\n\n756 Fairview Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-4:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nWest Asheville Baptist Church\n\n926 Haywood Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-4:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday\n\nSaint Mary Margaret Catholic Church\n\n102 Andrews Pl., Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nSaturday hours: 3:00-4:30 p.m.\n\nPlease note: This location is not open during mass.\n\nHot meals are available at the following locations:\n\nWorld Central Kitchen in Bear\u2019s Smokehouse BBQ\n\n135 Coxe Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nServes 25,000 hot meals a day.\n\nDaily hours: 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.\n\nShiloh Community Center\n\n121 Shiloh Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nGrovemont Park\n\n251 Stonewall Ave., Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nManna Food Bank - Farmer\u2019s Market\n\n570 Brevard Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nLast day of regular operations is today, October 19, from 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nReopening October 22-24 from 1:00-5:00 p.m. daily for a special event to distribute critical baby items.\n\nWesley Grant Community Center\n\n285 Livingston St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nWest Asheville Ingles\n\n669 Haywood Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 3:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nNesbitt Chapel\n\n12 Nesbitt Chapel Rd., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nDaily hours: 3:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nGroce United Methodist Church \u2013 also distributing essential supplies\n\n954 Tunnel Rd., Asheville, NC 28805\n\nDaily hours starting Wednesday, October 16: Only M/W/F/Sat, Supplies 12:00-4:00 p.m., meals 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nA Community Care Station is available at the following location:\n\n2319 Hwy. 70, Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nHot meals served daily: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCommunity Care Stations offer showers, laundry, bathrooms, access to cell towers, wi-fi, potable and non-potable water, and counseling.\n\nHaywood County\n\nThe following locations are providing community members with essential resources such as but not limited to, food, water, cleaning products, baby formula, and pet food, Monday through Fridays:\n\nFines Creek Community Center\n\n190 Fines Creek Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nOpen every day until 6:00 p.m.\n\nPigeon Community Center\n\n450 Pigeon St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nAlso offering hot meals every day at 2:00 p.m.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCruso Community Center\n\n13186 Cruso Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.\n\nFirst United Methodist Church\n\n566 S. Haywood St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nIncludes shower access.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.\n\nMaggie Valley Pavilion\n\n3935 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nDaily Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.\n\nWoodland Baptist Church\n\n545 Crabtree Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nNew Covenant Church\n\n767 Lee Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nIP Sportsplex\n\n305 Silkwood Dr., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nBethel Elementary School\n\n4700 Old River Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nJonathan Valley Elementary School\n\n410 Hall Dr., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nMonday through Friday\n\nSt. Barnabas Catholic Church\n\n109 Crescent Hill Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nDaily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.\n\nReynolds Baptist Church - Family Life Center\n\n520 Rose Hill Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.\n\nThis location also has potable water available to residents who bring their own vessels to fill.\n\nMountain Projects\n\n2177 Asheville Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nThe Community Kitchen\n\n288 Crabtree Mountain Rd., Canton, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.\n\nHaywood Christian Ministry\n\n150 Branner St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nThe following location offers hot meals daily:\n\nMaggie Valley Fire Department\n\n2901 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nJukebox Junction\n\n3606 Pigeon Rd., Canton, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nThe following location offers showers daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.:\n\nCalvary Baptist Church\n\n2701 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nThe following location is offering supplies for horses and livestock:\n\nWNC Regional Livestock Center\n\n474 Stock Dr., Canton, NC 28716\n\nHenderson County\n\nHenderson County has stood up one Resource Hub location for water distribution and other supplies as they become available.\n\n118 McAbee Ct., Flat Rock, NC 28731\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nEach family unit will be provided supplies for one day\u2019s meal and water as available.\n\nIndividuals are asked to enter the drive-through and remain in your car unless otherwise instructed by volunteers to ensure an efficient process.\n\nJackson County\n\nIn partnership with the Red Cross, the following is available for citizens of Jackson County:\n\nThe Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau are providing shelf-stable meals at the following location:\n\n558 Frank Allen Rd., Cashiers, NC 28717\n\nThe Canada Fire Department is distributing emergency supplies at the following location:\n\n149 Charleys Creek Rd., Tuckasegee, NC 28783\n\nThe following locations are providing resources to displaced families and individuals in need:\n\nMountain Projects\n\n154-B Medical Park Loop, Sylva, NC 28779\n\nUnited Christian Ministries\n\n191 Skyland Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nSt. Mary\u2019s Roman Catholic Church of Sylva\n\n22 Bartlett St., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.\n\nCornbread and Roses\n\n1294 Savannah Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours:\n\nWednesday, 6:00-8:00 p.m.\n\nThursday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nSunday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nMadison County\n\nThe following locations are offering food, water, and some supply distribution in Madison County:\n\nBeech Glen Community Center\n\n2936 Beech Glen Rd., Mars Hill, 28754\n\nDaily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.\n\nCenter Community Center\n\n1300 Grapevine Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nEbbs Chapel Community Center\n\n281 Laurel Valley Rd., Mars Hill, NC 28754\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nEnon Baptist Church\n\n174 Ammons Branch Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nOpen Sunday 12:00-4:00 p.m.\n\nFreedom Christian Church\n\n7350 US 25/70 Bypass, Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThis location offers additional resources such as hygiene products, blankets, clothes, cleaning supplies, diapers, pet food, etc.\n\nLaurel Community Center - also has supplies\n\n4100 NC 212 Hwy., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily Hours: 8:00 a.m. \u2013 8:00 p.m.\n\nRevere-Rice Community Center\n\n3980 Revere Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (Mon-Sat)\n\nSpring Creek Community Center\n\n13075 NC 209 Hwy., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThis location also has additional resources such as pet food, livestock feed and hay.\n\nWalnut Community Center - also has supplies\n\n46 School Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.\n\nN.C. Cooperative Extension - Madison County Center\n\n258 Carolina Ln., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nThis location is offering drive-thru food distribution only.\n\nLittle Ivy Baptist Church\n\n1053 Crossroads Pkwy., Mars Hill, NC 28754\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMcDowell County has established multiple points of distribution that are open daily.\n\nDistribution takes place daily at the following locations:\n\nTom Johnson\u2019s Camping Center\n\n348 Resistoflex Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nWeekend hours: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCherry Springs\n\n6 Bull Walker Rd., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: Wednesdays 4:00-7:00 p.m., Sundays 2:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nCamp Grier\n\n985 Camp Grier Rd., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and 4:00-7:00 p.m.\n\nRestoration Church\n\n2344 Ashworth Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nCentro Unido Latino Americano\n\n79 Academy St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church of Old Fort\n\n203 E. Main St., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: 4:00-7:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nFirst Baptist Church Marion\n\n99 N Main St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nConcord United Methodist Church\n\n8066 Linville Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 2:00-4:00 p.m.\n\nNew Manna Baptist Church\n\n225 E. Court St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 4:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nHot meals are also being provided at the following location:\n\nGrace Community Church\n\n5182 US 70 W., Marion, NC 28752\n\nLunch is served every day from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.\n\nDinner is available from 4:00-5:30 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church of Marion is offering hot showers, air conditioning, and areas to charge devices.\n\nCurrent hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 2:00-5:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday.\n\nPolk County\n\nThe following locations are offering food and water distribution for residents in need from 1:00-5:00 p.m.:\n\nMill Spring/Green Creek Community\n\n25 International Blvd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nColumbus Community\n\n95 Walker St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nSaluda Community Bus Parking Lot\n\n214 E. Main St., Saluda, NC 28773\n\nTryon Community\n\n301 N. Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782\n\nSunny View\n\n86 Sunny View School Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nThe following locations are serving hot meals daily:\n\nTryon Equestrian Center\n\n4066 Pea Ridge Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nRoseland Community Center\n\n56 Peake St., Tryon, NC 28782\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nRutherford County\n\nThe following two centralized distribution center locations are open from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. for citizens to get food and emergency supplies:\n\nThe Green Space\n\n658 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nWarehouse #7\n\n214 Vance St., Warehouse 7, Forest City, NC 28043\n\nTransylvania County\n\nThe following location is providing hot meals to county residents:\n\nBalsam Grove Community Center - daily until power is fully restored\n\n8732 Parkway Rd., Balsam Grove, NC 28708\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nBottled water is available daily at local fire departments and 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Anchor Baptist Church located at:\n\n3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nWater filling stations can be found at the following locations:\n\nCity Sports Complex\n\n824 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.\n\nRocky\u2019s Grill & Soda Shop\n\n50 S. Broad St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours\n\nCedar Mountain Outpost\n\n8431 Greenville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nDD Bullwinkles\n\n60 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nFirst United Methodist Church\n\n325 N. Broad St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nPisgah Forest Baptist Church\n\n494 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nFood, water, and other supplies such as hygiene products are being distributed at the following locations:\n\nAnchor Baptist Church\n\n3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nZion Baptist Church\n\n423 Main St., Rosman, NC 28772\n\nNo daily hours posted\n\nGrace Brevard\n\n55 E. Jordan St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2;00 p.m.\n\nMary C. Jenkins Community Center\n\n221 Mills Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nYancey County\n\nYancey County has transitioned to one centralized distribution site for water, food and ice located at the following address:\n\nFormer Fred\u2019s Store\n\n677 W. U.S. Highway 19E, Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nMobile laundry facilities are available in the GO Grocery parking lot located at the following address:\n\n631 W Hwy. 19E Bypass, Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nTrash Services and Debris Removal\n\nAll counties are actively working with NCDEQ to determine where mud, silt and sediment can be safely dropped off without risk of contamination.\n\nMore information to come.\n\nRecycling services are available through Curbside Management for the following counties:\n\nBuncombe\n\nClay\n\nGraham\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nJackson\n\nMacon\n\nMadison\n\nPolk\n\nRutherford\n\nYancey\n\nSome communities have halted recycling services to prioritize trash collection.\n\nIf that is the case for your community, Curbside Management has a drop-off site available for residents who wish to bring their recycling to the following location:\n\n116 N. Woodfin Ave., Asheville, NC 28804\n\nIf your home has damage and you need assistance with clean up, please call Crisis Cleanup for access to volunteer organizations that can assist you at 844-965-1386.\n\nIf Hurricane Helene caused damage to your home or belongings, make sure to document it.\n\nThis is critically important in getting reimbursed.\n\nTake photos before you begin cleaning up.\n\nMake a list of damaged or lost items and gather receipts.\n\nDoing this helps speed up the process with insurance and other assistance programs, and ensures you get properly compensated.\n\nBefore you start the clean-up process, remember:\n\nWear PPE such as long pants, goggles, gloves and sturdy shoes.\n\nStay off damaged structures.\n\nBe aware that snakes or other hazardous animals could be present.\n\nCall your local fire department to inspect or removal chemicals, propane tanks, and other hazardous materials.\n\nIf you suspect debris contains toxic substances, seal them in plastic bags to prevent them from becoming airborne.\n\nTo reduce the risk of accidental fires, please DO NOT burn your storm debris.\n\nEmergency personnel are continuing to work on other storm recovery and response efforts, limiting resources to respond to accidental fires.\n\nPlease discard storm debris at a local transfer site or via curbside debris pickup.\n\nDebris should be placed curbside and not block the roadway or access to the property.\n\nPlease place debris away from trees, poles or other structures (e.g., fire hydrants, meters, etc.) to make removal work easier.\n\nContact your local municipality for curbside storm debris removal collection schedules or see below for additional information on debris waste removal by county.\n\nAdditionally, the following counties have resources for where to take household trash and debris waste.\n\nBuncombe\n\nCurbside collection will begin Monday for City of Asheville sanitation customers.\n\nThe following materials cannot be collected at this time: Mud, construction debris, concrete and other bulky or hazardous items.\n\nDebris collection is estimated to start in mid-October.\n\nThe Town of Black Mountain Public Works Department has secured four 15-yard dumpsters located in two sites for Black Mountain residents to throw away household trash ONLY:\n\nTractor Supply: 125 Old US Hwy. 70 E., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nIngles: 550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nPlease Note: Yard waste, bulk items, separate recycling and debris collection are not available at this time.\n\nWaste Pro collection service has resumed for regular Monday route customers.\n\nHaywood\n\nHousehold waste will be accepted at the Materials Recovery Facility at 247 Recycle Rd., Clyde and at Convenience Centers at Jonathan Creek, Beaverdam, Bethel, Hazelwood, Mauney Cove, Jones Cove and Highway 110.\n\nWhite Oak Landfill has reopened.\n\nHenderson\n\nHenderson County Transfer Station is open and accepting storm debris with normal fees.\n\nHenderson County has begun curbside storm debris removal to county residents as a free service.\n\nThe county will pick up storm debris for free if it is pushed to the right of way of a property.\n\nStorm debris includes tree branches, leaves, logs, building materials, furniture, paint etc.\n\nPlease be patient.\n\nThe county will pick up storm debris for free as quickly as possible.\n\nMadison\n\nThe Hot Springs collection center is operating on normal hours for household trash ONLY:\n\nMonday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nWednesday: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.\n\nFriday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nSaturday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nHot Springs trash pickup is returning to Mondays like usual.\n\nPlease only use this pickup service if you cannot bring it to the collection center yourself.\n\nThe pickup service is being led by volunteers at this time.\n\nPolk\n\nThe Polk County landfill is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\n322 Landfill Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nDrop-off of residential trash is $10.\n\nGFL trash services will continue the regular schedule. However, certain areas may be inaccessible due to ongoing power outages from Hurricane Helene.\n\nTwo dumpsters are located on Gibson Street for immediate trash disposal due to road inaccessibility.\n\nTransylvania\n\nThe City of Brevard has resumed regular trash pickup.\n\nYancey\n\nThe Riverside and East Yancey Recycling Centers have resumed operations.\n\nDaily hours: 7:00 a.m. \u2013 4:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday\n\nVoter Information\n\nThe North Carolina State Board of Elections has provided pertinent information and recommendations for voters in the Helene disaster area during the 2024 general election.\n\nTo review information on voting in the 2024 general election after Hurricane Helene, you can follow this link.\n\nThe site provides information on absentee voting, how to change your polling location if you have a new permanent address, county board of elections, office closures and more.\n\nFor any additional questions on voting post-hurricane, please contact your county Board of Elections.\n\nPlease note: Your county Board of Elections is the best place to get any questions answered.\n\nI have been permitted to share the above, nonpartisan information but am prohibited from answering any questions related to the 2024 general election.\n\nUnited States Postal Service/Mail Services\n\nUSPS anticipates continued improvement of mail delivery operations with local recovery efforts, to include power, connectivity, and roads.\n\nSocial Security checks are being routed to all units for delivery and/or are available for customer pick up.\n\nFor impacted residents who have relocated due to the storm, please be sure to complete a change of address request at moversguide.usps.com.\n\nMost USPS offices have reopened under normal operations.\n\nSunday delivery is being made in some of the affected communities to ensure delayed mail is delivered as soon as possible.\n\nOnly 21 offices, or 10 percent of all USPS offices in Western NC remain closed.\n\nOnly one facility was fully destroyed, the Micaville PO box office in ZIP code 28755.\n\nUSPS is utilizing Mobile Operations Units where residents can send or receive mail and packages in many of the areas with closed offices.\n\nThe mobile units are located in the following communities:\n\nAlexander - 28701\n\nBarnardsville - 28709\n\nCedar Mountain - 28718\n\nEdneyville - 28727\n\nHot Springs - 28743\n\nMarshall - 28753\n\nMicaville - 28755\n\nMontreat - 28757\n\nRosman - 28772\n\nSwannanoa - 28778\n\nPharmacy Access\n\nPharmacy Locator\n\nHundreds of pharmacies never closed or have reopened across Western North Carolina.\n\nUse this link to locate pharmacy locations open to the public by county.\n\nThe Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response under the Department of Health and Human Services has activated the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) for North Carolinians.\n\nThe EPAP program helps uninsured residents replace prescription medication or certain medical equipment lost or damaged during Hurricane Helene.\n\nThrough the program, uninsured residents can:\n\nRequest a free 30-day supply of certain prescription medications at any EPAP-participating pharmacy which can be renewed every 30 days while the EPAP is active.\n\nReplace certain medical equipment and supplies such as canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, blood sugar meters and blood sugar test strips for diabetics.\n\nUninsured North Carolina residents affected by the recent hurricane can call the EPAP hotline, 855-793-7470, or visit the EPAP website to check their eligibility, determine if their medications or medical equipment are covered, or locate a participating pharmacy.\n\nPrescription Pad is open from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and filling prescriptions for Yancey County residents at the following location:\n\n730 E. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nOpen Urgent Cares/ Health Care Services\n\nThere is a field hospital with physicians, nurses and paramedics who can treat patients at the Burnsville Fire Department. The address is as follows:\n\n305 Pineola St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nThe following urgent cares are open and accessible for community members with non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries:\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Weaverville\n\n61 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nMercy Urgent Care West Asheville\n\n1201 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nMercy Urgent Care Waynesville\n\n120 Frazier St., Ste. 6, Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nLocations open between 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Brevard\n\n22 Trust Ln., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Columbus\n\n140 West Mills St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nLocations open between 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.:\n\nMobile Urgent Care Clinic\n\n12 Florida Ave., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nMental Health & Basic Medical Support Center\n\n130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nPardee Urgent Care\n\n45 Hendersonville Hwy., Ste. A, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nOther locations available:\n\nHeart to Heart International - in Haywood Department of Health Parking Lot\n\n157 Paragon Pkwy., Ste. 800, Clyde, NC 28721\n\nDaily hours: Not available at this time.\n\nFree mental health services - All available for drop-in\n\nIf you have been impacted by the storm and need someone to talk to, call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1 (800) 985-5990.\n\nHelp is also available to anyone, anytime in English or Spanish through a call, text or chat to 988.\n\nLearn more at 988Lifeline.org.\n\nCare Collaborative for Western North Carolina Clinicians is a partnership among more than 200 mental health professionals volunteering to provide free mental health services for Hurricane Helene survivors.\n\nServices are provided virtually, and you can follow this link to find a professional that fits your needs and their contact information to schedule a session.\n\nHot Springs Elementary School - Art Room\n\n63 N. Serpentine Ave., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nThe Pearl Institute\n\n55 Academy St., Waynesville, NC\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-6:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nFree telehealth appointments are also available.\n\nTo book a telehealth appointment, you can email info@pearlpsychedelicinstitute.org or call/text (828) 400-7091\n\nCommunity Support Group\n\nThe first of a series of free support groups occurred on Monday, October 14, to help the community manage the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.\n\nRegular group sessions will be occurring through the end of December at the following locations:\n\n221 Mills Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nMary C. Jenkins Community & Cultural Center\n\nHosted by the City of Brevard, AARP, and Blue Ridge Community College\n\n9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on October 21 and 28\n\n45 Oak Park Dr., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nBlue Ridge Community College, Brevard Campus, Room 140\n\n9:00-11:00 a.m. on November 4, 18, 25; December 2, 9 ,16\n\nAll University of North Carolina System students have access to free mental health through their university.\n\nPlease monitor your student email for more information on how to access these services.\n\nThe following orthopedic urgent care locations are open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily, physical therapy appointments are also available at each of these locations:\n\nEmergeOrtho Hendersonville\n\n800 Fleming St., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nEmergeOrtho Arden (South Asheville)\n\n2585 Hendersonville Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nEmergeOrtho Waynesville\n\n9 Haywood Office Park, Ste. 102 and 103, Waynesville, NC 28785\n\nEmergeOrtho Brevard\n\n89 Hospital Dr., Ste. A, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nEmergeOrtho Weaverville\n\n159 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nDialysis Locations\n\nThe following location is open and available for dialysis treatments in NC-11:\n\nPardee Hospital\n\n800 N. Justice St., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nThis location can dialyze 30 patients a day.\n\nDaVita Kidney Care nurses are reaching out to their patients to coordinate treatment, but the following DaVita locations are available:\n\nDaVita Greer South Dialysis\n\n3254 Brushy Greek Rd., Greer, SC 29650\n\nContact Number: (864) 801-2065\n\nDaVita Saluda River Dialysis\n\n8080 Augusta Rd., Piedmont, SC 29673\n\nContact Number: (833) 378-2702\n\nDaVita Wofford at Home\n\n8024 White Ave., Spartanburg, SC 29303\n\nContact Number: (864) 583-4788\n\nDaVita Boiling Springs Dialysis\n\n196 Sloane Garden Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316\n\nContact Number: (833) 458-4809\n\nOxygen Locations\n\nHendersonville High School\n\n1 Bearcat Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nMust be assessed through Pardee Hospital.\n\nLincare is only serving established patients.\n\nPatients must bring in empty tanks to one of the following locations:\n\nAsheville Lincare\n\n103 Elk Park Dr., Asheville, NC 28804\n\nFax number: (866) 234-6698\n\nGreenville Lincare\n\n355 Woodruff Rd., Ste. 204 and 205, Greenville, SC 29607\n\nFax Number: (864) 288-0339\n\nThe following locations are available for oxygen refills, but patients must bring their own oxygen equipment - fire departments are available 24/7:\n\nBoiling Springs Fire Department\n\n186 Rainbow Lake Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316\n\nReidville Fire Department\n\n7450 Reidville Rd., Woodruff, SC 29388\n\nInman City Fire Department\n\n6 Humphrey St., Inman, SC 29349\n\nFirst Presbyterian Church\n\n393 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29302\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.\n\nGreer Relief Indigo Hope Neighborhood Impact Center\n\n113C Berry Ave., Greer, SC 29651\n\nDaily hours: 2:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nCroft Fire Department\n\n370 Cedar Springs Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29302\n\nArkwright Fire Department\n\n1070 Southport Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29306\n\nRoebuck Fire Department\n\n2639 Stone Station Rd., Roebuck, SC 29376\\\n\nNorth Spartanburg Fire Department\n\n8767 Asheville Hwy., Spartanburg, SC 29316\n\nResources for Veterans\n\nOutpatient clinics have rescheduled 66 percent of the appointments that were cancelled due to Hurricane Helene, with more being rescheduled every day.\n\nThe U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs launched a new web page with disaster relief resources, providing a single place for veterans and their caregivers to access VA resources on health care, housing, benefits payments, insurance, and more.\n\nYou can access the web site via this link.\n\nThe VA has established a Veterans Disaster Response Hotline, which is available 24/7 at 1(800) 507-4571.\n\nIf you or a veteran you know needs immediate housing assistance after Hurricane Helene, please call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at (877) 424-3838.\n\nThe call center is open 24/7.\n\nIf you have a VA-backed home loan and are unable to make your mortgage payments, please contact your mortgage servicer.\n\nYou can also call the VA at (877) 827-3702, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nHome loan servicers are allowed to put a 90-day pause on foreclosures and encouraged to waive late charges for VA-guaranteed home loans after a disaster.\n\nLegionnaires, Sons of the American Legion members and Legion Posts that have been displaced from their primary residence due to damage sustained during Hurricane Helene may be eligible for financial assistance through the American Legion.\n\nLegionnaires and Sons of the American Legion members may be eligible for up to $3,000.\n\nLegion Posts may be eligible for up to $10,000.\n\nTo learn more or to request assistance, please use this link.\n\nApplications must be submitted within 90 days of the disaster: Dec. 26, 2024.\n\nThe Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville and Master Sergeant Jerry K. Crump VA Clinic in Forest City are open for essential and emergency services.\n\nVeterans can:\n\nVisit the Asheville VA Hospital pharmacy for medication refills or:\n\nCall the Regional Clinical Contact Center at (855) 679-0074 and press 1 for pharmacy representatives.\n\nLocal pharmacies in the VA\u2019s community care network will also fill written prescriptions, or prescriptions as they appear on an active VA prescription bottle that is not older than six months and has available refills, to provide a 30-day supply.\n\nHickory, Forest City and Franklin outpatient VA clinics are now operating regularly.\n\nDue to the damage and personal losses caused by Hurricane Helene to the staff of the VA, it will take some time to bring staffing to full capacity.\n\nPlease be patient as the VA works to rebuild their workforce.\n\nResources for Farmers\n\nThe United States Department of Agriculture has put together a list of resources for farmers and other agricultural industry members.\n\nIf your agricultural operation has been impacted by Hurricane Helene, you can review this link, farmers.gov, for emergency and disaster assistance programs.\n\nPower\n\nLess than 6,500 customers remain without power in Western North Carolina.\n\nPower for more than 2,000 households was restored in the past 24 hours.\n\nThe majority of remaining power outages remain concentrated in Western North Carolina, with the highest percentage of outages being reported in Yancey County.\n\nRoughly 1,300 Duke Energy customers remain without power.\n\nJust under 5,200 local co-op customers remain without power.\n\nDuke Energy has 4,734 total crews in Western NC.\n\nLocal co-ops are utilizing their full teams to restore energy and have more than 500 reinforcements from more than 30 electric cooperatives in 11 states.\n\nNCDOT crews are still coordinating closely with power companies to ensure service is being restored as quickly as possible, including along private roads, keeping in mind that cold months are approaching fast.\n\nFor more information on Duke Energy\u2019s power restoration efforts, you can review the following links:\n\nComplex Repair & Disaster Rebuild Zones Map: duke-energy.com/info/carolinas-restoration\n\nOutage Map: duke-energy.com/outages\n\nOutage Alerts: duke-energy.com/outages/alerts\n\nGenerator safety: duke-energy.com/outages/generators\n\nPower restoration process: duke-energy.com/outages/restoring-your-power\n\nRoads\n\nA \u201cDO NOT DRIVE\u201d message remains in place from the North Carolina Department of Transportation for most of Western North Carolina.\n\nUnless it is an emergency, please do not travel to the hardest hit communities.\n\nCherokee, Graham, Clay, Swain, Macon, Haywood, Transylvania and Jackson counties ARE FULLY OPEN to non-essential travel for people who can access them through safe routes.\n\nPlease DO NOT try to visit or travel through the areas hardest hit by the storm.\n\nNon-essential traffic in impacted areas hinders NCDOT\u2019s efforts to reopen roads.\n\nHenderson, Polk and Rutherford counties are each partially open to non-essential travel.\n\nNCDOT continues to work with counties and municipalities to assist with roadside debris removal.\n\nTo date, 10 counties and 19 cities and towns in Western NC have signed agreements to collect roadside debris.\n\nNCDOT \u201ccut-and-shove\u201d operations are 100 percent complete on impacted interstates, 98 percent complete on primary routes and 94 percent complete on secondary roads.\n\nDebris removal is 42 percent complete on impacted interstates, 34 percent complete on primary routes and 33 percent complete on secondary routes.\n\nNCDOT staff are now transitioning to temporary repairs and reconstruction of damaged roadways.\n\nThe state has reopened 762 roads and are only reporting 503 remaining road closures.\n\nNCDOT central and eastern divisions have been asked to send any available patching/paving machinery and crew transfers to Western NC to help expedite repairs.\n\nNCDOT has established a new Road Reopening Dashboard for folks to keep track of progress made by the department.\n\nYou can use this link to access the dashboard.\n\nThe dashboard is also linked on DriveNC.gov.\n\nTo monitor road conditions in and around NC-11, use drivenc.gov.\n\nThe website tracks NCDOT-managed road conditions in real time.\n\nNC DMV has reopened 13 of the 16 driver license offices that were closed due to Hurricane Helene.\n\nThe Asheville Driver\u2019s License Office on Patton Avenue is expected to reopen on Monday, October 21.\n\nThe following DMV offices are open for walk-in services in or near NC-11, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., closed between 11:30 a.m. through 1:00 p.m. for a lunch break:\n\nCherokee County\n\n1440 Main St., Andrews, NC 28901\n\nHaywood County\n\n290 Lee Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nHenderson County\n\n125 Baystone Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nJackson County\n\n876 Skyland Dr., Ste. 2, Sylva, NC 28779\n\nMacon County\n\n16 Patton Ave., Franklin, NC 28734\n\nMadison County\n\n1685 NC Highway 213, Marshall, NC 28753\n\nMcDowell County\n\n3975 NC 226 S., Marion, NC 28752\n\nRutherford County\n\n596 Withrow Rd., Forest City, NC 28043\n\nSwain County\n\n2650 Governors Island Rd., Bryson City, NC 28713\n\nTransylvania County\n\n50 Commerce St., Ste. 4, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAll but five license plate agencies have reopened.\n\nAir traffic has sustained at 300 percent above pre-hurricane levels in Western NC.\n\nNCDOT\u2019s aviation division continue to work to make sure flight operations are safe coming into and out of airports, including by:\n\nScheduling landing/unloading times and aircraft parking so aircraft are spaced out and to reduce the risk of incidents.\n\nEstablishing a first of its kind \u201ccorridors in the sky\u201d to separate civilian and military aircraft in the air.\n\nHaving search and rescue partners use short, time and location specific restrictions on air operations to enhance safety when multiple helicopters are engaged in search and rescue efforts.\n\nThe state of North Carolina is NOT turning away civil aviation support so long as it has been coordinated through the proper channels with NC Emergency Management.\n\nIf you or someone you know is interested in providing civil aviation support and don\u2019t know where to coordinate your efforts, please call my office and we will help you get in touch with the right folks.\n\nNCDOT has launched a detour map to show motorists how to get around closures on I-26 and I-40 at the Tennessee border.\n\nYou can access the map here.\n\nInternet Access\n\nInternet providers are working with local energy and cell providers to restore service for customers across Western North Carolina.\n\nFiber repair crews are also pairing with electric utility crews in the field to assist with any accidental fiber cuts.\n\nInternet providers including Optimum and Spectrum are working around the clock to restore service for customers. However, part of the network\u2019s infrastructure was destroyed by mudslides and collapsed bridges making restoration a lengthy process.\n\nAs a result, some impacted areas will require a rebuild of the network from scratch.\n\nTo mitigate the lack of service, Optimum, formerly Altice USA, has set up an Optimum Wi-Fi Trailer that is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the following locations:\n\n717 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\n1800 Four Seasons Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nThe following locations are offering free public wi-fi:\n\nFirst Baptist Church - Weaverville\n\n63 N. Main St, Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nDowntown Franklin\n\nThe Town of Franklin has free wi-fi on the town hill area in downtown.\n\nTransylvania County Library - 24/7\n\n212 S. Gaston St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nThe Yard Brevard\n\n284 Railroad Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nBrevard Visitor Center\n\n175 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAvailable daily from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThe Vine Anglican Church - and free coffee\n\n1055 Lee Rd, Clyde, NC 28721\n\nAvailable daily from 12:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nCell Service\n\nRoughly 94 percent of all cellular sites in Western North Carolina have been repaired and are now in service.\n\nThe remaining areas require significant infrastructure reconstruction.\n\nDue to a drop in service caused by damage to telecommunications equipment during debris clearance efforts, calls for two emergency services departments are being routed to an alternate location.\n\nAll 911 calls are being answered.\n\nCell service providers have implemented disaster roaming for any phone located in Western North Carolina to maximize phone service for all users.\n\nDisaster roaming allows users to connect to any mobile network during a disaster when other networks are down.\n\nThis allows users to access emergency services, such as 911, even when their own network is out.\n\nIf you have service one moment, but experience a reduction in service the next, try restarting your phone to jumpstart disaster roaming again.\n\nUpCycle Tech in Transylvania County is offering free computers and phones for use at the following location:\n\n470 Asheville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAT&T has deployed its Mobile Connectivity Center to the following location:\n\nSam\u2019s Club: 645 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nThe Mobile Connectivity Center is an air-conditioned mobile unit open to the public, equipped with laptops, charging stations and wi-fi.\n\nThe public can use the center for various needs including contacting your insurance company, filling out paperwork or connecting with loved ones.\n\nVerizon has deployed Wireless Emergency Communication Centers to help hurricane survivors stay connected to their friends, family and other important contacts.\n\nWireless Emergency Communication Centers are generator-powered mobile units that have device charging and computer workstations, along with wireless phones, tablets, and other devices available for use.\n\nVerizon\u2019s Wireless Emergency Communication Centers have been set up at the following locations:\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nAsheville YMCA\n\n30 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nFamily Justice Center\n\n35 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nVerizon also has charging stations at the following locations:\n\nYMCA of Western North Carolina\n\n348 Grace Corpening Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nTwo charging stations at this location\n\nWNC Agricultural Center\n\n761 Boylston Hwy., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nThree charging stations at this location\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nOne charging station at this location\n\nT-Mobile has set up satellite cellular on light trucks (SatCOLTs), providing cellular voice and data along with wi-fi and charging stations at the following locations:\n\nAsheville Middle School\n\n211 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center\n\n285 Livingston St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nFirst Baptist Church\n\n130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nAdditional T-Mobile satellite cell on trucks are located in Hendersonville and at a Tractor Supply Co. in Asheville, with others planned for Mission Hospital in Asheville, Cherokee County Emergency Operations Center in Murphy, and in Cherokee.\n\nNorth Carolina National Guard & Department of Defense\n\nAs requests from some counties are decreasing, NC National Guard assets are NOT standing down, they are instead being reallocated to other areas.\n\nMore than 3,600 National Guard soldiers and airmen, active-duty service members, and Emergency Management Assistance Compact units (National Guard units from 12 different states) are deployed across Western North Carolina to provide support.\n\nThis includes:\n\nAlmost 1,300 vehicles\n\nNine helicopters\n\nAs search and rescue needs diminish and roads are being cleared and restored, the need for aerial support is decreasing and ground vehicles are becoming an increasingly more effective means of support.\n\nSnapshot:\n\nDelivered more than 9,000 tons of commodities to affected areas.\n\nConducted debris clearance of critical areas in Marshall.\n\nAssisted FEMA in delivery of generators and pallets of critical commodities in Asheville, Swannanoa and Black Mountain.\n\nAlthough airspace is limited due to ongoing missions by the National Guard and Department of Defense, a process has been established for private pilots seeking to fly in humanitarian relief to coordinate with local authorities.\n\nIf you are looking to fly in resources and don\u2019t know where to turn, call my office and we will get you in contact with the right coordinators.\n\nHere are a few key phone numbers from the NCNG:\n\nHOTLINE: 888-892-1162\n\nEmergency management watch: 919-733-3300\n\nDonated goods: 919-825-2474\n\nThese lines have very high call volumes. If you do not get through the first try, keep calling.\n\nAsheville Regional Airport\n\nAsheville Regional Airport closed mid-day on Friday, September 27, due to risk of flooding.\n\nCommercial flights at Asheville Regional Airport have resumed.\n\nIf you parked your car in an Asheville Regional Airport lot and could not retrieve the vehicle due to the storm, great news - none of the airport\u2019s lots flooded and all cars are fine.\n\nStay safe and pick up your car when you are able.\n\nPLEASE NOTE:\n\nNo general aviation pilots are allowed to land at Asheville Regional Airport without prior clearance from FEMA to ensure the safety of aircraft and personnel.\n\nSupply deliveries by civilian pilots ARE permitted to land at Asheville Regional Airport so long as they have prior clearance from FEMA.\n\nFEMA is not turning away any pilot that has gone through the proper channels to coordinate delivery and ensure the safety of his fellow aircraft and personnel.\n\nFederal Nutrition Programs\n\nThe U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service has approved flexibilities due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene.\n\nSNAP\n\nNorth Carolina was granted a waiver for the 10-day reporting requirement for the replacement of food purchased with SNAP benefits lost because of the hurricane.\n\nThis waiver provides additional time beyond the standard 10-day time frame for households to report food losses and receive replacement benefits for food that was destroyed and previously purchased with SNAP benefits.\n\nD-SNAP\n\nPeople living in the 25 major disaster declared Western NC counties and members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians impacted by Hurricane Helene can apply to receive a one-time benefit to help buy food through the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP).\n\nPre-registration is available by using ePASS pre-registration tool.\n\nFor the tool and more information, visit epass.nc.gov/.\n\nTo be eligible, applicants must:\n\nHave suffered losses/damages related to Hurricane Helene, such as damage to property or loss of income.\n\nHave proof of identity and proof of residency.\n\nNot currently receiving benefits through the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS).\n\nPeople receiving FNS can also get extra help to buy food but do not need to fill out a D-SNAP application.\n\nCertain income and resource limits may apply.\n\nChild Nutrition\n\nThe North Carolina Department of Public Instruction was approved for a waiver pertaining to the child nutrition programs.\n\nUnder the waiver approval, NCDPI\u2019s local program operators may:\n\nServe meals in a non-congregate setting\n\nAdjust the time of meal service\n\nAllow parent pick-up\n\nAllow service of meals at school sites\n\nFood and Nutrition Services Program\n\nPeople and families in North Carolina who are enrolled in the Food and Nutrition Services program can now use their EBT card to purchase hot food.\n\nThis flexibility will remain in effect until November 3.\n\nSpecial Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, & Children (WIC)\n\nFamilies participating in WIC who may have relocated to a new area can go to any NC WIC agency to:\n\nHave a new eWIC card issued\n\nRequest replacement breastfeeding supplies or breast pumps\n\nRequest replacement food that was purchased with current WIC benefits and lost due to Hurricane Helene\n\nFor NC-11 Medical Providers\n\nIf you own a medical practice in NC-11 and are experiencing financial hardship due to Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina Medical Society is reactivating its Financial Recovery Program (FRP) to help you recover and open your doors again.\n\nFor more information on the disaster relief fund, you can visit this link.\n\nDetails on how medical practices can qualify and apply for funds will be coming soon.\n\nThe Department of Health and Human Services through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has made available:\n\nAccelerated payments to Medicare Part A providers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nAdvance payments to Medicare Part B suppliers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nFor Local Government Resource Requests\n\nFor county leaders: This is a reminder to make sure your Emergency Operation Center has submitted the request for gasoline, food, water, cell service deployables, etc. with North Carolina Emergency Management to have your request processed and resources delivered.\n\nMy office stands ready to assist with checking the status of your request if the county or municipality has not heard back from NC Emergency Management within 24 hours.\n\nDisaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)\n\nThe deadline to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits is Dec. 2, 2024 for all counties other than Swain, Graham and Cherokee counties.\n\nSwain County\u2019s deadline is Dec. 9, 2024.\n\nDisaster Unemployment Assistance benefits are now available for Western North Carolinians in counties with a major disaster declaration, including:\n\nBuncombe\n\nClay\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nJackson\n\nMacon\n\nMadison\n\nMcDowell\n\nPolk\n\nRutherford\n\nSwain\n\nTransylvania\n\nYancey\n\nIf your employment has been lost or interrupted because of Hurricane Helene, you may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance.\n\nFile an application for DUA:\n\nFile at des.nc.gov, or\n\nCall over the phone at (919) 629-3857\n\nA toll-free legal aid hotline is now available for low-income survivors with disaster-related legal questions: (866) 219-5262.\n\nFor Individual Assistance through FEMA\n\nThe deadline to file for FEMA Individual Assistance is Nov. 27, 2024. Please mark your calendars and ensure all applications are submitted on time.\n\nNorth Carolina received a Major Disaster Declaration for the following counties: Buncombe, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania and Yancey counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.\n\nPeople with damage to their homes or personal property who live in one of the above-listed counties should apply for Individual Assistance through FEMA, which may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies.\n\nFunds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay.\n\nIndividual Assistance provides financial aid and services to eligible individuals and households that have been affected by a disaster to assist with the recovery process. Individuals can officially begin applying for Individual Assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling the application phone number at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. EST.\n\nFind steps to help you replace important documents that were lost or damaged in the storm: www.fema.gov/disaster/4827/news-media\n\nIf you were initially denied for Individual Assistance, please see below for useful tips to help you file an appeal with FEMA:\n\nUnderstand why FEMA denied your claim before writing the appeal.\n\nIt could be as simple as a missing document, which you can submit with your appeal.\n\nRead FEMA\u2019s letter from beginning to end to completely understand what the agency needs from you.\n\nMake sure you provide evidence for your appeal. Depending on your situation, documentation may include:\n\nA copy of your flood insurance declaration page.\n\nProof of occupancy, which could be an employer statement, lease, utility bill, credit card statement, or other recent, formal document that states your address.\n\nProof of ownership, which might include your mortgage or insurance documents, tax receipts, deed, etc.\n\nCan\u2019t write the appeal yourself?\n\nI recommend having a trusted friend, family member, or lawyer write it for you.\n\nKnow your deadline.\n\nYou have 60 days from the date of your FEMA determination letter to appeal.\n\nCircle the deadline on your calendar or write yourself a note to keep the date in the forefront.\n\nOnce FEMA reviews your letter, you may receive a phone call or a follow-up letter asking for more documentation.\n\nDon\u2019t forget to sign your appeal letter!\n\nOnce signed, there are three ways to submit your appeal:\n\nFax it to (800) 827-8112\n\nSend it by mail to: FEMA Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782\n\nUpload all appeal documents to your disasterassistance.gov account.\n\nInclude your application number on every page of the documents you submit.\n\nExpect a decision letter to your appeal within 90 days.\n\nTo Connect with a Loved One\n\nResidents trying to connect with family members may call NC 211 (or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from out-of-state) to report missing loved ones or request a welfare check.\n\nPeople in the impacted areas can indicate that they are safe by reporting themselves safe through Red Cross Reunification by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).\n\nPlease only use 911 for life-threatening emergencies so the lines remain open for critical situations.\n\nIf you are still trying to locate a friend or family member, please complete this form, linked here, to notify local officials of their missing status.\n\nThe form was created by Buncombe County but information is being shared amongst all counties.\n\nRegardless of which county your loved one was last known to be in, you can still submit the form.\n\nBuncombe County will share the information with the appropriate officials to initiate search and rescue efforts.\n\nUnited Way is also fielding missing person/welfare check requests.\n\nText PERSON to 40403 to add a loved one to search and rescue efforts or fill out this form.\n\nResources for Utility & Other Status Updates\n\nFor information on the status of utilities, debris sites, etc., we want to share the following resources. As communications are restored and more information becomes available, these sites will continue to be updated.\n\nDrinking Water Systems: Public Water Supply Situation Report Tracking\n\nDebris Disposal Sites: Active Temporary Debris Disposal Sites\n\nNCDEQ Situation Report Tracking System\n\nNCDPS Hurricane Helene - Storm Information\n\nNCDPS County Emergency Management Agencies\n\nHow to Apply for FEMA Assistance After Hurricane Helene\n\nFree Legal Assistance\n\nLegal Aid of North Carolina stands ready to provide free advice and legal counsel regarding natural disaster needs, including legal representation if necessary, including for civil legal issues involving:\n\nFiling FEMA claims and appeals (a process which can be overwhelmingly bureaucratic and burdensome)\n\nReplacement of lost or destroyed legal and government documents, including driver\u2019s licenses and identification cards\n\nMedical and insurance claims\n\nHome repair contracts\n\nUtility disputes related to restoration of services\n\nConsumer protection issues like construction fraud, price-gouging on repairs and identity theft\n\nHousing issues such as unlawful eviction and foreclosures\n\nBankruptcy\n\nProbate and clearing title for survivors living in generational homes without a clear title\n\nFamily law cases and children in need of services (unfortunately, domestic violence tends to rise following a natural disaster)\n\nIf you need civil legal assistance, please contact Legal Aid of North Carolina via the following toll-free hotline:\n\n(866) 219-LANC or (866) 219-5262\n\nThe hotline is available from:\n\n8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; and 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Monday and Thursdays.\n\nConstituents can also apply online at legalaidnc.org/get-help/ between 1:00-4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday.\n\nIRS Guidance for Taxpayers Impacted by Hurricane Helene\n\nExtension of certain tax filing deadlines:\n\nIRS has extended various filing deadlines for taxpayers in impacted areas, including 2024 individual/business returns, certain quarterly estimated income tax payments, and certain payroll/excise taxes.\n\nClick here for the full list of extensions and respective dates\n\nClick here for more information from the IRS on disaster assistance\n\nTax relief for qualified payments, disaster-related losses:\n\nIRS released provided guidance to taxpayers on how to address disaster-related losses in their 2024 tax return, as well as providing guidance on how qualified disaster relief payments - like government assistance payments - are generally excluded from gross income.\n\nClick here for a general walkthrough of these policies (under header \u201cAdditional tax relief\u201d)\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of disaster-related losses\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of qualified disaster relief payments\n\nDisaster payments are usually tax-free:\n\nQualified disaster relief payments are generally excluded from gross income.\n\nIn general, this means that affected taxpayers can exclude the following payments from a government agency from their gross income. Amounts received for:\n\nReasonable and necessary personal, family, living or funeral expenses.\n\nThe repair or rehabilitation of your home.\n\nThe repair or replacement of your home\u2019s contents.\n\nYou may be eligible for a disaster loss deduction:\n\nIn some instances, individuals and businesses in a federally declared disaster area can qualify for a casualty loss tax deduction.\n\nThe deduction is available for damaged or destroyed property not covered by insurance or other reimbursement and can result in a larger refund.\n\nTaxpayers can choose to claim the deduction on either the return for the year the loss occurred (in this instance, the 2024 return normally filed next year), or the return for the prior year (the 2023 return filed this year).\n\nFor individual taxpayers, the deadline for making this election is Oct. 15, 2025.\n\nThe IRS also has a special hotline specifically dedicated to taxpayers with disaster-related tax questions. Disaster victims can call the agency\u2019s disaster hotline at (866) 562-5227.\n\nShelters\n\nFor those unable to evacuate to a safe location or in need of a place to go, the following shelters are currently open and available as of today:\n\nBuncombe County\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nGold\u2019s Gym\n\n801 Fairview Rd, Asheville, NC 28803\n\nWNC Agricultural Center\n\n1301 Fanning Bridge Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nHaywood County\n\nHaywood County Government Armory\n\n285 Armory Dr., Clyde, NC 28781\n\nHenderson County\n\nHenderson County Recreation Center\n\n708 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMcDowell County Senior Center\n\n100 Spaulding Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nRutherford County\n\nRutherfordton Presbyterian Church\n\n252 N. Washington St., Rutherfordton, NC 28139\n\nTransylvania County\n\nTransylvania Parks & Rec\n\n1078 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nYancey County\n\nBlue Ridge Elementary\n\n910 Cane River School Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nCarolina Cruiser mobile office hours\n\nIn keeping with my office's motto of being \"First in Constituent Services\" and to help constituents post-Hurricane Helene, my office has resumed Carolina Cruiser mobile office hours.\n\nFolks can stop by to share their thoughts on issues that matter to them or ask for assistance with federal agencies.\n\nVisit my website for updated Carolina Cruiser hours and locations, linked here.\n\nWith my warmest regards,\n\nChuck Edwards\n\nMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/hurricane-helene-recovery-update-21-congressman-edwards", "Hurricane Helene recovery update #21 from Congressman Edwards", "2024-10-18", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Chuck Edwards", "E000246", "edwards.house.gov", "edwards", "https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "October 18, 2024\n\nDear Friend,\n\nToday marks three full weeks since Hurricane Helene devastated our beautiful mountains.\n\nOver the past 21 days, I\u2019ve sent out daily updates focused on what Western North Carolinians need to survive, but today, I want to focus on something Western North Carolina as a community needs to keep going. Visitors.\n\nI don\u2019t have to tell you this, but fall is peak season for visitors in Western North Carolina. It\u2019s where most of our revenue comes from that holds folks over until next fall. From October 1 - December 31 last year, visitors spent more than $2 billion in our mountains. That\u2019s nearly $23 million per day. Almost 47,000 Western North Carolinians directly rely on tourism for their jobs, and local governments, which are facing steep rebuilding costs, rely on fall tourism for millions in local tax revenues.\n\nSo, this message might be less applicable for the folks of Western North Carolina, but I encourage you to share it with everyone you know in the surrounding states.\n\nPLEASE visit Western North Carolina this fall and winter. Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon, Transylvania, and parts of Henderson, Polk, and Rutherford counties are all open and WANT, no NEED, to see visitors return.\n\nWhile our communities were shaken by Hurricane Helene, the beauty of our mountains was not. We need your support now more than ever. So, I encourage you to please, come see for yourself.\n\nIf you\u2019re unable to visit in person, you can also visit ShopWNC.com, where you can virtually shop NC-11\u2019s Main Streets and small businesses to support our community from afar.\n\nThis update includes the expansion of Disaster Unemployment Assistance for Cherokee and Graham counties, updates on FEMA housing efforts and the 100 percent completion of cut-and-shove operations on WNC interstates.\n\nToday is update number 21, with more information to follow in the coming days. Please make sure to read everything and share it with your friends and family.\n\nIndex\n\nClick the title to be taken to the correlating information in the update.\n\nFEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Sites\n\nLegislative Support\n\nHousing\n\nFood and Water\n\nBuncombe County\n\nHaywood County\n\nHenderson County\n\nJackson County\n\nMadison County\n\nMcDowell County\n\nPolk County\n\nRutherford County\n\nTransylvania County\n\nYancey County\n\nTrash Services and Debris Removal\n\nBuncombe\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nMadison\n\nPolk\n\nTransylvania\n\nYancey\n\nVoter Information\n\nUnited States Postal Service/Mail Services\n\nPharmacy Access\n\nOpen Urgent Cares/ Health Care Services\n\nDialysis Locations\n\nOxygen Locations\n\nResources for Veterans\n\nResources for Farmers\n\nPower\n\nRoads\n\nInternet Access\n\nCell Service\n\nNorth Carolina National Guard & Department of Defense\n\nAsheville Regional Airport\n\nFederal Nutrition Programs\n\nFor NC-11 Medical Providers\n\nFor Local Government Resource Requests\n\nFor Individual Assistance through FEMA\n\nTo Connect with a Loved One\n\nResources for Utility & Other Status Updates\n\nFree Legal Assistance\n\nIRS Guidance for Taxpayers Impacted by Hurricane Helene\n\nShelters\n\nBuncombe County\n\nHaywood County\n\nHenderson County\n\nMadison County\n\nMcDowell County\n\nRutherford County\n\nTransylvania County\n\nYancey County\n\nCarolina Cruiser Mobile Office Hours\n\nFEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Sites\n\nThe following FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers are open seven days a week to assist North Carolina survivors who have experienced losses from Hurricane Helene.\n\nBuncombe County: A.C. Reynolds High School\n\n1 Rocket Dr., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nA Comfort Care Center will also be available at this location where survivors can shower, do laundry and use other services.\n\nThe Asheville Social Security office remains closed due to a lack of power and water.\n\nThe Social Security Administration is maintaining staff at the Buncombe County Disaster Recovery Center until the Asheville office reopens.\n\nHenderson County\n\n2111 Asheville Hwy., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nJackson County Annex Building\n\n198 WBI Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nMcDowell County Senior Center\n\n100 Spaulding Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nTransylvania County: Community Services Building\n\n106 E. Morgan St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nA Disaster Recovery Center is a one-stop shop where survivors can meet face-to-face with FEMA representatives, apply for FEMA assistance, receive referrals to local assistance in their area, apply with the U.S. Small Business Administration for disaster loans, etc.\n\nAdditional recovery centers will be opening soon, and I will keep you posted as I learn about them.\n\nDisaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams are also stationed across NC-11 to help survivors apply for FEMA assistance and connect them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources.\n\nLegislative Support\n\nThe U.S. House of Representatives is gearing up to pass a disaster relief package when we return to session in November.\n\nI have begun conversations with leadership about how to best meet Western North Carolina\u2019s needs in any supplemental relief package passed by Congress in the coming months.\n\nThe North Carolina General Assembly unanimously passed the Disaster Recovery Act of 2024 on Oct. 9, 2024.\n\nThis bill creates a new Hurricane Helene fund with $273 million from the state\u2019s Savings Reserve Fund.\n\n$250 million will go to the Department of Public Safety's Division of Emergency Management to provide the state\u2019s match to federal disaster relief funds.\n\nAnother portion of the funds will be used to establish a revolving loan program to help local government and state agencies with cash flow while they are waiting for reimbursement from the federal government.\n\n$16 million will go to the Department of Public Instruction for \u201clost compensation of school nutrition employees due to school closures resulting from Hurricane Helene\u201d\n\n$2 million to provide local governments technical assistance with local recovery funds.\n\n$5 million to the State Board of Elections, alongside a variety of temporary election law changes such as changing polling sites that were rendered unusable by the storm and establishing a voter hotline, to make it easier for residents of Western North Carolina to vote.\n\nThe bill also:\n\nGrants school calendar flexibility to public schools by allowing them to make up or mark as completed any number of the days or hours missed.\n\nIt also allows the schools to use up to 30 days of remote instruction toward required instructional days.\n\nWaives DMV fees for things like obtaining a duplicate driver\u2019s license, ID card, etc.\n\nWaives certain environmental requirements for state highway repairs.\n\nThis provision will not reduce the safety of repairs conducted by NCDOT or negatively impact the environment.\n\nHousing\n\nThe Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program through FEMA is currently providing temporary hotel stays to nearly 2,100 households.\n\nInspectors have performed more than 16,000 home inspections for FEMA Individual Assistance evaluations.\n\nMore than $108 million has been paid out in assistance to nearly 82,000 Western North Carolina households.\n\nFEMA is seeking residential properties to lease for Helene survivors.\n\nInterested WNC property owner or management companies should reach out to FEMA on or before 5:00 p.m. EST, Nov. 6, 2024, via email to fema-direct_lease_dr4827nc@fema.dhs.gov.\n\nThe email subject line should read: RFI# 70FBR425-DL-DR4827NC\n\nFEMA is also seeking multifamily properties to house disaster survivors\n\nInterested property owner or management companies should reach out to FEMA no later than 5:00 p.m. EST, Nov. 6, 2024, via email to fema-mlr_dr4827nc@fema.dhs.gov.\n\nThe email subject line should read: RFI #70FBR425-MLR-DR4827NC Response: MLR-DR-4827-NC\n\nFood and Water\n\nFree drinking water testing is available by request through the Buncombe County Public Health Department.\n\nJust contact the Buncombe County Public Health Department to request a test kit.\n\nThe department will provide you with an empty bottle along with instructions to collect a drinking water sample and where to drop it off for analysis.\n\nIf you have a private well that flooded, the well should be disinfected and tested to ensure the safety of yourself and your family.\n\nThe Division of Public Health is providing free, well-testing kits through local health departments.\n\nContact your local health department (find your local department via this link) to obtain a free well testing kit.\n\nSupplying drinkable water remains a top priority for emergency crews.\n\n26 water systems are on a partial or system-wide boil advisory.\n\nOnly one treatment plant has reported having no power and five systems remain out of water.\n\nWater restoration trends continue to move in a positive direction.\n\nThere are 186 wastewater treatment plants operating under normal conditions in the affected areas across Western NC.\n\nNCDEQ has provided the following resources to help community members track progress on water supply restoration efforts:\n\nPublic Water Supply Situation Report Tracking - ArcGIS map with filters for system status, county, etc. linked here.\n\nDEQ Dashboard - links to additional maps, including mobile view of water system status, and environmental guidance linked here.\n\nNorth Carolina Emergency Management has delivered more than 6,400 pallets of water and nearly 8,000 pallets of meals to date.\n\nThe Federal Emergency Management Agency has promised 120 truckloads a day of food and water with no specified end date.\n\nFEMA has delivered more than 12.6 million meals and more than 12.9 million liters of water to Western North Carolina utilizing the $20 billion in funds that I helped to draft and pass for disaster relief just two days before Hurricane Helene hit.\n\nCoca-Cola Consolidated has donated $3 million to Hurricane Helene relief.\n\n$1 million of this donation was in the form of an emergency grant to the American Red Cross which was used for the support of nearly 1,400 disaster workers, the deployment of 45 emergency response vehicles, and 70 shelters for more than 2,000 displaced people.\n\nCoke has also donated more than 35,000 cases of water and other hydration beverages to impacted areas, with more donations being delivered daily.\n\nHome Depot will be passing out free disaster relief kits every day starting at 9:00 a.m., while supplies last, at the following locations:\n\nHome Depot Asheville\n\n795 Fairview Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nHome Depot West Asheville\n\n127 Acton Cir., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nHome Depot Hendersonville\n\n401 Linda Vista Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nWalmart is hosting activities at the following locations:\n\nHendersonville, NC Store 1242\n\n250 Highlands Square Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nPortable restrooms\n\nServing hot meals at 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily\n\nArden, NC Store 1179\n\n60 Airport Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nPortable restrooms\n\nLaundry\n\nShowers\n\nWi-fi hotspot and charging stations\n\nBuncombe County\n\nBuncombe County has water distribution at multiple sites. Each will be available daily from 12:00-4:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Please bring your own container.\n\nAC Reynolds High School\n\n1 Rocket Dr., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nAsheville Middle School\n\n211 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nBuncombe County Sports Park Complex\n\n58 Apac Dr., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nBlack Mountain Ingles\n\n550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nFairview Elementary School\n\n1355 Charlotte Hwy., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nSwannanoa Ingles\n\n2299 U.S. 70, Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nLeicester Elementary School\n\n31 Gilbert Rd., Leicester, NC 28748\n\nLinwood Crump Shiloh Community Center\n\n121 Shiloh Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nLucy Herring Elementary School\n\n98 Sulphur Springs Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nNorth Windy Ridge Intermediate School\n\n20 Doan Rd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nPack Square Park\n\n80 Court Plz., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nOakley Elementary\n\n753 Fairview Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\n9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nWilliam W. Estes Elementary School\n\n275 Overlook Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nThe following resources sites are available in Buncombe County, where citizens can access food, water and other basic necessities:\n\nBiltmore Baptist Church\n\n35 Clayton Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nDistribution and bulk pickup for volunteers looking to take bulk loads of supplies to in-need community members\n\nSaturday hours: 10:00 a.m. \u2013 1:00 p.m.\n\nCommunity drive-thru for anyone in the community needing supplies\n\nSaturday hours: 3:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church \u2013 Weaverville\n\n63 N. Main St., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nHot showers available from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nUnlimited clean drinking water is available, bring your own container.\n\nSupplies and bottled water.\n\nHot lunch served at 1:30 p.m.\n\nFellowship Asheville\n\n756 Fairview Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-4:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nWest Asheville Baptist Church\n\n926 Haywood Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-4:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday\n\nSaint Mary Margaret Catholic Church\n\n102 Andrews Pl., Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nSaturday hours: 3:00-4:30 p.m.\n\nPlease note: This location is not open during mass.\n\nHot meals are available at the following locations:\n\nWorld Central Kitchen in Bear\u2019s Smokehouse BBQ\n\n135 Coxe Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nServes 25,000 hot meals a day.\n\nDaily hours: 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.\n\nShiloh Community Center\n\n121 Shiloh Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nGrovemont Park\n\n251 Stonewall Ave., Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nManna Food Bank - Farmer\u2019s Market\n\n570 Brevard Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nWesley Grant Community Center\n\n285 Livingston St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nWest Asheville Ingles\n\n669 Haywood Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 3:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nNesbitt Chapel\n\n12 Nesbitt Chapel Rd., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nDaily hours: 3:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nGroce United Methodist Church \u2013 also distributing essential supplies\n\n954 Tunnel Rd., Asheville, NC 28805\n\nDaily hours starting Wednesday, October 16: Only M/W/F/Sat, Supplies 12:00-4:00 p.m., meals 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nA Community Care Station is available at the following location:\n\n2319 Hwy. 70, Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nHot meals served daily: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCommunity Care Stations offer showers, laundry, bathrooms, access to cell towers, wi-fi, potable and non-potable water, and counseling.\n\nHaywood County\n\nThe following locations are providing community members with essential resources such as but not limited to, food, water, cleaning products, baby formula, and pet food, Monday through Fridays:\n\nFines Creek Community Center\n\n190 Fines Creek Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nOpen every day until 6:00 p.m.\n\nPigeon Community Center\n\n450 Pigeon St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nAlso offering hot meals every day at 2:00 p.m.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCruso Community Center\n\n13186 Cruso Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.\n\nFirst United Methodist Church\n\n566 S. Haywood St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nIncludes shower access.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.\n\nMaggie Valley Pavilion\n\n3935 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nDaily Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.\n\nWoodland Baptist Church\n\n545 Crabtree Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nNew Covenant Church\n\n767 Lee Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nIP Sportsplex\n\n305 Silkwood Dr., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nBethel Elementary School\n\n4700 Old River Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nJonathan Valley Elementary School\n\n410 Hall Dr., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nMonday through Friday\n\nSt. Barnabas Catholic Church\n\n109 Crescent Hill Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nDaily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.\n\nReynolds Baptist Church - Family Life Center\n\n520 Rose Hill Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.\n\nThis location also has potable water available to residents who bring their own vessels to fill.\n\nMountain Projects\n\n2177 Asheville Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nThe following location offers hot meals daily:\n\nMaggie Valley Fire Department\n\n2901 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nJukebox Junction\n\n3606 Pigeon Rd., Canton, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nThe following location offers showers daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.:\n\nCalvary Baptist Church\n\n2701 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nThe following location is offering supplies for horses and livestock:\n\nWNC Regional Livestock Center\n\n474 Stock Dr., Canton, NC 28716\n\nHenderson County\n\nHenderson County has stood up one Resource Hub location for water distribution and other supplies as they become available.\n\n118 McAbee Ct., Flat Rock, NC 28731\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nEach family unit will be provided supplies for one day\u2019s meal and water as available.\n\nIndividuals are asked to enter the drive-through and remain in your car unless otherwise instructed by volunteers to ensure an efficient process.\n\nJackson County\n\nIn partnership with the Red Cross, the following is available for citizens of Jackson County:\n\nThe Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau are providing shelf-stable meals at the following location:\n\n558 Frank Allen Rd., Cashiers, NC 28717\n\nThe Canada Fire Department is distributing emergency supplies at the following location:\n\n149 Charleys Creek Rd., Tuckasegee, NC 28783\n\nThe following locations are providing resources to displaced families and individuals in need:\n\nMountain Projects\n\n154-B Medical Park Loop, Sylva, NC 28779\n\nUnited Christian Ministries\n\n191 Skyland Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nSt. Mary\u2019s Roman Catholic Church of Sylva\n\n22 Bartlett St., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.\n\nCornbread and Roses\n\n1294 Savannah Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours:\n\nWednesday, 6:00-8:00 p.m.\n\nThursday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nSunday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nMadison County\n\nThe following locations are offering food, water, and some supply distribution in Madison County:\n\nBeech Glen Community Center\n\n2936 Beech Glen Rd., Mars Hill, 28754\n\nDaily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.\n\nCenter Community Center\n\n1300 Grapevine Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nEbbs Chapel Community Center\n\n281 Laurel Valley Rd., Mars Hill, NC 28754\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nEnon Baptist Church\n\n174 Ammons Branch Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nOpen Sunday 12:00-4:00 p.m.\n\nFreedom Christian Church\n\n7350 US 25/70 Bypass, Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThis location offers additional resources such as hygiene products, blankets, clothes, cleaning supplies, diapers, pet food, etc.\n\nLaurel Community Center - also has supplies\n\n4100 NC 212 Hwy., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily Hours: 8:00 a.m. \u2013 8:00 p.m.\n\nRevere-Rice Community Center\n\n3980 Revere Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (Mon-Sat)\n\nSpring Creek Community Center\n\n13075 NC 209 Hwy., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThis location also has additional resources such as pet food, livestock feed and hay.\n\nWalnut Community Center - also has supplies\n\n46 School Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.\n\nN.C. Cooperative Extension - Madison County Center\n\n258 Carolina Ln., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nThis location is offering drive-thru food distribution only.\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMcDowell County has established multiple points of distribution that are open daily.\n\nDistribution takes place daily at the following locations:\n\nTom Johnson\u2019s Camping Center\n\n348 Resistoflex Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nWeekend hours: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCherry Springs\n\n6 Bull Walker Rd., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: Wednesdays 4:00-7:00 p.m., Sundays 2:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nCamp Grier\n\n985 Camp Grier Rd., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and 4:00-7:00 p.m.\n\nRestoration Church\n\n2344 Ashworth Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nCentro Unido Latino Americano\n\n79 Academy St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church of Old Fort\n\n203 E. Main St., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: 4:00-7:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nFirst Baptist Church Marion\n\n99 N Main St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nConcord United Methodist Church\n\n8066 Linville Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 2:00-4:00 p.m.\n\nNew Manna Baptist Church\n\n225 E. Court St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 4:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nHot meals are also being provided at the following location:\n\nGrace Community Church\n\n5182 US 70 W., Marion, NC 28752\n\nLunch is served every day from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.\n\nDinner is available from 4:00-5:30 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church of Marion is offering hot showers, air conditioning, and areas to charge devices.\n\nCurrent hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 2:00-5:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday.\n\nPolk County\n\nThe following locations are offering food and water distribution for residents in need from 1:00-5:00 p.m.:\n\nMill Spring/Green Creek Community\n\n25 International Blvd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nColumbus Community\n\n95 Walker St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nSaluda Community Bus Parking Lot\n\n214 E. Main St., Saluda, NC 28773\n\nTryon Community\n\n301 N. Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782\n\nSunny View\n\n86 Sunny View School Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nThe following locations are serving hot meals daily:\n\nTryon Equestrian Center\n\n4066 Pea Ridge Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nRoseland Community Center\n\n56 Peake St., Tryon, NC 28782\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nRutherford County\n\nThe following two centralized distribution center locations are open from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. for citizens to get food and emergency supplies:\n\nThe Green Space\n\n658 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nWarehouse #7\n\n214 Vance St., Warehouse 7, Forest City, NC 28043\n\nTransylvania County\n\nThe following location is providing hot meals to county residents:\n\nBalsam Grove Community Center - daily until power is fully restored\n\n8732 Parkway Rd., Balsam Grove, NC 28708\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nBottled water is available daily at local fire departments and 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Anchor Baptist Church located at:\n\n3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nWater filling stations can be found at the following locations:\n\nCity Sports Complex\n\n824 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.\n\nRocky\u2019s Grill & Soda Shop\n\n50 S. Broad St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours\n\nCedar Mountain Outpost\n\n8431 Greenville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nDD Bullwinkles\n\n60 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nFirst United Methodist Church\n\n325 N. Broad St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nPisgah Forest Baptist Church\n\n494 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nFood, water, and other supplies such as hygiene products are being distributed at the following locations:\n\nAnchor Baptist Church\n\n3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nZion Baptist Church\n\n423 Main St., Rosman, NC 28772\n\nNo daily hours posted\n\nGrace Brevard\n\n55 E. Jordan St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2;00 p.m.\n\nMary C. Jenkins Community Center\n\n221 Mills Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nYancey County\n\nYancey County has transitioned to one centralized distribution site for water, food and ice located at the following address:\n\nFormer Fred\u2019s Store\n\n677 W. U.S. Highway 19E, Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nMobile laundry facilities are available in the GO Grocery parking lot located at the following address:\n\n631 W Hwy. 19E Bypass, Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nTrash Services and Debris Removal\n\nRecycling services are available through Curbside Management for the following counties:\n\nBuncombe\n\nClay\n\nGraham\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nJackson\n\nMacon\n\nMadison\n\nPolk\n\nRutherford\n\nYancey\n\nSome communities have halted recycling services to prioritize trash collection.\n\nIf that is the case for your community, Curbside Management has a drop-off site available for residents who wish to bring their recycling to the following location:\n\n116 N. Woodfin Ave., Asheville, NC 28804\n\nIf your home has damage and you need assistance with clean up, please call Crisis Cleanup for access to volunteer organizations that can assist you at 844-965-1386.\n\nIf Hurricane Helene caused damage to your home or belongings, make sure to document it.\n\nThis is critically important in getting reimbursed.\n\nTake photos before you begin cleaning up.\n\nMake a list of damaged or lost items and gather receipts.\n\nDoing this helps speed up the process with insurance and other assistance programs, and ensures you get properly compensated.\n\nBefore you start the clean-up process, remember:\n\nWear PPE such as long pants, goggles, gloves and sturdy shoes.\n\nStay off damaged structures.\n\nBe aware that snakes or other hazardous animals could be present.\n\nCall your local fire department to inspect or removal chemicals, propane tanks, and other hazardous materials.\n\nIf you suspect debris contains toxic substances, seal them in plastic bags to prevent them from becoming airborne.\n\nTo reduce the risk of accidental fires, please DO NOT burn your storm debris.\n\nEmergency personnel are continuing to work on other storm recovery and response efforts, limiting resources to respond to accidental fires.\n\nPlease discard storm debris at a local transfer site or via curbside debris pickup.\n\nDebris should be placed curbside and not block the roadway or access to the property.\n\nPlease place debris away from trees, poles or other structures (e.g., fire hydrants, meters, etc.) to make removal work easier.\n\nContact your local municipality for curbside storm debris removal collection schedules or see below for additional information on debris waste removal by county.\n\nAdditionally, the following counties have resources for where to take household trash and debris waste.\n\nBuncombe\n\nCurbside collection will begin Monday for City of Asheville sanitation customers.\n\nThe following materials cannot be collected at this time: Mud, construction debris, concrete and other bulky or hazardous items.\n\nDebris collection is estimated to start in mid-October.\n\nThe Town of Black Mountain Public Works Department has secured four 15-yard dumpsters located in two sites for Black Mountain residents to throw away household trash ONLY:\n\nTractor Supply: 125 Old US Hwy. 70 E., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nIngles: 550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nPlease Note: Yard waste, bulk items, separate recycling and debris collection are not available at this time.\n\nWaste Pro collection service has resumed for regular Monday route customers.\n\nHaywood\n\nHousehold waste will be accepted at the Materials Recovery Facility at 247 Recycle Rd., Clyde and at Convenience Centers at Jonathan Creek, Beaverdam, Bethel, Hazelwood, Mauney Cove, Jones Cove and Highway 110.\n\nWhite Oak Landfill has reopened.\n\nHenderson\n\nHenderson County Transfer Station is open and accepting storm debris with normal fees.\n\nHenderson County has begun curbside storm debris removal to county residents as a free service.\n\nThe county will pick up storm debris for free if it is pushed to the right of way of a property.\n\nStorm debris includes tree branches, leaves, logs, building materials, furniture, paint etc.\n\nPlease be patient.\n\nThe county will pick up storm debris for free as quickly as possible.\n\nMadison\n\nThe Hot Springs collection center is operating on normal hours for household trash ONLY:\n\nMonday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nWednesday: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.\n\nFriday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nSaturday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nHot Springs trash pickup is returning to Mondays like usual.\n\nPlease only use this pickup service if you cannot bring it to the collection center yourself.\n\nThe pickup service is being led by volunteers at this time.\n\nPolk\n\nThe Polk County landfill is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\n322 Landfill Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nDrop-off of residential trash is $10.\n\nGFL trash services will continue the regular schedule. However, certain areas may be inaccessible due to ongoing power outages from Hurricane Helene.\n\nTwo dumpsters are located on Gibson Street for immediate trash disposal due to road inaccessibility.\n\nTransylvania\n\nThe City of Brevard has resumed regular trash pickup.\n\nYancey\n\nThe Riverside and East Yancey Recycling Centers have resumed operations.\n\nDaily hours: 7:00 a.m. \u2013 4:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday\n\nVoter Information\n\nThe North Carolina State Board of Elections has provided pertinent information and recommendations for voters in the Helene disaster area during the 2024 general election.\n\nTo review information on voting in the 2024 general election after Hurricane Helene, you can follow this link.\n\nThe site provides information on absentee voting, how to change your polling location if you have a new permanent address, county board of elections, office closures and more.\n\nFor any additional questions on voting post-hurricane, please contact your county Board of Elections.\n\nPlease note: Your county Board of Elections is the best place to get any questions answered.\n\nI have been permitted to share the above, nonpartisan information but am prohibited from answering any questions related to the 2024 general election.\n\nUnited States Postal Service/Mail Services\n\nUSPS anticipates continued improvement of mail delivery operations with local recovery efforts, to include power, connectivity, and roads.\n\nSocial Security checks are being routed to all units for delivery and/or are available for customer pick up.\n\nFor impacted residents who have relocated due to the storm, please be sure to complete a change of address request at moversguide.usps.com.\n\nThere are some facilities unable to provide full retail and mail delivery due to road closures and current conditions.\n\nNo drop shipments will be accepted at any of the locations listed below.\n\nThe following sites are closed with no retail, but delivery is being attempted where it is safe to do so:\n\nNewland - 28657\n\nCedar Mountain - 28718\n\nThe following sites are closed with alternative facilities listed:\n\nAlexander - 28701\n\nAlternative location: Mobile Retail Unit\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.; closed 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. for lunch\n\nOpen Saturdays: 8:00-10:00 a.m.\n\nBat Cave - 28710\n\nAlternative location: 3979 Chimney Rock Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; closed 12:00-1:00 p.m. for lunch\n\nBarnardsville - 28709\n\nAlternate location: Mobile Retail Unit\n\nDaily hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; closed from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. for lunch.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 8:30-10:30 a.m.\n\nChimney Rock - 28720\n\nAlternate location: 2432 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. \u2013 4:00 p.m., closed 12:00-1:00 p.m.\n\nEdneyville - 28727\n\nAlternate location: Mobile Retail Unit\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; closed 12:00-1:00 p.m. for lunch\n\nGerton \u2013 28735\n\nAlternate location: 1352 Charlotte Hwy., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nDaily Hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nGreen Mountain - 28740\n\nAlternate location: 670 W. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nHot Springs - 28743\n\nAlternate location: Mobile Retail Unit\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; closed 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. for lunch.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00-10:30 a.m.\n\nMarshall - 28753\n\nAlternate location: Mobile Retail Unit\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; closed 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. for lunch.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nMicaville - 28755\n\nAlternate location: 670 W. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nMontreat - 28757\n\nAlternate location: 2 Tucker Rd., Ridgecrest, NC 28770\n\nDaily hours M-F: 12:30-4:30 p.m.\n\nPenland - 28765\n\nAlternative location: 899 Oak Ave., Spruce Pine, NC 28777\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nRosman - 28778\n\nAlternate location: Mobile Retail Unit\n\nDaily hours M-F: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; closed 12:30-1:30 p.m. for lunch.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 10:00-11:00 a.m.\n\nSwannanoa - 28765\n\nAlternate location: Mobile Retail Unit\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nAll remaining locations are attempting delivery where it is safe to do so.\n\nPharmacy Access\n\nPharmacy Locator\n\nHundreds of pharmacies never closed or have reopened across Western North Carolina.\n\nUse this link to locate pharmacy locations open to the public by county.\n\nThe Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response under the Department of Health and Human Services has activated the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) for North Carolinians.\n\nThe EPAP program helps uninsured residents replace prescription medication or certain medical equipment lost or damaged during Hurricane Helene.\n\nThrough the program, uninsured residents can:\n\nRequest a free 30-day supply of certain prescription medications at any EPAP-participating pharmacy which can be renewed every 30 days while the EPAP is active.\n\nReplace certain medical equipment and supplies such as canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, blood sugar meters and blood sugar test strips for diabetics.\n\nUninsured North Carolina residents affected by the recent hurricane can call the EPAP hotline, 855-793-7470, or visit the EPAP website to check their eligibility, determine if their medications or medical equipment are covered, or locate a participating pharmacy.\n\nPrescription Pad is open from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and filling prescriptions for Yancey County residents at the following location:\n\n730 E. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nOpen Urgent Cares/ Health Care Services\n\nThere is a field hospital with physicians, nurses and paramedics who can treat patients at the Burnsville Fire Department. The address is as follows:\n\n305 Pineola St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nThe following urgent cares are open and accessible for community members with non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries:\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Weaverville\n\n61 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nMercy Urgent Care West Asheville\n\n1201 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nMercy Urgent Care Waynesville\n\n120 Frazier St., Ste. 6, Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nLocations open between 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Brevard\n\n22 Trust Ln., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Columbus\n\n140 West Mills St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nLocations open between 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.:\n\nMobile Urgent Care Clinic\n\n12 Florida Ave., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nMental Health & Basic Medical Support Center\n\n130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nPardee Urgent Care\n\n45 Hendersonville Hwy., Ste. A, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nOther locations available:\n\nHeart to Heart International - in Haywood Department of Health Parking Lot\n\n157 Paragon Pkwy., Ste. 800, Clyde, NC 28721\n\nDaily hours: Not available at this time.\n\nFree mental health services - All available for drop-in\n\nIf you have been impacted by the storm and need someone to talk to, call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1 (800) 985-5990.\n\nHelp is also available to anyone, anytime in English or Spanish through a call, text or chat to 988.\n\nLearn more at 988Lifeline.org.\n\nCare Collaborative for Western North Carolina Clinicians is a partnership among more than 200 mental health professionals volunteering to provide free mental health services for Hurricane Helene survivors.\n\nServices are provided virtually, and you can follow this link to find a professional that fits your needs and their contact information to schedule a session.\n\nHot Springs Elementary School - Art Room\n\n63 N. Serpentine Ave., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nThe Pearl Institute\n\n55 Academy St., Waynesville, NC\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-6:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nFree telehealth appointments are also available.\n\nTo book a telehealth appointment, you can email info@pearlpsychedelicinstitute.org or call/text (828) 400-7091\n\nCommunity Support Group\n\n221 Mills Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nMary C. Jenkins Community & Cultural Center\n\nHosted by the City of Brevard, AARP, and Blue Ridge Community College\n\n9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on October 14, 28, and November 18.\n\nAll University of North Carolina System students have access to free mental health through their university.\n\nPlease monitor your student email for more information on how to access these services.\n\nThe following orthopedic urgent care locations are open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily, physical therapy appointments are also available at each of these locations:\n\nEmergeOrtho Hendersonville\n\n800 Fleming St., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nEmergeOrtho Arden (South Asheville)\n\n2585 Hendersonville Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nEmergeOrtho Waynesville\n\n9 Haywood Office Park, Ste. 102 and 103, Waynesville, NC 28785\n\nEmergeOrtho Brevard\n\n89 Hospital Dr., Ste. A, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nEmergeOrtho Weaverville\n\n159 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nDialysis Locations\n\nThe following location is open and available for dialysis treatments in NC-11:\n\nPardee Hospital\n\n800 N. Justice St., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nThis location can dialyze 30 patients a day.\n\nDaVita Kidney Care nurses are reaching out to their patients to coordinate treatment, but the following DaVita locations are available:\n\nDaVita Greer South Dialysis\n\n3254 Brushy Greek Rd., Greer, SC 29650\n\nContact Number: (864) 801-2065\n\nDaVita Saluda River Dialysis\n\n8080 Augusta Rd., Piedmont, SC 29673\n\nContact Number: (833) 378-2702\n\nDaVita Wofford at Home\n\n8024 White Ave., Spartanburg, SC 29303\n\nContact Number: (864) 583-4788\n\nDaVita Boiling Springs Dialysis\n\n196 Sloane Garden Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316\n\nContact Number: (833) 458-4809\n\nOxygen Locations\n\nHendersonville High School\n\n1 Bearcat Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nMust be assessed through Pardee Hospital.\n\nLincare is only serving established patients.\n\nPatients must bring in empty tanks to one of the following locations:\n\nAsheville Lincare\n\n103 Elk Park Dr., Asheville, NC 28804\n\nFax number: (866) 234-6698\n\nGreenville Lincare\n\n355 Woodruff Rd., Ste. 204 and 205, Greenville, SC 29607\n\nFax Number: (864) 288-0339\n\nThe following locations are available for oxygen refills, but patients must bring their own oxygen equipment - fire departments are available 24/7:\n\nBoiling Springs Fire Department\n\n186 Rainbow Lake Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316\n\nReidville Fire Department\n\n7450 Reidville Rd., Woodruff, SC 29388\n\nInman City Fire Department\n\n6 Humphrey St., Inman, SC 29349\n\nFirst Presbyterian Church\n\n393 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29302\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.\n\nGreer Relief Indigo Hope Neighborhood Impact Center\n\n113C Berry Ave., Greer, SC 29651\n\nDaily hours: 2:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nCroft Fire Department\n\n370 Cedar Springs Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29302\n\nArkwright Fire Department\n\n1070 Southport Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29306\n\nRoebuck Fire Department\n\n2639 Stone Station Rd., Roebuck, SC 29376\\\n\nNorth Spartanburg Fire Department\n\n8767 Asheville Hwy., Spartanburg, SC 29316\n\nResources for Veterans\n\nOutpatient clinics have rescheduled 66 percent of the appointments that were cancelled due to Hurricane Helene, with more being rescheduled every day.\n\nThe U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs launched a new web page with disaster relief resources, providing a single place for veterans and their caregivers to access VA resources on health care, housing, benefits payments, insurance, and more.\n\nYou can access the web site via this link.\n\nThe VA has established a Veterans Disaster Response Hotline, which is available 24/7 at 1(800) 507-4571.\n\nIf you or a veteran you know needs immediate housing assistance after Hurricane Helene, please call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at (877) 424-3838.\n\nThe call center is open 24/7.\n\nIf you have a VA-backed home loan and are unable to make your mortgage payments, please contact your mortgage servicer.\n\nYou can also call the VA at (877) 827-3702, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nHome loan servicers are allowed to put a 90-day pause on foreclosures and encouraged to waive late charges for VA-guaranteed home loans after a disaster.\n\nLegionnaires, Sons of the American Legion members and Legion Posts that have been displaced from their primary residence due to damage sustained during Hurricane Helene may be eligible for financial assistance through the American Legion.\n\nLegionnaires and Sons of the American Legion members may be eligible for up to $3,000.\n\nLegion Posts may be eligible for up to $10,000.\n\nTo learn more or to request assistance, please use this link.\n\nApplications must be submitted within 90 days of the disaster: Dec. 26, 2024.\n\nThe Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville and Master Sergeant Jerry K. Crump VA Clinic in Forest City are open for essential and emergency services.\n\nVeterans can:\n\nVisit the Asheville VA Hospital pharmacy for medication refills or:\n\nCall the Regional Clinical Contact Center at (855) 679-0074 and press 1 for pharmacy representatives.\n\nLocal pharmacies in the VA\u2019s community care network will also fill written prescriptions, or prescriptions as they appear on an active VA prescription bottle that is not older than six months and has available refills, to provide a 30-day supply.\n\nHickory, Forest City and Franklin outpatient VA clinics are now operating regularly.\n\nDue to the damage and personal losses caused by Hurricane Helene to the staff of the VA, it will take some time to bring staffing to full capacity.\n\nPlease be patient as the VA works to rebuild their workforce.\n\nResources for Farmers\n\nThe United States Department of Agriculture has put together a list of resources for farmers and other agricultural industry members.\n\nIf your agricultural operation has been impacted by Hurricane Helene, you can review this link, farmers.gov, for emergency and disaster assistance programs.\n\nPower\n\nRoughly 8,500 customers remain without power in Western North Carolina.\n\nThis is down from more than 1.4 million customers without power directly after the storm hit.\n\nThe majority of remaining power outages remain concentrated in Western North Carolina, with the highest percentage of outages being reported in Yancey County.\n\nLess than 2,000 Duke Energy customers remain without power.\n\nThe remaining 6,500 customers are with local co-operative energy providers.\n\nDuke Energy has 4,734 total crews in Western NC and the co-ops have more than 500 reinforcements from more than 30 electric cooperatives in 11 states.\n\nDuke has established an Asheville-based Western NC command center to serve as the company\u2019s base of operations for the region while line workers continue to rebuild the infrastructure needed to restore the remaining customers impacted by Helene.\n\nApproximately 98 percent of all originally reported power outages have been restored.\n\nNCDOT crews are coordinating closely with power companies to ensure service is being restored as quickly as possible, including along private roads, keeping in mind that cold months are approaching fast.\n\nFor more information on Duke Energy\u2019s power restoration efforts, you can review the following links:\n\nComplex Repair & Disaster Rebuild Zones Map: duke-energy.com/info/carolinas-restoration\n\nOutage Map: duke-energy.com/outages\n\nOutage Alerts: duke-energy.com/outages/alerts\n\nGenerator safety: duke-energy.com/outages/generators\n\nPower restoration process: duke-energy.com/outages/restoring-your-power\n\nRoads\n\nA \u201cDO NOT DRIVE\u201d message remains in place from the North Carolina Department of Transportation for most of Western North Carolina.\n\nUnless it is an emergency, please do not travel to the hardest hit communities.\n\nCherokee, Graham, Clay, Swain, Macon, Haywood, Transylvania and Jackson counties ARE FULLY OPEN to non-essential travel for people who can access them through safe routes.\n\nPlease DO NOT try to visit or travel through the areas hardest hit by the storm.\n\nNon-essential traffic in impacted areas hinders NCDOT\u2019s efforts to reopen roads.\n\nHenderson, Polk and Rutherford counties are each partially open to non-essential travel.\n\nThe Pisgah National Forest will partially reopen beginning today, October 18.\n\nNCDOT \u201ccut-and-shove\u201d operations are 100 percent complete on impacted interstates, 98 percent complete on primary routes and 94 percent complete on secondary roads.\n\nDebris removal is 42 percent complete on impacted interstates, 34 percent complete on primary routes and 33 percent complete on secondary routes.\n\nNCDOT staff are now transitioning to temporary repairs and reconstruction of damaged roadways.\n\nThe state has reopened 750 roads and are only reporting 516 remaining road closures.\n\nNCDOT central and eastern divisions have been asked to send any available patching/paving machinery and crew transfers to Western NC to help expedite repairs.\n\nTo monitor road conditions in and around NC-11, use drivenc.gov.\n\nThe website tracks NCDOT-managed road conditions in real time.\n\nNC DMV has reopened 13 of the 16 driver license offices that were closed due to Hurricane Helene.\n\nThe following DMV offices are open for walk-in services in or near NC-11, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., closed between 11:30 a.m. through 1:00 p.m. for a lunch break:\n\nCherokee County\n\n1440 Main St., Andrews, NC 28901\n\nHaywood County\n\n290 Lee Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nHenderson County\n\n125 Baystone Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nJackson County\n\n876 Skyland Dr., Ste. 2, Sylva, NC 28779\n\nMacon County\n\n16 Patton Ave., Franklin, NC 28734\n\nMadison County\n\n1685 NC Highway 213, Marshall, NC 28753\n\nMcDowell County\n\n3975 NC 226 S., Marion, NC 28752\n\nRutherford County\n\n596 Withrow Rd., Forest City, NC 28043\n\nSwain County\n\n2650 Governors Island Rd., Bryson City, NC 28713\n\nTransylvania County\n\n50 Commerce St., Ste. 4, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAll but five license plate agencies have reopened.\n\nAir traffic has sustained at 300 percent above pre-hurricane levels in Western NC.\n\nNCDOT\u2019s aviation division continue to work to make sure flight operations are safe coming into and out of airports, including by:\n\nScheduling landing/unloading times and aircraft parking so aircraft are spaced out and to reduce the risk of incidents.\n\nEstablishing a first of its kind \u201ccorridors in the sky\u201d to separate civilian and military aircraft in the air.\n\nHaving search and rescue partners use short, time and location specific restrictions on air operations to enhance safety when multiple helicopters are engaged in search and rescue efforts.\n\nThe state of North Carolina is NOT turning away civil aviation support so long as it has been coordinated through the proper channels with NC Emergency Management.\n\nIf you or someone you know is interested in providing civil aviation support and don\u2019t know where to coordinate your efforts, please call my office and we will help you get in touch with the right folks.\n\nNCDOT has launched a detour map to show motorists how to get around closures on I-26 and I-40 at the Tennessee border.\n\nYou can access the map here.\n\nInternet Access\n\nInternet providers are working with local energy and cell providers to restore service for customers across Western North Carolina.\n\nFiber repair crews are also pairing with electric utility crews in the field to assist with any accidental fiber cuts.\n\nSpaceX is offering free monthly Starlink service for 30 days to any household or entity located in the disaster area.\n\nTo apply for this free service, residents can go to starlink.com/residential and select the \u201cHelene Relief\u201d service plan at check out.\n\nInternet providers including Optimum and Spectrum are working around the clock to restore service for customers. However, part of the network\u2019s infrastructure was destroyed by mudslides and collapsed bridges making restoration a lengthy process.\n\nAs a result, some impacted areas will require a rebuild of the network from scratch.\n\nTo mitigate the lack of service, Optimum, formerly Altice USA, has set up an Optimum Wi-Fi Trailer that is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the following locations:\n\n717 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\n1800 Four Seasons Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nThe following locations are offering free public wi-fi:\n\nFirst Baptist Church - Weaverville\n\n63 N. Main St, Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nDowntown Franklin\n\nThe Town of Franklin has free wi-fi on the town hill area in downtown.\n\nTransylvania County Library - 24/7\n\n212 S. Gaston St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nThe Yard Brevard\n\n284 Railroad Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nBrevard Visitor Center\n\n175 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAvailable daily from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nCell Service\n\nApproximately 92 percent of all cellular sites in Western North Carolina have been repaired and are now in service.\n\nDue to a drop in service caused by damage to telecommunications equipment during debris clearance efforts, calls for two emergency services departments are being routed to an alternate location.\n\nAll 911 calls are being answered.\n\nCurrently, 58 out of 901 wireless sites remain offline.\n\nThe highest concentration of these outages are in Buncombe and Henderson counties.\n\nCell service providers have implemented disaster roaming for any phone located in Western North Carolina to maximize phone service for all users.\n\nDisaster roaming allows users to connect to any mobile network during a disaster when other networks are down.\n\nThis allows users to access emergency services, such as 911, even when their own network is out.\n\nIf you have service one moment, but experience a reduction in service the next, try restarting your phone to jumpstart disaster roaming again.\n\nUpCycle Tech in Transylvania County is offering free computers and phones for use at the following location:\n\n470 Asheville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAT&T has deployed its Mobile Connectivity Center to the following location:\n\nSam\u2019s Club: 645 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nThe Mobile Connectivity Center is an air-conditioned mobile unit open to the public, equipped with laptops, charging stations and wi-fi.\n\nThe public can use the center for various needs including contacting your insurance company, filling out paperwork or connecting with loved ones.\n\nVerizon has deployed Wireless Emergency Communication Centers to help hurricane survivors stay connected to their friends, family and other important contacts.\n\nWireless Emergency Communication Centers are generator-powered mobile units that have device charging and computer workstations, along with wireless phones, tablets, and other devices available for use.\n\nVerizon\u2019s Wireless Emergency Communication Centers have been set up at the following locations:\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nAsheville YMCA\n\n30 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nFamily Justice Center\n\n35 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nVerizon also has charging stations at the following locations:\n\nYMCA of Western North Carolina\n\n348 Grace Corpening Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nTwo charging stations at this location\n\nWNC Agricultural Center\n\n761 Boylston Hwy., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nThree charging stations at this location\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nOne charging station at this location\n\nT-Mobile has set up satellite cellular on light trucks (SatCOLTs), providing cellular voice and data along with wi-fi and charging stations at the following locations:\n\nAsheville Middle School\n\n211 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center\n\n285 Livingston St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nFirst Baptist Church\n\n130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nAdditional T-Mobile satellite cell on trucks are located in Hendersonville and at a Tractor Supply Co. in Asheville, with others planned for Mission Hospital in Asheville, Cherokee County Emergency Operations Center in Murphy, and in Cherokee.\n\nNorth Carolina National Guard & Department of Defense\n\nAs requests from some counties are decreasing, NC National Guard assets are NOT standing down, they are instead being reallocated to other areas.\n\nFor example: The NC National Guard has two crews in Chimney Rock with DOT equipment assisting with debris clearance and other DOT-related efforts.\n\nMore than 3,400 National Guard soldiers and airmen, active-duty service members, and Emergency Management Assistance Compact units (National Guard units from 12 different states) are deployed across Western North Carolina to provide support.\n\nThis includes:\n\nAlmost 1,300 vehicles\n\n12 helicopters\n\nAs search and rescue needs diminish and roads are being cleared and restored, the need for aerial support is decreasing and ground vehicles are becoming an increasingly more effective means of support.\n\nSnapshot:\n\n765 rescues to date (546 by helicopter, 219 ground)\n\nDelivered more than 7,000 tons of commodities to affected areas.\n\nTransitioning from food and water to cold weather items such as fuel, generators, heaters, and blankets.\n\nAlthough airspace is limited due to ongoing missions by the National Guard and Department of Defense, a process has been established for private pilots seeking to fly in humanitarian relief to coordinate with local authorities.\n\nIf you are looking to fly in resources and don\u2019t know where to turn, call my office and we will get you in contact with the right coordinators.\n\nHere are a few key phone numbers from the NCNG:\n\nHOTLINE: 888-892-1162\n\nEmergency management watch: 919-733-3300\n\nDonated goods: 919-825-2474\n\nThese lines have very high call volumes. If you do not get through the first try, keep calling.\n\nAsheville Regional Airport\n\nAsheville Regional Airport closed mid-day on Friday, September 27, due to risk of flooding.\n\nCommercial flights at Asheville Regional Airport have resumed.\n\nIf you parked your car in an Asheville Regional Airport lot and could not retrieve the vehicle due to the storm, great news - none of the airport\u2019s lots flooded and all cars are fine.\n\nStay safe and pick up your car when you are able.\n\nPLEASE NOTE:\n\nNo general aviation pilots are allowed to land at Asheville Regional Airport without prior clearance from FEMA to ensure the safety of aircraft and personnel.\n\nSupply deliveries by civilian pilots ARE permitted to land at Asheville Regional Airport so long as they have prior clearance from FEMA.\n\nFEMA is not turning away any pilot that has gone through the proper channels to coordinate delivery and ensure the safety of his fellow aircraft and personnel.\n\nFederal Nutrition Programs\n\nThe U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service has approved flexibilities due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene.\n\nSNAP\n\nNorth Carolina was granted a waiver for the 10-day reporting requirement for the replacement of food purchased with SNAP benefits lost because of the hurricane.\n\nThis waiver provides additional time beyond the standard 10-day time frame for households to report food losses and receive replacement benefits for food that was destroyed and previously purchased with SNAP benefits.\n\nD-SNAP\n\nPeople living in the 25 major disaster declared Western NC counties and members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians impacted by Hurricane Helene can apply to receive a one-time benefit to help buy food through the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP).\n\nPre-registration is available by using ePASS pre-registration tool.\n\nFor the tool and more information, visit epass.nc.gov/.\n\nTo be eligible, applicants must:\n\nHave suffered losses/damages related to Hurricane Helene, such as damage to property or loss of income.\n\nHave proof of identity and proof of residency.\n\nNot currently receiving benefits through the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS).\n\nPeople receiving FNS can also get extra help to buy food but do not need to fill out a D-SNAP application.\n\nCertain income and resource limits may apply.\n\nChild Nutrition\n\nThe North Carolina Department of Public Instruction was approved for a waiver pertaining to the child nutrition programs.\n\nUnder the waiver approval, NCDPI\u2019s local program operators may:\n\nServe meals in a non-congregate setting\n\nAdjust the time of meal service\n\nAllow parent pick-up\n\nAllow service of meals at school sites\n\nFood and Nutrition Services Program\n\nPeople and families in North Carolina who are enrolled in the Food and Nutrition Services program can now use their EBT card to purchase hot food.\n\nThis flexibility will remain in effect until November 3.\n\nSpecial Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, & Children (WIC)\n\nFamilies participating in WIC who may have relocated to a new area can go to any NC WIC agency to:\n\nHave a new eWIC card issued\n\nRequest replacement breastfeeding supplies or breast pumps\n\nRequest replacement food that was purchased with current WIC benefits and lost due to Hurricane Helene\n\nFor NC-11 Medical Providers\n\nIf you own a medical practice in NC-11 and are experiencing financial hardship due to Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina Medical Society is reactivating its Financial Recovery Program (FRP) to help you recover and open your doors again.\n\nFor more information on the disaster relief fund, you can visit this link.\n\nDetails on how medical practices can qualify and apply for funds will be coming soon.\n\nThe Department of Health and Human Services through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has made available:\n\nAccelerated payments to Medicare Part A providers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nAdvance payments to Medicare Part B suppliers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nFor Local Government Resource Requests\n\nFor county leaders: This is a reminder to make sure your Emergency Operation Center has submitted the request for gasoline, food, water, cell service deployables, etc. with North Carolina Emergency Management to have your request processed and resources delivered.\n\nMy office stands ready to assist with checking the status of your request if the county or municipality has not heard back from NC Emergency Management within 24 hours.\n\nDisaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)\n\nThe deadline to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits is Dec. 2, 2024 for all counties other than Swain, Graham and Cherokee counties.\n\nSwain County\u2019s deadline is Dec. 9, 2024.\n\nDisaster Unemployment Assistance benefits are now available for Western North Carolinians in counties with a major disaster declaration, including:\n\nBuncombe\n\nClay\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nJackson\n\nMacon\n\nMadison\n\nMcDowell\n\nPolk\n\nRutherford\n\nSwain\n\nTransylvania\n\nYancey\n\nIf your employment has been lost or interrupted because of Hurricane Helene, you may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance.\n\nFile an application for DUA:\n\nFile at des.nc.gov, or\n\nCall over the phone at (919) 629-3857\n\nA toll-free legal aid hotline is now available for low-income survivors with disaster-related legal questions: (866) 219-5262.\n\nFor Individual Assistance through FEMA\n\nThe deadline to file for FEMA Individual Assistance is Nov. 27, 2024. Please mark your calendars and ensure all applications are submitted on time.\n\nNorth Carolina received a Major Disaster Declaration for the following counties: Buncombe, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania and Yancey counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.\n\nPeople with damage to their homes or personal property who live in one of the above-listed counties should apply for Individual Assistance through FEMA, which may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies.\n\nFunds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay.\n\nIndividual Assistance provides financial aid and services to eligible individuals and households that have been affected by a disaster to assist with the recovery process. Individuals can officially begin applying for Individual Assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling the application phone number at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. EST.\n\nFind steps to help you replace important documents that were lost or damaged in the storm: www.fema.gov/disaster/4827/news-media\n\nIf you were initially denied for Individual Assistance, please see below for useful tips to help you file an appeal with FEMA:\n\nUnderstand why FEMA denied your claim before writing the appeal.\n\nIt could be as simple as a missing document, which you can submit with your appeal.\n\nRead FEMA\u2019s letter from beginning to end to completely understand what the agency needs from you.\n\nMake sure you provide evidence for your appeal. Depending on your situation, documentation may include:\n\nA copy of your flood insurance declaration page.\n\nProof of occupancy, which could be an employer statement, lease, utility bill, credit card statement, or other recent, formal document that states your address.\n\nProof of ownership, which might include your mortgage or insurance documents, tax receipts, deed, etc.\n\nCan\u2019t write the appeal yourself?\n\nI recommend having a trusted friend, family member, or lawyer write it for you.\n\nKnow your deadline.\n\nYou have 60 days from the date of your FEMA determination letter to appeal.\n\nCircle the deadline on your calendar or write yourself a note to keep the date in the forefront.\n\nOnce FEMA reviews your letter, you may receive a phone call or a follow-up letter asking for more documentation.\n\nDon\u2019t forget to sign your appeal letter!\n\nOnce signed, there are three ways to submit your appeal:\n\nFax it to (800) 827-8112\n\nSend it by mail to: FEMA Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782\n\nUpload all appeal documents to your disasterassistance.gov account.\n\nInclude your application number on every page of the documents you submit.\n\nExpect a decision letter to your appeal within 90 days.\n\nTo Connect with a Loved One\n\nResidents trying to connect with family members may call NC 211 (or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from out-of-state) to report missing loved ones or request a welfare check.\n\nPeople in the impacted areas can indicate that they are safe by reporting themselves safe through Red Cross Reunification by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).\n\nPlease only use 911 for life-threatening emergencies so the lines remain open for critical situations.\n\nIf you are still trying to locate a friend or family member, please complete this form, linked here, to notify local officials of their missing status.\n\nThe form was created by Buncombe County but information is being shared amongst all counties.\n\nRegardless of which county your loved one was last known to be in, you can still submit the form.\n\nBuncombe County will share the information with the appropriate officials to initiate search and rescue efforts.\n\nUnited Way is also fielding missing person/welfare check requests.\n\nText PERSON to 40403 to add a loved one to search and rescue efforts or fill out this form.\n\nResources for Utility & Other Status Updates\n\nFor information on the status of utilities, debris sites, etc., we want to share the following resources. As communications are restored and more information becomes available, these sites will continue to be updated.\n\nDrinking Water Systems: Public Water Supply Situation Report Tracking\n\nDebris Disposal Sites: Active Temporary Debris Disposal Sites\n\nNCDEQ Situation Report Tracking System\n\nNCDPS Hurricane Helene - Storm Information\n\nNCDPS County Emergency Management Agencies\n\nHow to Apply for FEMA Assistance After Hurricane Helene\n\nFree Legal Assistance\n\nLegal Aid of North Carolina stands ready to provide free advice and legal counsel regarding natural disaster needs, including legal representation if necessary, including for civil legal issues involving:\n\nFiling FEMA claims and appeals (a process which can be overwhelmingly bureaucratic and burdensome)\n\nReplacement of lost or destroyed legal and government documents, including driver\u2019s licenses and identification cards\n\nMedical and insurance claims\n\nHome repair contracts\n\nUtility disputes related to restoration of services\n\nConsumer protection issues like construction fraud, price-gouging on repairs and identity theft\n\nHousing issues such as unlawful eviction and foreclosures\n\nBankruptcy\n\nProbate and clearing title for survivors living in generational homes without a clear title\n\nFamily law cases and children in need of services (unfortunately, domestic violence tends to rise following a natural disaster)\n\nIf you need civil legal assistance, please contact Legal Aid of North Carolina via the following toll-free hotline:\n\n(866) 219-LANC or (866) 219-5262\n\nThe hotline is available from:\n\n8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; and 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Monday and Thursdays.\n\nConstituents can also apply online at legalaidnc.org/get-help/ between 1:00-4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday.\n\nIRS Guidance for Taxpayers Impacted by Hurricane Helene\n\nExtension of certain tax filing deadlines:\n\nIRS has extended various filing deadlines for taxpayers in impacted areas, including 2024 individual/business returns, certain quarterly estimated income tax payments, and certain payroll/excise taxes.\n\nClick here for the full list of extensions and respective dates\n\nClick here for more information from the IRS on disaster assistance\n\nTax relief for qualified payments, disaster-related losses:\n\nIRS released provided guidance to taxpayers on how to address disaster-related losses in their 2024 tax return, as well as providing guidance on how qualified disaster relief payments - like government assistance payments - are generally excluded from gross income.\n\nClick here for a general walkthrough of these policies (under header \u201cAdditional tax relief\u201d)\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of disaster-related losses\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of qualified disaster relief payments\n\nDisaster payments are usually tax-free:\n\nQualified disaster relief payments are generally excluded from gross income.\n\nIn general, this means that affected taxpayers can exclude the following payments from a government agency from their gross income. Amounts received for:\n\nReasonable and necessary personal, family, living or funeral expenses.\n\nThe repair or rehabilitation of your home.\n\nThe repair or replacement of your home\u2019s contents.\n\nYou may be eligible for a disaster loss deduction:\n\nIn some instances, individuals and businesses in a federally declared disaster area can qualify for a casualty loss tax deduction.\n\nThe deduction is available for damaged or destroyed property not covered by insurance or other reimbursement and can result in a larger refund.\n\nTaxpayers can choose to claim the deduction on either the return for the year the loss occurred (in this instance, the 2024 return normally filed next year), or the return for the prior year (the 2023 return filed this year).\n\nFor individual taxpayers, the deadline for making this election is Oct. 15, 2025.\n\nThe IRS also has a special hotline specifically dedicated to taxpayers with disaster-related tax questions. Disaster victims can call the agency\u2019s disaster hotline at (866) 562-5227.\n\nShelters\n\nFor those unable to evacuate to a safe location or in need of a place to go, the following shelters are currently open and available as of today:\n\nBuncombe County\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nGold\u2019s Gym\n\n801 Fairview Rd, Asheville, NC 28803\n\nWNC Agricultural Center\n\n1301 Fanning Bridge Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nHaywood County\n\nHaywood County Government Armory\n\n285 Armory Dr., Clyde, NC 28781\n\nHenderson County\n\nHenderson County Recreation Center\n\n708 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMcDowell County Senior Center\n\n100 Spaulding Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nRutherford County\n\nRutherfordton Presbyterian Church\n\n252 N. Washington St., Rutherfordton, NC 28139\n\nTransylvania County\n\nTransylvania Parks & Rec\n\n1078 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nYancey County\n\nBlue Ridge Elementary\n\n910 Cane River School Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nCarolina Cruiser mobile office hours\n\nIn keeping with my office's motto of being \"First in Constituent Services\" and to help constituents post-Hurricane Helene, my office has resumed Carolina Cruiser mobile office hours.\n\nFolks can stop by to share their thoughts on issues that matter to them or ask for assistance with federal agencies.\n\nVisit my website for updated Carolina Cruiser hours and locations, linked here.\n\nWith my warmest regards,\n\nChuck Edwards\n\nMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/murphy-introduces-legislation-crack-down-unlawful-campus-protests", "Murphy Introduces Legislation to Crack Down on Unlawful Campus Protests", "2024-10-18", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Gregory F. Murphy", "M001210", "murphy.house.gov", "murphy", "https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Greenville, NC \u2014 Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. issued the following statement after introducing the Education Not Agitation Act, legislation to eliminate tax benefits for individuals who commit criminal offenses while protesting at institutions of higher education.\n\n\"Institutions of higher education are entrusted to cultivate robust world views,\" said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D.\"Unfortunately, many prestigious universities in America have become bastions of hateful ideology and criminal behavior. The First Amendment is sacred, and I encourage students to exercise their right to freedom of speech and assembly. However, protests on college campuses should remain peaceful and lawful. Those who abuse their privilege and disregard the law should not benefit from the tax benefits we have in place to financially help folks further their education.\"\n\nBackground\n\nThis legislation disqualifies individuals who are convicted of certain criminal offenses from receiving education related tax benefits including the American Opportunity Tax Credit, the Lifetime Learning Tax Credit, and the deduction on student loan interest.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2024/10/ross-manning-nickel-request-briefing-on-possible-foreign-involvement-in-rampant-disinformation-following-hurricanes-helene-milton", "Ross, Manning, Nickel Request Briefing on Possible Foreign Involvement in Rampant Disinformation Following Hurricanes Helene, Milton", "2024-10-18", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Representative Deborah Ross (NC-02) joined Representative Kathy Manning (NC-06) and Representative Wiley Nickel (NC-13) in sending a letter to the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), Avril Haines, requesting a briefing on potential foreign involvement in the rampant spread of disinformation following Hurricanes Helene and Milton.\n\nIn North Carolina, widespread disinformation online has seriously impeded Hurricane Helene disaster relief. Some Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) workers have been forced to pause relief efforts due to threats. After the 2023 Maui wildfires, researchers found that foreign adversaries, including China and Russia, used social media to spread disinformation, hindering recovery efforts.\n\n\u201cSpecifically, we are concerned about potential involvement in propagating or amplifying this disinformation from foreign governments or malign influences, with the intent of undermining public trust in our institutions and hampering emergency response efforts. Given the significant impact that such disinformation can have on public safety, morale, and the overall effectiveness of recovery initiatives, it is critical to address these threats in a timely and transparent manner,\u201d wrote the lawmakers.\n\nThey continued, \u201cIn light of these concerns, we respectfully request a briefing from your office on any intelligence assessments or findings related to these disinformation campaigns. Understanding the scope of these challenges and any foreign involvement would be invaluable as we work to ensure that accurate information reaches affected communities and that we can counter harmful narratives with effective measures.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/hurricane-helene-recovery-update-20-congressman-edwards", "Hurricane Helene recovery update #20 from Congressman Edwards", "2024-10-17", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Chuck Edwards", "E000246", "edwards.house.gov", "edwards", "https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "October 17, 2024\n\nDear Friend,\n\nAfter a natural disaster, FEMA estimates that 40 percent of small businesses never reopen their doors. That\u2019s a scary statistic that we cannot let become reality for the business owners of Western North Carolina.\n\nAs a district that relies heavily on tourism, our local businesses are the very threads that hold us together and our economy relies on them. Unfortunately, they were some of the hardest hit during Hurricane Helene, and the economic damage may only be amplified by a shortage of Small Business Administration (SBA) emergency disaster funds. Right now, our business community needs our help.\n\nAs of Oct. 15, 2024, the SBA has exhausted all funding for new disaster loans. I want to assure you that we know this is a problem, and we are working quickly to fix it - but please, whatever you do, continue to file your application for assistance. The funding will be coming, and we want to make sure that you are in line for when it does.\n\nIn the meantime, the Disaster Unemployment Assistance weekly maximum has been increased to $600/week. It may not make employees whole again, but it is a drastic improvement from the previous $350 maximum in place over the last few weeks.\n\nI want to reassure you that help is on the way. I hear your requests for relief, even beyond the available loan programs, and I am working on it. Please just be patient with me.\n\nThis update includes the expansion of FEMA Individual Assistance eligibility to Cherokee and Graham counties, continued National Guard activity and a new Disaster Recovery Center in Transylvania County.\n\nToday is update number 20, with more information to follow in the coming days. Please make sure to read everything and share it with your friends and family.\n\nIndex\n\nClick the title to be taken to the correlating information in the update.\n\nFEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Sites\n\nLegislative Support\n\nFood and Water\n\nBuncombe County\n\nHaywood County\n\nHenderson County\n\nJackson County\n\nMadison County\n\nMcDowell County\n\nPolk County\n\nRutherford County\n\nTransylvania County\n\nYancey County\n\nTrash Services and Debris Removal\n\nBuncombe\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nMadison\n\nPolk\n\nTransylvania\n\nYancey\n\nVoter Information\n\nUnited States Postal Service/Mail Services\n\nPharmacy Access\n\nOpen Urgent Cares/ Health Care Services\n\nDialysis Locations\n\nOxygen Locations\n\nResources for Veterans\n\nResources for Farmers\n\nPower\n\nRoads\n\nInternet Access\n\nCell Service\n\nNorth Carolina National Guard & Department of Defense\n\nAsheville Regional Airport\n\nFederal Nutrition Programs\n\nFor NC-11 Medical Providers\n\nFor Local Government Resource Requests\n\nFor Individual Assistance through FEMA\n\nTo Connect with a Loved One\n\nResources for Utility & Other Status Updates\n\nFree Legal Assistance\n\nIRS Guidance for Taxpayers Impacted by Hurricane Helene\n\nShelters\n\nBuncombe County\n\nHaywood County\n\nHenderson County\n\nMadison County\n\nMcDowell County\n\nRutherford County\n\nTransylvania County\n\nYancey County\n\nCarolina Cruiser Mobile Office Hours\n\nFEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Sites\n\nThe following FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers are open seven days a week to assist North Carolina survivors who have experienced losses from Hurricane Helene.\n\nBuncombe County: A.C. Reynolds High School\n\n1 Rocket Dr., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nA Comfort Care Center will also be available at this location where survivors can shower, do laundry and use other services.\n\nThe Asheville Social Security office remains closed due to a lack of power and water.\n\nThe Social Security Administration is maintaining staff at the Buncombe County Disaster Recovery Center until the Asheville office reopens.\n\nHenderson County\n\n2111 Asheville Hwy., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nDaily hours beginning today, October 17: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nJackson County Annex Building\n\n198 WBI Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nMcDowell County Senior Center\n\n100 Spaulding Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nTransylvania County: Community Services Building\n\n106 E. Morgan St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nA Disaster Recovery Center is a one-stop shop where survivors can meet face-to-face with FEMA representatives, apply for FEMA assistance, receive referrals to local assistance in their area, apply with the U.S. Small Business Administration for disaster loans, etc.\n\nAdditional recovery centers will be opening soon, and I will keep you posted as I learn about them.\n\nDisaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams are also stationed across NC-11 to help survivors apply for FEMA assistance and connect them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources.\n\nLegislative Support\n\nThe U.S. House of Representatives is gearing up to pass a disaster relief package when we return to session in November.\n\nI have begun conversations with leadership about how to best meet Western North Carolina\u2019s needs in any supplemental relief package passed by Congress in the coming months.\n\nThe North Carolina General Assembly unanimously passed the Disaster Recovery Act of 2024 on Oct. 9, 2024.\n\nThis bill creates a new Hurricane Helene fund with $273 million from the state\u2019s Savings Reserve Fund.\n\n$250 million will go to the Department of Public Safety's Division of Emergency Management to provide the state\u2019s match to federal disaster relief funds.\n\nAnother portion of the funds will be used to establish a revolving loan program to help local government and state agencies with cash flow while they are waiting for reimbursement from the federal government.\n\n$16 million will go to the Department of Public Instruction for \u201clost compensation of school nutrition employees due to school closures resulting from Hurricane Helene\u201d\n\n$2 million to provide local governments technical assistance with local recovery funds.\n\n$5 million to the State Board of Elections, alongside a variety of temporary election law changes such as changing polling sites that were rendered unusable by the storm and establishing a voter hotline, to make it easier for residents of Western North Carolina to vote.\n\nThe bill also:\n\nGrants school calendar flexibility to public schools by allowing them to make up or mark as completed any number of the days or hours missed.\n\nIt also allows the schools to use up to 30 days of remote instruction toward required instructional days.\n\nWaives DMV fees for things like obtaining a duplicate driver\u2019s license, ID card, etc.\n\nWaives certain environmental requirements for state highway repairs.\n\nThis provision will not reduce the safety of repairs conducted by NCDOT or negatively impact the environment.\n\nFood and Water\n\nFree drinking water testing is available by request through the Buncombe County Public Health Department.\n\nJust contact the Buncombe County Public Health Department to request a test kit.\n\nThe department will provide you with an empty bottle along with instructions to collect a drinking water sample and where to drop it off for analysis.\n\nIf you have a private well that flooded, the well should be disinfected and tested to ensure the safety of yourself and your family.\n\nThe Division of Public Health is providing free, well-testing kits through local health departments.\n\nContact your local health department (find your local department via this link) to obtain a free well testing kit.\n\nSupplying drinkable water remains a top priority for emergency crews.\n\n30 water systems are on a partial or system-wide boil advisory.\n\nOnly one treatment plant has reported having no power and five systems remain out of water.\n\nWater restoration trends continue to move in a positive direction.\n\nThere are 169 wastewater treatment plants operating under normal conditions in the affected areas across Western NC.\n\nNCDEQ has provided the following resources to help community members track progress on water supply restoration efforts:\n\nPublic Water Supply Situation Report Tracking - ArcGIS map with filters for system status, county, etc. linked here.\n\nDEQ Dashboard - links to additional maps, including mobile view of water system status, and environmental guidance linked here.\n\nNorth Carolina Emergency Management has delivered over 6,000 pallets of water and nearly 8,000 pallets of meals to date.\n\nThe Federal Emergency Management Agency has promised 120 truckloads a day of food and water with no specified end date.\n\nFEMA has delivered more than 12.6 million meals and more than 12.9 million liters of water to Western North Carolina utilizing the $20 billion in funds that I helped to draft and pass for disaster relief just two days before Hurricane Helene hit.\n\nCoca-Cola Consolidated has donated $3 million to Hurricane Helene relief.\n\n$1 million of this donation was in the form of an emergency grant to the American Red Cross which was used for the support of nearly 1,400 disaster workers, the deployment of 45 emergency response vehicles, and 70 shelters for more than 2,000 displaced people.\n\nCoke has also donated more than 35,000 cases of water and other hydration beverages to impacted areas, with more donations being delivered daily.\n\nHome Depot will be passing out free disaster relief kits every day starting at 9:00 a.m., while supplies last, at the following locations:\n\nHome Depot Asheville\n\n795 Fairview Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nHome Depot West Asheville\n\n127 Acton Cir., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nHome Depot Hendersonville\n\n401 Linda Vista Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nWalmart is hosting activities at the following locations:\n\nHendersonville, NC Store 1242\n\n250 Highlands Square Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nPortable restrooms\n\nServing hot meals at 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily\n\nArden, NC Store 1179\n\n60 Airport Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nPortable restrooms\n\nLaundry\n\nShowers\n\nWi-fi hotspot and charging stations\n\nBuncombe County\n\nBuncombe County has water distribution at multiple sites. Each will be available daily from 12:00-4:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Please bring your own container.\n\nAC Reynolds High School\n\n1 Rocket Dr., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nAsheville Middle School\n\n211 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nBuncombe County Sports Park Complex\n\n58 Apac Dr., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nBlack Mountain Ingles\n\n550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nFairview Elementary School\n\n1355 Charlotte Hwy., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nSwannanoa Ingles\n\n2299 U.S. 70, Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nLeicester Elementary School\n\n31 Gilbert Rd., Leicester, NC 28748\n\nLinwood Crump Shiloh Community Center\n\n121 Shiloh Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nLucy Herring Elementary School\n\n98 Sulphur Springs Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nNorth Windy Ridge Intermediate School\n\n20 Doan Rd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nPack Square Park\n\n80 Court Plz., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nOakley Elementary\n\n753 Fairview Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\n9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nWilliam W. Estes Elementary School\n\n275 Overlook Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nThe following resources sites are available in Buncombe County, where citizens can access food, water and other basic necessities:\n\nBiltmore Baptist Church\n\n35 Clayton Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nDistribution and bulk pickup for volunteers looking to take bulk loads of supplies to in-need community members\n\nSaturday hours: 10:00 a.m. \u2013 1:00 p.m.\n\nCommunity drive-thru for anyone in the community needing supplies\n\nSaturday hours: 3:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church \u2013 Weaverville\n\n63 N. Main St., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nHot showers available from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nUnlimited clean drinking water is available, bring your own container.\n\nSupplies and bottled water.\n\nHot lunch served at 1:30 p.m.\n\nFellowship Asheville\n\n756 Fairview Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-4:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nWest Asheville Baptist Church\n\n926 Haywood Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-4:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday\n\nSaint Mary Margaret Catholic Church\n\n102 Andrews Pl., Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nSaturday hours: 3:00-4:30 p.m.\n\nPlease note: This location is not open during mass.\n\nHot meals are available at the following locations:\n\nWorld Central Kitchen in Bear\u2019s Smokehouse BBQ\n\n135 Coxe Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nServes 25,000 hot meals a day.\n\nDaily hours: 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.\n\nShiloh Community Center\n\n121 Shiloh Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nGrovemont Park\n\n251 Stonewall Ave., Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nManna Food Bank - Farmer\u2019s Market\n\n570 Brevard Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nWesley Grant Community Center\n\n285 Livingston St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nWest Asheville Ingles\n\n669 Haywood Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 3:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nNesbitt Chapel\n\n12 Nesbitt Chapel Rd., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nDaily hours: 3:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nGroce United Methodist Church \u2013 also distributing essential supplies\n\n954 Tunnel Rd., Asheville, NC 28805\n\nDaily hours starting Wednesday, October 16: Only M/W/F/Sat, Supplies 12:00-4:00 p.m., meals 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nA Community Care Station is available at the following location:\n\n2319 Hwy. 70, Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nHot meals served daily: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCommunity Care Stations offer showers, laundry, bathrooms, access to cell towers, wi-fi, potable and non-potable water, and counseling.\n\nHaywood County\n\nThe following locations are providing community members with essential resources such as but not limited to, food, water, cleaning products, baby formula, and pet food, Monday through Fridays:\n\nFines Creek Community Center\n\n190 Fines Creek Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nOpen every day until 6:00 p.m.\n\nPigeon Community Center\n\n450 Pigeon St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nAlso offering hot meals every day at 2:00 p.m.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCruso Community Center\n\n13186 Cruso Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.\n\nFirst United Methodist Church\n\n566 S. Haywood St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nIncludes shower access.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.\n\nMaggie Valley Pavilion\n\n3935 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nDaily Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.\n\nWoodland Baptist Church\n\n545 Crabtree Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nNew Covenant Church\n\n767 Lee Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nIP Sportsplex\n\n305 Silkwood Dr., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nBethel Elementary School\n\n4700 Old River Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nJonathan Valley Elementary School\n\n410 Hall Dr., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nMonday through Friday\n\nSt. Barnabas Catholic Church\n\n109 Crescent Hill Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nDaily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.\n\nReynolds Baptist Church - Family Life Center\n\n520 Rose Hill Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.\n\nThis location also has potable water available to residents who bring their own vessels to fill.\n\nMountain Projects\n\n2177 Asheville Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nThe following location offers hot meals daily:\n\nMaggie Valley Fire Department\n\n2901 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nJukebox Junction\n\n3606 Pigeon Rd., Canton, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nThe following location offers showers daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.:\n\nCalvary Baptist Church\n\n2701 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nThe following location is offering supplies for horses and livestock:\n\nWNC Regional Livestock Center\n\n474 Stock Dr., Canton, NC 28716\n\nHenderson County\n\nHenderson County has stood up one Resource Hub location for water distribution and other supplies as they become available.\n\n118 McAbee Ct., Flat Rock, NC 28731\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nEach family unit will be provided supplies for one day\u2019s meal and water as available.\n\nIndividuals are asked to enter the drive-through and remain in your car unless otherwise instructed by volunteers to ensure an efficient process.\n\nJackson County\n\nIn partnership with the Red Cross, the following is available for citizens of Jackson County:\n\nThe Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau are providing shelf-stable meals at the following location:\n\n558 Frank Allen Rd., Cashiers, NC 28717\n\nThe Canada Fire Department is distributing emergency supplies at the following location:\n\n149 Charleys Creek Rd., Tuckasegee, NC 28783\n\nThe following locations are providing resources to displaced families and individuals in need:\n\nMountain Projects\n\n154-B Medical Park Loop, Sylva, NC 28779\n\nUnited Christian Ministries\n\n191 Skyland Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nSt. Mary\u2019s Roman Catholic Church of Sylva\n\n22 Bartlett St., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.\n\nCornbread and Roses\n\n1294 Savannah Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours:\n\nWednesday, 6:00-8:00 p.m.\n\nThursday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nSunday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nMadison County\n\nThe following locations are offering food, water, and some supply distribution in Madison County:\n\nBeech Glen Community Center\n\n2936 Beech Glen Rd., Mars Hill, 28754\n\nDaily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.\n\nCenter Community Center\n\n1300 Grapevine Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nEbbs Chapel Community Center\n\n281 Laurel Valley Rd., Mars Hill, NC 28754\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nEnon Baptist Church\n\n174 Ammons Branch Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nOpen Sunday 12:00-4:00 p.m.\n\nFreedom Christian Church\n\n7350 US 25/70 Bypass, Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThis location offers additional resources such as hygiene products, blankets, clothes, cleaning supplies, diapers, pet food, etc.\n\nLaurel Community Center - also has supplies\n\n4100 NC 212 Hwy., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily Hours: 8:00 a.m. \u2013 8:00 p.m.\n\nRevere-Rice Community Center\n\n3980 Revere Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (Mon-Sat)\n\nSpring Creek Community Center\n\n13075 NC 209 Hwy., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThis location also has additional resources such as pet food, livestock feed and hay.\n\nWalnut Community Center - also has supplies\n\n46 School Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.\n\nN.C. Cooperative Extension - Madison County Center\n\n258 Carolina Ln., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nThis location is offering drive-thru food distribution only.\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMcDowell County has established multiple points of distribution that are open daily.\n\nDistribution takes place daily at the following locations:\n\nTom Johnson\u2019s Camping Center\n\n348 Resistoflex Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nWeekend hours: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCherry Springs\n\n6 Bull Walker Rd., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: Wednesdays 4:00-7:00 p.m., Sundays 2:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nCamp Grier\n\n985 Camp Grier Rd., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and 4:00-7:00 p.m.\n\nRestoration Church\n\n2344 Ashworth Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nCentro Unido Latino Americano\n\n79 Academy St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church of Old Fort\n\n203 E. Main St., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: 4:00-7:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nFirst Baptist Church Marion\n\n99 N Main St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nConcord United Methodist Church\n\n8066 Linville Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 2:00-4:00 p.m.\n\nNew Manna Baptist Church\n\n225 E. Court St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 4:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nHot meals are also being provided at the following location:\n\nGrace Community Church\n\n5182 US 70 W., Marion, NC 28752\n\nLunch is served every day from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.\n\nDinner is available from 4:00-5:30 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church of Marion is offering hot showers, air conditioning, and areas to charge devices.\n\nCurrent hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 2:00-5:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday.\n\nPolk County\n\nThe following locations are offering food and water distribution for residents in need from 1:00-5:00 p.m.:\n\nMill Spring/Green Creek Community\n\n25 International Blvd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nColumbus Community\n\n95 Walker St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nSaluda Community Bus Parking Lot\n\n214 E. Main St., Saluda, NC 28773\n\nTryon Community\n\n301 N. Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782\n\nSunny View\n\n86 Sunny View School Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nThe following locations are serving hot meals daily:\n\nTryon Equestrian Center\n\n4066 Pea Ridge Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nRoseland Community Center\n\n56 Peake St., Tryon, NC 28782\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nRutherford County\n\nThe following two centralized distribution center locations are open from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. for citizens to get food and emergency supplies:\n\nThe Green Space\n\n658 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nWarehouse #7\n\n214 Vance St., Warehouse 7, Forest City, NC 28043\n\nTransylvania County\n\nThe following location is providing hot meals to county residents:\n\nBalsam Grove Community Center - daily until power is fully restored\n\n8732 Parkway Rd., Balsam Grove, NC 28708\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nBottled water is available daily at local fire departments and 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Anchor Baptist Church located at:\n\n3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nWater filling stations can be found at the following locations:\n\nCity Sports Complex\n\n824 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.\n\nRocky\u2019s Grill & Soda Shop\n\n50 S. Broad St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours\n\nCedar Mountain Outpost\n\n8431 Greenville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nDD Bullwinkles\n\n60 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nFirst United Methodist Church\n\n325 N. Broad St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nPisgah Forest Baptist Church\n\n494 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nFood, water, and other supplies such as hygiene products are being distributed at the following locations:\n\nAnchor Baptist Church\n\n3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nZion Baptist Church\n\n423 Main St., Rosman, NC 28772\n\nNo daily hours posted\n\nGrace Brevard\n\n55 E. Jordan St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2;00 p.m.\n\nMary C. Jenkins Community Center\n\n221 Mills Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nYancey County\n\nYancey County has transitioned to one centralized distribution site for water, food and ice located at the following address:\n\nFormer Fred\u2019s Store\n\n677 W. U.S. Highway 19E, Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nMobile laundry facilities are available in the GO Grocery parking lot located at the following address:\n\n631 W Hwy. 19E Bypass, Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nTrash Services and Debris Removal\n\nRecycling services are available through Curbside Management for the following counties:\n\nBuncombe\n\nClay\n\nGraham\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nJackson\n\nMacon\n\nMadison\n\nPolk\n\nRutherford\n\nYancey\n\nSome communities have halted recycling services to prioritize trash collection.\n\nIf that is the case for your community, Curbside Management has a drop-off site available for residents who wish to bring their recycling to the following location:\n\n116 N. Woodfin Ave., Asheville, NC 28804\n\nIf your home has damage and you need assistance with clean up, please call Crisis Cleanup for access to volunteer organizations that can assist you at 844-965-1386.\n\nIf Hurricane Helene caused damage to your home or belongings, make sure to document it.\n\nThis is critically important in getting reimbursed.\n\nTake photos before you begin cleaning up.\n\nMake a list of damaged or lost items and gather receipts.\n\nDoing this helps speed up the process with insurance and other assistance programs, and ensures you get properly compensated.\n\nBefore you start the clean-up process, remember:\n\nWear PPE such as long pants, goggles, gloves and sturdy shoes.\n\nStay off damaged structures.\n\nBe aware that snakes or other hazardous animals could be present.\n\nCall your local fire department to inspect or removal chemicals, propane tanks, and other hazardous materials.\n\nIf you suspect debris contains toxic substances, seal them in plastic bags to prevent them from becoming airborne.\n\nTo reduce the risk of accidental fires, please DO NOT burn your storm debris.\n\nEmergency personnel are continuing to work on other storm recovery and response efforts, limiting resources to respond to accidental fires.\n\nPlease discard storm debris at a local transfer site or via curbside debris pickup.\n\nDebris should be placed curbside and not block the roadway or access to the property.\n\nPlease place debris away from trees, poles or other structures (e.g., fire hydrants, meters, etc.) to make removal work easier.\n\nContact your local municipality for curbside storm debris removal collection schedules or see below for additional information on debris waste removal by county.\n\nAdditionally, the following counties have resources for where to take household trash and debris waste.\n\nBuncombe\n\nCurbside collection will begin Monday for City of Asheville sanitation customers.\n\nThe following materials cannot be collected at this time: Mud, construction debris, concrete and other bulky or hazardous items.\n\nDebris collection is estimated to start in mid-October.\n\nThe Town of Black Mountain Public Works Department has secured four 15-yard dumpsters located in two sites for Black Mountain residents to throw away household trash ONLY:\n\nTractor Supply: 125 Old US Hwy. 70 E., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nIngles: 550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nPlease Note: Yard waste, bulk items, separate recycling and debris collection are not available at this time.\n\nWaste Pro collection service has resumed for regular Monday route customers.\n\nHaywood\n\nHousehold waste will be accepted at the Materials Recovery Facility at 247 Recycle Rd., Clyde and at Convenience Centers at Jonathan Creek, Beaverdam, Bethel, Hazelwood, Mauney Cove, Jones Cove and Highway 110.\n\nWhite Oak Landfill has reopened.\n\nHenderson\n\nHenderson County Transfer Station is open and accepting storm debris with normal fees.\n\nHenderson County has begun curbside storm debris removal to county residents as a free service.\n\nThe county will pick up storm debris for free if it is pushed to the right of way of a property.\n\nStorm debris includes tree branches, leaves, logs, building materials, furniture, paint etc.\n\nPlease be patient.\n\nThe county will pick up storm debris for free as quickly as possible.\n\nMadison\n\nThe Hot Springs collection center is operating on normal hours for household trash ONLY:\n\nMonday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nWednesday: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.\n\nFriday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nSaturday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nHot Springs trash pickup is returning to Mondays like usual.\n\nPlease only use this pickup service if you cannot bring it to the collection center yourself.\n\nThe pickup service is being led by volunteers at this time.\n\nPolk\n\nThe Polk County landfill is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\n322 Landfill Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nDrop-off of residential trash is $10.\n\nGFL trash services will continue the regular schedule. However, certain areas may be inaccessible due to ongoing power outages from Hurricane Helene.\n\nTwo dumpsters are located on Gibson Street for immediate trash disposal due to road inaccessibility.\n\nTransylvania\n\nThe City of Brevard has resumed regular trash pickup.\n\nYancey\n\nThe Riverside and East Yancey Recycling Centers have resumed operations.\n\nDaily hours: 7:00 a.m. \u2013 4:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday\n\nVoter Information\n\nThe North Carolina State Board of Elections has provided pertinent information and recommendations for voters in the Helene disaster area during the 2024 general election.\n\nTo review information on voting in the 2024 general election after Hurricane Helene, you can follow this link.\n\nThe site provides information on absentee voting, how to change your polling location if you have a new permanent address, county board of elections, office closures and more.\n\nFor any additional questions on voting post-hurricane, please contact your county Board of Elections.\n\nPlease note: Your county Board of Elections is the best place to get any questions answered.\n\nI have been permitted to share the above, nonpartisan information but am prohibited from answering any questions related to the 2024 general election.\n\nUnited States Postal Service/Mail Services\n\nUSPS anticipates continued improvement of mail delivery operations with local recovery efforts, to include power, connectivity, and roads.\n\nSocial Security checks are being routed to all units for delivery and/or are available for customer pick up.\n\nFor impacted residents who have relocated due to the storm, please be sure to complete a change of address request at moversguide.usps.com.\n\nThere are some facilities unable to provide full retail and mail delivery due to road closures and current conditions.\n\nNo drop shipments will be accepted at any of the locations listed below.\n\nThe following sites are closed with no retail, but delivery is being attempted where it is safe to do so:\n\nNewland - 28657\n\nCedar Mountain - 28718\n\nThe following sites are closed with alternative facilities listed:\n\nAlexander - 28701\n\nAlternative location: Mobile Retail Unit\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.; closed 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. for lunch\n\nOpen Saturdays: 8:00-10:00 a.m.\n\nBat Cave - 28710\n\nAlternative location: 3979 Chimney Rock Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; closed 12:00-1:00 p.m. for lunch\n\nBarnardsville - 28709\n\nAlternate location: Mobile Retail Unit\n\nDaily hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; closed from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. for lunch.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 8:30-10:30 a.m.\n\nChimney Rock - 28720\n\nAlternate location: 2432 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. \u2013 4:00 p.m., closed 12:00-1:00 p.m.\n\nEdneyville - 28727\n\nAlternate location: Mobile Retail Unit\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; closed 12:00-1:00 p.m. for lunch\n\nGerton \u2013 28735\n\nAlternate location: 1352 Charlotte Hwy., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nDaily Hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nGreen Mountain - 28740\n\nAlternate location: 670 W. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nHot Springs - 28743\n\nAlternate location: Mobile Retail Unit\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; closed 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. for lunch.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00-10:30 a.m.\n\nMarshall - 28753\n\nAlternate location: Mobile Retail Unit\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; closed 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. for lunch.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nMicaville - 28755\n\nAlternate location: 670 W. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nMontreat - 28757\n\nAlternate location: 2 Tucker Rd., Ridgecrest, NC 28770\n\nDaily hours M-F: 12:30-4:30 p.m.\n\nPenland - 28765\n\nAlternative location: 899 Oak Ave., Spruce Pine, NC 28777\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nRosman - 28778\n\nAlternate location: Mobile Retail Unit\n\nDaily hours M-F: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; closed 12:30-1:30 p.m. for lunch.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 10:00-11:00 a.m.\n\nSwannanoa - 28765\n\nAlternate location: Mobile Retail Unit\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nAll remaining locations are attempting delivery where it is safe to do so.\n\nPharmacy Access\n\nPharmacy Locator\n\nHundreds of pharmacies never closed or have reopened across Western North Carolina.\n\nUse this link to locate pharmacy locations open to the public by county.\n\nThe Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response under the Department of Health and Human Services has activated the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) for North Carolinians.\n\nThe EPAP program helps uninsured residents replace prescription medication or certain medical equipment lost or damaged during Hurricane Helene.\n\nThrough the program, uninsured residents can:\n\nRequest a free 30-day supply of certain prescription medications at any EPAP-participating pharmacy which can be renewed every 30 days while the EPAP is active.\n\nReplace certain medical equipment and supplies such as canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, blood sugar meters and blood sugar test strips for diabetics.\n\nUninsured North Carolina residents affected by the recent hurricane can call the EPAP hotline, 855-793-7470, or visit the EPAP website to check their eligibility, determine if their medications or medical equipment are covered, or locate a participating pharmacy.\n\nPrescription Pad is open from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and filling prescriptions for Yancey County residents at the following location:\n\n730 E. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nOpen Urgent Cares/ Health Care Services\n\nThere is a field hospital with physicians, nurses and paramedics who can treat patients at the Burnsville Fire Department. The address is as follows:\n\n305 Pineola St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nThe following urgent cares are open and accessible for community members with non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries:\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Weaverville\n\n61 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nMercy Urgent Care West Asheville\n\n1201 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nMercy Urgent Care Waynesville\n\n120 Frazier St., Ste. 6, Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nLocations open between 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Brevard\n\n22 Trust Ln., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Columbus\n\n140 West Mills St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nLocations open between 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.:\n\nMobile Urgent Care Clinic\n\n12 Florida Ave., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nMental Health & Basic Medical Support Center\n\n130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nPardee Urgent Care\n\n45 Hendersonville Hwy., Ste. A, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nOther locations available:\n\nHeart to Heart International - in Haywood Department of Health Parking Lot\n\n157 Paragon Pkwy., Ste. 800, Clyde, NC 28721\n\nDaily hours: Not available at this time.\n\nFree mental health services - All available for drop-in\n\nIf you have been impacted by the storm and need someone to talk to, call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1 (800) 985-5990.\n\nHelp is also available to anyone, anytime in English or Spanish through a call, text or chat to 988.\n\nLearn more at 988Lifeline.org.\n\nCare Collaborative for Western North Carolina Clinicians is a partnership among more than 200 mental health professionals volunteering to provide free mental health services for Hurricane Helene survivors.\n\nServices are provided virtually, and you can follow this link to find a professional that fits your needs and their contact information to schedule a session.\n\nHot Springs Elementary School - Art Room\n\n63 N. Serpentine Ave., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nThe Pearl Institute\n\n55 Academy St., Waynesville, NC\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-6:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nFree telehealth appointments are also available.\n\nTo book a telehealth appointment, you can email info@pearlpsychedelicinstitute.org or call/text (828) 400-7091\n\nCommunity Support Group\n\n221 Mills Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nMary C. Jenkins Community & Cultural Center\n\nHosted by the City of Brevard, AARP, and Blue Ridge Community College\n\n9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on October 14, 28, and November 18.\n\nAll University of North Carolina System students have access to free mental health through their university.\n\nPlease monitor your student email for more information on how to access these services.\n\nThe following orthopedic urgent care locations are open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily, physical therapy appointments are also available at each of these locations:\n\nEmergeOrtho Hendersonville\n\n800 Fleming St., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nEmergeOrtho Arden (South Asheville)\n\n2585 Hendersonville Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nEmergeOrtho Waynesville\n\n9 Haywood Office Park, Ste. 102 and 103, Waynesville, NC 28785\n\nEmergeOrtho Brevard\n\n89 Hospital Dr., Ste. A, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nEmergeOrtho Weaverville\n\n159 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nDialysis Locations\n\nThe following location is open and available for dialysis treatments in NC-11:\n\nPardee Hospital\n\n800 N. Justice St., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nThis location can dialyze 30 patients a day.\n\nDaVita Kidney Care nurses are reaching out to their patients to coordinate treatment, but the following DaVita locations are available:\n\nDaVita Greer South Dialysis\n\n3254 Brushy Greek Rd., Greer, SC 29650\n\nContact Number: (864) 801-2065\n\nDaVita Saluda River Dialysis\n\n8080 Augusta Rd., Piedmont, SC 29673\n\nContact Number: (833) 378-2702\n\nDaVita Wofford at Home\n\n8024 White Ave., Spartanburg, SC 29303\n\nContact Number: (864) 583-4788\n\nDaVita Boiling Springs Dialysis\n\n196 Sloane Garden Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316\n\nContact Number: (833) 458-4809\n\nOxygen Locations\n\nHendersonville High School\n\n1 Bearcat Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nMust be assessed through Pardee Hospital.\n\nLincare is only serving established patients.\n\nPatients must bring in empty tanks to one of the following locations:\n\nAsheville Lincare\n\n103 Elk Park Dr., Asheville, NC 28804\n\nFax number: (866) 234-6698\n\nGreenville Lincare\n\n355 Woodruff Rd., Ste. 204 and 205, Greenville, SC 29607\n\nFax Number: (864) 288-0339\n\nThe following locations are available for oxygen refills, but patients must bring their own oxygen equipment - fire departments are available 24/7:\n\nBoiling Springs Fire Department\n\n186 Rainbow Lake Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316\n\nReidville Fire Department\n\n7450 Reidville Rd., Woodruff, SC 29388\n\nInman City Fire Department\n\n6 Humphrey St., Inman, SC 29349\n\nFirst Presbyterian Church\n\n393 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29302\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.\n\nGreer Relief Indigo Hope Neighborhood Impact Center\n\n113C Berry Ave., Greer, SC 29651\n\nDaily hours: 2:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nCroft Fire Department\n\n370 Cedar Springs Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29302\n\nArkwright Fire Department\n\n1070 Southport Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29306\n\nRoebuck Fire Department\n\n2639 Stone Station Rd., Roebuck, SC 29376\\\n\nNorth Spartanburg Fire Department\n\n8767 Asheville Hwy., Spartanburg, SC 29316\n\nResources for Veterans\n\nThe U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs launched a new web page with disaster relief resources, providing a single place for veterans and their caregivers to access VA resources on health care, housing, benefits payments, insurance, and more.\n\nYou can access the web site via this link.\n\nThe VA has established a Veterans Disaster Response Hotline, which is available 24/7 at 1(800) 507-4571.\n\nIf you or a veteran you know needs immediate housing assistance after Hurricane Helene, please call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at (877) 424-3838.\n\nThe call center is open 24/7.\n\nIf you have a VA-backed home loan and are unable to make your mortgage payments, please contact your mortgage servicer.\n\nYou can also call the VA at (877) 827-3702, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nHome loan servicers are allowed to put a 90-day pause on foreclosures and encouraged to waive late charges for VA-guaranteed home loans after a disaster.\n\nLegionnaires, Sons of the American Legion members and Legion Posts that have been displaced from their primary residence due to damage sustained during Hurricane Helene may be eligible for financial assistance through the American Legion.\n\nLegionnaires and Sons of the American Legion members may be eligible for up to $3,000.\n\nLegion Posts may be eligible for up to $10,000.\n\nTo learn more or to request assistance, please use this link.\n\nApplications must be submitted within 90 days of the disaster: Dec. 26, 2024.\n\nThe Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville and Master Sergeant Jerry K. Crump VA Clinic in Forest City are open for essential and emergency services.\n\nVeterans can:\n\nVisit the Asheville VA Hospital pharmacy for medication refills or:\n\nCall the Regional Clinical Contact Center at (855) 679-0074 and press 1 for pharmacy representatives.\n\nLocal pharmacies in the VA\u2019s community care network will also fill written prescriptions, or prescriptions as they appear on an active VA prescription bottle that is not older than six months and has available refills, to provide a 30-day supply.\n\nHickory, Forest City and Franklin outpatient VA clinics are now operating regularly.\n\nDue to the damage and personal losses caused by Hurricane Helene to the staff of the VA, it will take some time to bring staffing to full capacity.\n\nPlease be patient as the VA works to rebuild their workforce.\n\nResources for Farmers\n\nThe United States Department of Agriculture has put together a list of resources for farmers and other agricultural industry members.\n\nIf your agricultural operation has been impacted by Hurricane Helene, you can review this link, farmers.gov, for emergency and disaster assistance programs.\n\nPower\n\nLess than 11,000 customers remain without power in Western North Carolina.\n\nThis is down from more than 1.4 million customers without power directly after the storm hit.\n\nThe majority of remaining power outages remain concentrated in Western North Carolina, with the highest percentage of outages being reported in Yancey County.\n\nRoughly 3,000 Duke Energy customers remain without power.\n\nDuke Energy has 4,734 total crews in Western NC and the co-ops have more than 500 reinforcements from more than 30 electric cooperatives in 11 states.\n\nDuke has established an Asheville-based Western NC command center to serve as the company\u2019s base of operations for the region while line workers continue to rebuild the infrastructure needed to restore the remaining customers impacted by Helene.Less than 11,000 customers remain without power in Western North Carolina.\n\nThe remaining 7,600 customers are with local co-operative energy providers.\n\nApproximately 98 percent of all originally reported power outages have been restored.\n\nNCDOT crews are coordinating closely with power companies to ensure service is being restored as quickly as possible, including along private roads, keeping in mind that cold months are approaching fast.\n\nFor more information on Duke Energy\u2019s power restoration efforts, you can review the following links:\n\nComplex Repair & Disaster Rebuild Zones Map: duke-energy.com/info/carolinas-restoration\n\nOutage Map: duke-energy.com/outages\n\nOutage Alerts: duke-energy.com/outages/alerts\n\nGenerator safety: duke-energy.com/outages/generators\n\nPower restoration process: duke-energy.com/outages/restoring-your-power\n\nRoads\n\nA \u201cDO NOT DRIVE\u201d message remains in place from the North Carolina Department of Transportation for most of Western North Carolina.\n\nUnless it is an emergency, please do not travel to the hardest hit communities.\n\nCherokee, Graham, Clay, Swain, Macon, Haywood, Transylvania and Jackson counties ARE FULLY OPEN to non-essential travel for people who can access them through safe routes.\n\nPlease DO NOT try to visit or travel through the areas hardest hit by the storm.\n\nNon-essential traffic in impacted areas hinders NCDOT\u2019s efforts to reopen roads.\n\nHenderson, Polk and Rutherford counties are each partially open to non-essential travel.\n\nThe Pisgah National Forest will start to reopen beginning with the Pisgah Ranger District on Friday, October 18.\n\nNCDOT \u201ccut-and-shove\u201d operations are 97 percent complete and damage assessments are 92 percent complete.\n\nNCDOT staff are not transitioning to temporary repairs and reconstruction of damaged roadways.\n\nThe state has reopened 741 roads and are only reporting 517 remaining road closures.\n\nNCDOT central and eastern divisions have been asked to send any available patching/paving machinery and crew transfers to Western NC to help expedite repairs.\n\nThe media and public are eager to know whether I-40 westbound lanes can be utilized before repair of the eastbound lanes are complete.\n\nNo timeline is available for the reopening of I-40 westbound lanes at this time.\n\nNCDOT\u2019s top priority continues to be safety for the traveling public and contract crews, so rest assured when a decision is finally made about I-40 westbound lanes, it will have the public\u2019s interest at heart.\n\nTo monitor road conditions in and around NC-11, use drivenc.gov.\n\nThe website tracks NCDOT-managed road conditions in real time.\n\nNC DMV has reopened 13 of the 16 driver license offices that were closed due to Hurricane Helene.\n\nThe following DMV offices are open for walk-in services in or near NC-11, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., closed between 11:30 a.m. through 1:00 p.m. for a lunch break:\n\nCherokee County\n\n1440 Main St., Andrews, NC 28901\n\nHaywood County\n\n290 Lee Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nHenderson County\n\n125 Baystone Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nJackson County\n\n876 Skyland Dr., Ste. 2, Sylva, NC 28779\n\nMacon County\n\n16 Patton Ave., Franklin, NC 28734\n\nMadison County\n\n1685 NC Highway 213, Marshall, NC 28753\n\nMcDowell County\n\n3975 NC 226 S., Marion, NC 28752\n\nRutherford County\n\n596 Withrow Rd., Forest City, NC 28043\n\nSwain County\n\n2650 Governors Island Rd., Bryson City, NC 28713\n\nTransylvania County\n\n50 Commerce St., Ste. 4, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAll but five license plate agencies have reopened.\n\nAir traffic has sustained at 300 percent above pre-hurricane levels in Western NC.\n\nNCDOT\u2019s aviation division continue to work to make sure flight operations are safe coming into and out of airports, including by:\n\nScheduling landing/unloading times and aircraft parking so aircraft are spaced out and to reduce the risk of incidents.\n\nEstablishing a first of its kind \u201ccorridors in the sky\u201d to separate civilian and military aircraft in the air.\n\nHaving search and rescue partners use short, time and location specific restrictions on air operations to enhance safety when multiple helicopters are engaged in search and rescue efforts.\n\nThe state of North Carolina is NOT turning away civil aviation support so long as it has been coordinated through the proper channels with NC Emergency Management.\n\nIf you or someone you know is interested in providing civil aviation support and don\u2019t know where to coordinate your efforts, please call my office and we will help you get in touch with the right folks.\n\nNCDOT has launched a detour map to show motorists how to get around closures on I-26 and I-40 at the Tennessee border.\n\nYou can access the map here.\n\nInternet Access\n\nInternet providers are working with local energy and cell providers to restore service for customers across Western North Carolina.\n\nFiber repair crews are also pairing with electric utility crews in the field to assist with any accidental fiber cuts.\n\nSpaceX is offering free monthly Starlink service for 30 days to any household or entity located in the disaster area.\n\nTo apply for this free service, residents can go to starlink.com/residential and select the \u201cHelene Relief\u201d service plan at check out.\n\nInternet providers including Optimum and Spectrum are working around the clock to restore service for customers. However, part of the network\u2019s infrastructure was destroyed by mudslides and collapsed bridges making restoration a lengthy process.\n\nAs a result, some impacted areas will require a rebuild of the network from scratch.\n\nTo mitigate the lack of service, Optimum, formerly Altice USA, has set up an Optimum Wi-Fi Trailer that is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the following locations:\n\n717 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\n1800 Four Seasons Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nThe following locations are offering free public wi-fi:\n\nFirst Baptist Church - Weaverville\n\n63 N. Main St, Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nDowntown Franklin\n\nThe Town of Franklin has free wi-fi on the town hill area in downtown.\n\nTransylvania County Library - 24/7\n\n212 S. Gaston St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nThe Yard Brevard\n\n284 Railroad Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nBrevard Visitor Center\n\n175 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAvailable daily from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nCell Service\n\nApproximately 92 percent of all cellular sites in Western North Carolina have been repaired and are now in service.\n\nDue to a drop in service caused by damage to telecommunications equipment during debris clearance efforts, calls for two emergency services departments are being routed to an alternate location.\n\nAll 911 calls are being answered.\n\nCurrently, 58 out of 901 wireless sites remain offline.\n\nThe highest concentration of these outages are in Buncombe and Henderson counties.\n\nCell service providers have implemented disaster roaming for any phone located in Western North Carolina to maximize phone service for all users.\n\nDisaster roaming allows users to connect to any mobile network during a disaster when other networks are down.\n\nThis allows users to access emergency services, such as 911, even when their own network is out.\n\nIf you have service one moment, but experience a reduction in service the next, try restarting your phone to jumpstart disaster roaming again.\n\nUpCycle Tech in Transylvania County is offering free computers and phones for use at the following location:\n\n470 Asheville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAT&T has deployed its Mobile Connectivity Center to the following location:\n\nSam\u2019s Club: 645 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nThe Mobile Connectivity Center is an air-conditioned mobile unit open to the public, equipped with laptops, charging stations and wi-fi.\n\nThe public can use the center for various needs including contacting your insurance company, filling out paperwork or connecting with loved ones.\n\nVerizon has deployed Wireless Emergency Communication Centers to help hurricane survivors stay connected to their friends, family and other important contacts.\n\nWireless Emergency Communication Centers are generator-powered mobile units that have device charging and computer workstations, along with wireless phones, tablets, and other devices available for use.\n\nVerizon\u2019s Wireless Emergency Communication Centers have been set up at the following locations:\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nAsheville YMCA\n\n30 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nFamily Justice Center\n\n35 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nVerizon also has charging stations at the following locations:\n\nYMCA of Western North Carolina\n\n348 Grace Corpening Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nTwo charging stations at this location\n\nWNC Agricultural Center\n\n761 Boylston Hwy., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nThree charging stations at this location\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nOne charging station at this location\n\nT-Mobile has set up satellite cellular on light trucks (SatCOLTs), providing cellular voice and data along with wi-fi and charging stations at the following locations:\n\nAsheville Middle School\n\n211 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center\n\n285 Livingston St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nFirst Baptist Church\n\n130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nAdditional T-Mobile satellite cell on trucks are located in Hendersonville and at a Tractor Supply Co. in Asheville, with others planned for Mission Hospital in Asheville, Cherokee County Emergency Operations Center in Murphy, and in Cherokee.\n\nNorth Carolina National Guard & Department of Defense\n\nAs requests from some counties are decreasing, NC National Guard assets are NOT standing down, they are instead being reallocated to other areas.\n\nMore than 3,400 National Guard soldiers and airmen, active-duty service members, and Emergency Management Assistance Compact units (National Guard units from 12 different states) are deployed across Western North Carolina to provide support.\n\nThis includes:\n\nAlmost 1,300 vehicles\n\n12 helicopters\n\nAs search and rescue needs diminish and roads are being cleared and restored, the need for aerial support is decreasing and ground vehicles are becoming an increasingly more effective means of support.\n\nSnapshot:\n\n765 rescues to date (546 by helicopter, 219 ground)\n\nDelivered more than 7,000 tons of commodities to affected areas.\n\nTransitioning from food and water to cold weather items such as fuel, generators, heaters, and blankets.\n\nHighlights from the last 24 hours:\n\nConducted route reconnaissance for school buses to make sure routes are structurally sound and clear of debris so students can return to school.\n\n181 soldiers distributed critical resources in Chimney Rock.\n\nSupported AT&T to enable the beginning of restoring fiber cables.\n\nPrepared for school opening in Yancey County by moving goods from the high school.\n\nThe NC National Guard continues to utilize ground transport and air drops to provide food, water, and basic necessities to residents in affected communities.\n\nAlthough airspace is limited due to ongoing missions by the National Guard and Department of Defense, a process has been established for private pilots seeking to fly in humanitarian relief to coordinate with local authorities.\n\nIf you are looking to fly in resources and don\u2019t know where to turn, call my office and we will get you in contact with the right coordinators.\n\nHere are a few key phone numbers from the NCNG:\n\nHOTLINE: 888-892-1162\n\nEmergency management watch: 919-733-3300\n\nDonated goods: 919-825-2474\n\nThese lines have very high call volumes. If you do not get through the first try, keep calling.\n\nAsheville Regional Airport\n\nAsheville Regional Airport closed mid-day on Friday, September 27, due to risk of flooding.\n\nCommercial flights at Asheville Regional Airport have resumed.\n\nIf you parked your car in an Asheville Regional Airport lot and could not retrieve the vehicle due to the storm, great news - none of the airport\u2019s lots flooded and all cars are fine.\n\nStay safe and pick up your car when you are able.\n\nPLEASE NOTE:\n\nNo general aviation pilots are allowed to land at Asheville Regional Airport without prior clearance from FEMA to ensure the safety of aircraft and personnel.\n\nSupply deliveries by civilian pilots ARE permitted to land at Asheville Regional Airport so long as they have prior clearance from FEMA.\n\nFEMA is not turning away any pilot that has gone through the proper channels to coordinate delivery and ensure the safety of his fellow aircraft and personnel.\n\nFederal Nutrition Programs\n\nThe U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service has approved flexibilities due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene.\n\nSNAP\n\nNorth Carolina was granted a waiver for the 10-day reporting requirement for the replacement of food purchased with SNAP benefits lost because of the hurricane.\n\nThis waiver provides additional time beyond the standard 10-day time frame for households to report food losses and receive replacement benefits for food that was destroyed and previously purchased with SNAP benefits.\n\nD-SNAP\n\nPeople living in the 25 major disaster declared Western NC counties and members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians impacted by Hurricane Helene can apply to receive a one-time benefit to help buy food through the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP).\n\nPre-registration is available by using ePASS pre-registration tool.\n\nFor the tool and more information, visit epass.nc.gov/.\n\nTo be eligible, applicants must:\n\nHave suffered losses/damages related to Hurricane Helene, such as damage to property or loss of income.\n\nHave proof of identity and proof of residency.\n\nNot currently receiving benefits through the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS).\n\nPeople receiving FNS can also get extra help to buy food but do not need to fill out a D-SNAP application.\n\nCertain income and resource limits may apply.\n\nChild Nutrition\n\nThe North Carolina Department of Public Instruction was approved for a waiver pertaining to the child nutrition programs.\n\nUnder the waiver approval, NCDPI\u2019s local program operators may:\n\nServe meals in a non-congregate setting\n\nAdjust the time of meal service\n\nAllow parent pick-up\n\nAllow service of meals at school sites\n\nFood and Nutrition Services Program\n\nPeople and families in North Carolina who are enrolled in the Food and Nutrition Services program can now use their EBT card to purchase hot food.\n\nThis flexibility will remain in effect until November 3.\n\nSpecial Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, & Children (WIC)\n\nFamilies participating in WIC who may have relocated to a new area can go to any NC WIC agency to:\n\nHave a new eWIC card issued\n\nRequest replacement breastfeeding supplies or breast pumps\n\nRequest replacement food that was purchased with current WIC benefits and lost due to Hurricane Helene\n\nFor NC-11 Medical Providers\n\nIf you own a medical practice in NC-11 and are experiencing financial hardship due to Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina Medical Society is reactivating its Financial Recovery Program (FRP) to help you recover and open your doors again.\n\nFor more information on the disaster relief fund, you can visit this link.\n\nDetails on how medical practices can qualify and apply for funds will be coming soon.\n\nThe Department of Health and Human Services through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has made available:\n\nAccelerated payments to Medicare Part A providers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nAdvance payments to Medicare Part B suppliers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nFor Local Government Resource Requests\n\nFor county leaders: This is a reminder to make sure your Emergency Operation Center has submitted the request for gasoline, food, water, cell service deployables, etc. with North Carolina Emergency Management to have your request processed and resources delivered.\n\nMy office stands ready to assist with checking the status of your request if the county or municipality has not heard back from NC Emergency Management within 24 hours.\n\nDisaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)\n\nThe deadline to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits is Dec. 2, 2024 for all counties other than Swain County.\n\nSwain County\u2019s deadline is Dec. 9, 2024.\n\nThis is because Swain County was added to the list of eligible DUA counties one week after all other counties were designated as eligible.\n\nDisaster Unemployment Assistance benefits are now available for Western North Carolinians in counties with a major disaster declaration, including:\n\nBuncombe\n\nClay\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nJackson\n\nMacon\n\nMadison\n\nMcDowell\n\nPolk\n\nRutherford\n\nSwain\n\nTransylvania\n\nYancey\n\nIf your employment has been lost or interrupted because of Hurricane Helene, you may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance.\n\nFile an application for DUA:\n\nFile at des.nc.gov, or\n\nCall over the phone at (919) 629-3857\n\nA toll-free legal aid hotline is now available for low-income survivors with disaster-related legal questions: (866) 219-5262.\n\nFor Individual Assistance through FEMA\n\nThe deadline to file for FEMA Individual Assistance is Nov. 27, 2024. Please mark your calendars and ensure all applications are submitted on time.\n\nNorth Carolina received a Major Disaster Declaration for the following counties: Buncombe, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania and Yancey counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.\n\nPeople with damage to their homes or personal property who live in one of the above-listed counties should apply for Individual Assistance through FEMA, which may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies.\n\nFunds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay.\n\nIndividual Assistance provides financial aid and services to eligible individuals and households that have been affected by a disaster to assist with the recovery process. Individuals can officially begin applying for Individual Assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling the application phone number at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. EST.\n\nTo date, FEMA has paid out more than $102 million in assistance for more than 79,000 Western North Carolina households.\n\nFEMA is also directly paying hotels for emergency sheltering for more than 1,800 households through FEMA\u2019s Transitional Sheltering Assistance.\n\nFind steps to help you replace important documents that were lost or damaged in the storm: www.fema.gov/disaster/4827/news-media\n\nIf you were initially denied for Individual Assistance, please see below for useful tips to help you file an appeal with FEMA:\n\nUnderstand why FEMA denied your claim before writing the appeal.\n\nIt could be as simple as a missing document, which you can submit with your appeal.\n\nRead FEMA\u2019s letter from beginning to end to completely understand what the agency needs from you.\n\nMake sure you provide evidence for your appeal. Depending on your situation, documentation may include:\n\nA copy of your flood insurance declaration page.\n\nProof of occupancy, which could be an employer statement, lease, utility bill, credit card statement, or other recent, formal document that states your address.\n\nProof of ownership, which might include your mortgage or insurance documents, tax receipts, deed, etc.\n\nCan\u2019t write the appeal yourself?\n\nI recommend having a trusted friend, family member, or lawyer write it for you.\n\nKnow your deadline.\n\nYou have 60 days from the date of your FEMA determination letter to appeal.\n\nCircle the deadline on your calendar or write yourself a note to keep the date in the forefront.\n\nOnce FEMA reviews your letter, you may receive a phone call or a follow-up letter asking for more documentation.\n\nDon\u2019t forget to sign your appeal letter!\n\nOnce signed, there are three ways to submit your appeal:\n\nFax it to (800) 827-8112\n\nSend it by mail to: FEMA Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782\n\nUpload all appeal documents to your disasterassistance.gov account.\n\nInclude your application number on every page of the documents you submit.\n\nExpect a decision letter to your appeal within 90 days.\n\nTo Connect with a Loved One\n\nResidents trying to connect with family members may call NC 211 (or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from out-of-state) to report missing loved ones or request a welfare check.\n\nPeople in the impacted areas can indicate that they are safe by reporting themselves safe through Red Cross Reunification by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).\n\nPlease only use 911 for life-threatening emergencies so the lines remain open for critical situations.\n\nIf you are still trying to locate a friend or family member, please complete this form, linked here, to notify local officials of their missing status.\n\nThe form was created by Buncombe County but information is being shared amongst all counties.\n\nRegardless of which county your loved one was last known to be in, you can still submit the form.\n\nBuncombe County will share the information with the appropriate officials to initiate search and rescue efforts.\n\nUnited Way is also fielding missing person/welfare check requests.\n\nText PERSON to 40403 to add a loved one to search and rescue efforts or fill out this form.\n\nResources for Utility & Other Status Updates\n\nFor information on the status of utilities, debris sites, etc., we want to share the following resources. As communications are restored and more information becomes available, these sites will continue to be updated.\n\nDrinking Water Systems: Public Water Supply Situation Report Tracking\n\nDebris Disposal Sites: Active Temporary Debris Disposal Sites\n\nNCDEQ Situation Report Tracking System\n\nNCDPS Hurricane Helene - Storm Information\n\nNCDPS County Emergency Management Agencies\n\nHow to Apply for FEMA Assistance After Hurricane Helene\n\nFree Legal Assistance\n\nLegal Aid of North Carolina stands ready to provide free advice and legal counsel regarding natural disaster needs, including legal representation if necessary, including for civil legal issues involving:\n\nFiling FEMA claims and appeals (a process which can be overwhelmingly bureaucratic and burdensome)\n\nReplacement of lost or destroyed legal and government documents, including driver\u2019s licenses and identification cards\n\nMedical and insurance claims\n\nHome repair contracts\n\nUtility disputes related to restoration of services\n\nConsumer protection issues like construction fraud, price-gouging on repairs and identity theft\n\nHousing issues such as unlawful eviction and foreclosures\n\nBankruptcy\n\nProbate and clearing title for survivors living in generational homes without a clear title\n\nFamily law cases and children in need of services (unfortunately, domestic violence tends to rise following a natural disaster)\n\nIf you need civil legal assistance, please contact Legal Aid of North Carolina via the following toll-free hotline:\n\n(866) 219-LANC or (866) 219-5262\n\nThe hotline is available from:\n\n8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; and 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Monday and Thursdays.\n\nConstituents can also apply online at legalaidnc.org/get-help/ between 1:00-4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday.\n\nIRS Guidance for Taxpayers Impacted by Hurricane Helene\n\nExtension of certain tax filing deadlines:\n\nIRS has extended various filing deadlines for taxpayers in impacted areas, including 2024 individual/business returns, certain quarterly estimated income tax payments, and certain payroll/excise taxes.\n\nClick here for the full list of extensions and respective dates\n\nClick here for more information from the IRS on disaster assistance\n\nTax relief for qualified payments, disaster-related losses:\n\nIRS released provided guidance to taxpayers on how to address disaster-related losses in their 2024 tax return, as well as providing guidance on how qualified disaster relief payments - like government assistance payments - are generally excluded from gross income.\n\nClick here for a general walkthrough of these policies (under header \u201cAdditional tax relief\u201d)\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of disaster-related losses\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of qualified disaster relief payments\n\nDisaster payments are usually tax-free:\n\nQualified disaster relief payments are generally excluded from gross income.\n\nIn general, this means that affected taxpayers can exclude the following payments from a government agency from their gross income. Amounts received for:\n\nReasonable and necessary personal, family, living or funeral expenses.\n\nThe repair or rehabilitation of your home.\n\nThe repair or replacement of your home\u2019s contents.\n\nYou may be eligible for a disaster loss deduction:\n\nIn some instances, individuals and businesses in a federally declared disaster area can qualify for a casualty loss tax deduction.\n\nThe deduction is available for damaged or destroyed property not covered by insurance or other reimbursement and can result in a larger refund.\n\nTaxpayers can choose to claim the deduction on either the return for the year the loss occurred (in this instance, the 2024 return normally filed next year), or the return for the prior year (the 2023 return filed this year).\n\nFor individual taxpayers, the deadline for making this election is Oct. 15, 2025.\n\nThe IRS also has a special hotline specifically dedicated to taxpayers with disaster-related tax questions. Disaster victims can call the agency\u2019s disaster hotline at (866) 562-5227.\n\nShelters\n\nFor those unable to evacuate to a safe location or in need of a place to go, the following shelters are currently open and available as of today:\n\nBuncombe County\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nGold\u2019s Gym\n\n801 Fairview Rd, Asheville, NC 28803\n\nWNC Agricultural Center\n\n1301 Fanning Bridge Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nHaywood County\n\nHaywood County Government Armory\n\n285 Armory Dr., Clyde, NC 28781\n\nHenderson County\n\nHenderson County Recreation Center\n\n708 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMcDowell County Senior Center\n\n100 Spaulding Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nRutherford County\n\nRutherfordton Presbyterian Church\n\n252 N. Washington St., Rutherfordton, NC 28139\n\nTransylvania County\n\nTransylvania Parks & Rec\n\n1078 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nYancey County\n\nBlue Ridge Elementary\n\n910 Cane River School Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nCarolina Cruiser mobile office hours\n\nIn keeping with my office's motto of being \"First in Constituent Services\" and to help constituents post-Hurricane Helene, my office has resumed Carolina Cruiser mobile office hours.\n\nFolks can stop by to share their thoughts on issues that matter to them or ask for assistance with federal agencies.\n\nVisit my website for updated Carolina Cruiser hours and locations, linked here.\n\nWith my warmest regards,\n\nChuck Edwards\n\nMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-foushee-ross-nickel-announce-750-million-in-federal-funding-for-wolfspeed-to-boost-semiconductor-manufacturing-in-north-carolina", "Reps. Foushee, Ross, Nickel Announce $750 Million in Federal Funding for Wolfspeed to Boost Semiconductor Manufacturing in North Carolina", "2024-10-17", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Valerie P. Foushee", "F000477", "foushee.house.gov", "foushee", "https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "DURHAM, NC (October 17, 2024) \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02), and Congressman Wiley Nickel (NC-13) announced that Durham-based Wolfspeed, Inc. has been approved to receive up to $750 million in federal funding through the CHIPS and Science Act. This investment, part of the Biden-Harris Administration\u2019s Investing in America program, will support the construction of a new silicon carbide wafer manufacturing facility in Siler City, reinforcing North Carolina as a critical hub for semiconductor manufacturing.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m glad to see the Biden-Harris Administration committed to securing America\u2019s technological future through strategic investments in semiconductor manufacturing, and I\u2019m particularly pleased this $750 million dollar federal investment is directed to Durham\u2019s own, Wolfspeed,\u201d said Congresswoman Foushee. \u201cThis partnership, made possible by the historic CHIPS and Science Act, will not only create thousands of good-paying jobs here in North Carolina, but will help foster innovation and growth, ensure a reliable domestic supply chain, and solidify America\u2019s place as a leader in silicon carbide manufacturing.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am very excited to see the Biden-Harris Administration invest $750 million in American manufacturing right here in North Carolina. This proposed major investment in Wolfspeed, Inc. will create thousands of new jobs, drive economic growth, and maintain America\u2019s technological global competitiveness,\u201d said Congresswoman Ross. \u201cI fought to pass the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act to bring needed investments like this back to North Carolina. I will continue fighting in Congress to ensure North Carolina is at the forefront of America\u2019s manufacturing renaissance.\u201d\n\n\u201cNorth Carolina is leading the way in semiconductor manufacturing, and I\u2019m proud to have worked alongside Reps. Ross and Foushee to support Wolfspeed\u2019s defense appropriations requests over the past two years,\u201d said Congressman Nickel. \u201cThis funding will not only strengthen our national security by reducing reliance on foreign supply chains, but it will also bring thousands of good-paying jobs to our state and help support working families.\u201d\n\nFederal funding for Wolfspeed\u2019s expansion will help create over 5,000 jobs, including 2,000 in manufacturing and 3,000 in construction. The new manufacturing facility will play a crucial role in securing a reliable domestic supply of semiconductors, a key component for a range of industries from clean energy to artificial intelligence. The CHIPS and Science Act has already allocated over $35 billion in proposed funding across 17 states, with Wolfspeed\u2019s Siler City facility and expansion in Marcy, New York as flagship projects in this nationwide effort.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/hurricane-helene-recovery-update-19-congressman-edwards", "Hurricane Helene recovery update #19 from Congressman Edwards", "2024-10-16", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Chuck Edwards", "E000246", "edwards.house.gov", "edwards", "https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "October 16, 2024\n\nDear Friend,\n\nOne of the hardest challenges many of our neighbors are facing right now is not being able to go home to their own house and lay their head on their own pillow after another long day.\n\nI\u2019m sure many of us don\u2019t realize how blessed we are when we get to do that very thing, but there are more than 550 Western North Carolinians who cannot return home due to hurricane damage. These folks have been staying in local shelters for the past 19 days with no clear path forward for repairing their home or finding a new place to live.\n\nMany of these folks\u2019 homes were destroyed beyond repair or completely decimated. To help get our neighbors back into a place of their own, the first Multi-Agency Shelter Transition Team meeting is happening today.\n\nThis team will be focusing exclusively on the transition of survivors from shelters to available longer-term housing programs; and will be critical to making sure all 550+ Western North Carolinians are able to transition to more permanent housing solutions, regardless of any barriers they may currently be facing.\n\nEverybody deserves to have a private place that feels like home, even if it\u2019s only for a little while until their real home gets repaired.\n\nThis update includes a new Henderson County Disaster Recovery Center, significant progress on energy restoration efforts, and new Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) benefits for individuals in need of food assistance.\n\nToday is update number 19, with more information to follow in the coming days. Please make sure to read everything and share it with your friends and family.\n\nIndex\n\nClick the title to be taken to the correlating information in the update.\n\nFEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Sites\n\nLegislative Support\n\nFood and Water\n\nBuncombe County\n\nHaywood County\n\nHenderson County\n\nJackson County\n\nMadison County\n\nMcDowell County\n\nPolk County\n\nRutherford County\n\nTransylvania County\n\nYancey County\n\nTrash Services and Debris Removal\n\nBuncombe\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nMadison\n\nPolk\n\nTransylvania\n\nYancey\n\nVoter Information\n\nUnited States Postal Service/Mail Services\n\nPharmacy Access\n\nOpen Urgent Cares/ Health Care Services\n\nDialysis Locations\n\nOxygen Locations\n\nResources for Veterans\n\nResources for Farmers\n\nPower\n\nRoads\n\nInternet Access\n\nCell Service\n\nNorth Carolina National Guard & Department of Defense\n\nAsheville Regional Airport\n\nFederal Nutrition Programs\n\nFor NC-11 Medical Providers\n\nFor Local Government Resource Requests\n\nFor Individual Assistance through FEMA\n\nTo Connect with a Loved One\n\nResources for Utility & Other Status Updates\n\nFree Legal Assistance\n\nIRS Guidance for Taxpayers Impacted by Hurricane Helene\n\nShelters\n\nBuncombe County\n\nHaywood County\n\nHenderson County\n\nMadison County\n\nMcDowell County\n\nRutherford County\n\nTransylvania County\n\nYancey County\n\nCarolina Cruiser Mobile Office Hours\n\nFEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Sites\n\nThe following FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers are open seven days a week to assist North Carolina survivors who have experienced losses from Hurricane Helene.\n\nA.C. Reynolds High School\n\n1 Rocket Dr., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nA Comfort Care Center will also be available at this location where survivors can shower, do laundry and use other services.\n\nThe Asheville Social Security office remains closed due to a lack of power and water.\n\nThe Social Security Administration is maintaining staff at the Buncombe County Disaster Recovery Center until the Asheville office reopens.\n\nHenderson County\n\n2111 Asheville Hwy., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nHours for Wednesday, October 16: 1:00-7:00 p.m.\n\nDaily hours beginning Thursday, October 17: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nJackson County Annex Building\n\n198 WBI Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nMcDowell County Senior Center\n\n100 Spaulding Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nA Disaster Recovery Center is a one-stop shop where survivors can meet face-to-face with FEMA representatives, apply for FEMA assistance, receive referrals to local assistance in their area, apply with the U.S. Small Business Administration for disaster loans, etc.\n\nAdditional recovery centers will be opening soon, and I will keep you posted as I learn about them.\n\nDisaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams are also stationed across NC-11 to help survivors apply for FEMA assistance and connect them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources.\n\nLegislative Support\n\nThe U.S. House of Representatives is gearing up to pass a disaster relief package when we return to session in November.\n\nI have begun conversations with leadership about how to best meet Western North Carolina\u2019s needs in any supplemental relief package passed by Congress in the coming months.\n\nThe North Carolina General Assembly unanimously passed the Disaster Recovery Act of 2024 on Oct. 9, 2024.\n\nThis bill creates a new Hurricane Helene fund with $273 million from the state\u2019s Savings Reserve Fund.\n\n$250 million will go to the Department of Public Safety's Division of Emergency Management to provide the state\u2019s match to federal disaster relief funds.\n\nAnother portion of the funds will be used to establish a revolving loan program to help local government and state agencies with cash flow while they are waiting for reimbursement from the federal government.\n\n$16 million will go to the Department of Public Instruction for \u201clost compensation of school nutrition employees due to school closures resulting from Hurricane Helene\u201d\n\n$2 million to provide local governments technical assistance with local recovery funds.\n\n$5 million to the State Board of Elections, alongside a variety of temporary election law changes such as changing polling sites that were rendered unusable by the storm and establishing a voter hotline, to make it easier for residents of Western North Carolina to vote.\n\nThe bill also:\n\nGrants school calendar flexibility to public schools by allowing them to make up or mark as completed any number of the days or hours missed.\n\nIt also allows the schools to use up to 30 days of remote instruction toward required instructional days.\n\nWaives DMV fees for things like obtaining a duplicate driver\u2019s license, ID card, etc.\n\nWaives certain environmental requirements for state highway repairs.\n\nThis provision will not reduce the safety of repairs conducted by NCDOT or negatively impact the environment.\n\nFood and Water\n\nFree drinking water testing is available by request through the Buncombe County Public Health Department.\n\nJust contact the Buncombe County Public Health Department to request a test kit.\n\nThe department will provide you with an empty bottle along with instructions to collect a drinking water sample and where to drop it off for analysis.\n\nSupplying drinkable water remains a top priority for emergency crews.\n\n36 water systems are on a partial or system-wide boil advisory.\n\nOnly one treatment plant has reported having no power and 10 systems remain out of water.\n\nWater restoration trends continue to move in a positive direction.\n\nThere are 120 wastewater treatment plants operating under normal conditions in the affected areas across Western NC.\n\nAn additional 41 wastewater treatment plants are partially operational or operating on back-up power.\n\nThere are 70 potable water trucks and 13 non-potable water trucks supporting Western North Carolina, with a total of 161,000 gallons of water delivered.\n\nNCDEQ has provided the following resources to help community members track progress on water supply restoration efforts:\n\nPublic Water Supply Situation Report Tracking - ArcGIS map with filters for system status, county, etc. linked here.\n\nDEQ Dashboard - links to additional maps, including mobile view of water system status, and environmental guidance linked here.\n\nNorth Carolina Emergency Management has delivered over 6,000 pallets of water and nearly 8,000 pallets of meals to date.\n\nThe Federal Emergency Management Agency has promised 120 truckloads a day of food and water with no specified end date.\n\nFEMA has delivered more than 12.6 million meals and more than 12.8 million liters of water to Western North Carolina utilizing the $20 billion in funds that I helped to draft and pass for disaster relief just two days before Hurricane Helene hit.\n\nCoca-Cola Consolidated has donated $3 million to Hurricane Helene relief.\n\n$1 million of this donation was in the form of an emergency grant to the American Red Cross which was used for the support of nearly 1,400 disaster workers, the deployment of 45 emergency response vehicles, and 70 shelters for more than 2,000 displaced people.\n\nCoke has also donated more than 35,000 cases of water and other hydration beverages to impacted areas, with more donations being delivered daily.\n\nHome Depot will be passing out free disaster relief kits every day starting at 9:00 a.m., while supplies last, at the following locations:\n\nHome Depot Asheville\n\n795 Fairview Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nHome Depot West Asheville\n\n127 Acton Cir., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nHome Depot Hendersonville\n\n401 Linda Vista Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nWalmart is hosting activities at the following locations:\n\nHendersonville, NC Store 1242\n\n250 Highlands Square Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nPortable restrooms\n\nServing hot meals at 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily\n\nArden, NC Store 1179\n\n60 Airport Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nPortable restrooms\n\nLaundry\n\nShowers\n\nWi-fi hotspot and charging stations\n\nBuncombe County\n\nBuncombe County has water distribution at multiple sites. Each will be available daily from 12:00-4:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Please bring your own container.\n\nAC Reynolds High School\n\n1 Rocket Dr., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nAsheville Middle School\n\n211 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nBuncombe County Sports Park Complex\n\n58 Apac Dr., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nBlack Mountain Ingles\n\n550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nFairview Elementary School\n\n1355 Charlotte Hwy., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nSwannanoa Ingles\n\n2299 U.S. 70, Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nLeicester Elementary School\n\n31 Gilbert Rd., Leicester, NC 28748\n\nLinwood Crump Shiloh Community Center\n\n121 Shiloh Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nLucy Herring Elementary School\n\n98 Sulphur Springs Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nNorth Windy Ridge Intermediate School\n\n20 Doan Rd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nPack Square Park\n\n80 Court Plz., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nOakley Elementary\n\n753 Fairview Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\n9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nWilliam W. Estes Elementary School\n\n275 Overlook Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nThe following resources sites are available in Buncombe County, where citizens can access food, water and other basic necessities:\n\nBiltmore Baptist Church\n\n35 Clayton Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nDistribution and bulk pickup for volunteers looking to take bulk loads of supplies to in-need community members\n\nSaturday hours: 10:00 a.m. \u2013 1:00 p.m.\n\nCommunity drive-thru for anyone in the community needing supplies\n\nSaturday hours: 3:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church \u2013 Weaverville\n\n63 N. Main St., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nHot showers available from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nUnlimited clean drinking water is available, bring your own container.\n\nSupplies and bottled water.\n\nHot lunch served at 1:30 p.m.\n\nFellowship Asheville\n\n756 Fairview Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-4:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nWest Asheville Baptist Church\n\n926 Haywood Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-4:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday\n\nSaint Mary Margaret Catholic Church\n\n102 Andrews Pl., Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nSaturday hours: 3:00-4:30 p.m.\n\nPlease note: This location is not open during mass.\n\nHot meals are available at the following locations:\n\nWorld Central Kitchen in Bear\u2019s Smokehouse BBQ\n\n135 Coxe Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nServes 25,000 hot meals a day.\n\nDaily hours: 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.\n\nShiloh Community Center\n\n121 Shiloh Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nGrovemont Park\n\n251 Stonewall Ave., Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nManna Food Bank - Farmer\u2019s Market\n\n570 Brevard Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nWesley Grant Community Center\n\n285 Livingston St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nWest Asheville Ingles\n\n669 Haywood Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 3:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nBlack Mountain Ingles\n\n550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nDaily Hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nNesbitt Chapel\n\n12 Nesbitt Chapel Rd., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nDaily hours: 3:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nGroce United Methodist Church \u2013 also distributing essential supplies\n\n954 Tunnel Rd., Asheville, NC 28805\n\nDaily hours starting Wednesday, October 16: Only M/W/F/Sat, Supplies 12:00-4:00 p.m., meals 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nA Community Care Station is available at the following location:\n\n2319 Hwy. 70, Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nHot meals served daily: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCommunity Care Stations offer showers, laundry, bathrooms, access to cell towers, wi-fi, potable and non-potable water, and counseling.\n\nHaywood County\n\nThe following locations are providing community members with essential resources such as but not limited to, food, water, cleaning products, baby formula, and pet food, Monday through Fridays:\n\nFines Creek Community Center\n\n190 Fines Creek Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nOpen every day until 6:00 p.m.\n\nPigeon Community Center\n\n450 Pigeon St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nAlso offering hot meals every day at 2:00 p.m.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCruso Community Center\n\n13186 Cruso Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.\n\nFirst United Methodist Church\n\n566 S. Haywood St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nIncludes shower access.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.\n\nMaggie Valley Pavilion\n\n3935 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nDaily Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.\n\nWoodland Baptist Church\n\n545 Crabtree Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nNew Covenant Church\n\n767 Lee Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nIP Sportsplex\n\n305 Silkwood Dr., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nBethel Elementary School\n\n4700 Old River Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nJonathan Valley Elementary School\n\n410 Hall Dr., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nMonday through Friday\n\nSt. Barnabas Catholic Church\n\n109 Crescent Hill Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nDaily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.\n\nReynolds Baptist Church - Family Life Center\n\n520 Rose Hill Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.\n\nThis location also has potable water available to residents who bring their own vessels to fill.\n\nMountain Projects\n\n2177 Asheville Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nThe following location offers hot meals daily:\n\nMaggie Valley Fire Department\n\n2901 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nJukebox Junction\n\n3606 Pigeon Rd., Canton, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nThe following location offers showers daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.:\n\nCalvary Baptist Church\n\n2701 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nThe following location is offering supplies for horses and livestock:\n\nWNC Regional Livestock Center\n\n474 Stock Dr., Canton, NC 28716\n\nHenderson County\n\nHenderson County has stood up one Resource Hub location for water distribution and other supplies as they become available.\n\n118 McAbee Ct., Flat Rock, NC 28731\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nEach family unit will be provided supplies for one day\u2019s meal and water as available.\n\nIndividuals are asked to enter the drive-through and remain in your car unless otherwise instructed by volunteers to ensure an efficient process.\n\nJackson County\n\nIn partnership with the Red Cross, the following is available for citizens of Jackson County:\n\nThe Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau are providing shelf-stable meals at the following location:\n\n558 Frank Allen Rd., Cashiers, NC 28717\n\nThe Canada Fire Department is distributing emergency supplies at the following location:\n\n149 Charleys Creek Rd., Tuckasegee, NC 28783\n\nThe following locations are providing resources to displaced families and individuals in need:\n\nMountain Projects\n\n154-B Medical Park Loop, Sylva, NC 28779\n\nUnited Christian Ministries\n\n191 Skyland Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nSt. Mary\u2019s Roman Catholic Church of Sylva\n\n22 Bartlett St., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.\n\nCornbread and Roses\n\n1294 Savannah Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours:\n\nWednesday, 6:00-8:00 p.m.\n\nThursday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nSunday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nMadison County\n\nThe following locations are offering food, water, and some supply distribution in Madison County:\n\nBeech Glen Community Center\n\n2936 Beech Glen Rd., Mars Hill, 28754\n\nDaily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.\n\nCenter Community Center\n\n1300 Grapevine Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nEbbs Chapel Community Center\n\n281 Laurel Valley Rd., Mars Hill, NC 28754\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nEnon Baptist Church\n\n174 Ammons Branch Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nOpen Sunday 12:00-4:00 p.m.\n\nFreedom Christian Church\n\n7350 US 25/70 Bypass, Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThis location offers additional resources such as hygiene products, blankets, clothes, cleaning supplies, diapers, pet food, etc.\n\nLaurel Community Center - also has supplies\n\n4100 NC 212 Hwy., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily Hours: 8:00 a.m. \u2013 8:00 p.m.\n\nRevere-Rice Community Center\n\n3980 Revere Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (Mon-Sat)\n\nSpring Creek Community Center\n\n13075 NC 209 Hwy., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThis location also has additional resources such as pet food, livestock feed and hay.\n\nWalnut Community Center - also has supplies\n\n46 School Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.\n\nN.C. Cooperative Extension - Madison County Center\n\n258 Carolina Ln., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nThis location is offering drive-thru food distribution only.\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMcDowell County has established multiple points of distribution that are open daily.\n\nDistribution takes place daily at the following locations:\n\nTom Johnson\u2019s Camping Center\n\n348 Resistoflex Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nWeekend hours: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCherry Springs\n\n6 Bull Walker Rd., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: Wednesdays 4:00-7:00 p.m., Sundays 2:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nCamp Grier\n\n985 Camp Grier Rd., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and 4:00-7:00 p.m.\n\nRestoration Church\n\n2344 Ashworth Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nCentro Unido Latino Americano\n\n79 Academy St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church of Old Fort\n\n203 E. Main St., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: 4:00-7:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nFirst Baptist Church Marion\n\n99 N Main St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nConcord United Methodist Church\n\n8066 Linville Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 2:00-4:00 p.m.\n\nNew Manna Baptist Church\n\n225 E. Court St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 4:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nHot meals are also being provided at the following location:\n\nGrace Community Church\n\n5182 US 70 W., Marion, NC 28752\n\nLunch is served every day from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.\n\nDinner is available from 4:00-5:30 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church of Marion is offering hot showers, air conditioning, and areas to charge devices.\n\nCurrent hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 2:00-5:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday.\n\nPolk County\n\nThe following locations are offering food and water distribution for residents in need from 1:00-5:00 p.m.:\n\nMill Spring/Green Creek Community\n\n25 International Blvd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nColumbus Community\n\n95 Walker St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nSaluda Community Bus Parking Lot\n\n214 E. Main St., Saluda, NC 28773\n\nTryon Community\n\n301 N. Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782\n\nSunny View\n\n86 Sunny View School Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nThe following locations are serving hot meals daily:\n\nTryon Equestrian Center\n\n4066 Pea Ridge Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nRoseland Community Center\n\n56 Peake St., Tryon, NC 28782\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nRutherford County\n\nThe following two centralized distribution center locations are open from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. for citizens to get food and emergency supplies:\n\nThe Green Space\n\n658 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nWarehouse #7\n\n214 Vance St., Warehouse 7, Forest City, NC 28043\n\nTransylvania County\n\nThe following location is providing hot meals to county residents:\n\nBalsam Grove Community Center - daily until power is fully restored\n\n8732 Parkway Rd., Balsam Grove, NC 28708\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nBottled water is available daily at local fire departments and 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Anchor Baptist Church located at:\n\n3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nWater filling stations can be found at the following locations:\n\nCity Sports Complex\n\n824 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.\n\nRocky\u2019s Grill & Soda Shop\n\n50 S. Broad St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours\n\nCedar Mountain Outpost\n\n8431 Greenville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nDD Bullwinkles\n\n60 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nFirst United Methodist Church\n\n325 N. Broad St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nPisgah Forest Baptist Church\n\n494 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nFood, water, and other supplies such as hygiene products are being distributed at the following locations:\n\nAnchor Baptist Church\n\n3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nZion Baptist Church\n\n423 Main St., Rosman, NC 28772\n\nNo daily hours posted\n\nGrace Brevard\n\n55 E. Jordan St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2;00 p.m.\n\nMary C. Jenkins Community Center\n\n221 Mills Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nYancey County\n\nYancey County has transitioned to one centralized distribution site for water, food and ice located at the following address:\n\nFormer Fred\u2019s Store\n\n677 W. U.S. Highway 19E, Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nMobile laundry facilities are available in the GO Grocery parking lot located at the following address:\n\n631 W Hwy. 19E Bypass, Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nTrash Services and Debris Removal\n\nRecycling services are available through Curbside Management for the following counties:\n\nBuncombe\n\nClay\n\nGraham\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nJackson\n\nMacon\n\nMadison\n\nPolk\n\nRutherford\n\nYancey\n\nSome communities have halted recycling services to prioritize trash collection.\n\nIf that is the case for your community, Curbside Management has a drop-off site available for residents who wish to bring their recycling to the following location:\n\n116 N. Woodfin Ave., Asheville, NC 28804\n\nIf your home has damage and you need assistance with clean up, please call Crisis Cleanup for access to volunteer organizations that can assist you at 844-965-1386.\n\nIf Hurricane Helene caused damage to your home or belongings, make sure to document it.\n\nThis is critically important in getting reimbursed.\n\nTake photos before you begin cleaning up.\n\nMake a list of damaged or lost items and gather receipts.\n\nDoing this helps speed up the process with insurance and other assistance programs, and ensures you get properly compensated.\n\nBefore you start the clean-up process, remember:\n\nWear PPE such as long pants, goggles, gloves and sturdy shoes.\n\nStay off damaged structures.\n\nBe aware that snakes or other hazardous animals could be present.\n\nCall your local fire department to inspect or removal chemicals, propane tanks, and other hazardous materials.\n\nIf you suspect debris contains toxic substances, seal them in plastic bags to prevent them from becoming airborne.\n\nTo reduce the risk of accidental fires, please DO NOT burn your storm debris.\n\nEmergency personnel are continuing to work on other storm recovery and response efforts, limiting resources to respond to accidental fires.\n\nPlease discard storm debris at a local transfer site or via curbside debris pickup.\n\nDebris should be placed curbside and not block the roadway or access to the property.\n\nPlease place debris away from trees, poles or other structures (e.g., fire hydrants, meters, etc.) to make removal work easier.\n\nContact your local municipality for curbside storm debris removal collection schedules or see below for additional information on debris waste removal by county.\n\nAdditionally, the following counties have resources for where to take household trash and debris waste.\n\nBuncombe\n\nCurbside collection will begin Monday for City of Asheville sanitation customers.\n\nThe following materials cannot be collected at this time: Mud, construction debris, concrete and other bulky or hazardous items.\n\nDebris collection is estimated to start in mid-October.\n\nThe Town of Black Mountain Public Works Department has secured four 15-yard dumpsters located in two sites for Black Mountain residents to throw away household trash ONLY:\n\nTractor Supply: 125 Old US Hwy. 70 E., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nIngles: 550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nPlease Note: Yard waste, bulk items, separate recycling and debris collection are not available at this time.\n\nWaste Pro collection service has resumed for regular Monday route customers.\n\nHaywood\n\nHousehold waste will be accepted at the Materials Recovery Facility at 247 Recycle Rd., Clyde and at Convenience Centers at Jonathan Creek, Beaverdam, Bethel, Hazelwood, Mauney Cove, Jones Cove and Highway 110.\n\nWhite Oak Landfill has reopened.\n\nHenderson\n\nHenderson County Transfer Station is open and accepting storm debris with normal fees.\n\nHenderson County has begun curbside storm debris removal to county residents as a free service.\n\nThe county will pick up storm debris for free if it is pushed to the right of way of a property.\n\nStorm debris includes tree branches, leaves, logs, building materials, furniture, paint etc.\n\nPlease be patient.\n\nThe county will pick up storm debris for free as quickly as possible.\n\nMadison\n\nThe Hot Springs collection center is operating on normal hours for household trash ONLY:\n\nMonday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nWednesday: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.\n\nFriday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nSaturday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nHot Springs trash pickup is returning to Mondays like usual.\n\nPlease only use this pickup service if you cannot bring it to the collection center yourself.\n\nThe pickup service is being led by volunteers at this time.\n\nPolk\n\nThe Polk County landfill is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\n322 Landfill Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nDrop-off of residential trash is $10.\n\nGFL trash services will continue the regular schedule. However, certain areas may be inaccessible due to ongoing power outages from Hurricane Helene.\n\nTwo dumpsters are located on Gibson Street for immediate trash disposal due to road inaccessibility.\n\nTransylvania\n\nThe City of Brevard has resumed regular trash pickup.\n\nYancey\n\nThe Riverside and East Yancey Recycling Centers have resumed operations.\n\nDaily hours: 7:00 a.m. \u2013 4:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday\n\nVoter Information\n\nThe North Carolina State Board of Elections has provided pertinent information and recommendations for voters in the Helene disaster area during the 2024 general election.\n\nTo review information on voting in the 2024 general election after Hurricane Helene, you can follow this link.\n\nThe site provides information on absentee voting, how to change your polling location if you have a new permanent address, county board of elections, office closures and more.\n\nFor any additional questions on voting post-hurricane, please contact your county Board of Elections.\n\nPlease note: Your county Board of Elections is the best place to get any questions answered.\n\nI have been permitted to share the above, nonpartisan information but am prohibited from answering any questions related to the 2024 general election.\n\nUnited States Postal Service/Mail Services\n\nUSPS anticipates continued improvement of mail delivery operations with local recovery efforts, to include power, connectivity, and roads.\n\nSocial Security checks are being routed to all units for delivery and/or are available for customer pick up.\n\nFor impacted residents who have relocated due to the storm, please be sure to complete a change of address request at moversguide.usps.com.\n\nThere are some facilities unable to provide full retail and mail delivery due to road closures and current conditions.\n\nNo drop shipments will be accepted at any of the locations listed below.\n\nThe following sites are closed with no retail, but delivery is being attempted where it is safe to do so:\n\nNewland - 28657\n\nCedar Mountain - 28718\n\nThe following sites are closed with alternative facilities listed:\n\nAlexander - 28701\n\nAlternative location: Mobile Retail Unit\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.; closed 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. for lunch\n\nOpen Saturdays: 8:00-10:00 a.m.\n\nBat Cave - 28710\n\nAlternative location: 3979 Chimney Rock Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; closed 12:00-1:00 p.m. for lunch\n\nBarnardsville - 28709\n\nAlternate location: Mobile Retail Unit\n\nDaily hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; closed from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. for lunch.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 8:30-10:30 a.m.\n\nChimney Rock - 28720\n\nAlternate location: 2432 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. \u2013 4:00 p.m., closed 12:00-1:00 p.m.\n\nEdneyville - 28727\n\nAlternate location: Mobile Retail Unit\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; closed 12:00-1:00 p.m. for lunch\n\nGerton \u2013 28735\n\nAlternate location: 1352 Charlotte Hwy., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nDaily Hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nGreen Mountain - 28740\n\nAlternate location: 670 W. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nHot Springs - 28743\n\nAlternate location: Mobile Retail Unit\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; closed 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. for lunch.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00-10:30 a.m.\n\nMarshall - 28753\n\nAlternate location: Mobile Retail Unit\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; closed 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. for lunch.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nMicaville - 28755\n\nAlternate location: 670 W. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nMontreat - 28757\n\nAlternate location: 2 Tucker Rd., Ridgecrest, NC 28770\n\nDaily hours M-F: 12:30-4:30 p.m.\n\nPenland - 28765\n\nAlternative location: 899 Oak Ave., Spruce Pine, NC 28777\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nRosman - 28778\n\nAlternate location: Mobile Retail Unit\n\nDaily hours M-F: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; closed 12:30-1:30 p.m. for lunch.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 10:00-11:00 a.m.\n\nSwannanoa - 28765\n\nAlternate location: Mobile Retail Unit\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nAll remaining locations are attempting delivery where it is safe to do so.\n\nPharmacy Access\n\nPharmacy Locator\n\nHundreds of pharmacies never closed or have reopened across Western North Carolina.\n\nUse this link to locate pharmacy locations open to the public by county.\n\nThe Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response under the Department of Health and Human Services has activated the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) for North Carolinians.\n\nThe EPAP program helps uninsured residents replace prescription medication or certain medical equipment lost or damaged during Hurricane Helene.\n\nThrough the program, uninsured residents can:\n\nRequest a free 30-day supply of certain prescription medications at any EPAP-participating pharmacy which can be renewed every 30 days while the EPAP is active.\n\nReplace certain medical equipment and supplies such as canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, blood sugar meters and blood sugar test strips for diabetics.\n\nUninsured North Carolina residents affected by the recent hurricane can call the EPAP hotline, 855-793-7470, or visit the EPAP website to check their eligibility, determine if their medications or medical equipment are covered, or locate a participating pharmacy.\n\nPrescription Pad is open from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and filling prescriptions for Yancey County residents at the following location:\n\n730 E. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nOpen Urgent Cares/ Health Care Services\n\nThere is a field hospital with physicians, nurses and paramedics who can treat patients at the Burnsville Fire Department. The address is as follows:\n\n305 Pineola St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nThe following urgent cares are open and accessible for community members with non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries:\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Weaverville\n\n61 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nMercy Urgent Care West Asheville\n\n1201 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nMercy Urgent Care Waynesville\n\n120 Frazier St., Ste. 6, Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nLocations open between 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Brevard\n\n22 Trust Ln., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Columbus\n\n140 West Mills St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nLocations open between 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.:\n\nMobile Urgent Care Clinic\n\n12 Florida Ave., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nMental Health & Basic Medical Support Center\n\n130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nPardee Urgent Care\n\n45 Hendersonville Hwy., Ste. A, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nOther locations available:\n\nHeart to Heart International - in Haywood Department of Health Parking Lot\n\n157 Paragon Pkwy., Ste. 800, Clyde, NC 28721\n\nDaily hours: Not available at this time.\n\nFree mental health services - All available for drop-in\n\nIf you have been impacted by the storm and need someone to talk to, call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1 (800) 985-5990.\n\nHelp is also available to anyone, anytime in English or Spanish through a call, text or chat to 988.\n\nLearn more at 988Lifeline.org.\n\nCare Collaborative for Western North Carolina Clinicians is a partnership among more than 200 mental health professionals volunteering to provide free mental health services for Hurricane Helene survivors.\n\nServices are provided virtually, and you can follow this link to find a professional that fits your needs and their contact information to schedule a session.\n\nHot Springs Elementary School - Art Room\n\n63 N. Serpentine Ave., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nThe Pearl Institute\n\n55 Academy St., Waynesville, NC\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-6:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nFree telehealth appointments are also available.\n\nTo book a telehealth appointment, you can email info@pearlpsychedelicinstitute.org or call/text (828) 400-7091\n\nCommunity Support Group\n\n221 Mills Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nMary C. Jenkins Community & Cultural Center\n\nHosted by the City of Brevard, AARP, and Blue Ridge Community College\n\n9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on October 14, 28, and November 18.\n\nAll University of North Carolina System students have access to free mental health through their university.\n\nPlease monitor your student email for more information on how to access these services.\n\nThe following orthopedic urgent care locations are open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily, physical therapy appointments are also available at each of these locations:\n\nEmergeOrtho Hendersonville\n\n800 Fleming St., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nEmergeOrtho Arden (South Asheville)\n\n2585 Hendersonville Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nEmergeOrtho Waynesville\n\n9 Haywood Office Park, Ste. 102 and 103, Waynesville, NC 28785\n\nEmergeOrtho Brevard\n\n89 Hospital Dr., Ste. A, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nEmergeOrtho Weaverville\n\n159 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nDialysis Locations\n\nThe following location is open and available for dialysis treatments in NC-11:\n\nPardee Hospital\n\n800 N. Justice St., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nThis location can dialyze 30 patients a day.\n\nDaVita Kidney Care nurses are reaching out to their patients to coordinate treatment, but the following DaVita locations are available:\n\nDaVita Greer South Dialysis\n\n3254 Brushy Greek Rd., Greer, SC 29650\n\nContact Number: (864) 801-2065\n\nDaVita Saluda River Dialysis\n\n8080 Augusta Rd., Piedmont, SC 29673\n\nContact Number: (833) 378-2702\n\nDaVita Wofford at Home\n\n8024 White Ave., Spartanburg, SC 29303\n\nContact Number: (864) 583-4788\n\nDaVita Boiling Springs Dialysis\n\n196 Sloane Garden Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316\n\nContact Number: (833) 458-4809\n\nOxygen Locations\n\nHendersonville High School\n\n1 Bearcat Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nMust be assessed through Pardee Hospital.\n\nLincare is only serving established patients.\n\nPatients must bring in empty tanks to one of the following locations:\n\nAsheville Lincare\n\n103 Elk Park Dr., Asheville, NC 28804\n\nFax number: (866) 234-6698\n\nGreenville Lincare\n\n355 Woodruff Rd., Ste. 204 and 205, Greenville, SC 29607\n\nFax Number: (864) 288-0339\n\nThe following locations are available for oxygen refills, but patients must bring their own oxygen equipment - fire departments are available 24/7:\n\nBoiling Springs Fire Department\n\n186 Rainbow Lake Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316\n\nReidville Fire Department\n\n7450 Reidville Rd., Woodruff, SC 29388\n\nInman City Fire Department\n\n6 Humphrey St., Inman, SC 29349\n\nFirst Presbyterian Church\n\n393 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29302\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.\n\nGreer Relief Indigo Hope Neighborhood Impact Center\n\n113C Berry Ave., Greer, SC 29651\n\nDaily hours: 2:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nCroft Fire Department\n\n370 Cedar Springs Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29302\n\nArkwright Fire Department\n\n1070 Southport Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29306\n\nRoebuck Fire Department\n\n2639 Stone Station Rd., Roebuck, SC 29376\\\n\nNorth Spartanburg Fire Department\n\n8767 Asheville Hwy., Spartanburg, SC 29316\n\nResources for Veterans\n\nThe U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs launched a new web page with disaster relief resources, providing a single place for veterans and their caregivers to access VA resources on health care, housing, benefits payments, insurance, and more.\n\nYou can access the web site via this link.\n\nThe VA has established a Veterans Disaster Response Hotline, which is available 24/7 at 1(800) 507-4571.\n\nIf you or a veteran you know needs immediate housing assistance after Hurricane Helene, please call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at (877) 424-3838.\n\nThe call center is open 24/7.\n\nIf you have a VA-backed home loan and are unable to make your mortgage payments, please contact your mortgage servicer.\n\nYou can also call the VA at (877) 827-3702, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nHome loan servicers are allowed to put a 90-day pause on foreclosures and encouraged to waive late charges for VA-guaranteed home loans after a disaster.\n\nLegionnaires, Sons of the American Legion members and Legion Posts that have been displaced from their primary residence due to damage sustained during Hurricane Helene may be eligible for financial assistance through the American Legion.\n\nLegionnaires and Sons of the American Legion members may be eligible for up to $3,000.\n\nLegion Posts may be eligible for up to $10,000.\n\nTo learn more or to request assistance, please use this link.\n\nApplications must be submitted within 90 days of the disaster: Dec. 26, 2024.\n\nThe Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville and Master Sergeant Jerry K. Crump VA Clinic in Forest City are open for essential and emergency services.\n\nVeterans can:\n\nVisit the Asheville VA Hospital pharmacy for medication refills or:\n\nCall the Regional Clinical Contact Center at (855) 679-0074 and press 1 for pharmacy representatives.\n\nLocal pharmacies in the VA\u2019s community care network will also fill written prescriptions, or prescriptions as they appear on an active VA prescription bottle that is not older than six months and has available refills, to provide a 30-day supply.\n\nHickory, Forest City and Franklin outpatient VA clinics are now operating regularly.\n\nDue to the damage and personal losses caused by Hurricane Helene to the staff of the VA, it will take some time to bring staffing to full capacity.\n\nPlease be patient as the VA works to rebuild their workforce.\n\nResources for Farmers\n\nThe United States Department of Agriculture has put together a list of resources for farmers and other agricultural industry members.\n\nIf your agricultural operation has been impacted by Hurricane Helene, you can review this link, farmers.gov, for emergency and disaster assistance programs.\n\nPower\n\nRoughly 13,000 customers remain without power in Western North Carolina.\n\nThis is down from more than 1.4 million customers without power directly after the storm hit.\n\nThe majority of remaining power outages remain concentrated in Western North Carolina, with the highest percentage of outages being reported in Yancey County.\n\nLess than 5,000 Duke Energy customers remain without power.\n\nDuke has established an Asheville-based Western NC command center to serve as the company\u2019s base of operations for the region while line workers continue to rebuild the infrastructure needed to restore the remaining customers impacted by Helene.\n\nThe remaining 8,000 customers are with local co-operative energy providers.\n\nApproximately 98 percent of all originally reported power outages have been restored.\n\nNCDOT crews are coordinating closely with power companies to ensure service is being restored as quickly as possible, including along private roads, keeping in mind that cold months are approaching fast.\n\nFor more information on Duke Energy\u2019s power restoration efforts, you can review the following links:\n\nComplex Repair & Disaster Rebuild Zones Map: duke-energy.com/info/carolinas-restoration\n\nOutage Map: duke-energy.com/outages\n\nOutage Alerts: duke-energy.com/outages/alerts\n\nGenerator safety: duke-energy.com/outages/generators\n\nPower restoration process: duke-energy.com/outages/restoring-your-power\n\nRoads\n\nA \u201cDO NOT DRIVE\u201d message remains in place from the North Carolina Department of Transportation for most of Western North Carolina.\n\nUnless it is an emergency, please do not travel to the hardest hit communities.\n\nCherokee, Graham, Clay, Swain, Macon, Haywood, Transylvania and Jackson counties ARE FULLY OPEN to non-essential travel for people who can access them through safe routes.\n\nPlease DO NOT try to visit or travel through the areas hardest hit by the storm.\n\nNon-essential traffic in impacted areas hinders NCDOT\u2019s efforts to reopen roads.\n\nHenderson, Polk and Rutherford counties are each partially open to non-essential travel.\n\nNCDOT \u201ccut-and-shove\u201d operations are 97 percent complete and damage assessments are 92 percent complete.\n\nNCDOT staff are not transitioning to temporary repairs and reconstruction of damaged roadways.\n\nThe state has reopened 686 roads and are only reporting 572 road closures.\n\nNCDOT central and eastern divisions have been asked to send any available patching/paving machinery and crew transfers to Western NC to help expedite repairs.\n\nThe media and public are eager to know whether I-40 westbound lanes can be utilized before repair of the eastbound lanes are complete.\n\nNo timeline is available for the reopening of I-40 westbound lanes at this time.\n\nNCDOT\u2019s top priority continues to be safety for the traveling public and contract crews, so rest assured when a decision is finally made about I-40 westbound lanes, it will have the public\u2019s interest at heart.\n\nTo monitor road conditions in and around NC-11, use drivenc.gov.\n\nThe website tracks NCDOT-managed road conditions in real time.\n\nNC DMV has reopened 12 of the 16 driver license offices that were closed due to Hurricane Helene.\n\nThe Marion, NC location is set to reopen on Wednesday, October 16.\n\nThe following DMV offices are open for walk-in services in or near NC-11, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., closed between 11:30 a.m. through 1:00 p.m. for a lunch break:\n\nBurke County - Closest open location for McDowell and Yancey County residents\n\n115 Government Dr., Morganton, NC 28655\n\nCherokee County\n\n1440 Main St., Andrews, NC 28901\n\nHaywood County\n\n290 Lee Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nHenderson County\n\n125 Baystone Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nJackson County\n\n876 Skyland Dr., Ste. 2, Sylva, NC 28779\n\nMacon County\n\n16 Patton Ave., Franklin, NC 28734\n\nMadison County\n\n1685 NC Highway 213, Marshall, NC 28753\n\nRutherford County\n\n596 Withrow Rd., Forest City, NC 28043\n\nSwain County\n\n2650 Governors Island Rd., Bryson City, NC 28713\n\nTransylvania County\n\n50 Commerce St., Ste. 4, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAll but five license plate agencies have reopened.\n\nAir traffic has sustained at 300 percent above pre-hurricane levels in Western NC.\n\nNCDOT\u2019s aviation division continue to work to make sure flight operations are safe coming into and out of airports, including by:\n\nScheduling landing/unloading times and aircraft parking so aircraft are spaced out and to reduce the risk of incidents.\n\nEstablishing a first of its kind \u201ccorridors in the sky\u201d to separate civilian and military aircraft in the air.\n\nHaving search and rescue partners use short, time and location specific restrictions on air operations to enhance safety when multiple helicopters are engaged in search and rescue efforts.\n\nThe state of North Carolina is NOT turning away civil aviation support so long as it has been coordinated through the proper channels with NC Emergency Management.\n\nIf you or someone you know is interested in providing civil aviation support and don\u2019t know where to coordinate your efforts, please call my office and we will help you get in touch with the right folks.\n\nNCDOT has launched a detour map to show motorists how to get around closures on I-26 and I-40 at the Tennessee border.\n\nYou can access the map here.\n\nInternet Access\n\nInternet providers are working with local energy and cell providers to restore service for customers across Western North Carolina.\n\nSpaceX is offering free monthly Starlink service for 30 days to any household or entity located in the disaster area.\n\nTo apply for this free service, residents can go to starlink.com/residential and select the \u201cHelene Relief\u201d service plan at check out.\n\nInternet providers including Optimum and Spectrum are working around the clock to restore service for customers. However, part of the network\u2019s infrastructure was destroyed by mudslides and collapsed bridges making restoration a lengthy process.\n\nAs a result, some impacted areas will require a rebuild of the network from scratch.\n\nTo mitigate the lack of service, Optimum, formerly Altice USA, has set up an Optimum Wi-Fi Trailer that is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the following locations:\n\n717 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\n1800 Four Seasons Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nThe following locations are offering free public wi-fi:\n\nFirst Baptist Church - Weaverville\n\n63 N. Main St, Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nDowntown Franklin\n\nThe Town of Franklin has free wi-fi on the town hill area in downtown.\n\nTransylvania County Library - 24/7\n\n212 S. Gaston St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nThe Yard Brevard\n\n284 Railroad Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nBrevard Visitor Center\n\n175 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAvailable daily from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nCell Service\n\nApproximately 91 percent of all cellular sites in Western North Carolina have been repaired and are now in service.\n\nThis is down from 94 percent due to damage sustained by telecommunications equipment during debris clearance efforts.\n\nCell service providers have implemented disaster roaming for any phone located in Western North Carolina to maximize phone service for all users.\n\nDisaster roaming allows users to connect to any mobile network during a disaster when other networks are down.\n\nThis allows users to access emergency services, such as 911, even when their own network is out.\n\nIf you have service one moment, but experience a reduction in service the next, try restarting your phone to jumpstart disaster roaming again.\n\nUpCycle Tech in Transylvania County is offering free computers and phones for use at the following location:\n\n470 Asheville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAT&T has deployed its Mobile Connectivity Center to the following location:\n\nSam\u2019s Club: 645 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nThe Mobile Connectivity Center is an air-conditioned mobile unit open to the public, equipped with laptops, charging stations and wi-fi.\n\nThe public can use the center for various needs including contacting your insurance company, filling out paperwork or connecting with loved ones.\n\nVerizon has deployed Wireless Emergency Communication Centers to help hurricane survivors stay connected to their friends, family and other important contacts.\n\nWireless Emergency Communication Centers are generator-powered mobile units that have device charging and computer workstations, along with wireless phones, tablets, and other devices available for use.\n\nVerizon\u2019s Wireless Emergency Communication Centers have been set up at the following locations:\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nAsheville YMCA\n\n30 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nFamily Justice Center\n\n35 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nVerizon also has charging stations at the following locations:\n\nYMCA of Western North Carolina\n\n348 Grace Corpening Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nTwo charging stations at this location\n\nWNC Agricultural Center\n\n761 Boylston Hwy., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nThree charging stations at this location\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nOne charging station at this location\n\nT-Mobile has set up satellite cellular on light trucks (SatCOLTs), providing cellular voice and data along with wi-fi and charging stations at the following locations:\n\nAsheville Middle School\n\n211 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center\n\n285 Livingston St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nFirst Baptist Church\n\n130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nAdditional T-Mobile satellite cell on trucks are located in Hendersonville and at a Tractor Supply Co. in Asheville, with others planned for Mission Hospital in Asheville, Cherokee County Emergency Operations Center in Murphy, and in Cherokee.\n\nNorth Carolina National Guard & Department of Defense\n\nAlmost 3,500 National Guard soldiers and airmen, active-duty service members, and 200 Emergency Management Assistance Compact units (National Guard units from 12 different states) are deployed across Western North Carolina to provide support.\n\nThis includes:\n\nMore than 1,200 vehicles\n\n11 helicopters\n\nAs search and rescue needs diminish and roads are being cleared and restored, the need for aerial support is decreasing and ground vehicles are becoming an increasingly more effective means of support.\n\nMore than 1,500 responders from 38 state and local agencies have performed 138 missions supporting response and recovery efforts through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC).\n\nThese folk include public health nurses, emergency management teams to support local governments, veterinarians, teams with search dogs, and more.\n\nThe NC National Guard continues to utilize ground transport and air drops to provide food, water, and basic necessities to residents in affected communities.\n\nAlthough airspace is limited due to ongoing missions by the National Guard and Department of Defense, a process has been established for private pilots seeking to fly in humanitarian relief to coordinate with local authorities.\n\nIf you are looking to fly in resources and don\u2019t know where to turn, call my office and we will get you in contact with the right coordinators.\n\nHere are a few key phone numbers from the NCNG:\n\nHOTLINE: 888-892-1162\n\nEmergency management watch: 919-733-3300\n\nDonated goods: 919-825-2474\n\nThese lines have very high call volumes. If you do not get through the first try, keep calling.\n\nAsheville Regional Airport\n\nAsheville Regional Airport closed mid-day on Friday, September 27, due to risk of flooding.\n\nCommercial flights at Asheville Regional Airport have resumed.\n\nIf you parked your car in an Asheville Regional Airport lot and could not retrieve the vehicle due to the storm, great news - none of the airport\u2019s lots flooded and all cars are fine.\n\nStay safe and pick up your car when you are able.\n\nPLEASE NOTE:\n\nNo general aviation pilots are allowed to land at Asheville Regional Airport without prior clearance from FEMA to ensure the safety of aircraft and personnel.\n\nSupply deliveries by civilian pilots ARE permitted to land at Asheville Regional Airport so long as they have prior clearance from FEMA.\n\nFEMA is not turning away any pilot that has gone through the proper channels to coordinate delivery and ensure the safety of his fellow aircraft and personnel.\n\nFederal Nutrition Programs\n\nThe U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service has approved flexibilities due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene.\n\nSNAP\n\nNorth Carolina was granted a waiver for the 10-day reporting requirement for the replacement of food purchased with SNAP benefits lost because of the hurricane.\n\nThis waiver provides additional time beyond the standard 10-day time frame for households to report food losses and receive replacement benefits for food that was destroyed and previously purchased with SNAP benefits.\n\nD-SNAP\n\nPeople living in the 25 major disaster declared Western NC counties and members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians impacted by Hurricane Helene can apply to receive a one-time benefit to help buy food through the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP).\n\nPre-registration is available by using ePASS pre-registration tool.\n\nFor the tool and more information, visit epass.nc.gov/.\n\nTo be eligible, applicants must:\n\nHave suffered losses/damages related to Hurricane Helene, such as damage to property or loss of income.\n\nHave proof of identity and proof of residency.\n\nNot currently receiving benefits through the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS).\n\nPeople receiving FNS can also get extra help to buy food but do not need to fill out a D-SNAP application.\n\nCertain income and resource limits may apply.\n\nChild Nutrition\n\nThe North Carolina Department of Public Instruction was approved for a waiver pertaining to the child nutrition programs.\n\nUnder the waiver approval, NCDPI\u2019s local program operators may:\n\nServe meals in a non-congregate setting\n\nAdjust the time of meal service\n\nAllow parent pick-up\n\nAllow service of meals at school sites\n\nFood and Nutrition Services Program\n\nPeople and families in North Carolina who are enrolled in the Food and Nutrition Services program can now use their EBT card to purchase hot food.\n\nThis flexibility will remain in effect until November 3.\n\nSpecial Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, & Children (WIC)\n\nFamilies participating in WIC who may have relocated to a new area can go to any NC WIC agency to:\n\nHave a new eWIC card issued\n\nRequest replacement breastfeeding supplies or breast pumps\n\nRequest replacement food that was purchased with current WIC benefits and lost due to Hurricane Helene\n\nFor NC-11 Medical Providers\n\nIf you own a medical practice in NC-11 and are experiencing financial hardship due to Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina Medical Society is reactivating its Financial Recovery Program (FRP) to help you recover and open your doors again.\n\nFor more information on the disaster relief fund, you can visit this link.\n\nDetails on how medical practices can qualify and apply for funds will be coming soon.\n\nThe Department of Health and Human Services through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has made available:\n\nAccelerated payments to Medicare Part A providers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nAdvance payments to Medicare Part B suppliers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nFor Local Government Resource Requests\n\nFor county leaders: This is a reminder to make sure your Emergency Operation Center has submitted the request for gasoline, food, water, cell service deployables, etc. with North Carolina Emergency Management to have your request processed and resources delivered.\n\nMy office stands ready to assist with checking the status of your request if the county or municipality has not heard back from NC Emergency Management within 24 hours.\n\nDisaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)\n\nThe deadline to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits is Dec. 2, 2024 for all counties other than Swain County.\n\nSwain County\u2019s deadline is Dec. 9, 2024.\n\nThis is because Swain County was added to the list of eligible DUA counties one week after all other counties were designated as eligible.\n\nDisaster Unemployment Assistance benefits are now available for Western North Carolinians in counties with a major disaster declaration, including:\n\nBuncombe\n\nClay\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nJackson\n\nMacon\n\nMadison\n\nMcDowell\n\nPolk\n\nRutherford\n\nSwain\n\nTransylvania\n\nYancey\n\nIf your employment has been lost or interrupted because of Hurricane Helene, you may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance.\n\nFile an application for DUA:\n\nFile at des.nc.gov, or\n\nCall over the phone at (919) 629-3857\n\nA toll-free legal aid hotline is now available for low-income survivors with disaster-related legal questions: (866) 219-5262.\n\nFor Individual Assistance through FEMA\n\nThe deadline to file for FEMA Individual Assistance is Nov. 27, 2024. Please mark your calendars and ensure all applications are submitted on time.\n\nNorth Carolina received a Major Disaster Declaration for the following counties: Buncombe, Clay, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania and Yancey counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.\n\nPeople with damage to their homes or personal property who live in one of the above-listed counties should apply for Individual Assistance through FEMA, which may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies.\n\nFunds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay.\n\nIndividual Assistance provides financial aid and services to eligible individuals and households that have been affected by a disaster to assist with the recovery process. Individuals can officially begin applying for Individual Assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling the application phone number at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. EST.\n\nTo date, FEMA has paid out more than $99 million in housing and other types of assistance for more than 78,000 Western North Carolina households.\n\nFEMA is also directly paying hotels for emergency sheltering for more than 1,800 households through FEMA\u2019s Transitional Sheltering Assistance.\n\nFind steps to help you replace important documents that were lost or damaged in the storm: www.fema.gov/disaster/4827/news-media\n\nIf you were initially denied for Individual Assistance, please see below for useful tips to help you file an appeal with FEMA:\n\nUnderstand why FEMA denied your claim before writing the appeal.\n\nIt could be as simple as a missing document, which you can submit with your appeal.\n\nRead FEMA\u2019s letter from beginning to end to completely understand what the agency needs from you.\n\nMake sure you provide evidence for your appeal. Depending on your situation, documentation may include:\n\nA copy of your flood insurance declaration page.\n\nProof of occupancy, which could be an employer statement, lease, utility bill, credit card statement, or other recent, formal document that states your address.\n\nProof of ownership, which might include your mortgage or insurance documents, tax receipts, deed, etc.\n\nCan\u2019t write the appeal yourself?\n\nI recommend having a trusted friend, family member, or lawyer write it for you.\n\nKnow your deadline.\n\nYou have 60 days from the date of your FEMA determination letter to appeal.\n\nCircle the deadline on your calendar or write yourself a note to keep the date in the forefront.\n\nOnce FEMA reviews your letter, you may receive a phone call or a follow-up letter asking for more documentation.\n\nDon\u2019t forget to sign your appeal letter!\n\nOnce signed, there are three ways to submit your appeal:\n\nFax it to (800) 827-8112\n\nSend it by mail to: FEMA Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782\n\nUpload all appeal documents to your disasterassistance.gov account.\n\nInclude your application number on every page of the documents you submit.\n\nExpect a decision letter to your appeal within 90 days.\n\nTo Connect with a Loved One\n\nResidents trying to connect with family members may call NC 211 (or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from out-of-state) to report missing loved ones or request a welfare check.\n\nPeople in the impacted areas can indicate that they are safe by reporting themselves safe through Red Cross Reunification by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).\n\nPlease only use 911 for life-threatening emergencies so the lines remain open for critical situations.\n\nIf you are still trying to locate a friend or family member, please complete this form, linked here, to notify local officials of their missing status.\n\nThe form was created by Buncombe County but information is being shared amongst all counties.\n\nRegardless of which county your loved one was last known to be in, you can still submit the form.\n\nBuncombe County will share the information with the appropriate officials to initiate search and rescue efforts.\n\nUnited Way is also fielding missing person/welfare check requests.\n\nText PERSON to 40403 to add a loved one to search and rescue efforts or fill out this form.\n\nResources for Utility & Other Status Updates\n\nFor information on the status of utilities, debris sites, etc., we want to share the following resources. As communications are restored and more information becomes available, these sites will continue to be updated.\n\nDrinking Water Systems: Public Water Supply Situation Report Tracking\n\nDebris Disposal Sites: Active Temporary Debris Disposal Sites\n\nNCDEQ Situation Report Tracking System\n\nNCDPS Hurricane Helene - Storm Information\n\nNCDPS County Emergency Management Agencies\n\nHow to Apply for FEMA Assistance After Hurricane Helene\n\nFree Legal Assistance\n\nLegal Aid of North Carolina stands ready to provide free advice and legal counsel regarding natural disaster needs, including legal representation if necessary, including for civil legal issues involving:\n\nFiling FEMA claims and appeals (a process which can be overwhelmingly bureaucratic and burdensome)\n\nReplacement of lost or destroyed legal and government documents, including driver\u2019s licenses and identification cards\n\nMedical and insurance claims\n\nHome repair contracts\n\nUtility disputes related to restoration of services\n\nConsumer protection issues like construction fraud, price-gouging on repairs and identity theft\n\nHousing issues such as unlawful eviction and foreclosures\n\nBankruptcy\n\nProbate and clearing title for survivors living in generational homes without a clear title\n\nFamily law cases and children in need of services (unfortunately, domestic violence tends to rise following a natural disaster)\n\nIf you need civil legal assistance, please contact Legal Aid of North Carolina via the following toll-free hotline:\n\n(866) 219-LANC or (866) 219-5262\n\nThe hotline is available from:\n\n8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; and 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Monday and Thursdays.\n\nConstituents can also apply online at legalaidnc.org/get-help/ between 1:00-4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday.\n\nIRS Guidance for Taxpayers Impacted by Hurricane Helene\n\nExtension of certain tax filing deadlines:\n\nIRS has extended various filing deadlines for taxpayers in impacted areas, including 2024 individual/business returns, certain quarterly estimated income tax payments, and certain payroll/excise taxes.\n\nClick here for the full list of extensions and respective dates\n\nClick here for more information from the IRS on disaster assistance\n\nTax relief for qualified payments, disaster-related losses:\n\nIRS released provided guidance to taxpayers on how to address disaster-related losses in their 2024 tax return, as well as providing guidance on how qualified disaster relief payments - like government assistance payments - are generally excluded from gross income.\n\nClick here for a general walkthrough of these policies (under header \u201cAdditional tax relief\u201d)\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of disaster-related losses\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of qualified disaster relief payments\n\nDisaster payments are usually tax-free:\n\nQualified disaster relief payments are generally excluded from gross income.\n\nIn general, this means that affected taxpayers can exclude the following payments from a government agency from their gross income. Amounts received for:\n\nReasonable and necessary personal, family, living or funeral expenses.\n\nThe repair or rehabilitation of your home.\n\nThe repair or replacement of your home\u2019s contents.\n\nYou may be eligible for a disaster loss deduction:\n\nIn some instances, individuals and businesses in a federally declared disaster area can qualify for a casualty loss tax deduction.\n\nThe deduction is available for damaged or destroyed property not covered by insurance or other reimbursement and can result in a larger refund.\n\nTaxpayers can choose to claim the deduction on either the return for the year the loss occurred (in this instance, the 2024 return normally filed next year), or the return for the prior year (the 2023 return filed this year).\n\nFor individual taxpayers, the deadline for making this election is Oct. 15, 2025.\n\nThe IRS also has a special hotline specifically dedicated to taxpayers with disaster-related tax questions. Disaster victims can call the agency\u2019s disaster hotline at (866) 562-5227.\n\nShelters\n\nFor those unable to evacuate to a safe location or in need of a place to go, the following shelters are currently open and available as of today:\n\nBuncombe County\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nGold\u2019s Gym\n\n801 Fairview Rd, Asheville, NC 28803\n\nWNC Agricultural Center\n\n1301 Fanning Bridge Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nHaywood County\n\nHaywood County Government Armory\n\n285 Armory Dr., Clyde, NC 28781\n\nHenderson County\n\nHenderson County Recreation Center\n\n708 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMcDowell County Senior Center\n\n100 Spaulding Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nRutherford County\n\nRutherfordton Presbyterian Church\n\n252 N. Washington St., Rutherfordton, NC 28139\n\nTransylvania County\n\nTransylvania Parks & Rec\n\n1078 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nYancey County\n\nBlue Ridge Elementary\n\n910 Cane River School Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nCarolina Cruiser mobile office hours\n\nIn keeping with my office's motto of being \"First in Constituent Services\" and to help constituents post-Hurricane Helene, my office has resumed Carolina Cruiser mobile office hours.\n\nFolks can stop by to share their thoughts on issues that matter to them or ask for assistance with federal agencies.\n\nVisit my website for updated Carolina Cruiser hours and locations, linked here.\n\nWith my warmest regards,\n\nChuck Edwards\n\nMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/hurricane-helene-recovery-update-18-congressman-edwards", "Hurricane Helene recovery update #18 from Congressman Edwards", "2024-10-15", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Chuck Edwards", "E000246", "edwards.house.gov", "edwards", "https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "October 15, 2024\n\nDear Friend,\n\nWestern North Carolina is turning yet another leaf in our recovery from Hurricane Helene.\n\nYesterday, Transylvania County public school students went back to school and today, Henderson and Haywood County students are returning to the classroom, with other counties returning to school in the coming days.\n\nI\u2019m sure most parents can agree when I say that traditionally, high school students aren\u2019t very eager to return to school after any given break, but I\u2019m going to go out on a limb to say that this time is different. This time, returning to school symbolizes a return to normalcy, something our mountain communities have been without for the last two weeks.\n\nThe formative years of K-12 education is a time in life when your biggest concern should be whether your team is going to win the high school sports game you have coming up, whether your crush likes you back, or how you can shortcut the hours worth of homework you were assigned (which I don\u2019t recommend doing). It is not a time where children should have to worry about hurricanes destroying their community.\n\nGoing back to school marks a significant step forward in the recovery of our mountains. I hope you share in my excitement, and I look forward to achieving many more recovery milestones like this one in the coming months.\n\nThis update includes new distribution sites for resources in McDowell and Transylvania counties, how to contact the Disaster Distress Helpline, and an update on debris clearance efforts by NCDOT which is roughly 96 percent complete.\n\nToday is update number 18, with more information to follow in the coming days. Please make sure to read everything and share it with your friends and family.\n\nIndex\n\nClick the title to be taken to the correlating information in the update.\n\nFEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Sites\n\nLegislative Support\n\nFood and Water\n\nBuncombe County\n\nHaywood County\n\nHenderson County\n\nJackson County\n\nMadison County\n\nMcDowell County\n\nPolk County\n\nRutherford County\n\nTransylvania County\n\nYancey County\n\nTrash Services and Debris Removal\n\nBuncombe\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nMadison\n\nPolk\n\nTransylvania\n\nYancey\n\nVoter Information\n\nUnited States Postal Service/Mail Services\n\nPharmacy Access\n\nOpen Urgent Cares/ Health Care Services\n\nDialysis Locations\n\nOxygen Locations\n\nResources for Veterans\n\nResources for Farmers\n\nPower\n\nRoads\n\nInternet Access\n\nCell Service\n\nNorth Carolina National Guard & Department of Defense\n\nAsheville Regional Airport\n\nFederal Nutrition Programs\n\nFor NC-11 Medical Providers\n\nFor Local Government Resource Requests\n\nFor Individual Assistance through FEMA\n\nTo Connect with a Loved One\n\nResources for Utility & Other Status Updates\n\nFree Legal Assistance\n\nIRS Guidance for Taxpayers Impacted by Hurricane Helene\n\nShelters\n\nBuncombe County\n\nHaywood County\n\nHenderson County\n\nMadison County\n\nMcDowell County\n\nRutherford County\n\nTransylvania County\n\nYancey County\n\nCarolina Cruiser Mobile Office Hours\n\nFEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Sites\n\nThe following FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers are open seven days a week to assist North Carolina survivors who have experienced losses from Hurricane Helene.\n\nA.C. Reynolds High School\n\n1 Rocket Dr., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nA Comfort Care Center will also be available at this location where survivors can shower, do laundry and use other services.\n\nThe Asheville Social Security office remains closed due to a lack of power and water.\n\nThe Social Security Administration is maintaining staff at the Buncombe County Disaster Recovery Center until the Asheville office reopens.\n\nJackson County Annex Building\n\n198 WBI Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nMcDowell County Senior Center\n\n100 Spaulding Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nA Disaster Recovery Center is a one-stop shop where survivors can meet face-to-face with FEMA representatives, apply for FEMA assistance, receive referrals to local assistance in their area, apply with the U.S. Small Business Administration for disaster loans, etc.\n\nAdditional recovery centers will be opening soon, and I will keep you posted as I learn about them.\n\nDisaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams are also stationed across NC-11 to help survivors apply for FEMA assistance and connect them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources.\n\nIn addition to designated locations, DSA teams are going door to door to provide assistance, but please note, FEMA staff will carry an official photo ID and will never ask for bank information. They will also never ask for money and never require payment in any form. FEMA is going door to door in the following counties:\n\nBuncombe County\n\nHaywood County\n\nHenderson County\n\nMacon County\n\nMadison County\n\nPolk County\n\nSwain County\n\nYancey County\n\nAs new stationary locations are established, I will keep you posted.\n\nThe following locations are open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., unless otherwise noted:\n\nBuncombe County\n\nIngles Market\n\n550 Hwy. 9, Black Mountain, NC 28803\n\nWalmart\n\n60 Airport Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nRiceville Community Church\n\n2342 Riceville Rd., Asheville, NC 28805\n\nTitle 10 Mission - Asheville\n\n503 Park St., Swannanoa, NC28778\n\nMontford North Star Academy\n\n90 Montford Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nAC Reynolds High School\n\n1 Rocket Dr., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nBeech Community Center\n\n15 State Rd. 2117, Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nHaywood County\n\nRegional High Tech Center\n\n112 Industrial Park Dr., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nJackson County\n\nJackson County EOC\n\n401 Grindstaff Cove Rd., Ste. A-145, Sylva, NC 28779\n\nMadison County\n\nSenior Center in Hot Springs\n\n356 Northwest U.S. 25 70 Highway, Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nMarshall Library\n\n1335 N. Main St., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nMcDowell County\n\nCorpening Memorial YMCA\n\n348 Grace Corpening Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nMcDowell County EOC\n\n129 Barnes Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nMcDowell County Senior Center\n\n100 Spaulding Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nPolk County\n\nPolk County Library\n\n1289 W. Mills St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.\n\nRutherford County\n\nIngles Market\n\n276 N. 9 Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nYancey County\n\nYancey County Public Library\n\n321 School Cir., Burnsville, NC 28174\n\nLegislative Support\n\nThe U.S. House of Representatives is gearing up to pass a disaster relief package when we return to session in November.\n\nI have begun conversations with leadership about how to best meet Western North Carolina\u2019s needs in any supplemental relief package passed by Congress in the coming months.\n\nThe North Carolina General Assembly unanimously passed the Disaster Recovery Act of 2024 on Oct. 9, 2024.\n\nThis bill creates a new Hurricane Helene fund with $273 million from the state\u2019s Savings Reserve Fund.\n\n$250 million will go to the Department of Public Safety's Division of Emergency Management to provide the state\u2019s match to federal disaster relief funds.\n\nAnother portion of the funds will be used to establish a revolving loan program to help local government and state agencies with cash flow while they are waiting for reimbursement from the federal government.\n\n$16 million will go to the Department of Public Instruction for \u201clost compensation of school nutrition employees due to school closures resulting from Hurricane Helene\u201d\n\n$2 million to provide local governments technical assistance with local recovery funds.\n\n$5 million to the State Board of Elections, alongside a variety of temporary election law changes such as changing polling sites that were rendered unusable by the storm and establishing a voter hotline, to make it easier for residents of Western North Carolina to vote.\n\nThe bill also:\n\nGrants school calendar flexibility to public schools by allowing them to make up or mark as completed any number of the days or hours missed.\n\nIt also allows the schools to use up to 30 days of remote instruction toward required instructional days.\n\nWaives DMV fees for things like obtaining a duplicate driver\u2019s license, ID card, etc.\n\nWaives certain environmental requirements for state highway repairs.\n\nThis provision will not reduce the safety of repairs conducted by NCDOT or negatively impact the environment.\n\nFood and Water\n\nFree drinking water testing is available by request through the Buncombe County Public Health Department.\n\nJust contact the Buncombe County Public Health Department to request a test kit.\n\nThe department will provide you with an empty bottle along with instructions to collect a drinking water sample and where to drop it off for analysis.\n\nSupplying drinkable water remains a top priority for emergency crews.\n\n36 water systems are on a partial or system-wide boil advisory.\n\nOnly one treatment plant has reported having no power and 10 systems remain out of water.\n\nWater restoration trends continue to move in a positive direction.\n\nThere are 120 wastewater treatment plants operating under normal conditions in the affected areas across Western NC.\n\nAn additional 41 wastewater treatment plants are partially operational or operating on back-up power.\n\nThere are 70 potable water trucks and 13 non-potable water trucks supporting Western North Carolina, with a total of 161,000 gallons of water delivered.\n\nNCDEQ has provided the following resources to help community members track progress on water supply restoration efforts:\n\nPublic Water Supply Situation Report Tracking - ArcGIS map with filters for system status, county, etc. linked here.\n\nDEQ Dashboard - links to additional maps, including mobile view of water system status, and environmental guidance linked here.\n\nNorth Carolina Emergency Management has delivered over 6,000 pallets of water and nearly 8,000 pallets of meals to date.\n\nThe Federal Emergency Management Agency has promised 120 truckloads a day of food and water with no specified end date.\n\nFEMA has delivered more than 12.6 million meals and more than 12.8 million liters of water to Western North Carolina utilizing the $20 billion in funds that I helped to draft and pass for disaster relief just two days before Hurricane Helene hit.\n\nHome Depot will be passing out free disaster relief kits every day starting at 9:00 a.m., while supplies last, at the following locations:\n\nHome Depot Asheville\n\n795 Fairview Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nHome Depot West Asheville\n\n127 Acton Cir., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nHome Depot Hendersonville\n\n401 Linda Vista Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nWalmart is hosting activities at the following locations:\n\nHendersonville, NC Store 1242\n\n250 Highlands Square Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nPortable restrooms\n\nServing hot meals at 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily\n\nArden, NC Store 1179\n\n60 Airport Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nPortable restrooms\n\nLaundry\n\nShowers\n\nWi-fi hotspot and charging stations\n\nBuncombe County\n\nBuncombe County has water distribution at multiple sites. Each will be available daily from 12:00-4:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Please bring your own container.\n\nAC Reynolds High School\n\n1 Rocket Dr., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nAsheville Middle School\n\n211 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nBuncombe County Sports Park Complex\n\n58 Apac Dr., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nBlack Mountain Ingles\n\n550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nFairview Elementary School\n\n1355 Charlotte Hwy., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nSwannanoa Ingles\n\n2299 U.S. 70, Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nLeicester Elementary School\n\n31 Gilbert Rd., Leicester, NC 28748\n\nLinwood Crump Shiloh Community Center\n\n121 Shiloh Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nLucy Herring Elementary School\n\n98 Sulphur Springs Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nNorth Windy Ridge Intermediate School\n\n20 Doan Rd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nPack Square Park\n\n80 Court Plz., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nOakley Elementary\n\n753 Fairview Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\n9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nWilliam W. Estes Elementary School\n\n275 Overlook Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nThe following feeding sites are available in Buncombe County, where citizens can access food, water and other basic necessities:\n\nBiltmore Baptist Church\n\n35 Clayton Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nDistribution and bulk pickup for volunteers looking to take bulk loads of supplies to in-need community members\n\nSaturday hours: 10:00 a.m. \u2013 1:00 p.m.\n\nCommunity drive-thru for anyone in the community needing supplies\n\nSaturday hours: 3:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church \u2013 Weaverville\n\n63 N. Main St., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nHot showers available from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nUnlimited clean drinking water is available, bring your own container.\n\nSupplies and bottled water.\n\nHot lunch served at 1:30 p.m.\n\nFellowship Asheville\n\n756 Fairview Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-4:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nWest Asheville Baptist Church\n\n926 Haywood Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-4:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday\n\nHot meals are available at the following locations:\n\nWorld Central Kitchen in Bear\u2019s Smokehouse BBQ\n\n135 Coxe Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nServes 25,000 hot meals a day.\n\nDaily hours: 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.\n\nShiloh Community Center\n\n121 Shiloh Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nGrovemont Park\n\n251 Stonewall Ave., Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nManna Food Bank - Farmer\u2019s Market\n\n570 Brevard Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nWesley Grant Community Center\n\n285 Livingston St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nWest Asheville Ingles\n\n669 Haywood Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 3:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nBlack Mountain Ingles\n\n550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nDaily Hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nNesbitt Chapel\n\n12 Nesbitt Chapel Rd., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nDaily hours: 3:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nGroce United Methodist Church \u2013 also distributing essential supplies\n\n954 Tunnel Rd., Asheville, NC 28805\n\nDaily hours: 1:00-4:00 p.m.\n\nA Community Care Station is available at the following location:\n\n2319 Hwy. 70, Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nHot meals served daily: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCommunity Care Stations offer showers, laundry, bathrooms, access to cell towers, wi-fi, potable and non-potable water, and counseling.\n\nHaywood County\n\nThe following locations are providing community members with essential resources such as but not limited to, food, water, cleaning products, baby formula, and pet food, Monday through Fridays:\n\nFines Creek Community Center\n\n190 Fines Creek Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nOpen every day until 6:00 p.m.\n\nPigeon Community Center\n\n450 Pigeon St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nAlso offering hot meals every day at 2:00 p.m.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCruso Community Center\n\n13186 Cruso Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.\n\nFirst United Methodist Church\n\n566 S. Haywood St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nIncludes shower access.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.\n\nMaggie Valley Pavilion\n\n3935 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nDaily Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.\n\nWoodland Baptist Church\n\n545 Crabtree Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nNew Covenant Church\n\n767 Lee Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nIP Sportsplex\n\n305 Silkwood Dr., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nBethel Elementary School\n\n4700 Old River Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nJonathan Valley Elementary School\n\n410 Hall Dr., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nMonday through Friday\n\nSt. Barnabas Catholic Church\n\n109 Crescent Hill Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nDaily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.\n\nReynolds Baptist Church - Family Life Center\n\n520 Rose Hill Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.\n\nThis location also has potable water available to residents who bring their own vessels to fill.\n\nMountain Projects\n\n2177 Asheville Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nHeart to Heart International - in Haywood Department of Health Parking Lot\n\n157 Paragon Pkwy., Ste. 800, Clyde, NC 28721\n\nThe following location offers hot meals daily:\n\nMaggie Valley Fire Department\n\n2901 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nJukebox Junction\n\n3606 Pigeon Rd., Canton, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nThe following location offers showers daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.:\n\nCalvary Baptist Church\n\n2701 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nThe following location is offering supplies for horses and livestock:\n\nWNC Regional Livestock Center\n\n474 Stock Dr., Canton, NC 28716\n\nHenderson County\n\nHenderson County has stood up one Resource Hub location for water distribution and other supplies as they become available.\n\n118 McAbee Ct., Flat Rock, NC 28731\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nEach family unit will be provided supplies for one day\u2019s meal and water as available.\n\nIndividuals are asked to enter the drive-through and remain in your car unless otherwise instructed by volunteers to ensure an efficient process.\n\nJackson County\n\nIn partnership with the Red Cross, the following is available for citizens of Jackson County:\n\nThe Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau are providing shelf-stable meals at the following location:\n\n558 Frank Allen Rd., Cashiers, NC 28717\n\nThe Canada Fire Department is distributing emergency supplies at the following location:\n\n149 Charleys Creek Rd., Tuckasegee, NC 28783\n\nThe following locations are providing resources to displaced families and individuals in need:\n\nMountain Projects\n\n154-B Medical Park Loop, Sylva, NC 28779\n\nUnited Christian Ministries\n\n191 Skyland Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nSt. Mary\u2019s Roman Catholic Church of Sylva\n\n22 Bartlett St., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.\n\nCornbread and Roses\n\n1294 Savannah Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours:\n\nWednesday, 6:00-8:00 p.m.\n\nThursday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nSunday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nMadison County\n\nThe following locations are offering food, water, and some supply distribution in Madison County:\n\nBeech Glen Community Center\n\n2936 Beech Glen Rd., Mars Hill, 28754\n\nDaily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.\n\nCenter Community Center\n\n1300 Grapevine Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nEbbs Chapel Community Center\n\n281 Laurel Valley Rd., Mars Hill, NC 28754\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nEnon Baptist Church\n\n174 Ammons Branch Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nOpen Sunday 12:00-4:00 p.m.\n\nFreedom Christian Church\n\n7350 US 25/70 Bypass, Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThis location offers additional resources such as hygiene products, blankets, clothes, cleaning supplies, diapers, pet food, etc.\n\nLaurel Community Center - also has supplies\n\n4100 NC 212 Hwy., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily Hours: 8:00 a.m. \u2013 8:00 p.m.\n\nRevere-Rice Community Center\n\n3980 Revere Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (Mon-Sat)\n\nSpring Creek Community Center\n\n13075 NC 209 Hwy., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThis location also has additional resources such as pet food, livestock feed and hay.\n\nWalnut Community Center - also has supplies\n\n46 School Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.\n\nN.C. Cooperative Extension - Madison County Center\n\n258 Carolina Ln., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nThis location is offering drive-thru food distribution only.\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMcDowell County has established multiple points of distribution that are open daily.\n\nDistribution takes place daily at the following locations:\n\nTom Johnson\u2019s Camping Center\n\n348 Resistoflex Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nWeekend hours: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCherry Springs\n\n6 Bull Walker Rd., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: Wednesdays 4:00-7:00 p.m., Sundays 2:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nCamp Grier\n\n985 Camp Grier Rd., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and 4:00-7:00 p.m.\n\nRestoration Church\n\n2344 Ashworth Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nCentro Unido Latino Americano\n\n79 Academy St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church of Old Fort\n\n203 E. Main St., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: 4:00-7:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nFirst Baptist Church Marion\n\n99 N Main St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nConcord United Methodist Church\n\n8066 Linville Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 2:00-4:00 p.m.\n\nNew Manna Baptist Church\n\n225 E. Court St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 4:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nHot meals are also being provided at the following location:\n\nGrace Community Church\n\n5182 US 70 W., Marion, NC 28752\n\nLunch is served every day from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.\n\nDinner is available from 4:00-5:30 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church of Marion is offering hot showers, air conditioning, and areas to charge devices.\n\nCurrent hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 2:00-5:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday.\n\nPolk County\n\nThe following locations are offering food and water distribution for residents in need from 1:00-5:00 p.m.:\n\nMill Spring/Green Creek Community\n\n25 International Blvd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nColumbus Community\n\n95 Walker St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nSaluda Community Bus Parking Lot\n\n214 E. Main St., Saluda, NC 28773\n\nTryon Community\n\n301 N. Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782\n\nSunny View\n\n86 Sunny View School Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nThe following locations are serving hot meals daily:\n\nTryon Equestrian Center\n\n4066 Pea Ridge Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nRoseland Community Center\n\n56 Peake St., Tryon, NC 28782\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nRutherford County\n\nThe following locations are open from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. for citizens to get food and emergency supplies:\n\nThomas Jefferson High School\n\n2527 US-221A Hwy., Mooresboro, NC 28114\n\nFlorence Baptist Church\n\n201 S. Broadway St., Forest City, NC 28043\n\nRutherford County Health Department\n\n221 Callahan Koon Rd., Spindale, NC 28160\n\nGilkey Church of God\n\n255 Oak Springs Rd., Rutherfordton, NC 28139\n\nParks, Recreation, & Lake Office\n\n658 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nLake Lure Baptist Church\n\n6837 US-74 ALT, Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nIngles at Lake Lure - meals only\n\n276 NC-9, Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nOffers hot meals at 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. and 4:30-6:30 p.m.\n\nAlso offers showers, restrooms, a mobile health van, a tool trailer, a charging station (please bring your own charging cord), and wi-fi.\n\nFather\u2019s Vineyard - also has shower and charging stations\n\n724 Oakland Rd., Spindale, NC 28160\n\nSpencer Baptist Church - water distribution only\n\n187 N Oak St., Spindale, NC 28160\n\nUnited Way of Rutherford County - water distribution and charging stations only\n\n668 Withrow Rd., Forest City, NC 28043\n\nTransylvania County\n\nThe following locations are providing hot meals to county residents:\n\nCedar Mountain Community Center\n\n10635 Greenville Hwy., Cedar Mountain, NC 28718\n\nBreakfast hours: 9:00-11:00 a.m.\n\nLunch hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nDinner hours: 4:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nBalsam Grove Community Center - daily until power is fully restored\n\n8732 Parkway Rd., Balsam Grove, NC 28708\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nBottled water is available daily at local fire departments and 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Anchor Baptist Church located at:\n\n3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nWater filling stations can be found at the following locations:\n\nCity Sports Complex\n\n824 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.\n\nRocky\u2019s Grill & Soda Shop\n\n50 S. Broad St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours\n\nCedar Mountain Outpost\n\n8431 Greenville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nDD Bullwinkles\n\n60 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nFirst United Methodist Church\n\n325 N. Broad St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nPisgah Forest Baptist Church\n\n494 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nFood, water, and other supplies such as hygiene products are being distributed at the following locations:\n\nAnchor Baptist Church\n\n3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nZion Baptist Church\n\n423 Main St., Rosman, NC 28772\n\nNo daily hours posted\n\nGrace Brevard\n\n55 E. Jordan St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2;00 p.m.\n\nMary C. Jenkins Community Center\n\n221 Mills Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nYancey County\n\nYancey County has transitioned to one centralized distribution site for water, food and ice located at the following address:\n\nFormer Fred\u2019s Store\n\n677 W. U.S. Highway 19E, Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nMobile laundry facilities are available in the GO Grocery parking lot located at the following address:\n\n631 W Hwy. 19E Bypass, Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nTrash Services and Debris Removal\n\nRecycling services are available through Curbside Management for the following counties:\n\nBuncombe\n\nClay\n\nGraham\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nJackson\n\nMacon\n\nMadison\n\nPolk\n\nRutherford\n\nYancey\n\nSome communities have halted recycling services to prioritize trash collection.\n\nIf that is the case for your community, Curbside Management has a drop-off site available for residents who wish to bring their recycling to the following location:\n\n116 N. Woodfin Ave., Asheville, NC 28804\n\nIf your home has damage and you need assistance with clean up, please call Crisis Cleanup for access to volunteer organizations that can assist you at 844-965-1386.\n\nIf Hurricane Helene caused damage to your home or belongings, make sure to document it.\n\nThis is critically important in getting reimbursed.\n\nTake photos before you begin cleaning up.\n\nMake a list of damaged or lost items and gather receipts.\n\nDoing this helps speed up the process with insurance and other assistance programs, and ensures you get properly compensated.\n\nBefore you start the clean-up process, remember:\n\nWear PPE such as long pants, goggles, gloves and sturdy shoes.\n\nStay off damaged structures.\n\nBe aware that snakes or other hazardous animals could be present.\n\nCall your local fire department to inspect or removal chemicals, propane tanks, and other hazardous materials.\n\nIf you suspect debris contains toxic substances, seal them in plastic bags to prevent them from becoming airborne.\n\nTo reduce the risk of accidental fires, please DO NOT burn your storm debris.\n\nEmergency personnel are continuing to work on other storm recovery and response efforts, limiting resources to respond to accidental fires.\n\nPlease discard storm debris at a local transfer site or via curbside debris pickup.\n\nDebris should be placed curbside and not block the roadway or access to the property.\n\nPlease place debris away from trees, poles or other structures (e.g., fire hydrants, meters, etc.) to make removal work easier.\n\nContact your local municipality for curbside storm debris removal collection schedules or see below for additional information on debris waste removal by county.\n\nAdditionally, the following counties have resources for where to take household trash and debris waste.\n\nBuncombe\n\nCurbside collection will begin Monday for City of Asheville sanitation customers.\n\nThe following materials cannot be collected at this time: Mud, construction debris, concrete and other bulky or hazardous items.\n\nDebris collection is estimated to start in mid-October.\n\nThe Town of Black Mountain Public Works Department has secured four 15-yard dumpsters located in two sites for Black Mountain residents to throw away household trash ONLY:\n\nTractor Supply: 125 Old US Hwy. 70 E., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nIngles: 550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nPlease Note: Yard waste, bulk items, separate recycling and debris collection are not available at this time.\n\nWaste Pro collection service has resumed for regular Monday route customers.\n\nHaywood\n\nHousehold waste will be accepted at the Materials Recovery Facility at 247 Recycle Rd., Clyde and at Convenience Centers at Jonathan Creek, Beaverdam, Bethel, Hazelwood, Mauney Cove, Jones Cove and Highway 110.\n\nWhite Oak Landfill has reopened.\n\nHenderson\n\nHenderson County Transfer Station is open and accepting storm debris with normal fees.\n\nHenderson County has begun curbside storm debris removal to county residents as a free service.\n\nThe county will pick up storm debris for free if it is pushed to the right of way of a property.\n\nStorm debris includes tree branches, leaves, logs, building materials, furniture, paint etc.\n\nPlease be patient.\n\nThe county will pick up storm debris for free as quickly as possible.\n\nMadison\n\nThe Hot Springs collection center is operating on normal hours for household trash ONLY:\n\nMonday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nWednesday: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.\n\nFriday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nSaturday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nHot Springs trash pickup is returning to Mondays like usual.\n\nPlease only use this pickup service if you cannot bring it to the collection center yourself.\n\nThe pickup service is being led by volunteers at this time.\n\nPolk\n\nThe Polk County landfill is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\n322 Landfill Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nDrop-off of residential trash is $10.\n\nGFL trash services will continue the regular schedule. However, certain areas may be inaccessible due to ongoing power outages from Hurricane Helene.\n\nTwo dumpsters are located on Gibson Street for immediate trash disposal due to road inaccessibility.\n\nTransylvania\n\nThe City of Brevard has resumed regular trash pickup.\n\nYancey\n\nThe Riverside and East Yancey Recycling Centers have resumed operations.\n\nDaily hours: 7:00 a.m. \u2013 4:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday\n\nVoter Information\n\nThe North Carolina State Board of Elections has provided pertinent information and recommendations for voters in the Helene disaster area during the 2024 general election.\n\nTo review information on voting in the 2024 general election after Hurricane Helene, you can follow this link.\n\nThe site provides information on absentee voting, how to change your polling location if you have a new permanent address, county board of elections, office closures and more.\n\nFor any additional questions on voting post-hurricane, please contact your county Board of Elections.\n\nPlease note: Your county Board of Elections is the best place to get any questions answered.\n\nI have been permitted to share the above, nonpartisan information but am prohibited from answering any questions related to the 2024 general election.\n\nUnited States Postal Service/Mail Services\n\nUSPS anticipates continued improvement of mail delivery operations with local recovery efforts, to include power, connectivity, and roads.\n\nSocial Security checks are being routed to all units for delivery and/or are available for customer pick up.\n\nFor impacted residents who have relocated due to the storm, please be sure to complete a change of address request at moversguide.usps.com.\n\nThere are some facilities unable to provide full retail and mail delivery due to road closures and current conditions.\n\nNo drop shipments will be accepted at any of the locations listed below.\n\nThe following sites are closed with no retail, but delivery is being attempted where it is safe to do so:\n\nNewland - 28657\n\nCedar Mountain - 28718\n\nThe following sites are closed with alternative facilities listed:\n\nAlexander - 28701\n\nAlternative location: Mobile Retail Unit\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.; closed 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. for lunch\n\nOpen Saturdays: 8:00-10:00 a.m.\n\nBat Cave - 28710\n\nAlternative location: 3979 Chimney Rock Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; closed 12:00-1:00 p.m. for lunch\n\nBarnardsville - 28709\n\nAlternate location: Mobile Retail Unit\n\nDaily hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; closed from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. for lunch.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 8:30-10:30 a.m.\n\nChimney Rock - 28720\n\nAlternate location: 2432 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. \u2013 4:00 p.m., closed 12:00-1:00 p.m.\n\nEdneyville - 28727\n\nAlternate location: Mobile Retail Unit\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; closed 12:00-1:00 p.m. for lunch\n\nGerton \u2013 28735\n\nAlternate location: 1352 Charlotte Hwy., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nDaily Hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nGreen Mountain - 28740\n\nAlternate location: 670 W. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nHot Springs - 28743\n\nAlternate location: Mobile Retail Unit\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; closed 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. for lunch.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00-10:30 a.m.\n\nMarshall - 28753\n\nAlternate location: Mobile Retail Unit\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; closed 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. for lunch.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nMicaville - 28755\n\nAlternate location: 670 W. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nMontreat - 28757\n\nAlternate location: 2 Tucker Rd., Ridgecrest, NC 28770\n\nDaily hours M-F: 12:30-4:30 p.m.\n\nPenland - 28765\n\nAlternative location: 899 Oak Ave., Spruce Pine, NC 28777\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nRosman - 28778\n\nAlternate location: Mobile Retail Unit\n\nDaily hours M-F: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; closed 12:30-1:30 p.m. for lunch.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 10:00-11:00 a.m.\n\nSwannanoa - 28765\n\nAlternate location: Mobile Retail Unit\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nAll remaining locations are attempting delivery where it is safe to do so.\n\nPharmacy Access\n\nPharmacy Locator\n\nHundreds of pharmacies never closed or have reopened across Western North Carolina.\n\nUse this link to locate pharmacy locations open to the public by county.\n\nThe Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response under the Department of Health and Human Services has activated the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) for North Carolinians.\n\nThe EPAP program helps uninsured residents replace prescription medication or certain medical equipment lost or damaged during Hurricane Helene.\n\nThrough the program, uninsured residents can:\n\nRequest a free 30-day supply of certain prescription medications at any EPAP-participating pharmacy which can be renewed every 30 days while the EPAP is active.\n\nReplace certain medical equipment and supplies such as canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, blood sugar meters and blood sugar test strips for diabetics.\n\nUninsured North Carolina residents affected by the recent hurricane can call the EPAP hotline, 855-793-7470, or visit the EPAP website to check their eligibility, determine if their medications or medical equipment are covered, or locate a participating pharmacy.\n\nPrescription Pad is open from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and filling prescriptions for Yancey County residents at the following location:\n\n730 E. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nOpen Urgent Cares/ Health Care Services\n\nThere is a field hospital with physicians, nurses and paramedics who can treat patients at the Burnsville Fire Department. The address is as follows:\n\n305 Pineola St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nThe following urgent cares are open and accessible for community members with non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries:\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Weaverville\n\n61 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nMercy Urgent Care West Asheville\n\n1201 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nMercy Urgent Care Waynesville\n\n120 Frazier St., Ste. 6, Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nLocations open between 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Brevard\n\n22 Trust Ln., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Columbus\n\n140 West Mills St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nLocations open between 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.:\n\nMobile Urgent Care Clinic\n\n12 Florida Ave., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nMental Health & Basic Medical Support Center\n\n130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nPardee Urgent Care\n\n45 Hendersonville Hwy., Ste. A, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nFree mental health services - All available for drop-in\n\nIf you have been impacted by the storm and need someone to talk to, call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1 (800) 985-5990.\n\nHelp is also available to anyone, anytime in English or Spanish through a call, text or chat to 988.\n\nLearn more at 988Lifeline.org.\n\nCare Collaborative for Western North Carolina Clinicians is a partnership among more than 200 mental health professionals volunteering to provide free mental health services for Hurricane Helene survivors.\n\nServices are provided virtually, and you can follow this link to find a professional that fits your needs and their contact information to schedule a session.\n\nHot Springs Elementary School - Art Room\n\n63 N. Serpentine Ave., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nThe Pearl Institute\n\n55 Academy St., Waynesville, NC\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-6:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nFree telehealth appointments are also available.\n\nTo book a telehealth appointment, you can email info@pearlpsychedelicinstitute.org or call/text (828) 400-7091\n\nCommunity Support Group\n\n221 Mills Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nMary C. Jenkins Community & Cultural Center\n\nHosted by the City of Brevard, AARP, and Blue Ridge Community College\n\n9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on October 14, 28, and November 18.\n\nAll University of North Carolina System students have access to free mental health through their university.\n\nPlease monitor your student email for more information on how to access these services.\n\nThe following orthopedic urgent care locations are open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily, physical therapy appointments are also available at each of these locations:\n\nEmergeOrtho Hendersonville\n\n800 Fleming St., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nEmergeOrtho Arden (South Asheville)\n\n2585 Hendersonville Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nEmergeOrtho Waynesville\n\n9 Haywood Office Park, Ste. 102 and 103, Waynesville, NC 28785\n\nEmergeOrtho Brevard\n\n89 Hospital Dr., Ste. A, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nEmergeOrtho Weaverville\n\n159 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nDialysis Locations\n\nThe following location is open and available for dialysis treatments in NC-11:\n\nPardee Hospital\n\n800 N. Justice St., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nThis location can dialyze 30 patients a day.\n\nDaVita Kidney Care nurses are reaching out to their patients to coordinate treatment, but the following DaVita locations are available:\n\nDaVita Greer South Dialysis\n\n3254 Brushy Greek Rd., Greer, SC 29650\n\nContact Number: (864) 801-2065\n\nDaVita Saluda River Dialysis\n\n8080 Augusta Rd., Piedmont, SC 29673\n\nContact Number: (833) 378-2702\n\nDaVita Wofford at Home\n\n8024 White Ave., Spartanburg, SC 29303\n\nContact Number: (864) 583-4788\n\nDaVita Boiling Springs Dialysis\n\n196 Sloane Garden Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316\n\nContact Number: (833) 458-4809\n\nOxygen Locations\n\nHendersonville High School\n\n1 Bearcat Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nMust be assessed through Pardee Hospital.\n\nLincare is only serving established patients.\n\nPatients must bring in empty tanks to one of the following locations:\n\nAsheville Lincare\n\n103 Elk Park Dr., Asheville, NC 28804\n\nFax number: (866) 234-6698\n\nGreenville Lincare\n\n355 Woodruff Rd., Ste. 204 and 205, Greenville, SC 29607\n\nFax Number: (864) 288-0339\n\nThe following locations are available for oxygen refills, but patients must bring their own oxygen equipment - fire departments are available 24/7:\n\nBoiling Springs Fire Department\n\n186 Rainbow Lake Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316\n\nReidville Fire Department\n\n7450 Reidville Rd., Woodruff, SC 29388\n\nInman City Fire Department\n\n6 Humphrey St., Inman, SC 29349\n\nFirst Presbyterian Church\n\n393 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29302\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.\n\nGreer Relief Indigo Hope Neighborhood Impact Center\n\n113C Berry Ave., Greer, SC 29651\n\nDaily hours: 2:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nCroft Fire Department\n\n370 Cedar Springs Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29302\n\nArkwright Fire Department\n\n1070 Southport Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29306\n\nRoebuck Fire Department\n\n2639 Stone Station Rd., Roebuck, SC 29376\\\n\nNorth Spartanburg Fire Department\n\n8767 Asheville Hwy., Spartanburg, SC 29316\n\nResources for Veterans\n\nThe U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs launched a new web page with disaster relief resources, providing a single place for veterans and their caregivers to access VA resources on health care, housing, benefits payments, insurance, and more.\n\nYou can access the web site via this link.\n\nThe VA has established a Veterans Disaster Response Hotline, which is available 24/7 at 1(800) 507-4571.\n\nIf you or a veteran you know needs immediate housing assistance after Hurricane Helene, please call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at (877) 424-3838.\n\nThe call center is open 24/7.\n\nIf you have a VA-backed home loan and are unable to make your mortgage payments, please contact your mortgage servicer.\n\nYou can also call the VA at (877) 827-3702, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nHome loan servicers are allowed to put a 90-day pause on foreclosures and encouraged to waive late charges for VA-guaranteed home loans after a disaster.\n\nLegionnaires, Sons of the American Legion members and Legion Posts that have been displaced from their primary residence due to damage sustained during Hurricane Helene may be eligible for financial assistance through the American Legion.\n\nLegionnaires and Sons of the American Legion members may be eligible for up to $3,000.\n\nLegion Posts may be eligible for up to $10,000.\n\nTo learn more or to request assistance, please use this link.\n\nApplications must be submitted within 90 days of the disaster: Dec. 26, 2024.\n\nThe Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville and Master Sergeant Jerry K. Crump VA Clinic in Forest City are open for essential and emergency services.\n\nVeterans can:\n\nVisit the Asheville VA Hospital pharmacy for medication refills or:\n\nCall the Regional Clinical Contact Center at (855) 679-0074 and press 1 for pharmacy representatives.\n\nLocal pharmacies in the VA\u2019s community care network will also fill written prescriptions, or prescriptions as they appear on an active VA prescription bottle that is not older than six months and has available refills, to provide a 30-day supply.\n\nHickory, Forest City and Franklin outpatient VA clinics are now operating regularly.\n\nDue to the damage and personal losses caused by Hurricane Helene to the staff of the VA, it will take some time to bring staffing to full capacity.\n\nPlease be patient as the VA works to rebuild their workforce.\n\nResources for Farmers\n\nThe United States Department of Agriculture has put together a list of resources for farmers and other agricultural industry members.\n\nIf your agricultural operation has been impacted by Hurricane Helene, you can review this link, farmers.gov, for emergency and disaster assistance programs.\n\nPower\n\nJust under 16,000 customers remain without power in Western North Carolina.\n\nThis is down from more than 1 million customers without power directly after the storm hit.\n\nThe majority of remaining power outages remain concentrated in Western North Carolina, with the highest percentage of outages being reported in Yancey County.\n\nJust over 8,500 Duke Energy customers remain without power.\n\nThe remaining 7,300 customers are with local co-operative energy providers.\n\nRoughly 96 percent of all originally reported power outages have been restored in Western North Carolina.\n\nDuke Energy is providing restoration updates via text to all customers that remain without power.\n\nAll schools and early voting sites served by Duke Energy have been restored.\n\nNCDOT crews are coordinating closely with power companies to ensure service is being restored as quickly as possible, including along private roads, keeping in mind that cold months are approaching fast.\n\nNCDOT is coordinating closely with utility companies to run new lines along the US 74A corridor, from Gerton to Lake Lure.\n\nThis operation involves kayakers pulling lines by hand.\n\nFor more information on Duke Energy\u2019s power restoration efforts, you can review the following links:\n\nComplex Repair & Disaster Rebuild Zones Map: duke-energy.com/info/carolinas-restoration\n\nOutage Map: duke-energy.com/outages\n\nOutage Alerts: duke-energy.com/outages/alerts\n\nGenerator safety: duke-energy.com/outages/generators\n\nPower restoration process: duke-energy.com/outages/restoring-your-power\n\nRoads\n\nA \u201cDO NOT DRIVE\u201d message remains in place from the North Carolina Department of Transportation for most of Western North Carolina.\n\nUnless it is an emergency, please do not travel to the hardest hit communities.\n\nCherokee, Graham, Clay, Swain, Macon, Haywood, Transylvania and Jackson counties ARE FULLY OPEN to non-essential travel for people who can access them through safe routes.\n\nPlease DO NOT try to visit or travel through the areas hardest hit by the storm.\n\nNon-essential traffic in impacted areas hinders NCDOT\u2019s efforts to reopen roads.\n\nHenderson, Polk and Rutherford counties are each partially open to non-essential travel.\n\nNCDOT \u201ccut-and-shove\u201d crews have created more than 4,100 debris sites on roadsides.\n\nThey have reopened 677 roads, including:\n\nInterstate 40 near Old Fort and in downtown Asheville\n\nI-26 in Henderson and Polk counties\n\nU.S. 70\n\nU.S. 25\n\nNCDOT successfully reopened more than 100 roads over the last four days.\n\nCut-and-shove operations are 96 percent complete and damage assessments are more than 86 percent complete.\n\nRoughly 420 roads remain closed.\n\nThis includes:\n\nThree interstates\n\n30 U.S. roads\n\n47 N.C. roads\n\n347 secondary roads\n\nTo monitor road conditions in and around NC-11, use drivenc.gov.\n\nThe website tracks NCDOT-managed road conditions in real time.\n\nNC DMV has reopened 12 of the 16 driver license offices that were closed due to Hurricane Helene.\n\nThe Marion, NC location is set to reopen on Wednesday, October 16.\n\nThe following DMV offices are open for walk-in services in or near NC-11, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., closed between 11:30 a.m. through 1:00 p.m. for a lunch break:\n\nBurke County - Closest open location for McDowell and Yancey County residents\n\n115 Government Dr., Morganton, NC 28655\n\nCherokee County\n\n1440 Main St., Andrews, NC 28901\n\nHaywood County\n\n290 Lee Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nHenderson County\n\n125 Baystone Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nJackson County\n\n876 Skyland Dr., Ste. 2, Sylva, NC 28779\n\nMacon County\n\n16 Patton Ave., Franklin, NC 28734\n\nMadison County\n\n1685 NC Highway 213, Marshall, NC 28753\n\nRutherford County\n\n596 Withrow Rd., Forest City, NC 28043\n\nSwain County\n\n2650 Governors Island Rd., Bryson City, NC 28713\n\nTransylvania County\n\n50 Commerce St., Ste. 4, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAll but five license plate agencies have reopened.\n\nAir traffic has sustained at 300 percent above pre-hurricane levels in Western NC.\n\nNCDOT\u2019s aviation division continue to work to make sure flight operations are safe coming into and out of airports, including by:\n\nScheduling landing/unloading times and aircraft parking so aircraft are spaced out and to reduce the risk of incidents.\n\nEstablishing a first of its kind \u201ccorridors in the sky\u201d to separate civilian and military aircraft in the air.\n\nHaving search and rescue partners use short, time and location specific restrictions on air operations to enhance safety when multiple helicopters are engaged in search and rescue efforts.\n\nThe state of North Carolina is NOT turning away civil aviation support so long as it has been coordinated through the proper channels with NC Emergency Management.\n\nIf you or someone you know is interested in providing civil aviation support and don\u2019t know where to coordinate your efforts, please call my office and we will help you get in touch with the right folks.\n\nNCDOT has launched a detour map to show motorists how to get around closures on I-26 and I-40 at the Tennessee border.\n\nYou can access the map here.\n\nInternet Access\n\nInternet providers are working with local energy and cell providers to restore service for customers across Western North Carolina.\n\nSpaceX is offering free monthly Starlink service for 30 days to any household or entity located in the disaster area.\n\nTo apply for this free service, residents can go to starlink.com/residential and select the \u201cHelene Relief\u201d service plan at check out.\n\nInternet providers including Optimum and Spectrum are working around the clock to restore service for customers. However, part of the network\u2019s infrastructure was destroyed by mudslides and collapsed bridges making restoration a lengthy process.\n\nAs a result, some impacted areas will require a rebuild of the network from scratch.\n\nTo mitigate the lack of service, Optimum, formerly Altice USA, has set up an Optimum Wi-Fi Trailer that is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the following locations:\n\n717 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\n1800 Four Seasons Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nThe following locations are offering free public wi-fi:\n\nFirst Baptist Church - Weaverville\n\n63 N. Main St, Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nDowntown Franklin\n\nThe Town of Franklin has free wi-fi on the town hill area in downtown.\n\nTransylvania County Library - 24/7\n\n212 S. Gaston St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nThe Yard Brevard\n\n284 Railroad Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nBrevard Visitor Center\n\n175 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAvailable daily from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nCell Service\n\nMore than 94 percent of all cellular sites in Western North Carolina have been repaired and are now in service.\n\nCell service providers have implemented disaster roaming for any phone located in Western North Carolina to maximize phone service for all users.\n\nDisaster roaming allows users to connect to any mobile network during a disaster when other networks are down.\n\nThis allows users to access emergency services, such as 911, even when their own network is out.\n\nIf you have service one moment, but experience a reduction in service the next, try restarting your phone to jumpstart disaster roaming again.\n\nUpCycle Tech in Transylvania County is offering free computers and phones for use at the following location:\n\n470 Asheville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAT&T has deployed its Mobile Connectivity Center to the following location:\n\nSam\u2019s Club: 645 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nThe Mobile Connectivity Center is an air-conditioned mobile unit open to the public, equipped with laptops, charging stations and wi-fi.\n\nThe public can use the center for various needs including contacting your insurance company, filling out paperwork or connecting with loved ones.\n\nVerizon has deployed Wireless Emergency Communication Centers to help hurricane survivors stay connected to their friends, family and other important contacts.\n\nWireless Emergency Communication Centers are generator-powered mobile units that have device charging and computer workstations, along with wireless phones, tablets, and other devices available for use.\n\nVerizon\u2019s Wireless Emergency Communication Centers have been set up at the following locations:\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nAsheville YMCA\n\n30 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nFamily Justice Center\n\n35 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nGroce United Methodist Church\n\n954 Tunnel Rd., Asheville, NC 28805\n\nVerizon also has charging stations at the following locations:\n\nYMCA of Western North Carolina\n\n348 Grace Corpening Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nTwo charging stations at this location\n\nWNC Agricultural Center\n\n761 Boylston Hwy., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nThree charging stations at this location\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nOne charging station at this location\n\nT-Mobile has set up satellite cellular on light trucks (SatCOLTs), providing cellular voice and data along with wi-fi and charging stations at the following locations:\n\nAsheville Middle School\n\n211 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center\n\n285 Livingston St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nFirst Baptist Church\n\n130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nAdditional T-Mobile satellite cell on trucks are located in Hendersonville and at a Tractor Supply Co. in Asheville, with others planned for Mission Hospital in Asheville, Cherokee County Emergency Operations Center in Murphy, and in Cherokee.\n\nNorth Carolina National Guard & Department of Defense\n\nAlmost 3,500 National Guard soldiers and airmen, active-duty service members, and 200 Emergency Management Assistance Compact units (National Guard units from 12 different states) are deployed across Western North Carolina to provide support.\n\nThis includes:\n\nMore than 1,200 vehicles\n\n11 helicopters\n\nAs search and rescue needs diminish and roads are being cleared and restored, the need for aerial support is decreasing and ground vehicles are becoming an increasingly more effective means of support.\n\nMore than 1,500 responders from 38 state and local agencies have performed 138 missions supporting response and recovery efforts through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC).\n\nThese folk include public health nurses, emergency management teams to support local governments, veterinarians, teams with search dogs, and more.\n\nThe NC National Guard continues to utilize ground transport and air drops to provide food, water, and basic necessities to residents in affected communities.\n\nAlthough airspace is limited due to ongoing missions by the National Guard and Department of Defense, a process has been established for private pilots seeking to fly in humanitarian relief to coordinate with local authorities.\n\nIf you are looking to fly in resources and don\u2019t know where to turn, call my office and we will get you in contact with the right coordinators.\n\nHere are a few key phone numbers from the NCNG:\n\nHOTLINE: 888-892-1162\n\nEmergency management watch: 919-733-3300\n\nDonated goods: 919-825-2474\n\nThese lines have very high call volumes. If you do not get through the first try, keep calling.\n\nAsheville Regional Airport\n\nAsheville Regional Airport closed mid-day on Friday, September 27, due to risk of flooding.\n\nCommercial flights at Asheville Regional Airport have resumed.\n\nIf you parked your car in an Asheville Regional Airport lot and could not retrieve the vehicle due to the storm, great news - none of the airport\u2019s lots flooded and all cars are fine.\n\nStay safe and pick up your car when you are able.\n\nPLEASE NOTE:\n\nNo general aviation pilots are allowed to land at Asheville Regional Airport without prior clearance from FEMA to ensure the safety of aircraft and personnel.\n\nSupply deliveries by civilian pilots ARE permitted to land at Asheville Regional Airport so long as they have prior clearance from FEMA.\n\nFEMA is not turning away any pilot that has gone through the proper channels to coordinate delivery and ensure the safety of his fellow aircraft and personnel.\n\nFederal Nutrition Programs\n\nThe U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service has approved flexibilities due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene.\n\nSNAP\n\nNorth Carolina was granted a waiver for the 10-day reporting requirement for the replacement of food purchased with SNAP benefits lost because of the hurricane.\n\nThis waiver provides additional time beyond the standard 10-day time frame for households to report food losses and receive replacement benefits for food that was destroyed and previously purchased with SNAP benefits.\n\nChild Nutrition\n\nThe North Carolina Department of Public Instruction was approved for a waiver pertaining to the child nutrition programs.\n\nUnder the waiver approval, NCDPI\u2019s local program operators may:\n\nServe meals in a non-congregate setting\n\nAdjust the time of meal service\n\nAllow parent pick-up\n\nAllow service of meals at school sites\n\nFood and Nutrition Services Program\n\nPeople and families in North Carolina who are enrolled in the Food and Nutrition Services program can now use their EBT card to purchase hot food.\n\nThis flexibility will remain in effect until November 3.\n\nSpecial Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, & Children (WIC)\n\nFamilies participating in WIC who may have relocated to a new area can go to any NC WIC agency to:\n\nHave a new eWIC card issued\n\nRequest replacement breastfeeding supplies or breast pumps\n\nRequest replacement food that was purchased with current WIC benefits and lost due to Hurricane Helene\n\nFor NC-11 Medical Providers\n\nIf you own a medical practice in NC-11 and are experiencing financial hardship due to Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina Medical Society is reactivating its Financial Recovery Program (FRP) to help you recover and open your doors again.\n\nFor more information on the disaster relief fund, you can visit this link.\n\nDetails on how medical practices can qualify and apply for funds will be coming soon.\n\nThe Department of Health and Human Services through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has made available:\n\nAccelerated payments to Medicare Part A providers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nAdvance payments to Medicare Part B suppliers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nFor Local Government Resource Requests\n\nFor county leaders: This is a reminder to make sure your Emergency Operation Center has submitted the request for gasoline, food, water, cell service deployables, etc. with North Carolina Emergency Management to have your request processed and resources delivered.\n\nMy office stands ready to assist with checking the status of your request if the county or municipality has not heard back from NC Emergency Management within 24 hours.\n\nDisaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)\n\nThe deadline to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits is Dec. 2, 2024 for all counties other than Swain County.\n\nSwain County\u2019s deadline is Dec. 9, 2024.\n\nThis is because Swain County was added to the list of eligible DUA counties one week after all other counties were designated as eligible.\n\nDisaster Unemployment Assistance benefits are now available for Western North Carolinians in counties with a major disaster declaration, including:\n\nBuncombe\n\nClay\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nJackson\n\nMacon\n\nMadison\n\nMcDowell\n\nPolk\n\nRutherford\n\nSwain\n\nTransylvania\n\nYancey\n\nIf your employment has been lost or interrupted because of Hurricane Helene, you may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance.\n\nFile an application for DUA:\n\nFile at des.nc.gov, or\n\nCall over the phone at (919) 629-3857\n\nA toll-free legal aid hotline is now available for low-income survivors with disaster-related legal questions: (866) 219-5262.\n\nFor Individual Assistance through FEMA\n\nThe deadline to file for FEMA Individual Assistance is Nov. 27, 2024. Please mark your calendars and ensure all applications are submitted on time.\n\nNorth Carolina received a Major Disaster Declaration for the following counties: Buncombe, Clay, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania and Yancey counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.\n\nPeople with damage to their homes or personal property who live in one of the above-listed counties should apply for Individual Assistance through FEMA, which may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies.\n\nFunds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay.\n\nIndividual Assistance provides financial aid and services to eligible individuals and households that have been affected by a disaster to assist with the recovery process. Individuals can officially begin applying for Individual Assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling the application phone number at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. EST.\n\nTo date, FEMA has paid out more than $96 million in housing and other types of assistance for more than 75,000 Western North Carolina households.\n\nFEMA is also directly paying hotels for emergency sheltering for more than 1,800 households through FEMA\u2019s Transitional Sheltering Assistance.\n\nFind steps to help you replace important documents that were lost or damaged in the storm: www.fema.gov/disaster/4827/news-media\n\nIf you were initially denied for Individual Assistance, please see below for useful tips to help you file an appeal with FEMA:\n\nUnderstand why FEMA denied your claim before writing the appeal.\n\nIt could be as simple as a missing document, which you can submit with your appeal.\n\nRead FEMA\u2019s letter from beginning to end to completely understand what the agency needs from you.\n\nMake sure you provide evidence for your appeal. Depending on your situation, documentation may include:\n\nA copy of your flood insurance declaration page.\n\nProof of occupancy, which could be an employer statement, lease, utility bill, credit card statement, or other recent, formal document that states your address.\n\nProof of ownership, which might include your mortgage or insurance documents, tax receipts, deed, etc.\n\nCan\u2019t write the appeal yourself?\n\nI recommend having a trusted friend, family member, or lawyer write it for you.\n\nKnow your deadline.\n\nYou have 60 days from the date of your FEMA determination letter to appeal.\n\nCircle the deadline on your calendar or write yourself a note to keep the date in the forefront.\n\nOnce FEMA reviews your letter, you may receive a phone call or a follow-up letter asking for more documentation.\n\nDon\u2019t forget to sign your appeal letter!\n\nOnce signed, there are three ways to submit your appeal:\n\nFax it to (800) 827-8112\n\nSend it by mail to: FEMA Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782\n\nUpload all appeal documents to your disasterassistance.gov account.\n\nInclude your application number on every page of the documents you submit.\n\nExpect a decision letter to your appeal within 90 days.\n\nTo Connect with a Loved One\n\nResidents trying to connect with family members may call NC 211 (or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from out-of-state) to report missing loved ones or request a welfare check.\n\nPeople in the impacted areas can indicate that they are safe by reporting themselves safe through Red Cross Reunification by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).\n\nPlease only use 911 for life-threatening emergencies so the lines remain open for critical situations.\n\nIf you are still trying to locate a friend or family member, please complete this form, linked here, to notify local officials of their missing status.\n\nThe form was created by Buncombe County but information is being shared amongst all counties.\n\nRegardless of which county your loved one was last known to be in, you can still submit the form.\n\nBuncombe County will share the information with the appropriate officials to initiate search and rescue efforts.\n\nUnited Way is also fielding missing person/welfare check requests.\n\nText PERSON to 40403 to add a loved one to search and rescue efforts or fill out this form.\n\nResources for Utility & Other Status Updates\n\nFor information on the status of utilities, debris sites, etc., we want to share the following resources. As communications are restored and more information becomes available, these sites will continue to be updated.\n\nDrinking Water Systems: Public Water Supply Situation Report Tracking\n\nDebris Disposal Sites: Active Temporary Debris Disposal Sites\n\nNCDEQ Situation Report Tracking System\n\nNCDPS Hurricane Helene - Storm Information\n\nNCDPS County Emergency Management Agencies\n\nHow to Apply for FEMA Assistance After Hurricane Helene\n\nFree Legal Assistance\n\nLegal Aid of North Carolina stands ready to provide free advice and legal counsel regarding natural disaster needs, including legal representation if necessary, including for civil legal issues involving:\n\nFiling FEMA claims and appeals (a process which can be overwhelmingly bureaucratic and burdensome)\n\nReplacement of lost or destroyed legal and government documents, including driver\u2019s licenses and identification cards\n\nMedical and insurance claims\n\nHome repair contracts\n\nUtility disputes related to restoration of services\n\nConsumer protection issues like construction fraud, price-gouging on repairs and identity theft\n\nHousing issues such as unlawful eviction and foreclosures\n\nBankruptcy\n\nProbate and clearing title for survivors living in generational homes without a clear title\n\nFamily law cases and children in need of services (unfortunately, domestic violence tends to rise following a natural disaster)\n\nIf you need civil legal assistance, please contact Legal Aid of North Carolina via the following toll-free hotline:\n\n(866) 219-LANC or (866) 219-5262\n\nThe hotline is available from:\n\n8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; and 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Monday and Thursdays.\n\nConstituents can also apply online at legalaidnc.org/get-help/ between 1:00-4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday.\n\nIRS Guidance for Taxpayers Impacted by Hurricane Helene\n\nExtension of certain tax filing deadlines:\n\nIRS has extended various filing deadlines for taxpayers in impacted areas, including 2024 individual/business returns, certain quarterly estimated income tax payments, and certain payroll/excise taxes.\n\nClick here for the full list of extensions and respective dates\n\nClick here for more information from the IRS on disaster assistance\n\nTax relief for qualified payments, disaster-related losses:\n\nIRS released provided guidance to taxpayers on how to address disaster-related losses in their 2024 tax return, as well as providing guidance on how qualified disaster relief payments - like government assistance payments - are generally excluded from gross income.\n\nClick here for a general walkthrough of these policies (under header \u201cAdditional tax relief\u201d)\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of disaster-related losses\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of qualified disaster relief payments\n\nDisaster payments are usually tax-free:\n\nQualified disaster relief payments are generally excluded from gross income.\n\nIn general, this means that affected taxpayers can exclude the following payments from a government agency from their gross income. Amounts received for:\n\nReasonable and necessary personal, family, living or funeral expenses.\n\nThe repair or rehabilitation of your home.\n\nThe repair or replacement of your home\u2019s contents.\n\nYou may be eligible for a disaster loss deduction:\n\nIn some instances, individuals and businesses in a federally declared disaster area can qualify for a casualty loss tax deduction.\n\nThe deduction is available for damaged or destroyed property not covered by insurance or other reimbursement and can result in a larger refund.\n\nTaxpayers can choose to claim the deduction on either the return for the year the loss occurred (in this instance, the 2024 return normally filed next year), or the return for the prior year (the 2023 return filed this year).\n\nFor individual taxpayers, the deadline for making this election is Oct. 15, 2025.\n\nThe IRS also has a special hotline specifically dedicated to taxpayers with disaster-related tax questions. Disaster victims can call the agency\u2019s disaster hotline at (866) 562-5227.\n\nShelters\n\nFor those unable to evacuate to a safe location or in need of a place to go, the following shelters are currently open and available as of today:\n\nBuncombe County\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nGold\u2019s Gym\n\n801 Fairview Rd, Asheville, NC 28803\n\nWNC Agricultural Center\n\n1301 Fanning Bridge Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nHaywood County\n\nHaywood County Government Armory\n\n285 Armory Dr., Clyde, NC 28781\n\nHenderson County\n\nHenderson County Recreation Center\n\n708 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMcDowell County Senior Center\n\n100 Spaulding Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nRutherford County\n\nRutherfordton Presbyterian Church\n\n252 N. Washington St., Rutherfordton, NC 28139\n\nTransylvania County\n\nTransylvania Parks & Rec\n\n1078 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nYancey County\n\nBlue Ridge Elementary\n\n910 Cane River School Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nCarolina Cruiser mobile office hours\n\nIn keeping with my office's motto of being \"First in Constituent Services\" and to help constituents post-Hurricane Helene, my office has resumed Carolina Cruiser mobile office hours.\n\nFolks can stop by to share their thoughts on issues that matter to them or ask for assistance with federal agencies.\n\nVisit my website for updated Carolina Cruiser hours and locations, linked here.\n\nWith my warmest regards,\n\nChuck Edwards\n\nMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/hurricane-helene-recovery-update-17-congressman-edwards", "Hurricane Helene recovery update #17 from Congressman Edwards", "2024-10-14", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Chuck Edwards", "E000246", "edwards.house.gov", "edwards", "https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "October 14, 2024\n\nDear Friend,\n\nI hear you. North Carolina hears you. The U.S. House of Representatives hear you. We understand that FEMA's response has not been what you expected it to be, but as I stated in my Friday update, we must stop focusing on expectations that were formed by response to other disasters in other communities under other circumstances.\n\nWestern North Carolina is charting our own path for recovery. The mountains are not like the coast of North Carolina, Florida, or Louisiana. We\u2019re not like central North Carolina, and the level of devastation left in the wake of Hurricane Helene does not even mirror the damage of other storms in the Appalachia region. The hills and valleys of our mountains make recovery tenfold times more difficult and unique than recovery in any community hit by a similar category storm. We must be patient.\n\nIn update number 12 and another communication sent last week, I addressed the conspiracy theories circulating in Western North Carolina about FEMA. I warned of the harm caused by those theories and want to take today to reiterate that Western North Carolina does not have the time or resources to spend falsifying information or making threats toward FEMA. This unhelpful, unnecessary use of time is only hurting our neighbors, friends, and family. It must stop.\n\nI have and will continue to express my gratitude for the folks working to unite Western North Carolina after the tragic devastation of Helene. That is what every single one of us should be doing right now. So once again, thank you to the people on the ground spending every day trying to rebuild Western North Carolina. But to the folks spreading misinformation and getting in the way of that recovery, cut it out.\n\nThis update includes where to find Carolina Cruiser hours, information on updated water distribution sites and a correction to the water testing process for Buncombe County, a new Yancey County centralized distribution location, and the addition of a Polk County Disaster Survivor Assistance site.\n\nToday is update number 17, with more information to come in the following days. Please make sure to read everything and share it with your friends and family.\n\nIndex\n\nClick the title to be taken to the correlating information in the update.\n\nFEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Sites\n\nLegislative Support\n\nFood and Water\n\nBuncombe County\n\nHaywood County\n\nHenderson County\n\nJackson County\n\nMadison County\n\nMcDowell County\n\nPolk County\n\nRutherford County\n\nTransylvania County\n\nYancey County\n\nTrash Services and Debris Removal\n\nBuncombe\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nMadison\n\nPolk\n\nTransylvania\n\nYancey\n\nVoter Information\n\nUnited States Postal Service/Mail Services\n\nPharmacy Access\n\nOpen Urgent Cares/ Health Care Services\n\nDialysis Locations\n\nOxygen Locations\n\nResources for Veterans\n\nResources for Farmers\n\nPower\n\nRoads\n\nInternet Access\n\nCell Service\n\nNorth Carolina National Guard & Department of Defense\n\nAsheville Regional Airport\n\nFederal Nutrition Programs\n\nFor NC-11 Medical Providers\n\nFor Local Government Resource Requests\n\nFor Individual Assistance through FEMA\n\nTo Connect with a Loved One\n\nResources for Utility & Other Status Updates\n\nFree Legal Assistance\n\nIRS Guidance for Taxpayers Impacted by Hurricane Helene\n\nShelters\n\nBuncombe County\n\nHaywood County\n\nHenderson County\n\nMadison County\n\nMcDowell County\n\nRutherford County\n\nTransylvania County\n\nYancey County\n\nCarolina Cruiser Mobile Office Hours\n\nFEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Sites\n\nThe following FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers are open seven days a week to assist North Carolina survivors who have experienced losses from Hurricane Helene.\n\nA.C. Reynolds High School\n\n1 Rocket Dr., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nA Comfort Care Center will also be available at this location where survivors can shower, do laundry and use other services.\n\nThe Asheville Social Security office remains closed due to a lack of power and water.\n\nThe Social Security Administration is maintaining staff at the Buncombe County Disaster Recovery Center until the Asheville office reopens.\n\nJackson County Annex Building\n\n198 WBI Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nMcDowell County Senior Center\n\n100 Spaulding Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nA Disaster Recovery Center is a one-stop shop where survivors can meet face-to-face with FEMA representatives, apply for FEMA assistance, receive referrals to local assistance in their area, apply with the U.S. Small Business Administration for disaster loans, etc.\n\nAdditional recovery centers will be opening soon, and I will keep you posted as I learn about them.\n\nDisaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams are also stationed across NC-11 to help survivors apply for FEMA assistance and connect them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources.\n\nIn addition to designated locations, DSA teams are going door to door to provide assistance, but please note, FEMA staff will carry an official photo ID and will never ask for bank information. They will also never ask for money and never require payment in any form. FEMA is going door to door in the following counties:\n\nBuncombe County\n\nHaywood County\n\nHenderson County\n\nMacon County\n\nMadison County\n\nPolk County\n\nSwain County\n\nYancey County\n\nAs new stationary locations are established, I will keep you posted.\n\nThe following locations are open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., unless otherwise noted:\n\nBuncombe County\n\nIngles Market\n\n550 Hwy. 9, Black Mountain, NC 28803\n\nWalmart\n\n60 Airport Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nRiceville Community Church\n\n2342 Riceville Rd., Asheville, NC 28805\n\nTitle 10 Mission - Asheville\n\n503 Park St., Swannanoa, NC28778\n\nMontford North Star Academy\n\n90 Montford Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nAC Reynolds High School\n\n1 Rocket Dr., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nBeech Community Center\n\n15 State Rd. 2117, Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nJackson County\n\nJackson County EOC\n\n401 Grindstaff Cove Rd., Ste. A-145, Sylva, NC 28779\n\nMcDowell County\n\nCorpening Memorial YMCA\n\n348 Grace Corpening Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nMcDowell County EOC\n\n129 Barnes Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nMcDowell County Senior Center\n\n100 Spaulding Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nPolk County\n\nColumbus Library\n\n1289 W. Mills St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.\n\nRutherford County\n\nIngles Market\n\n276 N. 9 Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nYancey County\n\nYancey County Public Library\n\n321 School Cir., Burnsville, NC 28174\n\nLegislative Support\n\nThe U.S. House of Representatives is gearing up to pass a disaster relief package when we return to session in November.\n\nI have begun conversations with leadership about how to best meet Western North Carolina\u2019s needs in any supplemental relief package passed by Congress in the coming months.\n\nThe North Carolina General Assembly unanimously passed the Disaster Recovery Act of 2024 on Oct. 9, 2024.\n\nThis bill creates a new Hurricane Helene fund with $273 million from the state\u2019s Savings Reserve Fund.\n\n$250 million will go to the Department of Public Safety's Division of Emergency Management to provide the state\u2019s match to federal disaster relief funds.\n\nAnother portion of the funds will be used to establish a revolving loan program to help local government and state agencies with cash flow while they are waiting for reimbursement from the federal government.\n\n$16 million will go to the Department of Public Instruction for \u201clost compensation of school nutrition employees due to school closures resulting from Hurricane Helene\u201d\n\n$2 million to provide local governments technical assistance with local recovery funds.\n\n$5 million to the State Board of Elections, alongside a variety of temporary election law changes such as changing polling sites that were rendered unusable by the storm and establishing a voter hotline, to make it easier for residents of Western North Carolina to vote.\n\nThe bill also:\n\nGrants school calendar flexibility to public schools by allowing them to make up or mark as completed any number of the days or hours missed.\n\nIt also allows the schools to use up to 30 days of remote instruction toward required instructional days.\n\nWaives DMV fees for things like obtaining a duplicate driver\u2019s license, ID card, etc.\n\nWaives certain environmental requirements for state highway repairs.\n\nThis provision will not reduce the safety of repairs conducted by NCDOT or negatively impact the environment.\n\nFood and Water\n\nFree drinking water testing is available by request through the Buncombe County Public Health Department.\n\nJust contact the Buncombe County Public Health Department to request a test kit.\n\nThe department will provide you with an empty bottle along with instructions to collect a drinking water sample and where to drop it off for analysis.\n\nSupplying drinkable water remains a top priority for emergency crews.\n\n52 water systems are on a partial or system-wide boil advisory.\n\nOnly one treatment plant has reported having no power and 13 systems remain out of water.\n\nWater restoration trends continue to move in a positive direction.\n\nThere are 120 wastewater treatment plants operating under normal conditions in the affected areas across Western NC.\n\nAn additional 41 wastewater treatment plants are partially operational or operating on back-up power.\n\nThere are 70 potable water trucks and 13 non-potable water trucks supporting Western North Carolina, with a total of 161,000 gallons of water delivered.\n\nSeveral major water systems are currently not distributing water, including the City of Asheville, Black Mountain, Woodfin, Spruce Pine, and Burnsville.\n\nWork continues on each of these systems to restore functionality.\n\nNCDEQ has provided the following resources to help community members track progress on water supply restoration efforts:\n\nPublic Water Supply Situation Report Tracking - ArcGIS map with filters for system status, county, etc. linked here.\n\nDEQ Dashboard - links to additional maps, including mobile view of water system status, and environmental guidance linked here.\n\nNorth Carolina Emergency Management has delivered over 6,000 pallets of water and nearly 8,000 pallets of meals to date.\n\nThe Federal Emergency Management Agency has promised 120 truckloads a day of food and water with no specified end date.\n\nFEMA has shipped 14 million liters of water and more than 17 million meals utilizing the $20 billion in funds that I helped to draft and pass for disaster relief just two days before Hurricane Helene hit.\n\nOf the shipped food and water, more than 10 million liters of water and more than 7.8 million individual meals have already been delivered to Western NC communities.\n\nHome Depot will be passing out free disaster relief kits every day starting at 9:00 a.m., while supplies last, at the following locations:\n\nHome Depot Asheville\n\n795 Fairview Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nHome Depot West Asheville\n\n127 Acton Cir., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nHome Depot Hendersonville\n\n401 Linda Vista Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nWalmart is hosting activities at the following locations:\n\nHendersonville, NC Store 1242\n\n250 Highlands Square Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nPortable restrooms\n\nServing hot meals at 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily\n\nArden, NC Store 1179\n\n60 Airport Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nPortable restrooms\n\nLaundry\n\nShowers\n\nWi-fi hotspot and charging stations\n\nBuncombe County\n\nBuncombe County has water distribution at multiple sites. Each will be available daily from 12:00-4:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Please bring your own container.\n\nAC Reynolds High School\n\n1 Rocket Dr., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nAsheville Middle School\n\n211 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nBuncombe County Sports Park Complex\n\n58 Apac Dr., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nBlack Mountain Ingles\n\n550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nFairview Elementary School\n\n1355 Charlotte Hwy., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nSwannanoa Ingles\n\n2299 U.S. 70, Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nLeicester Elementary School\n\n31 Gilbert Rd., Leicester, NC 28748\n\nLinwood Crump Shiloh Community Center\n\n121 Shiloh Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nLucy Herring Elementary School\n\n98 Sulphur Springs Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nNorth Windy Ridge Intermediate School\n\n20 Doan Rd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nPack Square Park\n\n80 Court Plz., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nOakley Elementary\n\n753 Fairview Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\n9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nWilliam W. Estes Elementary School\n\n275 Overlook Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nThe following feeding sites are available in Buncombe County, where citizens can access food, water and other basic necessities:\n\nBiltmore Baptist Church\n\n35 Clayton Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nDistribution and bulk pickup for volunteers looking to take bulk loads of supplies to in-need community members\n\nSaturday hours: 10:00 a.m. \u2013 1:00 p.m.\n\nCommunity drive-thru for anyone in the community needing supplies\n\nSaturday hours: 3:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church \u2013 Weaverville\n\n63 N. Main St., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nHot showers available from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nUnlimited clean drinking water is available, bring your own container.\n\nSupplies and bottled water.\n\nHot lunch served at 1:30 p.m.\n\nFellowship Asheville\n\n756 Fairview Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-4:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nWest Asheville Baptist Church\n\n926 Haywood Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-4:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday\n\nHot meals are available at the following locations:\n\nWorld Central Kitchen in Bear\u2019s Smokehouse BBQ\n\n135 Coxe Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nServes 25,000 hot meals a day.\n\nDaily hours: 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.\n\nShiloh Community Center\n\n121 Shiloh Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nGrovemont Park\n\n251 Stonewall Ave., Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nManna Food Bank - Farmer\u2019s Market\n\n570 Brevard Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nWesley Grant Community Center\n\n285 Livingston St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nWest Asheville Ingles\n\n669 Haywood Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 3:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nBlack Mountain Ingles\n\n550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nDaily Hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nNesbitt Chapel\n\n12 Nesbitt Chapel Rd., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nDaily hours: 3:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nGroce United Methodist Church \u2013 also distributing essential supplies\n\n954 Tunnel Rd., Asheville, NC 28805\n\nDaily hours: 1:00-4:00 p.m.\n\nA Community Care Station is available at the following location:\n\n2319 Hwy. 70, Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nHot meals served daily: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCommunity Care Stations offer showers, laundry, bathrooms, access to cell towers, wi-fi, potable and non-potable water, and counseling.\n\nHaywood County\n\nThe following locations are providing community members with essential resources such as but not limited to, food, water, cleaning products, baby formula, and pet food, Monday through Fridays:\n\nFines Creek Community Center\n\n190 Fines Creek Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nOpen every day until 6:00 p.m.\n\nPigeon Community Center\n\n450 Pigeon St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nAlso offering hot meals every day at 2:00 p.m.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCruso Community Center\n\n13186 Cruso Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.\n\nFirst United Methodist Church\n\n566 S. Haywood St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nIncludes shower access.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.\n\nMaggie Valley Pavilion\n\n3935 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nDaily Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.\n\nWoodland Baptist Church\n\n545 Crabtree Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nBethel Elementary School\n\n4700 Old River Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nJonathan Valley Elementary School\n\n410 Hall Dr., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nMonday through Friday\n\nSt. Barnabas Catholic Church\n\n109 Crescent Hill Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nDaily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.\n\nReynolds Baptist Church - Family Life Center\n\n520 Rose Hill Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.\n\nThis location also has potable water available to residents who bring their own vessels to fill.\n\nMountain Projects\n\n2177 Asheville Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nHeart to Heart International - in Haywood Department of Health Parking Lot\n\n157 Paragon Pkwy., Ste. 800, Clyde, NC 28721\n\nThe following location offers hot meals daily:\n\nMaggie Valley Fire Department\n\n2901 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nJukebox Junction\n\n3606 Pigeon Rd., Canton, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nThe following location offers showers daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.:\n\nCalvary Baptist Church\n\n2701 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nThe following location is offering supplies for horses and livestock:\n\nWNC Regional Livestock Center\n\n474 Stock Dr., Canton, NC 28716\n\nHenderson County\n\nHenderson County has stood up Resource Hub locations for water distribution and other supplies as they become available.\n\nDistribution will be taking place daily from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. at the following locations:\n\nEtowah Elementary: 320 Etowah School Rd., Etowah, NC 28729\n\nMills River Town Hall: 124 Town Center Dr., Mills River, NC 28759\n\nEach family unit will be provided supplies for one day\u2019s meal and water as available.\n\nIndividuals are asked to enter the drive-through and remain in your car unless otherwise instructed by volunteers to ensure an efficient process.\n\nJackson County\n\nIn partnership with the Red Cross, the following is available for citizens of Jackson County:\n\nThe Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau are providing shelf-stable meals at the following location:\n\n558 Frank Allen Rd., Cashiers, NC 28717\n\nThe Canada Fire Department is distributing emergency supplies at the following location:\n\n149 Charleys Creek Rd., Tuckasegee, NC 28783\n\nThe following locations are providing resources to displaced families and individuals in need:\n\nMountain Projects\n\n154-B Medical Park Loop, Sylva, NC 28779\n\nUnited Christian Ministries\n\n191 Skyland Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nSt. Mary\u2019s Roman Catholic Church of Sylva\n\n22 Bartlett St., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.\n\nCornbread and Roses\n\n1294 Savannah Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours:\n\nWednesday, 6:00-8:00 p.m.\n\nThursday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nSunday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nMadison County\n\nThe following locations are offering food, water, and some supply distribution in Madison County:\n\nBeech Glen Community Center\n\n2936 Beech Glen Rd., Mars Hill, 28754\n\nDaily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.\n\nCenter Community Center\n\n1300 Grapevine Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nEbbs Chapel Community Center\n\n281 Laurel Valley Rd., Mars Hill, NC 28754\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nEnon Baptist Church\n\n174 Ammons Branch Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nOpen Sunday 12:00-4:00 p.m.\n\nFreedom Christian Church\n\n7350 US 25/70 Bypass, Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThis location offers additional resources such as hygiene products, blankets, clothes, cleaning supplies, diapers, pet food, etc.\n\nLaurel Community Center - also has supplies\n\n4100 NC 212 Hwy., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily Hours: 8:00 a.m. \u2013 8:00 p.m.\n\nRevere-Rice Community Center\n\n3980 Revere Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (Mon-Sat)\n\nSpring Creek Community Center\n\n13075 NC 209 Hwy., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThis location also has additional resources such as pet food, livestock feed and hay.\n\nWalnut Community Center - also has supplies\n\n46 School Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.\n\nN.C. Cooperative Extension - Madison County Center\n\n258 Carolina Ln., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nThis location is offering drive-thru food distribution only.\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMcDowell County has established multiple points of distribution that are open daily from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 4:00-6:00 p.m., depending on supply levels.\n\nDistribution takes place daily at the following locations:\n\nFormer TJ\u2019s Discounts - North Cove\n\n8153 US 221 N., Marion, NC 28752\n\nOld Fort Town Hall\n\n38 Catawba Ave., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nNew Manna Baptist Church\n\n225 E. Court St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nSolid Rock Free Will Baptist Church - Dysartsville\n\n7860 NC 226 S., Nebo, NC 28761\n\nZion Hill Baptist Church\n\n1036 Zion Hill Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nHot meals are also being provided at the following location:\n\nGrace Community Church\n\n5182 US 70 W., Marion, NC 28752\n\nLunch is served every day from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.\n\nDinner is available from 4:00-5:30 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church of Marion is offering hot showers, air conditioning, and areas to charge devices.\n\nCurrent hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 2:00-5:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday.\n\nPolk County\n\nThe following locations are offering food and water distribution for residents in need from 1:00-5:00 p.m.:\n\nMill Spring/Green Creek Community\n\n25 International Blvd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nColumbus Community\n\n95 Walker St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nSaluda Community Bus Parking Lot\n\n214 E. Main St., Saluda, NC 28773\n\nTryon Community\n\n301 N. Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782\n\nSunny View\n\n86 Sunny View School Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nThe following locations are serving hot meals daily:\n\nTryon Equestrian Center\n\n4066 Pea Ridge Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nRoseland Community Center\n\n56 Peake St., Tryon, NC 28782\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nRutherford County\n\nThe following locations are open from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. for citizens to get food and emergency supplies:\n\nThomas Jefferson High School\n\n2527 US-221A Hwy., Mooresboro, NC 28114\n\nFlorence Baptist Church\n\n201 S. Broadway St., Forest City, NC 28043\n\nRutherford County Health Department\n\n221 Callahan Koon Rd., Spindale, NC 28160\n\nGilkey Church of God\n\n255 Oak Springs Rd., Rutherfordton, NC 28139\n\nParks, Recreation, & Lake Office\n\n658 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nLake Lure Baptist Church\n\n6837 US-74 ALT, Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nIngles at Lake Lure - meals only\n\n276 NC-9, Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nOffers hot meals at 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. and 4:30-6:30 p.m.\n\nAlso offers showers, restrooms, a mobile health van, a tool trailer, a charging station (please bring your own charging cord), and wi-fi.\n\nFather\u2019s Vineyard - also has shower and charging stations\n\n724 Oakland Rd., Spindale, NC 28160\n\nSpencer Baptist Church - water distribution only\n\n187 N Oak St., Spindale, NC 28160\n\nUnited Way of Rutherford County - water distribution and charging stations only\n\n668 Withrow Rd., Forest City, NC 28043\n\nTransylvania County\n\nThe following locations are providing hot meals to county residents:\n\nCedar Mountain Community Center\n\n10635 Greenville Hwy., Cedar Mountain, NC 28718\n\nBreakfast hours: 9:00-11:00 a.m.\n\nLunch hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nDinner hours: 4:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nBalsam Grove Community Center - daily until power is fully restored\n\n8732 Parkway Rd., Balsam Grove, NC 28708\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nBottled water is available daily at local fire departments and 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Anchor Baptist Church located at:\n\n3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nWater filling stations can be found at the following locations:\n\nCity Sports Complex\n\n824 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.\n\nCedar Mountain Outpost\n\n8431 Greenville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nTerritory Brevard\n\n43 S. Broad St, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nDD Bullwinkles\n\n60 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nFirst United Methodist Church\n\n325 N. Broad St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nPisgah Forest Baptist Church\n\n494 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nFood, water, and other supplies such as hygiene products are being distributed at the following locations:\n\nAnchor Baptist Church\n\n3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nYancey County\n\nYancey County has transitioned to one centralized distribution site for water, food and ice located at the following address:\n\nFormer Fred\u2019s Store\n\n677 W. U.S. Highway 19E, Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nMobile laundry facilities are available in the GO Grocery parking lot located at the following address:\n\n631 W Hwy. 19E Bypass, Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nTrash Services and Debris Removal\n\nRecycling services are available through Curbside Management for the following counties:\n\nBuncombe\n\nClay\n\nGraham\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nJackson\n\nMacon\n\nMadison\n\nPolk\n\nRutherford\n\nYancey\n\nSome communities have halted recycling services to prioritize trash collection.\n\nIf that is the case for your community, Curbside Management has a drop-off site available for residents who wish to bring their recycling to the following location:\n\n116 N. Woodfin Ave., Asheville, NC 28804\n\nIf your home has damage and you need assistance with clean up, please call Crisis Cleanup for access to volunteer organizations that can assist you at 844-965-1386.\n\nIf Hurricane Helene caused damage to your home or belongings, make sure to document it.\n\nThis is critically important in getting reimbursed.\n\nTake photos before you begin cleaning up.\n\nMake a list of damaged or lost items and gather receipts.\n\nDoing this helps speed up the process with insurance and other assistance programs, and ensures you get properly compensated.\n\nBefore you start the clean-up process, remember:\n\nWear PPE such as long pants, goggles, gloves and sturdy shoes.\n\nStay off damaged structures.\n\nBe aware that snakes or other hazardous animals could be present.\n\nCall your local fire department to inspect or removal chemicals, propane tanks, and other hazardous materials.\n\nIf you suspect debris contains toxic substances, seal them in plastic bags to prevent them from becoming airborne.\n\nTo reduce the risk of accidental fires, please DO NOT burn your storm debris.\n\nEmergency personnel are continuing to work on other storm recovery and response efforts, limiting resources to respond to accidental fires.\n\nPlease discard storm debris at a local transfer site or via curbside debris pickup.\n\nDebris should be placed curbside and not block the roadway or access to the property.\n\nPlease place debris away from trees, poles or other structures (e.g., fire hydrants, meters, etc.) to make removal work easier.\n\nContact your local municipality for curbside storm debris removal collection schedules or see below for additional information on debris waste removal by county.\n\nAdditionally, the following counties have resources for where to take household trash and debris waste.\n\nBuncombe\n\nCurbside collection will begin Monday for City of Asheville sanitation customers.\n\nThe following materials cannot be collected at this time: Mud, construction debris, concrete and other bulky or hazardous items.\n\nDebris collection is estimated to start in mid-October.\n\nThe Town of Black Mountain Public Works Department has secured four 15-yard dumpsters located in two sites for Black Mountain residents to throw away household trash ONLY:\n\nTractor Supply: 125 Old US Hwy. 70 E., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nIngles: 550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nPlease Note: Yard waste, bulk items, separate recycling and debris collection are not available at this time.\n\nWaste Pro collection service has resumed for regular Monday route customers.\n\nHaywood\n\nHousehold waste will be accepted at the Materials Recovery Facility at 247 Recycle Rd., Clyde and at Convenience Centers at Jonathan Creek, Beaverdam, Bethel, Hazelwood, Mauney Cove, Jones Cove and Highway 110.\n\nWhite Oak Landfill has reopened.\n\nHenderson\n\nHenderson County Transfer Station is open and accepting storm debris with normal fees.\n\nHenderson County has begun curbside storm debris removal to county residents as a free service.\n\nThe county will pick up storm debris for free if it is pushed to the right of way of a property.\n\nStorm debris includes tree branches, leaves, logs, building materials, furniture, paint etc.\n\nPlease be patient.\n\nThe county will pick up storm debris for free as quickly as possible.\n\nMadison\n\nThe Hot Springs collection center is operating on normal hours for household trash ONLY:\n\nMonday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nWednesday: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.\n\nFriday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nSaturday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nHot Springs trash pickup is returning to Mondays like usual.\n\nPlease only use this pickup service if you cannot bring it to the collection center yourself.\n\nThe pickup service is being led by volunteers at this time.\n\nPolk\n\nThe Polk County landfill is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\n322 Landfill Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nDrop-off of residential trash is $10.\n\nGFL trash services will continue the regular schedule. However, certain areas may be inaccessible due to ongoing power outages from Hurricane Helene.\n\nTwo dumpsters are located on Gibson Street for immediate trash disposal due to road inaccessibility.\n\nTransylvania\n\nThe City of Brevard has resumed regular trash pickup.\n\nYancey\n\nThe Riverside and East Yancey Recycling Centers have resumed operations.\n\nDaily hours: 7:00 a.m. \u2013 4:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday\n\nVoter Information\n\nThe North Carolina State Board of Elections has provided pertinent information and recommendations for voters in the Helene disaster area during the 2024 general election.\n\nTo review information on voting in the 2024 general election after Hurricane Helene, you can follow this link.\n\nThe site provides information on absentee voting, how to change your polling location if you have a new permanent address, county board of elections, office closures and more.\n\nFor any additional questions on voting post-hurricane, please contact your county Board of Elections.\n\nPlease note: Your county Board of Elections is the best place to get any questions answered.\n\nI have been permitted to share the above, nonpartisan information but am prohibited from answering any questions related to the 2024 general election.\n\nUnited States Postal Service/Mail Services\n\nUSPS anticipates continued improvement of mail delivery operations with local recovery efforts, to include power, connectivity, and roads.\n\nSocial Security checks are being routed to all units for delivery and/or are available for customer pick up.\n\nFor impacted residents who have relocated due to the storm, please be sure to complete a change of address request at moversguide.usps.com.\n\nThere are some facilities unable to provide full retail and mail delivery due to road closures and current conditions.\n\nNo drop shipments will be accepted at any of the locations listed below.\n\nThe following sites are closed with no retail, but delivery is being attempted where it is safe to do so:\n\nNewland - 28657\n\nCedar Mountain - 28718\n\nThe following sites are closed with alternative facilities listed:\n\nAlexander - 28701\n\nAlternative location: Mobile Retail Unit\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.; closed 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. for lunch\n\nOpen Saturdays: 8:00-10:00 a.m.\n\nBat Cave - 28710\n\nAlternative location: 3979 Chimney Rock Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; closed 12:00-1:00 p.m. for lunch\n\nBarnardsville - 28709\n\nAlternate location: Mobile Retail Unit\n\nDaily hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; closed from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. for lunch.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 8:30-10:30 a.m.\n\nChimney Rock - 28720\n\nAlternate location: 2432 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. \u2013 4:00 p.m., closed 12:00-1:00 p.m.\n\nEdneyville - 28727\n\nAlternate location: Mobile Retail Unit\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; closed 12:00-1:00 p.m. for lunch\n\nGerton \u2013 28735\n\nAlternate location: 1352 Charlotte Hwy., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nDaily Hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nGreen Mountain - 28740\n\nAlternate location: 670 W. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nHot Springs - 28743\n\nAlternate location: Mobile Retail Unit\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; closed 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. for lunch.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00-10:30 a.m.\n\nMarshall - 28753\n\nAlternate location: Mobile Retail Unit\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; closed 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. for lunch.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nMicaville - 28755\n\nAlternate location: 670 W. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nMontreat - 28757\n\nAlternate location: 2 Tucker Rd., Ridgecrest, NC 28770\n\nDaily hours M-F: 12:30-4:30 p.m.\n\nPenland - 28765\n\nAlternative location: 899 Oak Ave., Spruce Pine, NC 28777\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nRosman - 28778\n\nAlternate location: Mobile Retail Unit\n\nDaily hours M-F: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; closed 12:30-1:30 p.m. for lunch.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 10:00-11:00 a.m.\n\nSwannanoa - 28765\n\nAlternate location: Mobile Retail Unit\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nAll remaining locations are attempting delivery where it is safe to do so.\n\nPharmacy Access\n\nPharmacy Locator\n\nHundreds of pharmacies never closed or have reopened across Western North Carolina.\n\nUse this link to locate pharmacy locations open to the public by county.\n\nThe Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response under the Department of Health and Human Services has activated the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) for North Carolinians.\n\nThe EPAP program helps uninsured residents replace prescription medication or certain medical equipment lost or damaged during Hurricane Helene.\n\nThrough the program, uninsured residents can:\n\nRequest a free 30-day supply of certain prescription medications at any EPAP-participating pharmacy which can be renewed every 30 days while the EPAP is active.\n\nReplace certain medical equipment and supplies such as canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, blood sugar meters and blood sugar test strips for diabetics.\n\nUninsured North Carolina residents affected by the recent hurricane can call the EPAP hotline, 855-793-7470, or visit the EPAP website to check their eligibility, determine if their medications or medical equipment are covered, or locate a participating pharmacy.\n\nPrescription Pad is open from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and filling prescriptions for Yancey County residents at the following location:\n\n730 E. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nOpen Urgent Cares/ Health Care Services\n\nThere is a field hospital with physicians, nurses and paramedics who can treat patients at the Burnsville Fire Department. The address is as follows:\n\n305 Pineola St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nThe following urgent cares are open and accessible for community members with non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries:\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Weaverville\n\n61 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nMercy Urgent Care West Asheville\n\n1201 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nMercy Urgent Care Waynesville\n\n120 Frazier St., Ste. 6, Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nLocations open between 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Brevard\n\n22 Trust Ln., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Columbus\n\n140 West Mills St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nLocations open between 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.:\n\nMobile Urgent Care Clinic\n\n12 Florida Ave., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nMental Health & Basic Medical Support Center\n\n130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nPardee Urgent Care\n\n45 Hendersonville Hwy., Ste. A, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nFree mental health services - All available for drop-in\n\nCare Collaborative for Western North Carolina Clinicians is a partnership among more than 200 mental health professionals volunteering to provide free mental health services for Hurricane Helene survivors.\n\nServices are provided virtually, and you can follow this link to find a professional that fits your needs and their contact information to schedule a session.\n\nHot Springs Elementary School - Art Room\n\n63 N. Serpentine Ave., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nThe Pearl Institute\n\n55 Academy St., Waynesville, NC\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-6:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nFree telehealth appointments are also available.\n\nTo book a telehealth appointment, you can email info@pearlpsychedelicinstitute.org or call/text (828) 400-7091\n\nCommunity Support Group\n\n221 Mills Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nMary C. Jenkins Community & Cultural Center\n\nHosted by the City of Brevard, AARP, and Blue Ridge Community College\n\n9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on October 14, 28, and November 18.\n\nAll University of North Carolina System students have access to free mental health through their university.\n\nPlease monitor your student email for more information on how to access these services.\n\nThe following orthopedic urgent care locations are open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily, physical therapy appointments are also available at each of these locations:\n\nEmergeOrtho Hendersonville\n\n800 Fleming St., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nEmergeOrtho Arden (South Asheville)\n\n2585 Hendersonville Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nEmergeOrtho Waynesville\n\n9 Haywood Office Park, Ste. 102 and 103, Waynesville, NC 28785\n\nEmergeOrtho Brevard\n\n89 Hospital Dr., Ste. A, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nEmergeOrtho Weaverville\n\n159 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nDialysis Locations\n\nThe following location is open and available for dialysis treatments in NC-11:\n\nPardee Hospital\n\n800 N. Justice St., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nThis location can dialyze 30 patients a day.\n\nDaVita Kidney Care nurses are reaching out to their patients to coordinate treatment, but the following DaVita locations are available:\n\nDaVita Greer South Dialysis\n\n3254 Brushy Greek Rd., Greer, SC 29650\n\nContact Number: (864) 801-2065\n\nDaVita Saluda River Dialysis\n\n8080 Augusta Rd., Piedmont, SC 29673\n\nContact Number: (833) 378-2702\n\nDaVita Wofford at Home\n\n8024 White Ave., Spartanburg, SC 29303\n\nContact Number: (864) 583-4788\n\nDaVita Boiling Springs Dialysis\n\n196 Sloane Garden Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316\n\nContact Number: (833) 458-4809\n\nOxygen Locations\n\nHendersonville High School\n\n1 Bearcat Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nMust be assessed through Pardee Hospital.\n\nLincare is only serving established patients.\n\nPatients must bring in empty tanks to one of the following locations:\n\nAsheville Lincare\n\n103 Elk Park Dr., Asheville, NC 28804\n\nFax number: (866) 234-6698\n\nGreenville Lincare\n\n355 Woodruff Rd., Ste. 204 and 205, Greenville, SC 29607\n\nFax Number: (864) 288-0339\n\nThe following locations are available for oxygen refills, but patients must bring their own oxygen equipment - fire departments are available 24/7:\n\nBoiling Springs Fire Department\n\n186 Rainbow Lake Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316\n\nReidville Fire Department\n\n7450 Reidville Rd., Woodruff, SC 29388\n\nInman City Fire Department\n\n6 Humphrey St., Inman, SC 29349\n\nFirst Presbyterian Church\n\n393 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29302\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.\n\nGreer Relief Indigo Hope Neighborhood Impact Center\n\n113C Berry Ave., Greer, SC 29651\n\nDaily hours: 2:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nCroft Fire Department\n\n370 Cedar Springs Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29302\n\nArkwright Fire Department\n\n1070 Southport Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29306\n\nRoebuck Fire Department\n\n2639 Stone Station Rd., Roebuck, SC 29376\\\n\nNorth Spartanburg Fire Department\n\n8767 Asheville Hwy., Spartanburg, SC 29316\n\nResources for Veterans\n\nThe U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs launched a new web page with disaster relief resources, providing a single place for veterans and their caregivers to access VA resources on health care, housing, benefits payments, insurance, and more.\n\nYou can access the web site via this link.\n\nThe VA has established a Veterans Disaster Response Hotline, which is available 24/7 at 1(800) 507-4571.\n\nIf you or a veteran you know needs immediate housing assistance after Hurricane Helene, please call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at (877) 424-3838.\n\nThe call center is open 24/7.\n\nIf you have a VA-backed home loan and are unable to make your mortgage payments, please contact your mortgage servicer.\n\nYou can also call the VA at (877) 827-3702, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nHome loan servicers are allowed to put a 90-day pause on foreclosures and encouraged to waive late charges for VA-guaranteed home loans after a disaster.\n\nLegionnaires, Sons of the American Legion members and Legion Posts that have been displaced from their primary residence due to damage sustained during Hurricane Helene may be eligible for financial assistance through the American Legion.\n\nLegionnaires and Sons of the American Legion members may be eligible for up to $3,000.\n\nLegion Posts may be eligible for up to $10,000.\n\nTo learn more or to request assistance, please use this link.\n\nApplications must be submitted within 90 days of the disaster: Dec. 26, 2024.\n\nThe Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville and Master Sergeant Jerry K. Crump VA Clinic in Forest City are open for essential and emergency services.\n\nVeterans can:\n\nVisit the Asheville VA Hospital pharmacy for medication refills or:\n\nCall the Regional Clinical Contact Center at (855) 679-0074 and press 1 for pharmacy representatives.\n\nLocal pharmacies in the VA\u2019s community care network will also fill written prescriptions, or prescriptions as they appear on an active VA prescription bottle that is not older than six months and has available refills, to provide a 30-day supply.\n\nHickory, Forest City and Franklin outpatient VA clinics are now operating regularly.\n\nDue to the damage and personal losses caused by Hurricane Helene to the staff of the VA, it will take some time to bring staffing to full capacity.\n\nPlease be patient as the VA works to rebuild their workforce.\n\nResources for Farmers\n\nThe United States Department of Agriculture has put together a list of resources for farmers and other agricultural industry members.\n\nIf your agricultural operation has been impacted by Hurricane Helene, you can review this link, farmers.gov, for emergency and disaster assistance programs.\n\nPower\n\nJust under 17,000 customers remain without power in Western North Carolina.\n\nThe majority of remaining power outages remain concentrated in Western North Carolina, with the highest percentage of outages being reported in Buncombe and Yancey counties.\n\nRoughly 96 percent of all originally reported power outages have been restored in Western North Carolina.\n\nDuke Energy is providing restoration updates via text to all customers that remain without power.\n\nAll schools and early voting sites served by Duke Energy have been restored.\n\nNCDOT crews are coordinating closely with power companies to ensure service is being restored as quickly as possible, including along private roads, keeping in mind that cold months are approaching fast.\n\nRestoration of service for individuals in the disaster rebuild zones will be a longer process but Duke Energy workers have already made substantial progress on the extremely difficult and targeted work that lies ahead.\n\nFor more information on Duke Energy\u2019s power restoration efforts, you can review the following links:\n\nComplex Repair & Disaster Rebuild Zones Map: duke-energy.com/info/carolinas-restoration\n\nOutage Map: duke-energy.com/outages\n\nOutage Alerts: duke-energy.com/outages/alerts\n\nGenerator safety: duke-energy.com/outages/generators\n\nPower restoration process: duke-energy.com/outages/restoring-your-power\n\nRoads\n\nA \u201cDO NOT DRIVE\u201d message remains in place from the North Carolina Department of Transportation for most of Western North Carolina.\n\nUnless it is an emergency, please do not travel to the hardest hit communities.\n\nCherokee, Graham, Clay, Swain, Macon, Haywood, Transylvania and Jackson counties ARE FULLY OPEN to non-essential travel for people who can access them through safe routes.\n\nPlease DO NOT try to visit or travel through the areas hardest hit by the storm.\n\nNon-essential traffic in impacted areas hinders NCDOT\u2019s efforts to reopen roads.\n\nHenderson, Polk and Rutherford counties are each partially open to non-essential travel.\n\nAt least 521 roads remain closed.\n\nThis includes:\n\nThree interstates\n\n40 US roads\n\n49 NC roads\n\n429 secondary roads\n\nTo monitor road conditions in and around NC-11, use drivenc.gov.\n\nThe website tracks NCDOT-managed road conditions in real time.\n\nCut and shove, debris removal, and damage assessment are winding down, and some locations have transitioned to temporary repairs and reconstruction.\n\nTransportation infrastructure damage estimates from assessments are up to several billion dollars.\n\nRepairs and reconstruction of roadways will be an extremely long road (no pun intended) over the next couple of years to return Western NC\u2019s transportation network to what it was before.\n\nUSDOT approved an initial $100 million in Emergency Repair funds to NCDOT.\n\nDamage to our mountain roads exceeds $100 million but USDOT\u2019s investment is a significant and most welcome start.\n\nNCDOT has stated they will be utilizing the $100 million to supplement ongoing efforts in Western North Carolina - this is what I would have hoped the funds are going to be used for, but their public statement is a welcome confirmation of their commitment to restore transportation networks in our mountains.\n\nNCDOT has awarded a $10 million contract to Wright Brothers Construction of Charleston, TN, to stabilize the westbound lanes of I-40 by drilling soil nails where the eastbound lanes no longer exist.\n\nThe contract includes incentives to be complete by January 4, 2025.\n\nAround the time this operation concludes, plans for a larger, complex, and complete repair will be in progress.\n\nNC DMV has reopened 11 of the 16 driver license offices that were closed due to Hurricane Helene.\n\nThe following DMV offices are open for walk-in services in or near NC-11, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., closed between 11:30 a.m. through 1:00 p.m. for a lunch break:\n\nBurke County - Closest open location for McDowell and Yancey County residents\n\n115 Government Dr., Morganton, NC 28655\n\nCherokee County\n\n1440 Main St., Andrews, NC 28901\n\nHaywood County\n\n290 Lee Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nHenderson County\n\n125 Baystone Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nJackson County\n\n876 Skyland Dr., Ste. 2, Sylva, NC 28779\n\nMacon County\n\n16 Patton Ave., Franklin, NC 28734\n\nRutherford County\n\n596 Withrow Rd., Forest City, NC 28043\n\nSwain County\n\n2650 Governors Island Rd., Bryson City, NC 28713\n\nTransylvania County\n\n50 Commerce St., Ste. 4, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAll but five license plate agencies have reopened.\n\nAir traffic has sustained at 300 percent above pre-hurricane levels in Western NC.\n\nNCDOT\u2019s aviation division continue to work to make sure flight operations are safe coming into and out of airports, including by:\n\nScheduling landing/unloading times and aircraft parking so aircraft are spaced out and to reduce the risk of incidents.\n\nEstablishing a first of its kind \u201ccorridors in the sky\u201d to separate civilian and military aircraft in the air.\n\nHaving search and rescue partners use short, time and location specific restrictions on air operations to enhance safety when multiple helicopters are engaged in search and rescue efforts.\n\nThe state of North Carolina is NOT turning away civil aviation support so long as it has been coordinated through the proper channels with NC Emergency Management.\n\nIf you or someone you know is interested in providing civil aviation support and don\u2019t know where to coordinate your efforts, please call my office and we will help you get in touch with the right folks.\n\nNCDOT has launched a detour map to show motorists how to get around closures on I-26 and I-40 at the Tennessee border.\n\nYou can access the map here.\n\nInternet Access\n\nInternet providers are working with local energy and cell providers to restore service for customers across Western North Carolina.\n\nSpaceX is offering free monthly Starlink service for 30 days to any household or entity located in the disaster area.\n\nTo apply for this free service, residents can go to starlink.com/residential and select the \u201cHelene Relief\u201d service plan at check out.\n\nInternet providers including Optimum and Spectrum are working around the clock to restore service for customers. However, part of the network\u2019s infrastructure was destroyed by mudslides and collapsed bridges making restoration a lengthy process.\n\nAs a result, some impacted areas will require a rebuild of the network from scratch.\n\nTo mitigate the lack of service, Optimum, formerly Altice USA, has set up an Optimum Wi-Fi Trailer that is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the following locations:\n\n717 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\n1800 Four Seasons Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nThe following locations are offering free public wi-fi:\n\nFirst Baptist Church - Weaverville\n\n63 N. Main St, Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nDowntown Franklin\n\nThe Town of Franklin has free wi-fi on the town hill area in downtown.\n\nTransylvania County Library - 24/7\n\n212 S. Gaston St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nThe Yard Brevard\n\n284 Railroad Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nBrevard Visitor Center\n\n175 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAvailable daily from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nCell Service\n\nMore than 94 percent of all cellular sites in Western North Carolina have been repaired and are now in service.\n\nCell service providers have implemented disaster roaming for any phone located in Western North Carolina to maximize phone service for all users.\n\nDisaster roaming allows users to connect to any mobile network during a disaster when other networks are down.\n\nThis allows users to access emergency services, such as 911, even when their own network is out.\n\nIf you have service one moment, but experience a reduction in service the next, try restarting your phone to jumpstart disaster roaming again.\n\nUpCycle Tech in Transylvania County is offering free computers and phones for use at the following location:\n\n470 Asheville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAT&T has deployed its Mobile Connectivity Center to the following location:\n\nSam\u2019s Club: 645 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nThe Mobile Connectivity Center is an air-conditioned mobile unit open to the public, equipped with laptops, charging stations and wi-fi.\n\nThe public can use the center for various needs including contacting your insurance company, filling out paperwork or connecting with loved ones.\n\nVerizon has deployed Wireless Emergency Communication Centers to help hurricane survivors stay connected to their friends, family and other important contacts.\n\nWireless Emergency Communication Centers are generator-powered mobile units that have device charging and computer workstations, along with wireless phones, tablets, and other devices available for use.\n\nVerizon\u2019s Wireless Emergency Communication Centers have been set up at the following locations:\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nAsheville YMCA\n\n30 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nFamily Justice Center\n\n35 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nGroce United Methodist Church\n\n954 Tunnel Rd., Asheville, NC 28805\n\nVerizon also has charging stations at the following locations:\n\nYMCA of Western North Carolina\n\n348 Grace Corpening Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nTwo charging stations at this location\n\nWNC Agricultural Center\n\n761 Boylston Hwy., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nThree charging stations at this location\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nOne charging station at this location\n\nT-Mobile has set up satellite cellular on light trucks (SatCOLTs), providing cellular voice and data along with wi-fi and charging stations at the following locations:\n\nAsheville Middle School\n\n211 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center\n\n285 Livingston St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nFirst Baptist Church\n\n130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nAdditional T-Mobile satellite cell on trucks are located in Hendersonville and at a Tractor Supply Co. in Asheville, with others planned for Mission Hospital in Asheville, Cherokee County Emergency Operations Center in Murphy, and in Cherokee.\n\nNorth Carolina National Guard & Department of Defense\n\nAlmost 3,500 National Guard soldiers and airmen, active-duty service members, and 200 Emergency Management Assistance Compact units (National Guard units from out of state) are deployed across Western North Carolina to provide support.\n\nThis includes:\n\nMore than 1,200 vehicles\n\n11 helicopters\n\nAs search and rescue needs diminish and roads are being cleared and restored, the need for aerial support is decreasing and ground vehicles are becoming an increasingly more effective means of support.\n\nHighlights from the last 24 hours:\n\nConducted commodity distribution, including medical resupply and route clearance, across 10 counties.\n\nDistributed cold weather clothing in Buncombe County.\n\nAlthough airspace is limited due to ongoing missions by the National Guard and Department of Defense, a process has been established for private pilots seeking to fly in humanitarian relief to coordinate with local authorities.\n\nIf you are looking to fly in resources and don\u2019t know where to turn, call my office and we will get you in contact with the right coordinators.\n\nHere are a few key phone numbers from the NCNG:\n\nHOTLINE: 888-892-1162\n\nEmergency management watch: 919-733-3300\n\nDonated goods: 919-825-2474\n\nThese lines have very high call volumes. If you do not get through the first try, keep calling.\n\nAsheville Regional Airport\n\nAsheville Regional Airport closed mid-day on Friday, September 27, due to risk of flooding.\n\nCommercial flights at Asheville Regional Airport have resumed.\n\nIf you parked your car in an Asheville Regional Airport lot and could not retrieve the vehicle due to the storm, great news - none of the airport\u2019s lots flooded and all cars are fine.\n\nStay safe and pick up your car when you are able.\n\nPLEASE NOTE:\n\nNo general aviation pilots are allowed to land at Asheville Regional Airport without prior clearance from FEMA to ensure the safety of aircraft and personnel.\n\nSupply deliveries by civilian pilots ARE permitted to land at Asheville Regional Airport so long as they have prior clearance from FEMA.\n\nFEMA is not turning away any pilot that has gone through the proper channels to coordinate delivery and ensure the safety of his fellow aircraft and personnel.\n\nFederal Nutrition Programs\n\nThe U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service has approved flexibilities due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene.\n\nSNAP\n\nNorth Carolina was granted a waiver for the 10-day reporting requirement for the replacement of food purchased with SNAP benefits lost because of the hurricane.\n\nThis waiver provides additional time beyond the standard 10-day time frame for households to report food losses and receive replacement benefits for food that was destroyed and previously purchased with SNAP benefits.\n\nChild Nutrition\n\nThe North Carolina Department of Public Instruction was approved for a waiver pertaining to the child nutrition programs.\n\nUnder the waiver approval, NCDPI\u2019s local program operators may:\n\nServe meals in a non-congregate setting\n\nAdjust the time of meal service\n\nAllow parent pick-up\n\nAllow service of meals at school sites\n\nFood and Nutrition Services Program\n\nPeople and families in North Carolina who are enrolled in the Food and Nutrition Services program can now use their EBT card to purchase hot food.\n\nThis flexibility will remain in effect until November 3.\n\nSpecial Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, & Children (WIC)\n\nFamilies participating in WIC who may have relocated to a new area can go to any NC WIC agency to:\n\nHave a new eWIC card issued\n\nRequest replacement breastfeeding supplies or breast pumps\n\nRequest replacement food that was purchased with current WIC benefits and lost due to Hurricane Helene\n\nFor NC-11 Medical Providers\n\nIf you own a medical practice in NC-11 and are experiencing financial hardship due to Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina Medical Society is reactivating its Financial Recovery Program (FRP) to help you recover and open your doors again.\n\nFor more information on the disaster relief fund, you can visit this link.\n\nDetails on how medical practices can qualify and apply for funds will be coming soon.\n\nThe Department of Health and Human Services through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has made available:\n\nAccelerated payments to Medicare Part A providers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nAdvance payments to Medicare Part B suppliers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nFor Local Government Resource Requests\n\nFor county leaders: This is a reminder to make sure your Emergency Operation Center has submitted the request for gasoline, food, water, cell service deployables, etc. with North Carolina Emergency Management to have your request processed and resources delivered.\n\nMy office stands ready to assist with checking the status of your request if the county or municipality has not heard back from NC Emergency Management within 24 hours.\n\nDisaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)\n\nThe deadline to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits is Dec. 2, 2024 for all counties other than Swain County.\n\nSwain County\u2019s deadline is Dec. 9, 2024.\n\nThis is because Swain County was added to the list of eligible DUA counties one week after all other counties were designated as eligible.\n\nDisaster Unemployment Assistance benefits are now available for Western North Carolinians in counties with a major disaster declaration, including:\n\nBuncombe\n\nClay\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nJackson\n\nMacon\n\nMadison\n\nMcDowell\n\nPolk\n\nRutherford\n\nSwain\n\nTransylvania\n\nYancey\n\nIf your employment has been lost or interrupted because of Hurricane Helene, you may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance.\n\nFile an application for DUA:\n\nFile at des.nc.gov, or\n\nCall over the phone at (919) 629-3857\n\nA toll-free legal aid hotline is now available for low-income survivors with disaster-related legal questions: (866) 219-5262.\n\nFor Individual Assistance through FEMA\n\nThe deadline to file for FEMA Individual Assistance is Nov. 27, 2024. Please mark your calendars and ensure all applications are submitted on time.\n\nNorth Carolina received a Major Disaster Declaration for the following counties: Buncombe, Clay, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania and Yancey counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.\n\nPeople with damage to their homes or personal property who live in one of the above-listed counties should apply for Individual Assistance through FEMA, which may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies.\n\nFunds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay.\n\nIndividual Assistance provides financial aid and services to eligible individuals and households that have been affected by a disaster to assist with the recovery process. Individuals can officially begin applying for Individual Assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling the application phone number at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. EST.\n\nTo date, FEMA has paid out more than $96 million in housing and other types of assistance for more than 75,000 Western North Carolina households.\n\nFEMA is also directly paying hotels for emergency sheltering for more than 1,800 households through FEMA\u2019s Transitional Sheltering Assistance.\n\nFind steps to help you replace important documents that were lost or damaged in the storm: www.fema.gov/disaster/4827/news-media\n\nIf you were initially denied for Individual Assistance, please see below for useful tips to help you file an appeal with FEMA:\n\nUnderstand why FEMA denied your claim before writing the appeal.\n\nIt could be as simple as a missing document, which you can submit with your appeal.\n\nRead FEMA\u2019s letter from beginning to end to completely understand what the agency needs from you.\n\nMake sure you provide evidence for your appeal. Depending on your situation, documentation may include:\n\nA copy of your flood insurance declaration page.\n\nProof of occupancy, which could be an employer statement, lease, utility bill, credit card statement, or other recent, formal document that states your address.\n\nProof of ownership, which might include your mortgage or insurance documents, tax receipts, deed, etc.\n\nCan\u2019t write the appeal yourself?\n\nI recommend having a trusted friend, family member, or lawyer write it for you.\n\nKnow your deadline.\n\nYou have 60 days from the date of your FEMA determination letter to appeal.\n\nCircle the deadline on your calendar or write yourself a note to keep the date in the forefront.\n\nOnce FEMA reviews your letter, you may receive a phone call or a follow-up letter asking for more documentation.\n\nDon\u2019t forget to sign your appeal letter!\n\nOnce signed, there are three ways to submit your appeal:\n\nFax it to (800) 827-8112\n\nSend it by mail to: FEMA Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782\n\nUpload all appeal documents to your disasterassistance.gov account.\n\nInclude your application number on every page of the documents you submit.\n\nExpect a decision letter to your appeal within 90 days.\n\nTo Connect with a Loved One\n\nResidents trying to connect with family members may call NC 211 (or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from out-of-state) to report missing loved ones or request a welfare check.\n\nPeople in the impacted areas can indicate that they are safe by reporting themselves safe through Red Cross Reunification by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).\n\nPlease only use 911 for life-threatening emergencies so the lines remain open for critical situations.\n\nIf you are still trying to locate a friend or family member, please complete this form, linked here, to notify local officials of their missing status.\n\nThe form was created by Buncombe County but information is being shared amongst all counties.\n\nRegardless of which county your loved one was last known to be in, you can still submit the form.\n\nBuncombe County will share the information with the appropriate officials to initiate search and rescue efforts.\n\nUnited Way is also fielding missing person/welfare check requests.\n\nText PERSON to 40403 to add a loved one to search and rescue efforts or fill out this form.\n\nResources for Utility & Other Status Updates\n\nFor information on the status of utilities, debris sites, etc., we want to share the following resources. As communications are restored and more information becomes available, these sites will continue to be updated.\n\nDrinking Water Systems: Public Water Supply Situation Report Tracking\n\nDebris Disposal Sites: Active Temporary Debris Disposal Sites\n\nNCDEQ Situation Report Tracking System\n\nNCDPS Hurricane Helene - Storm Information\n\nNCDPS County Emergency Management Agencies\n\nHow to Apply for FEMA Assistance After Hurricane Helene\n\nFree Legal Assistance\n\nLegal Aid of North Carolina stands ready to provide free advice and legal counsel regarding natural disaster needs, including legal representation if necessary, including for civil legal issues involving:\n\nFiling FEMA claims and appeals (a process which can be overwhelmingly bureaucratic and burdensome)\n\nReplacement of lost or destroyed legal and government documents, including driver\u2019s licenses and identification cards\n\nMedical and insurance claims\n\nHome repair contracts\n\nUtility disputes related to restoration of services\n\nConsumer protection issues like construction fraud, price-gouging on repairs and identity theft\n\nHousing issues such as unlawful eviction and foreclosures\n\nBankruptcy\n\nProbate and clearing title for survivors living in generational homes without a clear title\n\nFamily law cases and children in need of services (unfortunately, domestic violence tends to rise following a natural disaster)\n\nIf you need civil legal assistance, please contact Legal Aid of North Carolina via the following toll-free hotline:\n\n(866) 219-LANC or (866) 219-5262\n\nThe hotline is available from:\n\n8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; and 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Monday and Thursdays.\n\nConstituents can also apply online at legalaidnc.org/get-help/ between 1:00-4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday.\n\nIRS Guidance for Taxpayers Impacted by Hurricane Helene\n\nExtension of certain tax filing deadlines:\n\nIRS has extended various filing deadlines for taxpayers in impacted areas, including 2024 individual/business returns, certain quarterly estimated income tax payments, and certain payroll/excise taxes.\n\nClick here for the full list of extensions and respective dates\n\nClick here for more information from the IRS on disaster assistance\n\nTax relief for qualified payments, disaster-related losses:\n\nIRS released provided guidance to taxpayers on how to address disaster-related losses in their 2024 tax return, as well as providing guidance on how qualified disaster relief payments - like government assistance payments - are generally excluded from gross income.\n\nClick here for a general walkthrough of these policies (under header \u201cAdditional tax relief\u201d)\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of disaster-related losses\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of qualified disaster relief payments\n\nDisaster payments are usually tax-free:\n\nQualified disaster relief payments are generally excluded from gross income.\n\nIn general, this means that affected taxpayers can exclude the following payments from a government agency from their gross income. Amounts received for:\n\nReasonable and necessary personal, family, living or funeral expenses.\n\nThe repair or rehabilitation of your home.\n\nThe repair or replacement of your home\u2019s contents.\n\nYou may be eligible for a disaster loss deduction:\n\nIn some instances, individuals and businesses in a federally declared disaster area can qualify for a casualty loss tax deduction.\n\nThe deduction is available for damaged or destroyed property not covered by insurance or other reimbursement and can result in a larger refund.\n\nTaxpayers can choose to claim the deduction on either the return for the year the loss occurred (in this instance, the 2024 return normally filed next year), or the return for the prior year (the 2023 return filed this year).\n\nFor individual taxpayers, the deadline for making this election is Oct. 15, 2025.\n\nThe IRS also has a special hotline specifically dedicated to taxpayers with disaster-related tax questions. Disaster victims can call the agency\u2019s disaster hotline at (866) 562-5227.\n\nShelters\n\nFor those unable to evacuate to a safe location or in need of a place to go, the following shelters are currently open and available as of October 12:\n\nBuncombe County\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nGold\u2019s Gym\n\n801 Fairview Rd, Asheville, NC 28803\n\nWNC Agricultural Center\n\n1301 Fanning Bridge Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nHaywood County\n\nHaywood County Government Armory\n\n285 Armory Dr., Clyde, NC 28781\n\nHenderson County\n\nHenderson County Recreation Center\n\n708 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMcDowell County Senior Center\n\n100 Spaulding Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nRutherford County\n\nRutherfordton Presbyterian Church\n\n252 N. Washington St., Rutherfordton, NC 28139\n\nTransylvania County\n\nTransylvania Parks & Rec\n\n1078 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nYancey County\n\nBlue Ridge Elementary\n\n910 Cane River School Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nCarolina Cruiser mobile office hours\n\nIn keeping with my office's motto of being \"First in Constituent Services\" and to help constituents post-Hurricane Helene, my office has resumed Carolina Cruiser mobile office hours.\n\nFolks can stop by to share their thoughts on issues that matter to them or ask for assistance with federal agencies.\n\nVisit my website for updated Carolina Cruiser hours and locations, linked here.\n\nWith my warmest regards,\n\nChuck Edwards\n\nMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/hurricane-helene-recovery-update-16-congressman-edwards", "Hurricane Helene recovery update #16 from Congressman Edwards", "2024-10-13", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Chuck Edwards", "E000246", "edwards.house.gov", "edwards", "https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "October 13, 2024\n\nDear Friend,\n\nToday is Sunday, marking the end of yet another very long week for the people of Western North Carolina.\n\nWhile I know this may be a heavy ask for many, I have a request for each of you. Today, I ask that you take a little time to relax and be proud of your accomplishments since Helene hit. Even if it\u2019s just an hour or two, I\u2019ve seen how hard you have worked over the past two weeks to help our mountains recover and nobody has taken a break, but you deserve one.\n\nIn the spirit of spreading positivity, I would love to know what you decide to do to relax. And tomorrow, we will all wake back up and continue serving our neighbors to rebuild Western North Carolina, one step at a time.\n\nThis update includes information on a new Jackson County Disaster Recovery Center, the deadline to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance (Nov. 27, 2024), and Disaster Unemployment Assistance for individuals whose jobs were lost or temporarily suspended due to Hurricane Helene.\n\nToday is update number 16, with more information to come in the following days. Please make sure to read everything and share it with your friends and family.\n\nIndex\n\nClick the title to be taken to the correlating information in the update.\n\nFEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Sites\n\nLegislative Support\n\nFood and Water\n\nBuncombe County\n\nHaywood County\n\nHenderson County\n\nJackson County\n\nMadison County\n\nMcDowell County\n\nPolk County\n\nRutherford County\n\nTransylvania County\n\nYancey County\n\nTrash Services and Debris Removal\n\nBuncombe\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nMadison\n\nPolk\n\nTransylvania\n\nYancey\n\nVoter Information\n\nUnited States Postal Service/Mail Services\n\nPharmacy Access\n\nOpen Urgent Cares/ Health Care Services\n\nDialysis Locations\n\nOxygen Locations\n\nResources for Veterans\n\nResources for Farmers\n\nPower\n\nRoads\n\nInternet Access\n\nCell Service\n\nNorth Carolina National Guard & Department of Defense\n\nAsheville Regional Airport\n\nFederal Nutrition Programs\n\nFor NC-11 Medical Providers\n\nFor Local Government Resource Requests\n\nFor Individual Assistance through FEMA\n\nTo Connect with a Loved One\n\nResources for Utility & Other Status Updates\n\nFree Legal Assistance\n\nIRS Guidance for Taxpayers Impacted by Hurricane Helene\n\nShelters\n\nBuncombe County\n\nHaywood County\n\nHenderson County\n\nMadison County\n\nMcDowell County\n\nRutherford County\n\nTransylvania County\n\nYancey County\n\nCarolina Cruiser Mobile Office Hours\n\nFEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Sites\n\nThe following FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers are open seven days a week to assist North Carolina survivors who have experienced losses from Hurricane Helene.\n\nA.C. Reynolds High School\n\n1 Rocket Dr., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nA Comfort Care Center will also be available at this location where survivors can shower, do laundry and use other services.\n\nThe Asheville Social Security office remains closed due to a lack of power and water.\n\nThe Social Security Administration is maintaining staff at the Buncombe County Disaster Recovery Center until the Asheville office reopens.\n\nJackson County Annex Building\n\n198 WBI Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nMcDowell County Senior Center\n\n100 Spaulding Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nA Disaster Recovery Center is a one-stop shop where survivors can meet face-to-face with FEMA representatives, apply for FEMA assistance, receive referrals to local assistance in their area, apply with the U.S. Small Business Administration for disaster loans, etc.\n\nAdditional recovery centers will be opening soon, and I will keep you posted as I learn about them.\n\nDisaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams are also stationed across NC-11 to help survivors apply for FEMA assistance and connect them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources.\n\nIn addition to designated locations, DSA teams are going door to door to provide assistance, but please note, FEMA staff will carry an official photo ID and will never ask for bank information. They will also never ask for money and never require payment in any form. FEMA is going door to door in the following counties:\n\nBuncombe County\n\nHaywood County\n\nHenderson County\n\nMacon County\n\nMadison County\n\nPolk County\n\nSwain County\n\nYancey County\n\nAs new stationary locations are established, I will keep you posted.\n\nThe following locations are open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., unless otherwise noted:\n\nBuncombe County\n\nIngles Market\n\n550 Hwy. 9, Black Mountain, NC 28803\n\nWalmart\n\n60 Airport Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nRiceville Community Church\n\n2342 Riceville Rd., Asheville, NC 28805\n\nTitle 10 Mission - Asheville\n\n503 Park St., Swannanoa, NC28778\n\nMontford North Star Academy\n\n90 Montford Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nAC Reynolds High School\n\n1 Rocket Dr., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nBeech Community Center\n\n15 State Rd. 2117, Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nJackson County\n\nJackson County EOC\n\n401 Grindstaff Cove Rd., Ste. A-145, Sylva, NC 28779\n\nMcDowell County\n\nCorpening Memorial YMCA\n\n348 Grace Corpening Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nMcDowell County EOC\n\n129 Barnes Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nMcDowell County Senior Center\n\n100 Spaulding Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nRutherford County\n\nIngles Market\n\n276 N. 9 Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nTransylvania County\n\nTransylvania County EOC\n\n155 Public Safety Way, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nYancey County\n\nYancey County Public Library\n\n321 School Cir., Burnsville, NC 28174\n\nLegislative Support\n\nThe U.S. House of Representatives is gearing up to pass a disaster relief package when we return to session in November.\n\nI have begun conversations with leadership about how to best meet Western North Carolina\u2019s needs in any supplemental relief package passed by Congress in the coming months.\n\nThe North Carolina General Assembly unanimously passed the Disaster Recovery Act of 2024 on Oct. 9, 2024.\n\nThis bill creates a new Hurricane Helene fund with $273 million from the state\u2019s Savings Reserve Fund.\n\n$250 million will go to the Department of Public Safety's Division of Emergency Management to provide the state\u2019s match to federal disaster relief funds.\n\nAnother portion of the funds will be used to establish a revolving loan program to help local government and state agencies with cash flow while they are waiting for reimbursement from the federal government.\n\n$16 million will go to the Department of Public Instruction for \u201clost compensation of school nutrition employees due to school closures resulting from Hurricane Helene\u201d\n\n$2 million to provide local governments technical assistance with local recovery funds.\n\n$5 million to the State Board of Elections, alongside a variety of temporary election law changes such as changing polling sites that were rendered unusable by the storm and establishing a voter hotline, to make it easier for residents of Western North Carolina to vote.\n\nThe bill also:\n\nGrants school calendar flexibility to public schools by allowing them to make up or mark as completed any number of the days or hours missed.\n\nIt also allows the schools to use up to 30 days of remote instruction toward required instructional days.\n\nWaives DMV fees for things like obtaining a duplicate driver\u2019s license, ID card, etc.\n\nWaives certain environmental requirements for state highway repairs.\n\nThis provision will not reduce the safety of repairs conducted by NCDOT or negatively impact the environment.\n\nFood and Water\n\nA mobile lab to test drinking water is available at the following location seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. until October 19:\n\nA-B Tech Community College\n\n20 Canoe Ln., Woodfin, NC 28804\n\nSupplying drinkable water remains a top priority for emergency crews.\n\n55 water systems are on a partial or system-wide boil advisory.\n\nOnly one treatment plant has reported having no power and 13 systems remain out of water.\n\nWater restoration trends continue to move in a positive direction.\n\nThere are 120 wastewater treatment plants operating under normal conditions in the affected areas across Western NC.\n\nAn additional 23 wastewater treatment plants are partially operational or operating on back-up power.\n\nThere are 70 potable water trucks and 13 non-potable water trucks supporting Western North Carolina, with a total of 92,000 gallons of water delivered.\n\nSeveral major water systems are currently not distributing water, including the City of Asheville, Black Mountain, Woodfin, Spruce Pine, and Burnsville.\n\nWork continues on each of these systems to restore functionality.\n\nNCDEQ has provided the following resources to help community members track progress on water supply restoration efforts:\n\nPublic Water Supply Situation Report Tracking - ArcGIS map with filters for system status, county, etc. linked here.\n\nDEQ Dashboard - links to additional maps, including mobile view of water system status, and environmental guidance linked here.\n\nNorth Carolina Emergency Management has delivered over 6,000 pallets of water and nearly 8,000 pallets of meals to date.\n\nThe Federal Emergency Management Agency has promised 120 truckloads a day of food and water with no specified end date.\n\nFEMA has shipped 14 million liters of water and more than 17 million meals utilizing the $20 billion in funds that I helped to draft and pass for disaster relief just two days before Hurricane Helene hit.\n\nOf the shipped food and water, more than 10 million liters of water and more than 7.8 million individual meals have already been delivered to Western NC communities.\n\nLowe\u2019s has donated an additional $10 million to support hurricane relief in Western North Carolina.\n\nHome Depot will be passing out free disaster relief kits every day starting at 9:00 a.m., while supplies last, at the following locations:\n\nHome Depot Asheville\n\n795 Fairview Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nHome Depot West Asheville\n\n127 Acton Cir., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nHome Depot Hendersonville\n\n401 Linda Vista Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nWalmart is hosting activities at the following locations:\n\nHendersonville, NC Store 1242\n\n250 Highlands Square Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nPortable restrooms\n\nServing hot meals at 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily\n\nArden, NC Store 1179\n\n60 Airport Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nPortable restrooms\n\nLaundry\n\nShowers\n\nWi-fi hotspot and charging stations\n\nBuncombe County\n\nBuncombe County has begun water distribution at multiple sites. Each will be available daily from 1:00 -7:00 p.m.:\n\nPack Square Park - you MUST bring your own container for this site\n\n80 Court Plz., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nWilliam W. Estes Elementary School\n\n275 Overlook Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nSand Hill-Venable Elementary\n\n154 Sand Hill School Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nNorth Windy Ridge Intermediate School\n\n20 Doan Rd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nFairview Elementary\n\n1355 Charlotte Hwy., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nThe following feeding sites are available in Buncombe County, where citizens can access food, water and other basic necessities:\n\nBiltmore Baptist Church\n\n35 Clayton Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nDistribution and bulk pickup for volunteers looking to take bulk loads of supplies to in-need community members\n\nSaturday hours: 10:00 a.m. \u2013 1:00 p.m.\n\nCommunity drive-thru for anyone in the community needing supplies\n\nSaturday hours: 3:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church \u2013 Weaverville\n\n63 N. Main St., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nHot showers available from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nUnlimited clean drinking water is available, bring your own container.\n\nSupplies and bottled water.\n\nHot lunch served at 1:30 p.m.\n\nFellowship Asheville\n\n756 Fairview Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-4:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nHot meals are available at the following locations:\n\nWorld Central Kitchen in Bear\u2019s Smokehouse BBQ\n\n135 Coxe Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nServes 25,000 hot meals a day.\n\nDaily hours: 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.\n\nShiloh Community Center\n\n121 Shiloh Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nGrovemont Park\n\n251 Stonewall Ave., Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nManna Food Bank - Farmer\u2019s Market\n\n570 Brevard Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nWesley Grant Community Center\n\n285 Livingston St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nWest Asheville Ingles\n\n669 Haywood Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 3:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nBlack Mountain Ingles\n\n550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nDaily Hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nNesbitt Chapel\n\n12 Nesbitt Chapel Rd., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nDaily hours: 3:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nFood and drinking water are available from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily at the following locations:\n\nAsheville Middle School\n\n211 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nIngles\n\n550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nThis location also has handwashing stations and portable restrooms\n\nLinwood Crump Shiloh Community Center\n\n121 Shiloh Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nLucy Herring Elementary\n\n98 Sulphur Springs Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nOakley Elementary School\n\n753 Fairvew Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nA Community Care Station is available at the following location:\n\n2319 Hwy. 70, Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nHot meals served daily: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCommunity Care Stations offer showers, laundry, bathrooms, access to cell towers, wi-fi, potable and non-potable water, and counseling.\n\nHaywood County\n\nThe following locations are providing community members with essential resources such as but not limited to, food, water, cleaning products, baby formula, and pet food, Monday through Fridays:\n\nFines Creek Community Center\n\n190 Fines Creek Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nOpen every day until 6:00 p.m.\n\nPigeon Community Center\n\n450 Pigeon St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nAlso offering hot meals every day at 2:00 p.m.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCruso Community Center\n\n13186 Cruso Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.\n\nFirst United Methodist Church\n\n566 S. Haywood St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nIncludes shower access.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.\n\nMaggie Valley Pavilion\n\n3935 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nDaily Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.\n\nWoodland Baptist Church\n\n545 Crabtree Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nBethel Elementary School\n\n4700 Old River Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nJonathan Valley Elementary School\n\n410 Hall Dr., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nMonday through Friday\n\nSt. John the Evangelist Catholic Church - in the Parish Hall\n\n234 Church St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.\n\nMonday to Friday\n\nHot food available from 4:00 p.m. to 7 :00 p.m. daily.\n\nSt. Barnabas Catholic Church\n\n109 Crescent Hill Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nDaily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.\n\nReynolds Baptist Church - Family Life Center\n\n520 Rose Hill Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.\n\nThis location also has potable water available to residents who bring their own vessels to fill.\n\nMountain Projects\n\n2177 Asheville Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nHeart to Heart International - in Haywood Department of Health Parking Lot\n\n157 Paragon Pkwy., Ste. 800, Clyde, NC 28721\n\nThe following location offers hot meals daily:\n\nMaggie Valley Fire Department\n\n2901 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nJukebox Junction\n\n3606 Pigeon Rd., Canton, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nThe following location offers showers daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.:\n\nCalvary Baptist Church\n\n2701 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nThe following location is offering supplies for horses and livestock:\n\nWNC Regional Livestock Center\n\n474 Stock Dr., Canton, NC 28716\n\nHenderson County\n\nHenderson County has stood up Resource Hub locations for water distribution and other supplies as they become available.\n\nDistribution will be taking place daily from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. at the following locations:\n\nEtowah Elementary: 320 Etowah School Rd., Etowah, NC 28729\n\nMills River Town Hall: 124 Town Center Dr., Mills River, NC 28759\n\nEach family unit will be provided supplies for one day\u2019s meal and water as available.\n\nIndividuals are asked to enter the drive-through and remain in your car unless otherwise instructed by volunteers to ensure an efficient process.\n\nJackson County\n\nIn partnership with the Red Cross, the following is available for citizens of Jackson County:\n\nThe Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau are providing shelf-stable meals at the following location:\n\n558 Frank Allen Rd., Cashiers, NC 28717\n\nThe Canada Fire Department is distributing emergency supplies at the following location:\n\n149 Charleys Creek Rd., Tuckasegee, NC 28783\n\nThe following locations are providing resources to displaced families and individuals in need:\n\nMountain Projects\n\n154-B Medical Park Loop, Sylva, NC 28779\n\nUnited Christian Ministries\n\n191 Skyland Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nSt. Mary\u2019s Roman Catholic Church of Sylva\n\n22 Bartlett St., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.\n\nCornbread and Roses\n\n1294 Savannah Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours:\n\nWednesday, 6:00-8:00 p.m.\n\nThursday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nSunday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nMadison County\n\nThe following locations are offering food, water, and some supply distribution in Madison County:\n\nBeech Glen Community Center\n\n2936 Beech Glen Rd., Mars Hill, 28754\n\nDaily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.\n\nCenter Community Center\n\n1300 Grapevine Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nEbbs Chapel Community Center\n\n281 Laurel Valley Rd., Mars Hill, NC 28754\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nEnon Baptist Church\n\n174 Ammons Branch Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nOpen Sunday 12:00-4:00 p.m.\n\nFreedom Christian Church\n\n7350 US 25/70 Bypass, Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThis location offers additional resources such as hygiene products, blankets, clothes, cleaning supplies, diapers, pet food, etc.\n\nLaurel Community Center - also has supplies\n\n4100 NC 212 Hwy., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily Hours: 8:00 a.m. \u2013 8:00 p.m.\n\nRevere-Rice Community Center\n\n3980 Revere Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (Mon-Sat)\n\nSpring Creek Community Center\n\n13075 NC 209 Hwy., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThis location also has additional resources such as pet food, livestock feed and hay.\n\nWalnut Community Center - also has supplies\n\n46 School Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.\n\nN.C. Cooperative Extension - Madison County Center\n\n258 Carolina Ln., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nThis location is offering drive-thru food distribution only.\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMcDowell County has established multiple points of distribution that are open daily from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 4:00-6:00 p.m., depending on supply levels.\n\nDistribution takes place daily at the following locations:\n\nFormer TJ\u2019s Discounts - North Cove\n\n8153 US 221 N., Marion, NC 28752\n\nOld Fort Town Hall\n\n38 Catawba Ave., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nNew Manna Baptist Church\n\n225 E. Court St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nSolid Rock Free Will Baptist Church - Dysartsville\n\n7860 NC 226 S., Nebo, NC 28761\n\nZion Hill Baptist Church\n\n1036 Zion Hill Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nHot meals are also being provided at the following location:\n\nGrace Community Church\n\n5182 US 70 W., Marion, NC 28752\n\nLunch is served every day from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.\n\nDinner is available from 4:00-5:30 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church of Marion is offering hot showers, air conditioning, and areas to charge devices.\n\nCurrent hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 2:00-5:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday.\n\nPolk County\n\nThe following locations are offering food and water distribution for residents in need from 1:00-5:00 p.m.:\n\nMill Spring/Green Creek Community\n\n25 International Blvd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nColumbus Community\n\n95 Walker St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nSaluda Community Bus Parking Lot\n\n214 E. Main St., Saluda, NC 28773\n\nTryon Community\n\n301 N. Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782\n\nSunny View\n\n86 Sunny View School Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nThe following locations are serving hot meals daily:\n\nTryon Equestrian Center\n\n4066 Pea Ridge Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nRoseland Community Center\n\n56 Peake St., Tryon, NC 28782\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nRutherford County\n\nThe following locations are open from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. for citizens to get food and emergency supplies:\n\nThomas Jefferson High School\n\n2527 US-221A Hwy., Mooresboro, NC 28114\n\nFlorence Baptist Church\n\n201 S. Broadway St., Forest City, NC 28043\n\nRutherford County Health Department\n\n221 Callahan Koon Rd., Spindale, NC 28160\n\nGilkey Church of God\n\n255 Oak Springs Rd., Rutherfordton, NC 28139\n\nParks, Recreation, & Lake Office\n\n658 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nLake Lure Baptist Church\n\n6837 US-74 ALT, Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nIngles at Lake Lure - meals only\n\n276 NC-9, Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nOffers hot meals at 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. and 4:30-6:30 p.m.\n\nAlso offers showers, restrooms, a mobile health van, a tool trailer, a charging station (please bring your own charging cord), and wi-fi.\n\nFather\u2019s Vineyard - also has shower and charging stations\n\n724 Oakland Rd., Spindale, NC 28160\n\nSpencer Baptist Church - water distribution only\n\n187 N Oak St., Spindale, NC 28160\n\nUnited Way of Rutherford County - water distribution and charging stations only\n\n668 Withrow Rd., Forest City, NC 28043\n\nTransylvania County\n\nThe following locations are providing hot meals to county residents:\n\nCedar Mountain Community Center\n\n10635 Greenville Hwy., Cedar Mountain, NC 28718\n\nBreakfast hours: 9:00-11:00 a.m.\n\nLunch hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nDinner hours: 4:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nBalsam Grove Community Center - daily until power is fully restored\n\n8732 Parkway Rd., Balsam Grove, NC 28708\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.Resource pick-up locations are listed below by county. As I learn more, I will keep you posted:\n\nBottled water is available daily at local fire departments and 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Anchor Baptist Church located at:\n\n3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nWater filling stations can be found at the following locations:\n\nCity Sports Complex\n\n824 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.\n\nCedar Mountain Outpost\n\n8431 Greenville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nTerritory Brevard\n\n43 S. Broad St, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nDD Bullwinkles\n\n60 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nFirst United Methodist Church\n\n325 N. Broad St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nPisgah Forest Baptist Church\n\n494 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nFood, water, and other supplies such as hygiene products are being distributed at the following locations:\n\nAnchor Baptist Church\n\n3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nYancey County\n\nYancey County has transitioned to one centralized distribution site for water, food and ice located at the following address:\n\nAltec\n\n150 Altec Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nMobile laundry facilities are available in the GO Grocery parking lot located at the following address:\n\n631 W Hwy. 19E Bypass, Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nTrash Services and Debris Removal\n\nRecycling services are available through Curbside Management for the following counties:\n\nBuncombe\n\nClay\n\nGraham\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nJackson\n\nMacon\n\nMadison\n\nPolk\n\nRutherford\n\nYancey\n\nSome communities have halted recycling services to prioritize trash collection.\n\nIf that is the case for your community, Curbside Management has a drop-off site available for residents who wish to bring their recycling to the following location:\n\n116 N. Woodfin Ave., Asheville, NC 28804\n\nIf your home has damage and you need assistance with clean up, please call Crisis Cleanup for access to volunteer organizations that can assist you at 844-965-1386.\n\nIf Hurricane Helene caused damage to your home or belongings, make sure to document it.\n\nThis is critically important in getting reimbursed.\n\nTake photos before you begin cleaning up.\n\nMake a list of damaged or lost items and gather receipts.\n\nDoing this helps speed up the process with insurance and other assistance programs, and ensures you get properly compensated.\n\nBefore you start the clean-up process, remember:\n\nWear PPE such as long pants, goggles, gloves and sturdy shoes.\n\nStay off damaged structures.\n\nBe aware that snakes or other hazardous animals could be present.\n\nCall your local fire department to inspect or removal chemicals, propane tanks, and other hazardous materials.\n\nIf you suspect debris contains toxic substances, seal them in plastic bags to prevent them from becoming airborne.\n\nTo reduce the risk of accidental fires, please DO NOT burn your storm debris.\n\nEmergency personnel are continuing to work on other storm recovery and response efforts, limiting resources to respond to accidental fires.\n\nPlease discard storm debris at a local transfer site or via curbside debris pickup.\n\nDebris should be placed curbside and not block the roadway or access to the property.\n\nPlease place debris away from trees, poles or other structures (e.g., fire hydrants, meters, etc.) to make removal work easier.\n\nContact your local municipality for curbside storm debris removal collection schedules or see below for additional information on debris waste removal by county.\n\nAdditionally, the following counties have resources for where to take household trash and debris waste.\n\nBuncombe\n\nCurbside collection will begin Monday for City of Asheville sanitation customers.\n\nThe following materials cannot be collected at this time: Mud, construction debris, concrete and other bulky or hazardous items.\n\nDebris collection is estimated to start in mid-October.\n\nThe Town of Black Mountain Public Works Department has secured four 15-yard dumpsters located in two sites for Black Mountain residents to throw away household trash ONLY:\n\nTractor Supply: 125 Old US Hwy. 70 E., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nIngles: 550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nPlease Note: Yard waste, bulk items, separate recycling and debris collection are not available at this time.\n\nWaste Pro collection service has resumed for regular Monday route customers.\n\nHaywood\n\nHousehold waste will be accepted at the Materials Recovery Facility at 247 Recycle Rd., Clyde and at Convenience Centers at Jonathan Creek, Beaverdam, Bethel, Hazelwood, Mauney Cove, Jones Cove and Highway 110.\n\nWhite Oak Landfill has reopened.\n\nHenderson\n\nHenderson County Transfer Station is open and accepting storm debris with normal fees.\n\nHenderson County has begun curbside storm debris removal to county residents as a free service.\n\nThe county will pick up storm debris for free if it is pushed to the right of way of a property.\n\nStorm debris includes tree branches, leaves, logs, building materials, furniture, paint etc.\n\nPlease be patient.\n\nThe county will pick up storm debris for free as quickly as possible.\n\nMadison\n\nThe Hot Springs collection center is operating on normal hours for household trash ONLY:\n\nMonday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nWednesday: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.\n\nFriday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nSaturday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nHot Springs trash pickup is returning to Mondays like usual.\n\nPlease only use this pickup service if you cannot bring it to the collection center yourself.\n\nThe pickup service is being led by volunteers at this time.\n\nPolk\n\nThe Polk County landfill is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\n322 Landfill Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nDrop-off of residential trash is $10.\n\nGFL trash services will continue the regular schedule. However, certain areas may be inaccessible due to ongoing power outages from Hurricane Helene.\n\nTwo dumpsters are located on Gibson Street for immediate trash disposal due to road inaccessibility.\n\nTransylvania\n\nThe City of Brevard has resumed regular trash pickup.\n\nYancey\n\nThe Riverside and East Yancey Recycling Centers have resumed operations.\n\nDaily hours: 7:00 a.m. \u2013 4:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday\n\nVoter Information\n\nThe North Carolina State Board of Elections has provided pertinent information and recommendations for voters in the Helene disaster area during the 2024 general election.\n\nTo review information on voting in the 2024 general election after Hurricane Helene, you can follow this link.\n\nThe site provides information on absentee voting, how to change your polling location if you have a new permanent address, county board of elections, office closures and more.\n\nFor any additional questions on voting post-hurricane, please contact your county Board of Elections.\n\nPlease note: Your county Board of Elections is the best place to get any questions answered.\n\nI have been permitted to share the above, nonpartisan information but am prohibited from answering any questions related to the 2024 general election.\n\nUnited States Postal Service/Mail Services\n\nUSPS anticipates continued improvement of mail delivery operations with local recovery efforts, to include power, connectivity, and roads.\n\nSocial Security checks are being routed to all units for delivery and/or are available for customer pick up.\n\nFor impacted residents who have relocated due to the storm, please be sure to complete a change of address request at moversguide.usps.com.\n\nThere are some facilities unable to provide full retail and mail delivery due to road closures and current conditions.\n\nNo drop shipments will be accepted at any of the locations listed below.\n\nThe following sites are closed with no retail, but delivery is being attempted where it is safe to do so:\n\nNewland - 28657\n\nCedar Mountain - 28718\n\nThe following sites are closed with alternative facilities listed:\n\nAlexander - 28701\n\nAlternative location: 2350 Old Marshall Hwy., Alexander, NC 28701\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.; closed 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. for lunch\n\nOpen Saturdays: 8:00-10:00 a.m.\n\nBat Cave - 28710\n\nAlternative location: 3979 Chimney Rock Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; closed 12:00-1:00 p.m. for lunch\n\nBarnardsville - 28709\n\nAlternate location: 1664 Barnardsville Hwy., Barnardsville, NC 28709\n\nDaily hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; closed from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. for lunch.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 8:30-10:30 a.m.\n\nChimney Rock - 28720\n\nAlternate location: 2432 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. \u2013 4:00 p.m., closed 12:00-1:00 p.m.\n\nEdneyville - 28727\n\nAlternate location: 3979 Chimney Rock Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; closed 12:00-1:00 p.m. for lunch\n\nGerton \u2013 28735\n\nAlternate location: 1352 Charlotte Hwy., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nDaily Hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nGreen Mountain - 28740\n\nAlternate location: 670 W. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nHot Springs - 28743\n\n111 Bridge St., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; closed 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. for lunch.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00-10:30 a.m.\n\nMarshall - 28753\n\nAlternate location: 100 S. Main St., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; closed 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. for lunch.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nMicaville - 28755\n\nAlternate location: 670 W. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nMontreat - 28757\n\nAlternate location: 2 Tucker Rd., Ridgecrest, NC 28770\n\nDaily hours M-F: 12:30-4:30 p.m.\n\nPenland - 28765\n\nAlternative location: 899 Oak Ave., Spruce Pine, NC 28777\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nRosman - 28778\n\nAlternate location: 272 Main St., Rosman, NC 28772\n\nDaily hours M-F: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; closed 12:30-1:30 p.m. for lunch.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 10:00-11:00 a.m.\n\nSwannanoa - 28765\n\nAlternate location: 2311 U.S. 70 Highway, Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nAll remaining locations are attempting delivery where it is safe to do so.\n\nPharmacy Access\n\nPharmacy Locator\n\nHundreds of pharmacies never closed or have reopened across Western North Carolina.\n\nUse this link to locate pharmacy locations open to the public by county.\n\nThe Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response under the Department of Health and Human Services has activated the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) for North Carolinians.\n\nThe EPAP program helps uninsured residents replace prescription medication or certain medical equipment lost or damaged during Hurricane Helene.\n\nThrough the program, uninsured residents can:\n\nRequest a free 30-day supply of certain prescription medications at any EPAP-participating pharmacy which can be renewed every 30 days while the EPAP is active.\n\nReplace certain medical equipment and supplies such as canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, blood sugar meters and blood sugar test strips for diabetics.\n\nUninsured North Carolina residents affected by the recent hurricane can call the EPAP hotline, 855-793-7470, or visit the EPAP website to check their eligibility, determine if their medications or medical equipment are covered, or locate a participating pharmacy.\n\nPrescription Pad is open from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and filling prescriptions for Yancey County residents at the following location:\n\n730 E. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nOpen Urgent Cares/ Health Care Services\n\nThere is a field hospital with physicians, nurses and paramedics who can treat patients at the Burnsville Fire Department. The address is as follows:\n\n305 Pineola St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nThe following urgent cares are open and accessible for community members with non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries:\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Weaverville\n\n61 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nMercy Urgent Care West Asheville\n\n1201 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nMercy Urgent Care Waynesville\n\n120 Frazier St., Ste. 6, Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nLocations open between 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Brevard\n\n22 Trust Ln., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Columbus\n\n140 West Mills St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nLocations open between 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.:\n\nMobile Urgent Care Clinic\n\n12 Florida Ave., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nMental Health & Basic Medical Support Center\n\n130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nPardee Urgent Care\n\n45 Hendersonville Hwy., Ste. A, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nFree mental health services - All available for drop-in\n\nCare Collaborative for Western North Carolina Clinicians is a partnership among more than 200 mental health professionals volunteering to provide free mental health services for Hurricane Helene survivors.\n\nServices are provided virtually, and you can follow this link to find a professional that fits your needs and their contact information to schedule a session.\n\nHot Springs Elementary School - Art Room\n\n63 N. Serpentine Ave., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nThe Pearl Institute\n\n55 Academy St., Waynesville, NC\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-6:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nFree telehealth appointments are also available.\n\nTo book a telehealth appointment, you can email info@pearlpsychedelicinstitute.org or call/text (828) 400-7091\n\nCommunity Support Group\n\n221 Mills Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nMary C. Jenkins Community & Cultural Center\n\nHosted by the City of Brevard, AARP, and Blue Ridge Community College\n\n9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on October 14, 28, and November 18.\n\nAll University of North Carolina System students have access to free mental health through their university.\n\nPlease monitor your student email for more information on how to access these services.\n\nThe following orthopedic urgent care locations are open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily, physical therapy appointments are also available at each of these locations:\n\nEmergeOrtho Hendersonville\n\n800 Fleming St., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nEmergeOrtho Arden (South Asheville)\n\n2585 Hendersonville Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nEmergeOrtho Waynesville\n\n9 Haywood Office Park, Ste. 102 and 103, Waynesville, NC 28785\n\nEmergeOrtho Brevard\n\n89 Hospital Dr., Ste. A, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nEmergeOrtho Weaverville\n\n159 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nDialysis Locations\n\nThe following location is open and available for dialysis treatments in NC-11:\n\nPardee Hospital\n\n800 N. Justice St., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nThis location can dialyze 30 patients a day.\n\nDaVita Kidney Care nurses are reaching out to their patients to coordinate treatment, but the following DaVita locations are available:\n\nDaVita Greer South Dialysis\n\n3254 Brushy Greek Rd., Greer, SC 29650\n\nContact Number: (864) 801-2065\n\nDaVita Saluda River Dialysis\n\n8080 Augusta Rd., Piedmont, SC 29673\n\nContact Number: (833) 378-2702\n\nDaVita Wofford at Home\n\n8024 White Ave., Spartanburg, SC 29303\n\nContact Number: (864) 583-4788\n\nDaVita Boiling Springs Dialysis\n\n196 Sloane Garden Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316\n\nContact Number: (833) 458-4809\n\nOxygen Locations\n\nHendersonville High School\n\n1 Bearcat Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nMust be assessed through Pardee Hospital.\n\nLincare is only serving established patients.\n\nPatients must bring in empty tanks to one of the following locations:\n\nAsheville Lincare\n\n103 Elk Park Dr., Asheville, NC 28804\n\nFax number: (866) 234-6698\n\nGreenville Lincare\n\n355 Woodruff Rd., Ste. 204 and 205, Greenville, SC 29607\n\nFax Number: (864) 288-0339\n\nThe following locations are available for oxygen refills, but patients must bring their own oxygen equipment - fire departments are available 24/7:\n\nBoiling Springs Fire Department\n\n186 Rainbow Lake Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316\n\nReidville Fire Department\n\n7450 Reidville Rd., Woodruff, SC 29388\n\nInman City Fire Department\n\n6 Humphrey St., Inman, SC 29349\n\nFirst Presbyterian Church\n\n393 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29302\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.\n\nGreer Relief Indigo Hope Neighborhood Impact Center\n\n113C Berry Ave., Greer, SC 29651\n\nDaily hours: 2:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nCroft Fire Department\n\n370 Cedar Springs Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29302\n\nArkwright Fire Department\n\n1070 Southport Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29306\n\nRoebuck Fire Department\n\n2639 Stone Station Rd., Roebuck, SC 29376\\\n\nNorth Spartanburg Fire Department\n\n8767 Asheville Hwy., Spartanburg, SC 29316\n\nResources for Veterans\n\nThe U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs launched a new web page with disaster relief resources, providing a single place for veterans and their caregivers to access VA resources on health care, housing, benefits payments, insurance, and more.\n\nYou can access the web site via this link.\n\nThe VA has established a Veterans Disaster Response Hotline, which is available 24/7 at 1(800) 507-4571.\n\nIf you or a veteran you know needs immediate housing assistance after Hurricane Helene, please call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at (877) 424-3838.\n\nThe call center is open 24/7.\n\nIf you have a VA-backed home loan and are unable to make your mortgage payments, please contact your mortgage servicer.\n\nYou can also call the VA at (877) 827-3702, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nHome loan servicers are allowed to put a 90-day pause on foreclosures and encouraged to waive late charges for VA-guaranteed home loans after a disaster.\n\nLegionnaires, Sons of the American Legion members and Legion Posts that have been displaced from their primary residence due to damage sustained during Hurricane Helene may be eligible for financial assistance through the American Legion.\n\nLegionnaires and Sons of the American Legion members may be eligible for up to $3,000.\n\nLegion Posts may be eligible for up to $10,000.\n\nTo learn more or to request assistance, please use this link.\n\nApplications must be submitted within 90 days of the disaster: Dec. 26, 2024.\n\nThe Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville and Master Sergeant Jerry K. Crump VA Clinic in Forest City are open for essential and emergency services.\n\nVeterans can:\n\nVisit the Asheville VA Hospital pharmacy for medication refills or:\n\nCall the Regional Clinical Contact Center at (855) 679-0074 and press 1 for pharmacy representatives.\n\nLocal pharmacies in the VA\u2019s community care network will also fill written prescriptions, or prescriptions as they appear on an active VA prescription bottle that is not older than six months and has available refills, to provide a 30-day supply.\n\nHickory, Forest City and Franklin outpatient VA clinics are now operating regularly.\n\nDue to the damage and personal losses caused by Hurricane Helene to the staff of the VA, it will take some time to bring staffing to full capacity.\n\nPlease be patient as the VA works to rebuild their workforce.\n\nResources for Farmers\n\nThe United States Department of Agriculture has put together a list of resources for farmers and other agricultural industry members.\n\nIf your agricultural operation has been impacted by Hurricane Helene, you can review this link, farmers.gov, for emergency and disaster assistance programs.\n\nPower\n\nJust under 17,000 customers remain without power in Western North Carolina.\n\nRoughly 96 percent of all originally reported power outages have been restored in Western North Carolina.\n\nDuke Energy is providing restoration updates via text to all customers that remain without power.\n\nNCDOT crews are coordinating closely with power companies to ensure service is being restored as quickly as possible, including along private roads, keeping in mind that cold months are approaching fast.\n\nRestoration of service for individuals in the disaster rebuild zones will be a longer process but Duke Energy workers have already made substantial progress on the extremely difficult and targeted work that lies ahead.\n\nFor more information on Duke Energy\u2019s power restoration efforts, you can review the following links:\n\nComplex Repair & Disaster Rebuild Zones Map: duke-energy.com/info/carolinas-restoration\n\nOutage Map: duke-energy.com/outages\n\nOutage Alerts: duke-energy.com/outages/alerts\n\nGenerator safety: duke-energy.com/outages/generators\n\nPower restoration process: duke-energy.com/outages/restoring-your-power\n\nRoads\n\nA \u201cDO NOT DRIVE\u201d message remains in place from the North Carolina Department of Transportation for most of Western North Carolina.\n\nUnless it is an emergency, please do not travel to the hardest hit communities.\n\nCherokee, Graham, Clay, Swain, Macon, Haywood, Transylvania and Jackson counties ARE FULLY OPEN to non-essential travel for people who can access them through safe routes.\n\nPlease DO NOT try to visit or travel through the areas hardest hit by the storm.\n\nNon-essential traffic in impacted areas hinders NCDOT\u2019s efforts to reopen roads.\n\nHenderson, Polk and Rutherford counties are each partially open to non-essential travel.\n\nTo monitor road conditions in and around NC-11, use drivenc.gov.\n\nThe website tracks NCDOT-managed road conditions in real time.\n\nCut and shove, debris removal, and damage assessment are winding down, and some locations have transitioned to temporary repairs and reconstruction.\n\nTransportation infrastructure damage estimates from assessments are up to several billion dollars.\n\nRepairs and reconstruction of roadways will be an extremely long road (no pun intended) over the next couple of years to return Western NC\u2019s transportation network to what it was before.\n\nNCDOT crews and contractors have reopened 575 roads so far.\n\nRoughly 653 roads remain closed in Western NC, 108 of which are primary routes.\n\nThis number is still rapidly changing as communications improve and NCDOT reaches new sites.\n\nAbout 100 of the closed roads are along primary routes.\n\nUSDOT approved an initial $100 million in Emergency Repair funds to NCDOT.\n\nDamage to our mountain roads exceeds $100 million but USDOT\u2019s investment is a significant and most welcome start.\n\nNCDOT has stated they will be utilizing the $100 million to supplement ongoing efforts in Western North Carolina - this is what I would have hoped the funds are going to be used for, but their public statement is a welcome confirmation of their commitment to restore transportation networks in our mountains.\n\nNCDOT has awarded a $10 million contract to Wright Brothers Construction of Charleston, TN, to stabilize the westbound lanes of I-40 by drilling soil nails where the eastbound lanes no longer exist.\n\nThe contract includes incentives to be complete by January 4, 2025.\n\nAround the time this operation concludes, plans for a larger, complex, and complete repair will be in progress.\n\nNC DMV has reopened 11 of the 16 driver license offices that were closed due to Hurricane Helene.\n\nThe following DMV offices are open for walk-in services in or near NC-11, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., closed between 11:30 a.m. through 1:00 p.m. for a lunch break:\n\nBurke County - Closest open location for McDowell and Yancey County residents\n\n115 Government Dr., Morganton, NC 28655\n\nCherokee County\n\n1440 Main St., Andrews, NC 28901\n\nHaywood County\n\n290 Lee Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nHenderson County\n\n125 Baystone Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nJackson County\n\n876 Skyland Dr., Ste. 2, Sylva, NC 28779\n\nMacon County\n\n16 Patton Ave., Franklin, NC 28734\n\nRutherford County\n\n596 Withrow Rd., Forest City, NC 28043\n\nSwain County\n\n2650 Governors Island Rd., Bryson City, NC 28713\n\nTransylvania County\n\n50 Commerce St., Ste. 4, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAll but five license plate agencies have reopened.\n\nAir traffic has sustained at 300 percent above pre-hurricane levels in Western NC.\n\nNCDOT\u2019s aviation division continue to work to make sure flight operations are safe coming into and out of airports, including by:\n\nScheduling landing/unloading times and aircraft parking so aircraft are spaced out and to reduce the risk of incidents.\n\nEstablishing a first of its kind \u201ccorridors in the sky\u201d to separate civilian and military aircraft in the air.\n\nHaving search and rescue partners use short, time and location specific restrictions on air operations to enhance safety when multiple helicopters are engaged in search and rescue efforts.\n\nThe state of North Carolina is NOT turning away civil aviation support so long as it has been coordinated through the proper channels with NC Emergency Management.\n\nIf you or someone you know is interested in providing civil aviation support and don\u2019t know where to coordinate your efforts, please call my office and we will help you get in touch with the right folks.\n\nNCDOT has launched a detour map to show motorists how to get around closures on I-26 and I-40 at the Tennessee border.\n\nYou can access the map here.\n\nInternet Access\n\nInternet providers are working with local energy and cell providers to restore service for customers across Western North Carolina.\n\nSpaceX is offering free monthly Starlink service for 30 days to any household or entity located in the disaster area.\n\nTo apply for this free service, residents can go to starlink.com/residential and select the \u201cHelene Relief\u201d service plan at check out.\n\nInternet providers including Optimum and Spectrum are working around the clock to restore service for customers. However, part of the network\u2019s infrastructure was destroyed by mudslides and collapsed bridges making restoration a lengthy process.\n\nAs a result, some impacted areas will require a rebuild of the network from scratch.\n\nTo mitigate the lack of service, Optimum, formerly Altice USA, has set up an Optimum Wi-Fi Trailer that is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the following locations:\n\n717 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\n1800 Four Seasons Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nThe following locations are offering free public wi-fi:\n\nFirst Baptist Church - Weaverville\n\n63 N. Main St, Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nDowntown Franklin\n\nThe Town of Franklin has free wi-fi on the town hill area in downtown.\n\nTransylvania County Library - 24/7\n\n212 S. Gaston St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nThe Yard Brevard\n\n284 Railroad Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nBrevard Visitor Center\n\n175 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAvailable daily from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nCell Service\n\nMore than 93 percent of all cellular sites in Western North Carolina have been repaired and are now in service.\n\nCell service providers have implemented disaster roaming for any phone located in Western North Carolina to maximize phone service for all users.\n\nDisaster roaming allows users to connect to any mobile network during a disaster when other networks are down.\n\nThis allows users to access emergency services, such as 911, even when their own network is out.\n\nIf you have service one moment, but experience a reduction in service the next, try restarting your phone to jumpstart disaster roaming again.\n\nUpCycle Tech in Transylvania County is offering free computers and phones for use at the following location:\n\n470 Asheville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAT&T has deployed its Mobile Connectivity Center to the following location:\n\nSam\u2019s Club: 645 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nThe Mobile Connectivity Center is an air-conditioned mobile unit open to the public, equipped with laptops, charging stations and wi-fi.\n\nThe public can use the center for various needs including contacting your insurance company, filling out paperwork or connecting with loved ones.\n\nVerizon has deployed Wireless Emergency Communication Centers to help hurricane survivors stay connected to their friends, family and other important contacts.\n\nWireless Emergency Communication Centers are generator-powered mobile units that have device charging and computer workstations, along with wireless phones, tablets, and other devices available for use.\n\nVerizon\u2019s Wireless Emergency Communication Centers have been set up at the following locations:\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nAsheville YMCA\n\n30 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nFamily Justice Center\n\n35 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nGroce United Methodist Church\n\n954 Tunnel Rd., Asheville, NC 28805\n\nVerizon also has charging stations at the following locations:\n\nYMCA of Western North Carolina\n\n348 Grace Corpening Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nTwo charging stations at this location\n\nWNC Agricultural Center\n\n761 Boylston Hwy., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nThree charging stations at this location\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nOne charging station at this location\n\nT-Mobile has set up satellite cellular on light trucks (SatCOLTs), providing cellular voice and data along with wi-fi and charging stations at the following locations:\n\nAsheville Middle School\n\n211 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center\n\n285 Livingston St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nFirst Baptist Church\n\n130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nAdditional T-Mobile satellite cell on trucks are located in Hendersonville and at a Tractor Supply Co. in Asheville, with others planned for Mission Hospital in Asheville, Cherokee County Emergency Operations Center in Murphy, and in Cherokee.\n\nNorth Carolina National Guard & Department of Defense\n\nAlmost 3,700 National Guard soldiers and airmen, active-duty service members, and 200 Emergency Management Assistance Compact units (National Guard units from out of state) are deployed across Western North Carolina to provide support.\n\nThis includes:\n\nNearly 1,300 vehicles\n\n26 Helicopters\n\nAs search and rescue needs diminish and roads are being cleared and restored, the need for aerial support is decreasing and ground vehicles are becoming an increasingly more effective means of support.\n\nHighlights from the last 24 hours:\n\nNCNG soldiers conducted commodity distribution, including medical resupply and route clearance, across eight counties.\n\nOpened several routes to secluded communities in Haywood County.\n\nConducted aerial video reconnaissance of Lake Logan Dam in Canton, NC.\n\nAlthough airspace is limited due to ongoing missions by the National Guard and Department of Defense, a process has been established for private pilots seeking to fly in humanitarian relief to coordinate with local authorities.\n\nIf you are looking to fly in resources and don\u2019t know where to turn, call my office and we will get you in contact with the right coordinators.\n\nHere are a few key phone numbers from the NCNG:\n\nHOTLINE: 888-892-1162\n\nEmergency management watch: 919-733-3300\n\nDonated goods: 919-825-2474\n\nThese lines have very high call volumes. If you do not get through the first try, keep calling.\n\nAsheville Regional Airport\n\nAsheville Regional Airport closed mid-day on Friday, September 27, due to risk of flooding.\n\nCommercial flights at Asheville Regional Airport have resumed.\n\nIf you parked your car in an Asheville Regional Airport lot and could not retrieve the vehicle due to the storm, great news - none of the airport\u2019s lots flooded and all cars are fine.\n\nStay safe and pick up your car when you are able.\n\nPLEASE NOTE:\n\nNo general aviation pilots are allowed to land at Asheville Regional Airport without prior clearance from FEMA to ensure the safety of aircraft and personnel.\n\nSupply deliveries by civilian pilots ARE permitted to land at Asheville Regional Airport so long as they have prior clearance from FEMA.\n\nFEMA is not turning away any pilot that has gone through the proper channels to coordinate delivery and ensure the safety of his fellow aircraft and personnel.\n\nFederal Nutrition Programs\n\nThe U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service has approved flexibilities due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene.\n\nSNAP\n\nNorth Carolina was granted a waiver for the 10-day reporting requirement for the replacement of food purchased with SNAP benefits lost because of the hurricane.\n\nThis waiver provides additional time beyond the standard 10-day time frame for households to report food losses and receive replacement benefits for food that was destroyed and previously purchased with SNAP benefits.\n\nChild Nutrition\n\nThe North Carolina Department of Public Instruction was approved for a waiver pertaining to the child nutrition programs.\n\nUnder the waiver approval, NCDPI\u2019s local program operators may:\n\nServe meals in a non-congregate setting\n\nAdjust the time of meal service\n\nAllow parent pick-up\n\nAllow service of meals at school sites\n\nFood and Nutrition Services Program\n\nPeople and families in North Carolina who are enrolled in the Food and Nutrition Services program can now use their EBT card to purchase hot food.\n\nThis flexibility will remain in effect until November 3.\n\nSpecial Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, & Children (WIC)\n\nFamilies participating in WIC who may have relocated to a new area can go to any NC WIC agency to:\n\nHave a new eWIC card issued\n\nRequest replacement breastfeeding supplies or breast pumps\n\nRequest replacement food that was purchased with current WIC benefits and lost due to Hurricane Helene\n\nFor NC-11 Medical Providers\n\nIf you own a medical practice in NC-11 and are experiencing financial hardship due to Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina Medical Society is reactivating its Financial Recovery Program (FRP) to help you recover and open your doors again.\n\nFor more information on the disaster relief fund, you can visit this link.\n\nDetails on how medical practices can qualify and apply for funds will be coming soon.\n\nThe Department of Health and Human Services through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has made available:\n\nAccelerated payments to Medicare Part A providers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nAdvance payments to Medicare Part B suppliers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nFor Local Government Resource Requests\n\nFor county leaders: This is a reminder to make sure your Emergency Operation Center has submitted the request for gasoline, food, water, cell service deployables, etc. with North Carolina Emergency Management to have your request processed and resources delivered.\n\nMy office stands ready to assist with checking the status of your request if the county or municipality has not heard back from NC Emergency Management within 24 hours.\n\nDisaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)\n\nThe deadline to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits is Dec. 2, 2024 for all counties other than Swain County.\n\nSwain County\u2019s deadline is Dec. 9, 2024.\n\nThis is because Swain County was added to the list of eligible DUA counties one week after all other counties were designated as eligible.\n\nDisaster Unemployment Assistance benefits are now available for Western North Carolinians in counties with a major disaster declaration, including:\n\nBuncombe\n\nClay\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nJackson\n\nMacon\n\nMadison\n\nMcDowell\n\nPolk\n\nRutherford\n\nSwain\n\nTransylvania\n\nYancey\n\nIf your employment has been lost or interrupted because of Hurricane Helene, you may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance.\n\nFile an application for DUA:\n\nFile at des.nc.gov, or\n\nCall over the phone at (919) 629-3857\n\nA toll-free legal aid hotline is now available for low-income survivors with disaster-related legal questions: (866) 219-5262.\n\nFor Individual Assistance through FEMA\n\nThe deadline to file for FEMA Individual Assistance is Nov. 27, 2024. Please mark your calendars and ensure all applications are submitted on time.\n\nNorth Carolina received a Major Disaster Declaration for the following counties: Buncombe, Clay, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania and Yancey counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.\n\nPeople with damage to their homes or personal property who live in one of the above-listed counties should apply for Individual Assistance through FEMA, which may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies.\n\nFunds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay.\n\nIndividual Assistance provides financial aid and services to eligible individuals and households that have been affected by a disaster to assist with the recovery process. Individuals can officially begin applying for Individual Assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling the application phone number at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. EST.\n\nTo date, FEMA has paid out more than $92 million in housing and other types of assistance for more than 71,000 Western North Carolina households.\n\nFEMA is also directly paying hotels for emergency sheltering for more than 1,800 households through FEMA\u2019s Transitional Sheltering Assistance.\n\nFind steps to help you replace important documents that were lost or damaged in the storm: www.fema.gov/disaster/4827/news-media\n\nIf you were initially denied for Individual Assistance, please see below for useful tips to help you file an appeal with FEMA:\n\nUnderstand why FEMA denied your claim before writing the appeal.\n\nIt could be as simple as a missing document, which you can submit with your appeal.\n\nRead FEMA\u2019s letter from beginning to end to completely understand what the agency needs from you.\n\nMake sure you provide evidence for your appeal. Depending on your situation, documentation may include:\n\nA copy of your flood insurance declaration page.\n\nProof of occupancy, which could be an employer statement, lease, utility bill, credit card statement, or other recent, formal document that states your address.\n\nProof of ownership, which might include your mortgage or insurance documents, tax receipts, deed, etc.\n\nCan\u2019t write the appeal yourself?\n\nI recommend having a trusted friend, family member, or lawyer write it for you.\n\nKnow your deadline.\n\nYou have 60 days from the date of your FEMA determination letter to appeal.\n\nCircle the deadline on your calendar or write yourself a note to keep the date in the forefront.\n\nOnce FEMA reviews your letter, you may receive a phone call or a follow-up letter asking for more documentation.\n\nDon\u2019t forget to sign your appeal letter!\n\nOnce signed, there are three ways to submit your appeal:\n\nFax it to (800) 827-8112\n\nSend it by mail to: FEMA Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782\n\nUpload all appeal documents to your disasterassistance.gov account.\n\nInclude your application number on every page of the documents you submit.\n\nExpect a decision letter to your appeal within 90 days.\n\nTo Connect with a Loved One\n\nResidents trying to connect with family members may call NC 211 (or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from out-of-state) to report missing loved ones or request a welfare check.\n\nPeople in the impacted areas can indicate that they are safe by reporting themselves safe through Red Cross Reunification by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).\n\nPlease only use 911 for life-threatening emergencies so the lines remain open for critical situations.\n\nIf you are still trying to locate a friend or family member, please complete this form to notify local officials of their missing status.\n\nThe form was created by Buncombe County but information is being shared amongst all counties.\n\nRegardless of which county your loved one was last known to be in, you can still submit the form.\n\nBuncombe County will share the information with the appropriate officials to initiate search and rescue efforts.\n\nUnited Way is also fielding missing person/welfare check requests.\n\nText PERSON to 40403 to add a loved one to search and rescue efforts or fill out this form.\n\nResources for Utility & Other Status Updates\n\nFor information on the status of utilities, debris sites, etc., we want to share the following resources. As communications are restored and more information becomes available, these sites will continue to be updated.\n\nDrinking Water Systems: Public Water Supply Situation Report Tracking\n\nDebris Disposal Sites: Active Temporary Debris Disposal Sites\n\nNCDEQ Situation Report Tracking System\n\nNCDPS Hurricane Helene - Storm Information\n\nNCDPS County Emergency Management Agencies\n\nHow to Apply for FEMA Assistance After Hurricane Helene\n\nFree Legal Assistance\n\nLegal Aid of North Carolina stands ready to provide free advice and legal counsel regarding natural disaster needs, including legal representation if necessary, including for civil legal issues involving:\n\nFiling FEMA claims and appeals (a process which can be overwhelmingly bureaucratic and burdensome)\n\nReplacement of lost or destroyed legal and government documents, including driver\u2019s licenses and identification cards\n\nMedical and insurance claims\n\nHome repair contracts\n\nUtility disputes related to restoration of services\n\nConsumer protection issues like construction fraud, price-gouging on repairs and identity theft\n\nHousing issues such as unlawful eviction and foreclosures\n\nBankruptcy\n\nProbate and clearing title for survivors living in generational homes without a clear title\n\nFamily law cases and children in need of services (unfortunately, domestic violence tends to rise following a natural disaster)\n\nIf you need civil legal assistance, please contact Legal Aid of North Carolina via the following toll-free hotline:\n\n(866) 219-LANC or (866) 219-5262\n\nThe hotline is available from:\n\n8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; and 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Monday and Thursdays.\n\nConstituents can also apply online at legalaidnc.org/get-help/ between 1:00-4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday.\n\nIRS Guidance for Taxpayers Impacted by Hurricane Helene\n\nExtension of certain tax filing deadlines:\n\nIRS has extended various filing deadlines for taxpayers in impacted areas, including 2024 individual/business returns, certain quarterly estimated income tax payments, and certain payroll/excise taxes.\n\nClick here for the full list of extensions and respective dates\n\nClick here for more information from the IRS on disaster assistance\n\nTax relief for qualified payments, disaster-related losses:\n\nIRS released provided guidance to taxpayers on how to address disaster-related losses in their 2024 tax return, as well as providing guidance on how qualified disaster relief payments - like government assistance payments - are generally excluded from gross income.\n\nClick here for a general walkthrough of these policies (under header \u201cAdditional tax relief\u201d)\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of disaster-related losses\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of qualified disaster relief payments\n\nDisaster payments are usually tax-free:\n\nQualified disaster relief payments are generally excluded from gross income.\n\nIn general, this means that affected taxpayers can exclude the following payments from a government agency from their gross income. Amounts received for:\n\nReasonable and necessary personal, family, living or funeral expenses.\n\nThe repair or rehabilitation of your home.\n\nThe repair or replacement of your home\u2019s contents.\n\nYou may be eligible for a disaster loss deduction:\n\nIn some instances, individuals and businesses in a federally declared disaster area can qualify for a casualty loss tax deduction.\n\nThe deduction is available for damaged or destroyed property not covered by insurance or other reimbursement and can result in a larger refund.\n\nTaxpayers can choose to claim the deduction on either the return for the year the loss occurred (in this instance, the 2024 return normally filed next year), or the return for the prior year (the 2023 return filed this year).\n\nFor individual taxpayers, the deadline for making this election is Oct. 15, 2025.\n\nThe IRS also has a special hotline specifically dedicated to taxpayers with disaster-related tax questions. Disaster victims can call the agency\u2019s disaster hotline at (866) 562-5227.\n\nShelters\n\nFor those unable to evacuate to a safe location or in need of a place to go, the following shelters are currently open and available as of October 12:\n\nBuncombe County\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nGold\u2019s Gym\n\n801 Fairview Rd, Asheville, NC 28803\n\nWNC Agricultural Center\n\n1301 Fanning Bridge Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nHaywood County\n\nHaywood County Government Armory\n\n285 Armory Dr., Clyde, NC 28781\n\nHenderson County\n\nEast Henderson High School\n\n150 Eagle Pride Dr., East Flat Rock, NC 28728\n\nHenderson County Recreation Center\n\n708 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nMadison County\n\nMadison Early College High School\n\n5374 US Hwy 25-70, Marshall, NC 28755\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMcDowell County Senior Center\n\n100 Spaulding Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nRutherford County\n\nRutherfordton Presbyterian Church\n\n252 N. Washington St., Rutherfordton, NC 28139\n\nTransylvania County\n\nTransylvania Parks & Rec\n\n1078 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nYancey County\n\nBlue Ridge Elementary\n\n910 Cane River School Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nCarolina Cruiser mobile office hours\n\nIn keeping with my office's motto of being \"First in Constituent Services\" and to help constituents post-Hurricane Helene, the latest Carolina Cruiser mobile office hours are available.\n\nFolks can stop by to share their thoughts on issues that matter to them or ask for assistance with federal agencies.\n\nVisit my website for updated Carolina Cruiser hours and locations, linked here.\n\nWith my warmest regards,\n\nChuck Edwards\n\nMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/hurricane-helene-update-15-congressman-edwards", "Hurricane Helene update #15 from Congressman Edwards", "2024-10-12", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Chuck Edwards", "E000246", "edwards.house.gov", "edwards", "https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "October 12, 2024\n\nDear Friend,\n\nThe further away we get from the day Hurricane Helene hit, the more I hear that NC-11\u2019s newest and most prominent need is money. Homeowners need money to repair their homes. Businesses need money to help make their employees\u2019 paychecks whole while they are closed and to finance repairs so they can reopen for business as soon as possible. Local governments need money to make critical repairs to community wastewater treatment plants.\n\nEven the state needs money to pay for the billions in damage to our district\u2019s roads.\n\nThe need is widespread, which is why I am excited to share that additional resources are finally starting to trickle into Western North Carolina\u2019s communities.\n\nTo start, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development exhausted their Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Sanction Fund (money paid back to HUD by CDBG grantees due to program violations) to award the City of Asheville with more than $1.7 million to begin rebuilding the city. Eligible activities for CDBG funds include rehabilitation of residential and non-residential structures, repairs to water and sewer facilities, and job creation/retention.\n\nI\u2019m confident that this is just the first of many CDBG awards to communities across NC-11.\n\nAdditionally, the U.S. Department of Labor has approved $10 million in initial funding to support dislocated workers across the district - similar to the $2.5 million awarded to support dislocated workers caused by the Pactiv Evergreen closure in Canton, NC last year.\n\nEven our counties are stepping up to provide financial relief. Transylvania Tomorrow, an initiative of the Transylvania Business Support Task force, in collaboration with key economic development and business-centric organizations from across the county, has announced it is relaunching to support small businesses in Transylvania County.\n\nThe initiative was originally formed in early 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and raised and distributed more than $250,000 to more than 100 businesses throughout the county.\n\nThese are all just the first examples of support to come for Western North Carolina.\n\nWe\u2019ve seen an unprecedented amount of manpower and supplies flood into our district to assist with our community\u2019s initial needs, and as we transition away from response and toward recovery, I expect to see many more investments like those listed above that will support our communities and the businesses and individuals within them.\n\nThis update includes tips for submitting an appeal for FEMA Individual Assistance, information on disaster-related tax deductions and the types of disaster relief payments that are traditionally tax-free, where to recycle, and a new Veteran Disaster Response Hotline.\n\nToday is update number 15, with more information to come in the following days. Please make sure to read everything and share it with your friends and family.\n\nIndex\n\nClick the title to be taken to the correlating information in the update.\n\nFEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Sites\n\nLegislative Support\n\nFood and Water\n\nBuncombe County\n\nHaywood County\n\nHenderson County\n\nJackson County\n\nMadison County\n\nMcDowell County\n\nPolk County\n\nRutherford County\n\nTransylvania County\n\nYancey County\n\nTrash Services and Debris Removal\n\nBuncombe\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nMadison\n\nPolk\n\nTransylvania\n\nYancey\n\nVoter Information\n\nUnited States Postal Service/Mail Services\n\nPharmacy Access\n\nOpen Urgent Cares/ Health Care Services\n\nDialysis Locations\n\nOxygen Locations\n\nResources for Veterans\n\nResources for Farmers\n\nPower\n\nRoads\n\nInternet Access\n\nCell Service\n\nNorth Carolina National Guard & Department of Defense\n\nAsheville Regional Airport\n\nFederal Nutrition Programs\n\nFor NC-11 Medical Providers\n\nFor Local Government Resource Requests\n\nFor Individual Assistance through FEMA\n\nTo Connect with a Loved One\n\nResources for Utility & Other Status Updates\n\nFree Legal Assistance\n\nIRS Guidance for Taxpayers Impacted by Hurricane Helene\n\nShelters\n\nBuncombe County\n\nHaywood County\n\nHenderson County\n\nMadison County\n\nMcDowell County\n\nRutherford County\n\nTransylvania County\n\nYancey County\n\nCarolina Cruiser Mobile Office Hours\n\nFEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Sites\n\nThe following FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers are open seven days a week to assist North Carolina survivors who have experienced losses from Hurricane Helene.\n\nA.C. Reynolds High School\n\n1 Rocket Dr., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nA Comfort Care Center will also be available at this location where survivors can shower, do laundry and use other services.\n\nThe Asheville Social Security office remains closed due to a lack of power and water.\n\nThe Social Security Administration is maintaining staff at the Buncombe County Disaster Recovery Center until the Asheville office reopens.\n\nMcDowell County Senior Center\n\n100 Spaulding Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nA Disaster Recovery Center is a one-stop shop where survivors can meet face-to-face with FEMA representatives, apply for FEMA assistance, receive referrals to local assistance in their area, apply with the U.S. Small Business Administration for disaster loans, etc.\n\nAdditional recovery centers will be opening soon, and I will keep you posted as I learn about them.\n\nDisaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams are also stationed across NC-11 to help survivors apply for FEMA assistance and connect them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources.\n\nIn addition to designated locations, DSA teams are going door to door to provide assistance, but please note, FEMA staff will carry an official photo ID and will never ask for bank information. They will also never ask for money and never require payment in any form. FEMA is going door to door in the following counties:\n\nBuncombe County\n\nHaywood County\n\nHenderson County\n\nMacon County\n\nMadison County\n\nPolk County\n\nSwain County\n\nYancey County\n\nAs new stationary locations are established, I will keep you posted.\n\nThe following locations are open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., unless otherwise noted:\n\nBuncombe County\n\nIngles Market\n\n550 Hwy. 9, Black Mountain, NC 28803\n\nWalmart\n\n60 Airport Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nRiceville Community Church\n\n2342 Riceville Rd., Asheville, NC 28805\n\nTitle 10 Mission - Asheville\n\n503 Park St., Swannanoa, NC28778\n\nMontford North Star Academy\n\n90 Montford Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nAC Reynolds High School\n\n1 Rocket Dr., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nBeech Community Center\n\n15 State Rd. 2117, Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nJackson County\n\nJackson County EOC\n\n401 Grindstaff Cove Rd., Ste. A-145, Sylva, NC 28779\n\nMcDowell County\n\nCorpening Memorial YMCA\n\n348 Grace Corpening Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nMcDowell County EOC\n\n129 Barnes Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nMcDowell County Senior Center\n\n100 Spaulding Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nRutherford County\n\nIngles Market\n\n276 N. 9 Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nTransylvania County\n\nTransylvania County EOC\n\n155 Public Safety Way, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nYancey County\n\nYancey County Public Library\n\n321 School Cir., Burnsville, NC 28174\n\nLegislative Support\n\nThe U.S. House of Representatives is gearing up to pass a disaster relief package when we return to session in November.\n\nI have begun conversations with leadership about how to best meet Western North Carolina\u2019s needs in any supplemental relief package passed by Congress in the coming months.\n\nYesterday, both chambers of the North Carolina General Assembly unanimously passed the Disaster Recovery Act of 2024.\n\nThis bill creates a new Hurricane Helene fund with $273 million from the state\u2019s Savings Reserve Fund.\n\n$250 million will go to the Department of Public Safety's Division of Emergency Management to provide the state\u2019s match to federal disaster relief funds.\n\nAnother portion of the funds will be used to establish a revolving loan program to help local government and state agencies with cash flow while they are waiting for reimbursement from the federal government.\n\n$16 million will go to the Department of Public Instruction for \u201clost compensation of school nutrition employees due to school closures resulting from Hurricane Helene\u201d\n\n$2 million to provide local governments technical assistance with local recovery funds.\n\n$5 million to the State Board of Elections, alongside a variety of temporary election law changes such as changing polling sites that were rendered unusable by the storm and establishing a voter hotline, to make it easier for residents of Western North Carolina to vote.\n\nThe bill also:\n\nGrants school calendar flexibility to public schools by allowing them to make up or mark as completed any number of the days or hours missed.\n\nIt also allows the schools to use up to 30 days of remote instruction toward required instructional days.\n\nWaives DMV fees for things like obtaining a duplicate driver\u2019s license, ID card, etc.\n\nWaives certain environmental requirements for state highway repairs.\n\nThis provision will not reduce the safety of repairs conducted by NCDOT or negatively impact the environment.\n\nFood and Water\n\nA mobile lab to test drinking water is available at the following location seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. until October 19:\n\nA-B Tech Community College\n\n20 Canoe Ln., Woodfin, NC 28804\n\nSupplying drinkable water remains a top priority for emergency crews.\n\n60 water systems are on a boil advisory.\n\nOnly one treatment plant has reported having no power and 13 systems remain out of water.\n\nWater restoration trends continue to move in a positive direction.\n\nThere are 120 wastewater treatment plants operating under normal conditions in the affected areas across Western NC.\n\nAn additional 41 wastewater treatment plants are partially operational or operating on back-up power.\n\nSeveral major water systems are currently not distributing water, including the City of Asheville, Black Mountain, Woodfin, Spruce Pine, and Burnsville.\n\nWork continues on each of these systems to restore functionality.\n\nNCDEQ has provided the following resources to help community members track progress on water supply restoration efforts:\n\nPublic Water Supply Situation Report Tracking - ArcGIS map with filters for system status, county, etc. linked here.\n\nDEQ Dashboard - links to additional maps, including mobile view of water system status, and environmental guidance linked here.\n\nThe Federal Emergency Management Agency has promised 120 truckloads a day of food and water with no specified end date.\n\nFEMA has shipped 14 million liters of water and more than 17 million meals utilizing the $20 billion in funds that I helped to draft and pass for disaster relief just two days before Hurricane Helene hit.\n\nOf the shipped food and water, more than 10 million liters of water and more than 7.8 million individual meals have already been delivered to Western NC communities.\n\nLowe\u2019s has donated an additional $10 million to support hurricane relief in Western North Carolina.\n\nHome Depot will be passing out free disaster relief kits every day starting at 9:00 a.m., while supplies last, at the following locations:\n\nHome Depot Asheville\n\n795 Fairview Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nHome Depot West Asheville\n\n127 Acton Cir., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nHome Depot Hendersonville\n\n401 Linda Vista Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nWalmart is hosting activities at the following locations:\n\nHendersonville, NC Store 1242\n\n250 Highlands Square Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nPortable restrooms\n\nServing hot meals at 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily\n\nArden, NC Store 1179\n\n60 Airport Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nPortable restrooms\n\nLaundry\n\nShowers\n\nWi-fi hotspot and charging stations\n\nBuncombe County\n\nBuncombe County has begun water distribution at multiple sites. Each will be available daily from 1:00 -7:00 p.m.:\n\nPack Square Park - you MUST bring your own container for this site\n\n80 Court Plz., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nWilliam W. Estes Elementary School\n\n275 Overlook Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nSand Hill-Venable Elementary\n\n154 Sand Hill School Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nNorth Windy Ridge Intermediate School\n\n20 Doan Rd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nFairview Elementary\n\n1355 Charlotte Hwy., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nThe following feeding sites are available in Buncombe County, where citizens can access food, water and other basic necessities:\n\nBiltmore Baptist Church\n\n35 Clayton Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nDistribution and bulk pickup for volunteers looking to take bulk loads of supplies to in-need community members\n\nSaturday hours: 10:00 a.m. \u2013 1:00 p.m.\n\nCommunity drive-thru for anyone in the community needing supplies\n\nSaturday hours: 3:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church \u2013 Weaverville\n\n63 N. Main St., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nHot showers available from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nUnlimited clean drinking water is available, bring your own container.\n\nSupplies and bottled water.\n\nHot lunch served at 1:30 p.m.\n\nFellowship Asheville\n\n756 Fairview Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-4:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nHot meals are available at the following locations:\n\nWorld Central Kitchen in Bear\u2019s Smokehouse BBQ\n\n135 Coxe Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nServes 25,000 hot meals a day.\n\nDaily hours: 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.\n\nShiloh Community Center\n\n121 Shiloh Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nGrovemont Park\n\n251 Stonewall Ave., Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nManna Food Bank - Farmer\u2019s Market\n\n570 Brevard Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nWesley Grant Community Center\n\n285 Livingston St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nWest Asheville Ingles\n\n669 Haywood Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 3:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nBlack Mountain Ingles\n\n550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nDaily Hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nNesbitt Chapel\n\n12 Nesbitt Chapel Rd., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nDaily hours: 3:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nFood and drinking water are available from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily at the following locations:\n\nAsheville Middle School\n\n211 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nIngles\n\n550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nThis location also has handwashing stations and portable restrooms\n\nLinwood Crump Shiloh Community Center\n\n121 Shiloh Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nLucy Herring Elementary\n\n98 Sulphur Springs Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nOakley Elementary School\n\n753 Fairvew Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nA Community Care Station is available at the following location:\n\n2319 Hwy. 70, Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nHot meals served daily: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCommunity Care Stations offer showers, laundry, bathrooms, access to cell towers, wi-fi, potable and non-potable water, and counseling.\n\nHaywood County\n\nThe following locations are providing community members with essential resources such as but not limited to, food, water, cleaning products, baby formula, and pet food, Monday through Fridays:\n\nFines Creek Community Center\n\n190 Fines Creek Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nOpen every day until 6:00 p.m.\n\nPigeon Community Center\n\n450 Pigeon St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nAlso offering hot meals every day at 2:00 p.m.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCruso Community Center\n\n13186 Cruso Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.\n\nFirst United Methodist Church\n\n566 S. Haywood St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nIncludes shower access.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.\n\nMaggie Valley Pavilion\n\n3935 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nDaily Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.\n\nWoodland Baptist Church\n\n545 Crabtree Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nBethel Elementary School\n\n4700 Old River Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nJonathan Valley Elementary School\n\n410 Hall Dr., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nMonday through Friday\n\nSt. John the Evangelist Catholic Church - in the Parish Hall\n\n234 Church St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.\n\nMonday to Friday\n\nHot food available from 4:00 p.m. to 7 :00 p.m. daily.\n\nSt. Barnabas Catholic Church\n\n109 Crescent Hill Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nDaily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.\n\nReynolds Baptist Church - Family Life Center\n\n520 Rose Hill Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.\n\nThis location also has potable water available to residents who bring their own vessels to fill.\n\nMountain Projects\n\n2177 Asheville Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nHeart to Heart International - in Haywood Department of Health Parking Lot\n\n157 Paragon Pkwy., Ste. 800, Clyde, NC 28721\n\nThe following location offers hot meals daily:\n\nMaggie Valley Fire Department\n\n2901 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nJukebox Junction\n\n3606 Pigeon Rd., Canton, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nThe following location offers showers daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.:\n\nCalvary Baptist Church\n\n2701 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nThe following location is offering supplies for horses and livestock:\n\nWNC Regional Livestock Center\n\n474 Stock Dr., Canton, NC 28716\n\nHenderson County\n\nHenderson County has stood up Resource Hub locations for water distribution and other supplies as they become available.\n\nDistribution will be taking place daily from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. at the following locations:\n\nEtowah Elementary: 320 Etowah School Rd., Etowah, NC 28729\n\nMills River Town Hall: 124 Town Center Dr., Mills River, NC 28759\n\nEach family unit will be provided supplies for one day\u2019s meal and water as available.\n\nIndividuals are asked to enter the drive-through and remain in your car unless otherwise instructed by volunteers to ensure an efficient process.\n\nJackson County\n\nIn partnership with the Red Cross, the following is available for citizens of Jackson County:\n\nThe Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau are providing shelf-stable meals at the following location:\n\n558 Frank Allen Rd., Cashiers, NC 28717\n\nThe Canada Fire Department is distributing emergency supplies at the following location:\n\n149 Charleys Creek Rd., Tuckasegee, NC 28783\n\nThe following locations are providing resources to displaced families and individuals in need:\n\nMountain Projects\n\n154-B Medical Park Loop, Sylva, NC 28779\n\nUnited Christian Ministries\n\n191 Skyland Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nSt. Mary\u2019s Roman Catholic Church of Sylva\n\n22 Bartlett St., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.\n\nCornbread and Roses\n\n1294 Savannah Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours:\n\nWednesday, 6:00-8:00 p.m.\n\nThursday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nSunday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nMadison County\n\nThe following locations are offering food, water, and some supply distribution in Madison County:\n\nBeech Glen Community Center\n\n2936 Beech Glen Rd., Mars Hill, 28754\n\nDaily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.\n\nCenter Community Center\n\n1300 Grapevine Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nEbbs Chapel Community Center\n\n281 Laurel Valley Rd., Mars Hill, NC 28754\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nEnon Baptist Church\n\n174 Ammons Branch Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nOpen Sunday 12:00-4:00 p.m.\n\nFreedom Christian Church\n\n7350 US 25/70 Bypass, Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThis location offers additional resources such as hygiene products, blankets, clothes, cleaning supplies, diapers, pet food, etc.\n\nLaurel Community Center - also has supplies\n\n4100 NC 212 Hwy., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily Hours: 8:00 a.m. \u2013 8:00 p.m.\n\nRevere-Rice Community Center\n\n3980 Revere Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (Mon-Sat)\n\nSpring Creek Community Center\n\n13075 NC 209 Hwy., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThis location also has additional resources such as pet food, livestock feed and hay.\n\nWalnut Community Center - also has supplies\n\n46 School Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.\n\nN.C. Cooperative Extension - Madison County Center\n\n258 Carolina Ln., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nThis location is offering drive-thru food distribution only.\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMcDowell County has established multiple points of distribution that are open daily from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 4:00-6:00 p.m., depending on supply levels.\n\nDistribution takes place daily at the following locations:\n\nFormer TJ\u2019s Discounts - North Cove\n\n8153 US 221 N., Marion, NC 28752\n\nOld Fort Town Hall\n\n38 Catawba Ave., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nNew Manna Baptist Church\n\n225 E. Court St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nSolid Rock Free Will Baptist Church - Dysartsville\n\n7860 NC 226 S., Nebo, NC 28761\n\nZion Hill Baptist Church\n\n1036 Zion Hill Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nHot meals are also being provided at the following location:\n\nGrace Community Church\n\n5182 US 70 W., Marion, NC 28752\n\nLunch is served every day from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.\n\nDinner is available from 4:00-5:30 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church of Marion is offering hot showers, air conditioning, and areas to charge devices.\n\nCurrent hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 2:00-5:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday.\n\nPolk County\n\nThe following locations are offering food and water distribution for residents in need from 1:00-5:00 p.m.:\n\nMill Spring/Green Creek Community\n\n25 International Blvd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nColumbus Community\n\n95 Walker St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nSaluda Community Bus Parking Lot\n\n214 E. Main St., Saluda, NC 28773\n\nTryon Community\n\n301 N. Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782\n\nSunny View\n\n86 Sunny View School Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nThe following locations are serving hot meals daily:\n\nTryon Equestrian Center\n\n4066 Pea Ridge Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nRoseland Community Center\n\n56 Peake St., Tryon, NC 28782\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nRutherford County\n\nThe following locations are open from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. for citizens to get food and emergency supplies:\n\nThomas Jefferson High School\n\n2527 US-221A Hwy., Mooresboro, NC 28114\n\nFlorence Baptist Church\n\n201 S. Broadway St., Forest City, NC 28043\n\nRutherford County Health Department\n\n221 Callahan Koon Rd., Spindale, NC 28160\n\nGilkey Church of God\n\n255 Oak Springs Rd., Rutherfordton, NC 28139\n\nParks, Recreation, & Lake Office\n\n658 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nLake Lure Baptist Church\n\n6837 US-74 ALT, Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nIngles at Lake Lure - meals only\n\n276 NC-9, Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nOffers hot meals at 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. and 4:30-6:30 p.m.\n\nAlso offers showers, restrooms, a mobile health van, a tool trailer, a charging station (please bring your own charging cord), and wi-fi.\n\nFather\u2019s Vineyard - also has shower and charging stations\n\n724 Oakland Rd., Spindale, NC 28160\n\nSpencer Baptist Church - water distribution only\n\n187 N Oak St., Spindale, NC 28160\n\nUnited Way of Rutherford County - water distribution and charging stations only\n\n668 Withrow Rd., Forest City, NC 28043\n\nTransylvania County\n\nThe following locations are providing hot meals to county residents:\n\nCedar Mountain Community Center\n\n10635 Greenville Hwy., Cedar Mountain, NC 28718\n\nBreakfast hours: 9:00-11:00 a.m.\n\nLunch hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nDinner hours: 4:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nBalsam Grove Community Center - daily until power is fully restored\n\n8732 Parkway Rd., Balsam Grove, NC 28708\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.Resource pick-up locations are listed below by county. As I learn more, I will keep you posted:\n\nBottled water is available daily at local fire departments and 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Anchor Baptist Church located at:\n\n3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nWater filling stations can be found at the following locations:\n\nCity Sports Complex\n\n824 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.\n\nCedar Mountain Outpost\n\n8431 Greenville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nTerritory Brevard\n\n43 S. Broad St, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nDD Bullwinkles\n\n60 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nFirst United Methodist Church\n\n325 N. Broad St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nPisgah Forest Baptist Church\n\n494 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nFood, water, and other supplies such as hygiene products are being distributed at the following locations:\n\nAnchor Baptist Church\n\n3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nYancey County\n\nYancey County has transitioned to one centralized distribution site for water, food and ice located at the following address:\n\nAltec\n\n150 Altec Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nMobile laundry facilities are available in the GO Grocery parking lot located at the following address:\n\n631 W Hwy. 19E Bypass, Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nTrash Services and Debris Removal\n\nRecycling services are available through Curbside Management for the following counties:\n\nBuncombe\n\nClay\n\nGraham\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nJackson\n\nMacon\n\nMadison\n\nPolk\n\nRutherford\n\nYancey\n\nSome communities have halted recycling services to prioritize trash collection.\n\nIf that is the case for your community, Curbside Management has a drop-off site available for residents who wish to bring their recycling to the following location:\n\n116 N. Woodfin Ave., Asheville, NC 28804\n\nIf your home has damage and you need assistance with clean up, please call Crisis Cleanup for access to volunteer organizations that can assist you at 844-965-1386.\n\nIf Hurricane Helene caused damage to your home or belongings, make sure to document it.\n\nThis is critically important in getting reimbursed.\n\nTake photos before you begin cleaning up.\n\nMake a list of damaged or lost items and gather receipts.\n\nDoing this helps speed up the process with insurance and other assistance programs, and ensures you get properly compensated.\n\nBefore you start the clean-up process, remember:\n\nWear PPE such as long pants, goggles, gloves and sturdy shoes.\n\nStay off damaged structures.\n\nBe aware that snakes or other hazardous animals could be present.\n\nCall your local fire department to inspect or removal chemicals, propane tanks, and other hazardous materials.\n\nIf you suspect debris contains toxic substances, seal them in plastic bags to prevent them from becoming airborne.\n\nTo reduce the risk of accidental fires, please DO NOT burn your storm debris.\n\nEmergency personnel are continuing to work on other storm recovery and response efforts, limiting resources to respond to accidental fires.\n\nPlease discard storm debris at a local transfer site or via curbside debris pickup.\n\nDebris should be placed curbside and not block the roadway or access to the property.\n\nPlease place debris away from trees, poles or other structures (e.g., fire hydrants, meters, etc.) to make removal work easier.\n\nContact your local municipality for curbside storm debris removal collection schedules or see below for additional information on debris waste removal by county.\n\nAdditionally, the following counties have resources for where to take household trash and debris waste.\n\nBuncombe\n\nCurbside collection will begin Monday for City of Asheville sanitation customers.\n\nThe following materials cannot be collected at this time: Mud, construction debris, concrete and other bulky or hazardous items.\n\nDebris collection is estimated to start in mid-October.\n\nThe Town of Black Mountain Public Works Department has secured four 15-yard dumpsters located in two sites for Black Mountain residents to throw away household trash ONLY:\n\nTractor Supply: 125 Old US Hwy. 70 E., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nIngles: 550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nPlease Note: Yard waste, bulk items, separate recycling and debris collection are not available at this time.\n\nWaste Pro collection service has resumed for regular Monday route customers.\n\nHaywood\n\nHousehold waste will be accepted at the Materials Recovery Facility at 247 Recycle Rd., Clyde and at Convenience Centers at Jonathan Creek, Beaverdam, Bethel, Hazelwood, Mauney Cove, Jones Cove and Highway 110.\n\nWhite Oak Landfill has reopened.\n\nHenderson\n\nHenderson County Transfer Station is open and accepting storm debris with normal fees.\n\nHenderson County has begun curbside storm debris removal to county residents as a free service.\n\nThe county will pick up storm debris for free if it is pushed to the right of way of a property.\n\nStorm debris includes tree branches, leaves, logs, building materials, furniture, paint etc.\n\nPlease be patient.\n\nThe county will pick up storm debris for free as quickly as possible.\n\nMadison\n\nThe Hot Springs collection center is operating on normal hours for household trash ONLY:\n\nMonday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nWednesday: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.\n\nFriday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nSaturday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nHot Springs trash pickup is returning to Mondays like usual.\n\nPlease only use this pickup service if you cannot bring it to the collection center yourself.\n\nThe pickup service is being led by volunteers at this time.\n\nPolk\n\nThe Polk County landfill is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\n322 Landfill Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nDrop-off of residential trash is $10.\n\nGFL trash services will continue the regular schedule. However, certain areas may be inaccessible due to ongoing power outages from Hurricane Helene.\n\nTwo dumpsters are located on Gibson Street for immediate trash disposal due to road inaccessibility.\n\nTransylvania\n\nThe City of Brevard has resumed regular trash pickup.\n\nYancey\n\nThe Riverside and East Yancey Recycling Centers have resumed operations.\n\nDaily hours: 7:00 a.m. \u2013 4:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday\n\nVoter Information\n\nThe North Carolina State Board of Elections has provided pertinent information and recommendations for voters in the Helene disaster area during the 2024 general election.\n\nTo review information on voting in the 2024 general election after Hurricane Helene, you can follow this link.\n\nThe site provides information on absentee voting, how to change your polling location if you have a new permanent address, county board of elections, office closures and more.\n\nFor any additional questions on voting post-hurricane, please contact your county Board of Elections.\n\nPlease note: Your county Board of Elections is the best place to get any questions answered.\n\nI have been permitted to share the above, nonpartisan information but am prohibited from answering any questions related to the 2024 general election.\n\nUnited States Postal Service/Mail Services\n\nUSPS anticipates continued improvement of mail delivery operations with local recovery efforts, to include power, connectivity, and roads.\n\nSocial Security checks are being routed to all units for delivery and/or are available for customer pick up.\n\nFor impacted residents who have relocated due to the storm, please be sure to complete a change of address request at moversguide.usps.com.\n\nThere are some facilities unable to provide full retail and mail delivery due to road closures and current conditions.\n\nNo drop shipments will be accepted at any of the locations listed below.\n\nThe following sites are closed with no retail, but delivery is being attempted where it is safe to do so:\n\nNewland - 28657\n\nCedar Mountain - 28718\n\nThe following sites are closed with alternative facilities listed:\n\nAlexander - 28701\n\nAlternative location: 2350 Old Marshall Hwy., Alexander, NC 28701\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.; closed 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. for lunch\n\nOpen Saturdays: 8:00-10:00 a.m.\n\nBat Cave - 28710\n\nAlternative location: 3979 Chimney Rock Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; closed 12:00-1:00 p.m. for lunch\n\nBarnardsville - 28709\n\nAlternate location: 1664 Barnardsville Hwy., Barnardsville, NC 28709\n\nDaily hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; closed from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. for lunch.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 8:30-10:30 a.m.\n\nChimney Rock - 28720\n\nAlternate location: 2432 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. \u2013 4:00 p.m., closed 12:00-1:00 p.m.\n\nEdneyville - 28727\n\nAlternate location: 3979 Chimney Rock Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; closed 12:00-1:00 p.m. for lunch\n\nGerton \u2013 28735\n\nAlternate location: 1352 Charlotte Hwy., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nDaily Hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nGreen Mountain - 28740\n\nAlternate location: 670 W. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nHot Springs - 28743\n\n111 Bridge St., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; closed 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. for lunch.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00-10:30 a.m.\n\nMarshall - 28753\n\nAlternate location: 100 S. Main St., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; closed 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. for lunch.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nMicaville - 28755\n\nAlternate location: 670 W. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nMontreat - 28757\n\nAlternate location: 2 Tucker Rd., Ridgecrest, NC 28770\n\nDaily hours M-F: 12:30-4:30 p.m.\n\nPenland - 28765\n\nAlternative location: 899 Oak Ave., Spruce Pine, NC 28777\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nRosman - 28778\n\nAlternate location: 272 Main St., Rosman, NC 28772\n\nDaily hours M-F: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; closed 12:30-1:30 p.m. for lunch.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 10:00-11:00 a.m.\n\nSwannanoa - 28765\n\nAlternate location: 2311 U.S. 70 Highway, Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nAll remaining locations are attempting delivery where it is safe to do so.\n\nPharmacy Access\n\nPharmacy Locator\n\nHundreds of pharmacies never closed or have reopened across Western North Carolina.\n\nUse this link to locate pharmacy locations open to the public by county.\n\nThe Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response under the Department of Health and Human Services has activated the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) for North Carolinians.\n\nThe EPAP program helps uninsured residents replace prescription medication or certain medical equipment lost or damaged during Hurricane Helene.\n\nThrough the program, uninsured residents can:\n\nRequest a free 30-day supply of certain prescription medications at any EPAP-participating pharmacy which can be renewed every 30 days while the EPAP is active.\n\nReplace certain medical equipment and supplies such as canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, blood sugar meters and blood sugar test strips for diabetics.\n\nUninsured North Carolina residents affected by the recent hurricane can call the EPAP hotline, 855-793-7470, or visit the EPAP website to check their eligibility, determine if their medications or medical equipment are covered, or locate a participating pharmacy.\n\nPrescription Pad is open from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and filling prescriptions for Yancey County residents at the following location:\n\n730 E. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nOpen Urgent Cares/ Health Care Services\n\nThere is a field hospital with physicians, nurses and paramedics who can treat patients at the Burnsville Fire Department. The address is as follows:\n\n305 Pineola St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nThe following urgent cares are open and accessible for community members with non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries:\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Weaverville\n\n61 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nMercy Urgent Care West Asheville\n\n1201 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nMercy Urgent Care Waynesville\n\n120 Frazier St., Ste. 6, Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nLocations open between 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Brevard\n\n22 Trust Ln., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Columbus\n\n140 West Mills St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nLocations open between 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.:\n\nMobile Urgent Care Clinic\n\n12 Florida Ave., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nMental Health & Basic Medical Support Center\n\n130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nPardee Urgent Care\n\n45 Hendersonville Hwy., Ste. A, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nFree mental health services - All available for drop-in\n\nCare Collaborative for Western North Carolina Clinicians is a partnership among more than 200 mental health professionals volunteering to provide free mental health services for Hurricane Helene survivors.\n\nServices are provided virtually, and you can follow this link to find a professional that fits your needs and their contact information to schedule a session.\n\nHot Springs Elementary School - Art Room\n\n63 N. Serpentine Ave., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nThe Pearl Institute\n\n55 Academy St., Waynesville, NC\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-6:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nFree telehealth appointments are also available.\n\nTo book a telehealth appointment, you can email info@pearlpsychedelicinstitute.org or call/text (828) 400-7091\n\nCommunity Support Group\n\n221 Mills Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nMary C. Jenkins Community & Cultural Center\n\nHosted by the City of Brevard, AARP, and Blue Ridge Community College\n\n9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on October 14, 28, and November 18.\n\nAll University of North Carolina System students have access to free mental health through their university.\n\nPlease monitor your student email for more information on how to access these services.\n\nThe following orthopedic urgent care locations are open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily, physical therapy appointments are also available at each of these locations:\n\nEmergeOrtho Hendersonville\n\n800 Fleming St., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nEmergeOrtho Arden (South Asheville)\n\n2585 Hendersonville Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nEmergeOrtho Waynesville\n\n9 Haywood Office Park, Ste. 102 and 103, Waynesville, NC 28785\n\nEmergeOrtho Brevard\n\n89 Hospital Dr., Ste. A, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nEmergeOrtho Weaverville\n\n159 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nDialysis Locations\n\nThe following location is open and available for dialysis treatments in NC-11:\n\nPardee Hospital\n\n800 N. Justice St., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nThis location can dialyze 30 patients a day.\n\nDaVita Kidney Care nurses are reaching out to their patients to coordinate treatment, but the following DaVita locations are available:\n\nDaVita Greer South Dialysis\n\n3254 Brushy Greek Rd., Greer, SC 29650\n\nContact Number: (864) 801-2065\n\nDaVita Saluda River Dialysis\n\n8080 Augusta Rd., Piedmont, SC 29673\n\nContact Number: (833) 378-2702\n\nDaVita Wofford at Home\n\n8024 White Ave., Spartanburg, SC 29303\n\nContact Number: (864) 583-4788\n\nDaVita Boiling Springs Dialysis\n\n196 Sloane Garden Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316\n\nContact Number: (833) 458-4809\n\nOxygen Locations\n\nHendersonville High School\n\n1 Bearcat Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nMust be assessed through Pardee Hospital.\n\nLincare is only serving established patients.\n\nPatients must bring in empty tanks to one of the following locations:\n\nAsheville Lincare\n\n103 Elk Park Dr., Asheville, NC 28804\n\nFax number: (866) 234-6698\n\nGreenville Lincare\n\n355 Woodruff Rd., Ste. 204 and 205, Greenville, SC 29607\n\nFax Number: (864) 288-0339\n\nThe following locations are available for oxygen refills, but patients must bring their own oxygen equipment - fire departments are available 24/7:\n\nBoiling Springs Fire Department\n\n186 Rainbow Lake Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316\n\nReidville Fire Department\n\n7450 Reidville Rd., Woodruff, SC 29388\n\nInman City Fire Department\n\n6 Humphrey St., Inman, SC 29349\n\nFirst Presbyterian Church\n\n393 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29302\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.\n\nGreer Relief Indigo Hope Neighborhood Impact Center\n\n113C Berry Ave., Greer, SC 29651\n\nDaily hours: 2:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nCroft Fire Department\n\n370 Cedar Springs Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29302\n\nArkwright Fire Department\n\n1070 Southport Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29306\n\nRoebuck Fire Department\n\n2639 Stone Station Rd., Roebuck, SC 29376\\\n\nNorth Spartanburg Fire Department\n\n8767 Asheville Hwy., Spartanburg, SC 29316\n\nResources for Veterans\n\nThe U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs launched a new web page with disaster relief resources, providing a single place for veterans and their caregivers to access VA resources on health care, housing, benefits payments, insurance, and more.\n\nYou can access the web site via this link.\n\nThe VA has established a Veterans Disaster Response Hotline, which is available 24/7 at 1(800) 507-4571.\n\nIf you or a veteran you know needs immediate housing assistance after Hurricane Helene, please call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at (877) 424-3838.\n\nThe call center is open 24/7.\n\nIf you have a VA-backed home loan and are unable to make your mortgage payments, please contact your mortgage servicer.\n\nYou can also call the VA at (877) 827-3702, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nHome loan servicers are allowed to put a 90-day pause on foreclosures and encouraged to waive late charges for VA-guaranteed home loans after a disaster.\n\nLegionnaires, Sons of the American Legion members and Legion Posts that have been displaced from their primary residence due to damage sustained during Hurricane Helene may be eligible for financial assistance through the American Legion.\n\nLegionnaires and Sons of the American Legion members may be eligible for up to $3,000.\n\nLegion Posts may be eligible for up to $10,000.\n\nTo learn more or to request assistance, please use this link.\n\nApplications must be submitted within 90 days of the disaster: Dec. 26, 2024.\n\nThe Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville and Master Sergeant Jerry K. Crump VA Clinic in Forest City are open for essential and emergency services.\n\nVeterans can:\n\nVisit the Asheville VA Hospital pharmacy for medication refills or:\n\nCall the Regional Clinical Contact Center at (855) 679-0074 and press 1 for pharmacy representatives.\n\nLocal pharmacies in the VA\u2019s community care network will also fill written prescriptions, or prescriptions as they appear on an active VA prescription bottle that is not older than six months and has available refills, to provide a 30-day supply.\n\nHickory, Forest City and Franklin outpatient VA clinics are now operating regularly.\n\nDue to the damage and personal losses caused by Hurricane Helene to the staff of the VA, it will take some time to bring staffing to full capacity.\n\nPlease be patient as the VA works to rebuild their workforce.\n\nResources for Farmers\n\nThe United States Department of Agriculture has put together a list of resources for farmers and other agricultural industry members.\n\nIf your agricultural operation has been impacted by Hurricane Helene, you can review this link, farmers.gov, for emergency and disaster assistance programs.\n\nPower\n\nJust under 32,000 customers remain without power in Western North Carolina.\n\nDuke Energy is providing restoration updates via text to all customers that remain without power.\n\nNCDOT crews are coordinating closely with power companies to ensure service is being restored as quickly as possible, including along private roads, keeping in mind that cold months are approaching fast.\n\nRestoration of service for individuals in the disaster rebuild zones will be a longer process but Duke Energy workers have already made substantial progress on the extremely difficult and targeted work that lies ahead.\n\nFor more information on Duke Energy\u2019s power restoration efforts, you can review the following links:\n\nComplex Repair & Disaster Rebuild Zones Map: duke-energy.com/info/carolinas-restoration\n\nOutage Map: duke-energy.com/outages\n\nOutage Alerts: duke-energy.com/outages/alerts\n\nGenerator safety: duke-energy.com/outages/generators\n\nPower restoration process: duke-energy.com/outages/restoring-your-power\n\nRoads\n\nA \u201cDO NOT DRIVE\u201d message remains in place from the North Carolina Department of Transportation for most of Western North Carolina.\n\nUnless it is an emergency, please do not travel to the hardest hit communities.\n\nCherokee, Graham, Clay, Swain, Macon, Haywood, Transylvania and Jackson counties ARE FULLY OPEN to non-essential travel for people who can access them through safe routes.\n\nPlease DO NOT try to visit or travel through the areas hardest hit by the storm.\n\nNon-essential traffic in impacted areas hinders NCDOT\u2019s efforts to reopen roads.\n\nHenderson, Polk and Rutherford counties are each partially open to non-essential travel.\n\nTo monitor road conditions in and around NC-11, use drivenc.gov.\n\nThe website tracks NCDOT-managed road conditions in real time.\n\nCut and shove, debris removal, and damage assessment are winding down, and some locations have transitioned to temporary repairs and reconstruction.\n\nTransportation infrastructure damage estimates from assessments are up to several billion dollars.\n\nRepairs and reconstruction of roadways will be an extremely long road (no pun intended) over the next couple of years to return Western NC\u2019s transportation network to what it was before.\n\nNCDOT crews and contractors have reopened 575 roads so far.\n\nRoughly 653 roads remain closed in Western NC, 108 of which are primary routes.\n\nThis number is still rapidly changing as communications improve and NCDOT reaches new sites.\n\nAbout 100 of the closed roads are along primary routes.\n\nUSDOT approved an initial $100 million in Emergency Repair funds to NCDOT.\n\nDamage to our mountain roads exceeds $100 million but USDOT\u2019s investment is a significant and most welcome start.\n\nNCDOT has stated they will be utilizing the $100 million to supplement ongoing efforts in Western North Carolina - this is what I would have hoped the funds are going to be used for, but their public statement is a welcome confirmation of their commitment to restore transportation networks in our mountains.\n\nNCDOT has awarded a $10 million contract to Wright Brothers Construction of Charleston, TN, to stabilize the westbound lanes of I-40 by drilling soil nails where the eastbound lanes no longer exist.\n\nThe contract includes incentives to be complete by January 4, 2025.\n\nAround the time this operation concludes, plans for a larger, complex, and complete repair will be in progress.\n\nNC DMV has reopened 11 of the 16 driver license offices that were closed due to Hurricane Helene.\n\nThe following DMV offices are open for walk-in services in or near NC-11, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., closed between 11:30 a.m. through 1:00 p.m. for a lunch break:\n\nBurke County - Closest open location for McDowell and Yancey County residents\n\n115 Government Dr., Morganton, NC 28655\n\nCherokee County\n\n1440 Main St., Andrews, NC 28901\n\nHaywood County\n\n290 Lee Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nHenderson County\n\n125 Baystone Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nJackson County\n\n876 Skyland Dr., Ste. 2, Sylva, NC 28779\n\nMacon County\n\n16 Patton Ave., Franklin, NC 28734\n\nRutherford County\n\n596 Withrow Rd., Forest City, NC 28043\n\nSwain County\n\n2650 Governors Island Rd., Bryson City, NC 28713\n\nTransylvania County\n\n50 Commerce St., Ste. 4, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAll but five license plate agencies have reopened.\n\nAir traffic has sustained at 300 percent above pre-hurricane levels in Western NC.\n\nNCDOT\u2019s aviation division continue to work to make sure flight operations are safe coming into and out of airports, including by:\n\nScheduling landing/unloading times and aircraft parking so aircraft are spaced out and to reduce the risk of incidents.\n\nEstablishing a first of its kind \u201ccorridors in the sky\u201d to separate civilian and military aircraft in the air.\n\nHaving search and rescue partners use short, time and location specific restrictions on air operations to enhance safety when multiple helicopters are engaged in search and rescue efforts.\n\nThe state of North Carolina is NOT turning away civil aviation support so long as it has been coordinated through the proper channels with NC Emergency Management.\n\nIf you or someone you know is interested in providing civil aviation support and don\u2019t know where to coordinate your efforts, please call my office and we will help you get in touch with the right folks.\n\nNCDOT has launched a detour map to show motorists how to get around closures on I-26 and I-40 at the Tennessee border.\n\nYou can access the map here.\n\nInternet Access\n\nInternet providers are working with local energy and cell providers to restore service for customers across Western North Carolina.\n\nSpaceX is offering free monthly Starlink service for 30 days to any household or entity located in the disaster area.\n\nTo apply for this free service, residents can go to starlink.com/residential and select the \u201cHelene Relief\u201d service plan at check out.\n\nInternet providers including Optimum and Spectrum are working around the clock to restore service for customers. However, part of the network\u2019s infrastructure was destroyed by mudslides and collapsed bridges making restoration a lengthy process.\n\nAs a result, some impacted areas will require a rebuild of the network from scratch.\n\nTo mitigate the lack of service, Optimum, formerly Altice USA, has set up an Optimum Wi-Fi Trailer that is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the following locations:\n\n717 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\n1800 Four Seasons Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nThe following locations are offering free public wi-fi:\n\nFirst Baptist Church - Weaverville\n\n63 N. Main St, Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nDowntown Franklin\n\nThe Town of Franklin has free wi-fi on the town hill area in downtown.\n\nTransylvania County Library - 24/7\n\n212 S. Gaston St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nThe Yard Brevard\n\n284 Railroad Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nBrevard Visitor Center\n\n175 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAvailable daily from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nCell Service\n\nCommunications in the region are improving rapidly.\n\nMore than 90 percent of cell sites have been restored in Western North Carolina.\n\nOnly one county remains with 50 percent or more cell sites down - Yancey County.\n\nService providers are trying to focus efforts in Yancey County to restore service above 50 percent.\n\nThe Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has full mobile cell service.\n\nCell service providers have implemented disaster roaming for any phone located in Western North Carolina to maximize phone service for all users.\n\nDisaster roaming allows users to connect to any mobile network during a disaster when other networks are down.\n\nThis allows users to access emergency services, such as 911, even when their own network is out.\n\nIf you have service one moment, but experience a reduction in service the next, try restarting your phone to jumpstart disaster roaming again.\n\nUpCycle Tech in Transylvania County is offering free computers and phones for use at the following location:\n\n470 Asheville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAT&T has deployed its Mobile Connectivity Center to the following location:\n\nSam\u2019s Club: 645 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nThe Mobile Connectivity Center is an air-conditioned mobile unit open to the public, equipped with laptops, charging stations and wi-fi.\n\nThe public can use the center for various needs including contacting your insurance company, filling out paperwork or connecting with loved ones.\n\nVerizon has deployed Wireless Emergency Communication Centers to help hurricane survivors stay connected to their friends, family and other important contacts.\n\nWireless Emergency Communication Centers are generator-powered mobile units that have device charging and computer workstations, along with wireless phones, tablets, and other devices available for use.\n\nVerizon\u2019s Wireless Emergency Communication Centers have been set up at the following locations:\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nAsheville YMCA\n\n30 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nFamily Justice Center\n\n35 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nGroce United Methodist Church\n\n954 Tunnel Rd., Asheville, NC 28805\n\nVerizon also has charging stations at the following locations:\n\nYMCA of Western North Carolina\n\n348 Grace Corpening Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nTwo charging stations at this location\n\nWNC Agricultural Center\n\n761 Boylston Hwy., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nThree charging stations at this location\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nOne charging station at this location\n\nT-Mobile has set up satellite cellular on light trucks (SatCOLTs), providing cellular voice and data along with wi-fi and charging stations at the following locations:\n\nAsheville Middle School\n\n211 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center\n\n285 Livingston St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nFirst Baptist Church\n\n130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nAdditional T-Mobile satellite cell on trucks are located in Hendersonville and at a Tractor Supply Co. in Asheville, with others planned for Mission Hospital in Asheville, Cherokee County Emergency Operations Center in Murphy, and in Cherokee.\n\nNorth Carolina National Guard & Department of Defense\n\nAlmost 3,700 National Guard soldiers and airmen, active-duty service members, and 200 Emergency Management Assistance Compact units (National Guard units from out of state) are deployed across Western North Carolina to provide support.\n\nThis includes:\n\nNearly 1,300 vehicles\n\n26 Helicopters\n\nAs search and rescue needs diminish and roads are being cleared and restored, the need for aerial support is decreasing and ground vehicles are becoming an increasingly more effective means of support.\n\nHighlights from the last 24 hours:\n\nNCNG soldiers conducted commodity distribution, including medical resupply and route clearance, across eight counties.\n\nOpened several routes to secluded communities in Haywood County.\n\nConducted aerial video reconnaissance of Lake Logan Dam in Canton, NC.\n\nAlthough airspace is limited due to ongoing missions by the National Guard and Department of Defense, a process has been established for private pilots seeking to fly in humanitarian relief to coordinate with local authorities.\n\nIf you are looking to fly in resources and don\u2019t know where to turn, call my office and we will get you in contact with the right coordinators.\n\nHere are a few key phone numbers from the NCNG:\n\nHOTLINE: 888-892-1162\n\nEmergency management watch: 919-733-3300\n\nDonated goods: 919-825-2474\n\nThese lines have very high call volumes. If you do not get through the first try, keep calling.\n\nAsheville Regional Airport\n\nAsheville Regional Airport closed mid-day on Friday, September 27, due to risk of flooding.\n\nCommercial flights at Asheville Regional Airport have resumed.\n\nIf you parked your car in an Asheville Regional Airport lot and could not retrieve the vehicle due to the storm, great news - none of the airport\u2019s lots flooded and all cars are fine.\n\nStay safe and pick up your car when you are able.\n\nPLEASE NOTE:\n\nNo general aviation pilots are allowed to land at Asheville Regional Airport without prior clearance from FEMA to ensure the safety of aircraft and personnel.\n\nSupply deliveries by civilian pilots ARE permitted to land at Asheville Regional Airport so long as they have prior clearance from FEMA.\n\nFEMA is not turning away any pilot that has gone through the proper channels to coordinate delivery and ensure the safety of his fellow aircraft and personnel.\n\nFederal Nutrition Programs\n\nThe U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service has approved flexibilities due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene.\n\nSNAP\n\nNorth Carolina was granted a waiver for the 10-day reporting requirement for the replacement of food purchased with SNAP benefits lost because of the hurricane.\n\nThis waiver provides additional time beyond the standard 10-day time frame for households to report food losses and receive replacement benefits for food that was destroyed and previously purchased with SNAP benefits.\n\nChild Nutrition\n\nThe North Carolina Department of Public Instruction was approved for a waiver pertaining to the child nutrition programs.\n\nUnder the waiver approval, NCDPI\u2019s local program operators may:\n\nServe meals in a non-congregate setting\n\nAdjust the time of meal service\n\nAllow parent pick-up\n\nAllow service of meals at school sites\n\nFood and Nutrition Services Program\n\nPeople and families in North Carolina who are enrolled in the Food and Nutrition Services program can now use their EBT card to purchase hot food.\n\nThis flexibility will remain in effect until November 3.\n\nSpecial Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, & Children (WIC)\n\nFamilies participating in WIC who may have relocated to a new area can go to any NC WIC agency to:\n\nHave a new eWIC card issued\n\nRequest replacement breastfeeding supplies or breast pumps\n\nRequest replacement food that was purchased with current WIC benefits and lost due to Hurricane Helene\n\nFor NC-11 Medical Providers\n\nIf you own a medical practice in NC-11 and are experiencing financial hardship due to Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina Medical Society is reactivating its Financial Recovery Program (FRP) to help you recover and open your doors again.\n\nFor more information on the disaster relief fund, you can visit this link.\n\nDetails on how medical practices can qualify and apply for funds will be coming soon.\n\nThe Department of Health and Human Services through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has made available:\n\nAccelerated payments to Medicare Part A providers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nAdvance payments to Medicare Part B suppliers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nFor Local Government Resource Requests\n\nFor county leaders: This is a reminder to make sure your Emergency Operation Center has submitted the request for gasoline, food, water, cell service deployables, etc. with North Carolina Emergency Management to have your request processed and resources delivered.\n\nMy office stands ready to assist with checking the status of your request if the county or municipality has not heard back from NC Emergency Management within 24 hours.\n\nFor Individual Assistance through FEMA\n\nNorth Carolina received a Major Disaster Declaration for the following counties: Buncombe, Clay, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania and Yancey counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.\n\nPeople with damage to their homes or personal property who live in one of the above-listed counties should apply for Individual Assistance through FEMA, which may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies.\n\nFunds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay.\n\nIndividual Assistance provides financial aid and services to eligible individuals and households that have been affected by a disaster to assist with the recovery process. Individuals can officially begin applying for Individual Assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling the application phone number at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. EST.\n\nTo date, FEMA has paid out more than $78 million in housing and other types of assistance for more than 62,000 Western North Carolina households.\n\nFEMA is also directly paying hotels for emergency sheltering for more than 1,250 households through FEMA\u2019s Transitional Sheltering Assistance.\n\nFind steps to help you replace important documents that were lost or damaged in the storm: www.fema.gov/disaster/4827/news-media\n\nIf you were initially denied for Individual Assistance, please see below for useful tips to help you file an appeal with FEMA:\n\nUnderstand why FEMA denied your claim before writing the appeal.\n\nIt could be as simple as a missing document, which you can submit with your appeal.\n\nRead FEMA\u2019s letter from beginning to end to completely understand what the agency needs from you.\n\nMake sure you provide evidence for your appeal. Depending on your situation, documentation may include:\n\nA copy of your flood insurance declaration page.\n\nProof of occupancy, which could be an employer statement, lease, utility bill, credit card statement, or other recent, formal document that states your address.\n\nProof of ownership, which might include your mortgage or insurance documents, tax receipts, deed, etc.\n\nCan\u2019t write the appeal yourself?\n\nI recommend having a trusted friend, family member, or lawyer write it for you.\n\nKnow your deadline.\n\nYou have 60 days from the date of your FEMA determination letter to appeal.\n\nCircle the deadline on your calendar or write yourself a note to keep the date in the forefront.\n\nOnce FEMA reviews your letter, you may receive a phone call or a follow-up letter asking for more documentation.\n\nDon\u2019t forget to sign your appeal letter!\n\nOnce signed, there are three ways to submit your appeal:\n\nFax it to (800) 827-8112\n\nSend it by mail to: FEMA Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782\n\nUpload all appeal documents to your disasterassistance.gov account.\n\nInclude your application number on every page of the documents you submit.\n\nExpect a decision letter to your appeal within 90 days.\n\nTo Connect with a Loved One\n\nResidents trying to connect with family members may call NC 211 (or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from out-of-state) to report missing loved ones or request a welfare check.\n\nPeople in the impacted areas can indicate that they are safe by reporting themselves safe through Red Cross Reunification by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).\n\nPlease only use 911 for life-threatening emergencies so the lines remain open for critical situations.\n\nIf you are still trying to locate a friend or family member, please complete this form to notify local officials of their missing status.\n\nThe form was created by Buncombe County but information is being shared amongst all counties.\n\nRegardless of which county your loved one was last known to be in, you can still submit the form.\n\nBuncombe County will share the information with the appropriate officials to initiate search and rescue efforts.\n\nUnited Way is also fielding missing person/welfare check requests.\n\nText PERSON to 40403 to add a loved one to search and rescue efforts or fill out this form.\n\nResources for Utility & Other Status Updates\n\nFor information on the status of utilities, debris sites, etc., we want to share the following resources. As communications are restored and more information becomes available, these sites will continue to be updated.\n\nDrinking Water Systems: Public Water Supply Situation Report Tracking\n\nDebris Disposal Sites: Active Temporary Debris Disposal Sites\n\nNCDEQ Situation Report Tracking System\n\nNCDPS Hurricane Helene - Storm Information\n\nNCDPS County Emergency Management Agencies\n\nHow to Apply for FEMA Assistance After Hurricane Helene\n\nFree Legal Assistance\n\nLegal Aid of North Carolina stands ready to provide free advice and legal counsel regarding natural disaster needs, including legal representation if necessary, including for civil legal issues involving:\n\nFiling FEMA claims and appeals (a process which can be overwhelmingly bureaucratic and burdensome)\n\nReplacement of lost or destroyed legal and government documents, including driver\u2019s licenses and identification cards\n\nMedical and insurance claims\n\nHome repair contracts\n\nUtility disputes related to restoration of services\n\nConsumer protection issues like construction fraud, price-gouging on repairs and identity theft\n\nHousing issues such as unlawful eviction and foreclosures\n\nBankruptcy\n\nProbate and clearing title for survivors living in generational homes without a clear title\n\nFamily law cases and children in need of services (unfortunately, domestic violence tends to rise following a natural disaster)\n\nIf you need civil legal assistance, please contact Legal Aid of North Carolina via the following toll-free hotline:\n\n(866) 219-LANC or (866) 219-5262\n\nThe hotline is available from:\n\n8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; and 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Monday and Thursdays.\n\nConstituents can also apply online at legalaidnc.org/get-help/ between 1:00-4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday.\n\nIRS Guidance for Taxpayers Impacted by Hurricane Helene\n\nExtension of certain tax filing deadlines:\n\nIRS has extended various filing deadlines for taxpayers in impacted areas, including 2024 individual/business returns, certain quarterly estimated income tax payments, and certain payroll/excise taxes.\n\nClick here for the full list of extensions and respective dates\n\nClick here for more information from the IRS on disaster assistance\n\nTax relief for qualified payments, disaster-related losses:\n\nIRS released provided guidance to taxpayers on how to address disaster-related losses in their 2024 tax return, as well as providing guidance on how qualified disaster relief payments - like government assistance payments - are generally excluded from gross income.\n\nClick here for a general walkthrough of these policies (under header \u201cAdditional tax relief\u201d)\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of disaster-related losses\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of qualified disaster relief payments\n\nDisaster payments are usually tax-free:\n\nQualified disaster relief payments are generally excluded from gross income.\n\nIn general, this means that affected taxpayers can exclude the following payments from a government agency from their gross income. Amounts received for:\n\nReasonable and necessary personal, family, living or funeral expenses.\n\nThe repair or rehabilitation of your home.\n\nThe repair or replacement of your home\u2019s contents.\n\nYou may be eligible for a disaster loss deduction:\n\nIn some instances, individuals and businesses in a federally declared disaster area can qualify for a casualty loss tax deduction.\n\nThe deduction is available for damaged or destroyed property not covered by insurance or other reimbursement and can result in a larger refund.\n\nTaxpayers can choose to claim the deduction on either the return for the year the loss occurred (in this instance, the 2024 return normally filed next year), or the return for the prior year (the 2023 return filed this year).\n\nFor individual taxpayers, the deadline for making this election is Oct. 15, 2025.\n\nThe IRS also has a special hotline specifically dedicated to taxpayers with disaster-related tax questions. Disaster victims can call the agency\u2019s disaster hotline at (866) 562-5227.\n\nShelters\n\nFor those unable to evacuate to a safe location or in need of a place to go, the following shelters are currently open and available as of October 12:\n\nBuncombe County\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nGold\u2019s Gym\n\n801 Fairview Rd, Asheville, NC 28803\n\nWNC Agricultural Center\n\n1301 Fanning Bridge Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nHaywood County\n\nHaywood County Government Armory\n\n285 Armory Dr., Clyde, NC 28781\n\nHenderson County\n\nEast Henderson High School\n\n150 Eagle Pride Dr., East Flat Rock, NC 28728\n\nHenderson County Recreation Center\n\n708 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nMadison County\n\nMadison Early College High School\n\n5374 US Hwy 25-70, Marshall, NC 28755\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMcDowell County Senior Center\n\n100 Spaulding Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nRutherford County\n\nRutherfordton Presbyterian Church\n\n252 N. Washington St., Rutherfordton, NC 28139\n\nTransylvania County\n\nTransylvania Parks & Rec\n\n1078 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nYancey County\n\nBlue Ridge Elementary\n\n910 Cane River School Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nCarolina Cruiser mobile office hours\n\nIn keeping with my office's motto of being \"First in Constituent Services\" and to help constituents post-Hurricane Helene, the latest Carolina Cruiser mobile office hours are available.\n\nFolks can stop by to share their thoughts on issues that matter to them or ask for assistance with federal agencies.\n\nVisit my website for updated Carolina Cruiser hours and locations, linked here.\n\nWith my warmest regards,\n\nChuck Edwards\n\nMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/edwards-urges-wnc-citizens-make-plans-vote", "Edwards urges WNC citizens to make plans to vote", "2024-10-11", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Chuck Edwards", "E000246", "edwards.house.gov", "edwards", "https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "October 11, 2024\n\nU.S. Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) today shared information on how citizens affected by Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina can make the necessary plans to vote in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.\n\nEdwards said, \"Although many Western North Carolinians are frantically putting their lives back together, an important election is coming up soon that we should not forget. I urge everyone to now plan how you will exercise our greatest liberty.\"\n\nThe North Carolina State Board of Elections (NCSBE) has provided pertinent information and recommendations for voters in the Helene disaster area during the 2024 general election. The NCSBE website provides details on absentee voting, how to change your polling location if you have moved, county board of elections, office closures and more.\n\nAbsentee Voting\n\nCitizens who are displaced can request that an absentee ballot be delivered to their new location.\n\nCitizens who have already requested an absentee ballot and need it sent to a new location can contact their respective county board of elections to re-issue a ballot to the new location.\n\nCitizens can request an absentee ballot on the North Carolina Absentee Ballot Portal.\n\nThe deadline to request an absentee ballot is 5:00 p.m. the Tuesday before Election Day.\n\nEarly Voting\n\nIn-person early voting begins Thursday, Oct. 17 and ends 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 2.\n\nFind early voting sites and schedules in one's county on the NCSBE website.\n\nVoter Registration\n\nToday, October 11, is the deadline for citizens to register to vote or change their registration to a new location if they have moved or been displaced due to Hurricane Helene.\n\nCitizens with an N.C. driver\u2019s license or other N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) ID can register to vote online via the NCDMV website.\n\nCitizens can register to vote at an early voting site with an official document that shows their voting address.\n\nVoter Photo ID\n\nCitizens who have lost a photo ID due to Hurricane Helene can fill out a Photo ID Exception Form at their local voting site or send the completed form back with their absentee ballot.\n\nA blank Exception Form will arrive with the absentee packet.\n\nCheck the box for \u201cException 3: Victim of a Natural Disaster.\u201d\n\nMake sure to sign the form.\n\nOther avenues to obtain a valid photo ID are listed below:\n\nGo to one's county board of elections office.\n\nRegistered voters can get their photos taken and print an acceptable ID on the spot.\n\nFor details, go to the Get a Free Voter Photo ID page through the NC State Board of Elections.\n\nGet a free ID from the closest NCDMV office.\n\nFor details about North Carolina\u2019s photo ID requirement, including a list of all acceptable IDs, visit BringItNC.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/hurricane-helene-update-14-congressman-edwards", "Hurricane Helene update #14 from Congressman Edwards", "2024-10-11", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Chuck Edwards", "E000246", "edwards.house.gov", "edwards", "https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "October 11, 2024\n\nDear Friend,\n\nTwo weeks post-Helene and it\u2019s past time I take a moment to thank each and every one of you, the people of Western North Carolina, for your strength, resilience, patience, and amidst everything going on, your steadfast dedication to our community.\n\nWhile we still have a long road ahead, you should be proud of how far we\u2019ve come since September 27, when Hurricane Helene hit our mountains harder than any of us could\u2019ve imagined she would. We are making great progress.\n\nNCDOT has cleared most roads and is starting to transition to repairs and reconstruction. Duke Energy has restored energy for hundreds of thousands of people in our mountains, and they are collaborating with NCDOT to gain access to the harder hit areas so power can be restored as quickly as possible.\n\nMore than 85 percent of cell service has been restored in WNC, and providers are diligently working to repair the remaining cell sites that are still down. FEMA has established 14 locations for you to go to for help applying for FEMA resources, including two Disaster Recovery Centers which serve as a one-stop shop for all recovery assistance needs, and more are in the works. Further, a total of 120 treatment plants are now functioning normally across our mountains.\n\nWhile it\u2019s sometimes hard to see the progress that\u2019s been made when you\u2019re standing on the ground looking at the destruction left in Helene\u2019s wake, I want you to remember where we started. We\u2019ve accomplished a lot in the past two weeks and will accomplish even more in the next two.\n\nMy last note before I relinquish you to today\u2019s update: I ask you to please let go of the expectations and benchmarks you\u2019ve set for when you expect to see \u201cXYZ\u201d take place. Doing that only discounts the progress we have made. Hurricane Helene has caused unprecedented damage across our mountains, and recovery will not be linear like it may be in areas more used to hurricanes or hit by smaller storms. We are paving our own path for recovery.\n\nThis update includes where to find open pharmacies in each county, the addition of a new Disaster Recovery Center in McDowell County, and progress on infrastructure repairs. Additionally, this update provides a new hyperlinked index. Just click the title of the topic you\u2019d like to review and you will be automatically taken to that information in the update.\n\nToday is update number 14, with more information to come in the following days. As always, please make sure to read everything and share it with your friends and family.\n\nIndex\n\nClick the title to be taken to the correlating information in the update.\n\nFEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Sites\n\nLegislative Support\n\nFood and Water\n\nBuncombe County\n\nHaywood County\n\nHenderson County\n\nJackson County\n\nMadison County\n\nMcDowell County\n\nPolk County\n\nRutherford County\n\nTransylvania County\n\nYancey County\n\nTrash Services and Debris Removal\n\nBuncombe\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nMadison\n\nPolk\n\nTransylvania\n\nYancey\n\nVoter Information\n\nUnited States Postal Service/Mail Services\n\nPharmacy Access\n\nOpen Urgent Cares/ Health Care Services\n\nDialysis Locations\n\nOxygen Locations\n\nResources for Veterans\n\nResources for Farmers\n\nPower\n\nRoads\n\nInternet Access\n\nCell Service\n\nNorth Carolina National Guard & Department of Defense\n\nAsheville Regional Airport\n\nFederal Nutrition Programs\n\nFor NC-11 Medical Providers\n\nFor Local Government Resource Requests\n\nFor Individual Assistance through FEMA\n\nTo Connect with a Loved One\n\nResources for Utility & Other Status Updates\n\nFree Legal Assistance\n\nIRS Guidance for Taxpayers Impacted by Hurricane Helene\n\nShelters\n\nBuncombe County\n\nHaywood County\n\nHenderson County\n\nMadison County\n\nMcDowell County\n\nRutherford County\n\nTransylvania County\n\nYancey County\n\nFEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Sites\n\nThe following FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers are open seven days a week to assist North Carolina survivors who have experienced losses from Hurricane Helene.\n\nA.C. Reynolds High School\n\n1 Rocket Dr., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nA Comfort Care Center will also be available at this location where survivors can shower, do laundry and use other services.\n\nMcDowell County Senior Center\n\n100 Spaulding Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nA Disaster Recovery Center is a one-stop shop where survivors can meet face-to-face with FEMA representatives, apply for FEMA assistance, receive referrals to local assistance in their area, apply with the U.S. Small Business Administration for disaster loans, etc.\n\nAdditional recovery centers will be opening soon, and I will keep you posted as I learn about them.\n\nDisaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams are also stationed across NC-11 to help survivors apply for FEMA assistance and connect them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources.\n\nIn addition to designated locations, DSA teams are going door to door in the following counties:\n\nBuncombe County\n\nHenderson County\n\nMadison County\n\nYancey County\n\nAs new stationary locations are established, I will keep you posted.\n\nThe following locations are open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., unless otherwise noted:\n\nBuncombe County\n\nIngles Market\n\n550 Hwy. 9, Black Mountain, NC 28803\n\nWalmart\n\n60 Airport Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nRiceville Community Church\n\n2342 Riceville Rd., Asheville, NC 28805\n\nTitle 10 Mission - Asheville\n\n503 Park St., Swannanoa, NC28778\n\nMontford North Star Academy\n\n90 Montford Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nAC Reynolds High School\n\n1 Rocket Dr., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nBeech Community Center\n\n15 State Rd. 2117, Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nJackson County\n\nJackson County EOC\n\n401 Grindstaff Cove Rd., Ste. A-145, Sylva, NC 28779\n\nMcDowell County\n\nCorpening Memorial YMCA\n\n348 Grace Corpening Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nMcDowell County EOC\n\n129 Barnes Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nMcDowell County Senior Center\n\n100 Spaulding Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nRutherford County\n\nIngles Market\n\n276 N. 9 Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nTransylvania County\n\nTransylvania County EOC\n\n155 Public Safety Way, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nYancey County\n\nYancey County Public Library\n\n321 School Cir., Burnsville, NC 28174\n\nLegislative Support\n\nThe U.S. House of Representatives is gearing up to pass a disaster relief package when we return to session in November.\n\nI have begun conversations with leadership about how to best meet Western North Carolina\u2019s needs in any supplemental relief package passed by Congress in the coming months.\n\nYesterday, both chambers of the North Carolina General Assembly unanimously passed the Disaster Recovery Act of 2024.\n\nThis bill creates a new Hurricane Helene fund with $273 million from the state\u2019s Savings Reserve Fund.\n\n$250 million will go to the Department of Public Safety's Division of Emergency Management to provide the state\u2019s match to federal disaster relief funds.\n\nAnother portion of the funds will be used to establish a revolving loan program to help local government and state agencies with cash flow while they are waiting for reimbursement from the federal government.\n\n$16 million will go to the Department of Public Instruction for \u201clost compensation of school nutrition employees due to school closures resulting from Hurricane Helene\u201d\n\n$2 million to provide local governments technical assistance with local recovery funds.\n\n$5 million to the State Board of Elections, alongside a variety of temporary election law changes such as changing polling sites that were rendered unusable by the storm and establishing a voter hotline, to make it easier for residents of Western North Carolina to vote.\n\nThe bill also:\n\nGrants school calendar flexibility to public schools by allowing them to make up or mark as completed any number of the days or hours missed.\n\nIt also allows the schools to use up to 30 days of remote instruction toward required instructional days.\n\nWaives DMV fees for things like obtaining a duplicate driver\u2019s license, ID card, etc.\n\nWaives certain environmental requirements for state highway repairs.\n\nThis provision will not reduce the safety of repairs conducted by NCDOT or negatively impact the environment.\n\nFood and Water\n\nA mobile lab to test drinking water is available at the following location seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. until October 19:\n\nA-B Tech Community College\n\n20 Canoe Ln., Woodfin, NC 28804\n\nSupplying drinkable water remains a top priority for emergency crews.\n\n63 water systems are on a boil advisory.\n\nOnly one treatment plant has reported having no power and 21 systems remain out of water.\n\nWater restoration trends continue to move in a positive direction.\n\nThere are 120 wastewater treatment plants operating under normal conditions in the affected areas across Western NC.\n\nAn additional 41 wastewater treatment plants are partially operational or operating on back-up power.\n\nThe Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have officially completed the infrastructure assessments that I noted in update number nine on public water supplies in the following counties:\n\nBuncombe\n\nHenderson\n\nMcDowell\n\nPolk\n\nRutherford\n\nYancey\n\nThe results of the assessments have been shared with local governments to help guide water system restoration efforts, including what repairs may be needed and how expensive those repairs might be.\n\nSeveral major water systems are currently not distributing water, including the City of Asheville, Black Mountain, Woodfin, Spruce Pine, and Burnsville.\n\nWork continues on each of these systems to restore functionality.\n\nNCDEQ has provided the following resources to help community members track progress on water supply restoration efforts:\n\nPublic Water Supply Situation Report Tracking - ArcGIS map with filters for system status, county, etc. linked here.\n\nDEQ Dashboard - links to additional maps, including mobile view of water system status, and environmental guidance linked here.\n\nThe Federal Emergency Management Agency has promised 120 truckloads a day of food and water with no specified end date.\n\nFEMA has shipped 14 million liters of water and more than 17 million meals utilizing the $20 billion in funds that I helped to draft and pass for disaster relief just two days before Hurricane Helene hit.\n\nOf the shipped food and water, more than 6 million liters of water and 4 million individual meals have already been delivered to Western NC communities.\n\nLowe\u2019s has donated an additional $10 million to support hurricane relief in Western North Carolina.\n\nHome Depot will be passing out free disaster relief kits every day starting at 9:00 a.m., while supplies last, at the following locations:\n\nHome Depot Asheville\n\n795 Fairview Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nHome Depot West Asheville\n\n127 Acton Cir., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nHome Depot Hendersonville\n\n401 Linda Vista Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nWalmart is hosting activities at the following locations:\n\nHendersonville, NC Store 1242\n\n250 Highlands Square Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nPortable restrooms\n\nServing hot meals at 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily\n\nArden, NC Store 1179\n\n60 Airport Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nPortable restrooms\n\nLaundry\n\nShowers\n\nWi-fi hotspot and charging stations\n\nBuncombe County\n\nBuncombe County has begun water distribution at multiple sites. Each will be available daily from 1:00 -7:00 p.m.:\n\nPack Square Park - you MUST bring your own container for this site\n\n80 Court Plz., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nWilliam W. Estes Elementary School\n\n275 Overlook Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nSand Hill-Venable Elementary\n\n154 Sand Hill School Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nNorth Windy Ridge Intermediate School\n\n20 Doan Rd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nFairview Elementary\n\n1355 Charlotte Hwy., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nThe following feeding sites are available in Buncombe County, where citizens can access food, water and other basic necessities:\n\nBiltmore Baptist Church\n\n35 Clayton Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nDistribution and bulk pickup for volunteers looking to take bulk loads of supplies to in-need community members\n\nSaturday hours: 10:00 a.m. \u2013 1:00 p.m.\n\nCommunity drive-thru for anyone in the community needing supplies\n\nSaturday hours: 3:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church \u2013 Weaverville\n\n63 N. Main St., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nHot showers available from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nUnlimited clean drinking water is available, bring your own container.\n\nSupplies and bottled water.\n\nHot lunch served at 1:30 p.m.\n\nHot meals are available at the following locations:\n\nWorld Central Kitchen in Bear\u2019s Smokehouse BBQ\n\n135 Coxe Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nServes 25,000 hot meals a day.\n\nDaily hours: 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.\n\nShiloh Community Center\n\n121 Shiloh Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nGrovemont Park\n\n251 Stonewall Ave., Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nManna Food Bank - Farmer\u2019s Market\n\n570 Brevard Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nWesley Grant Community Center\n\n285 Livingston St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nWest Asheville Ingles\n\n669 Haywood Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 3:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nBlack Mountain Ingles\n\n550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nDaily Hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nNesbitt Chapel\n\n12 Nesbitt Chapel Rd., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nDaily hours: 3:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nFood and drinking water are available from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily at the following locations:\n\nAsheville Middle School\n\n211 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nIngles\n\n550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nThis location also has handwashing stations and portable restrooms\n\nLinwood Crump Shiloh Community Center\n\n121 Shiloh Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nLucy Herring Elementary\n\n98 Sulphur Springs Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nOakley Elementary School\n\n753 Fairvew Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nA Community Care Station is available at the following location:\n\n2319 Hwy. 70, Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nHot meals served daily: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCommunity Care Stations offer showers, laundry, bathrooms, access to cell towers, wi-fi, potable and non-potable water, and counseling.\n\nHaywood County\n\nThe following locations are providing community members with essential resources such as but not limited to, food, water, cleaning products, baby formula, and pet food, Monday through Fridays:\n\nFines Creek Community Center\n\n190 Fines Creek Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nOpen every day until 6:00 p.m.\n\nPigeon Community Center\n\n450 Pigeon St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nAlso offering hot meals every day at 2:00 p.m.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCruso Community Center\n\n13186 Cruso Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.\n\nFirst United Methodist Church\n\n566 S. Haywood St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nIncludes shower access.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.\n\nMaggie Valley Pavilion\n\n3935 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nDaily Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.\n\nWoodland Baptist Church\n\n545 Crabtree Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nBethel Elementary School\n\n4700 Old River Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nJonathan Valley Elementary School\n\n410 Hall Dr., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nMonday through Friday\n\nSt. John the Evangelist Catholic Church - in the Parish Hall\n\n234 Church St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.\n\nMonday to Friday\n\nHot food available from 4:00 p.m. to 7 :00 p.m. daily.\n\nSt. Barnabas Catholic Church\n\n109 Crescent Hill Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nDaily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.\n\nReynolds Baptist Church - Family Life Center\n\n520 Rose Hill Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.\n\nThis location also has potable water available to residents who bring their own vessels to fill.\n\nLife Church of Waynesville\n\n601 Westwood Cir., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nSupplies will be distributed Friday, October 11\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.\n\nMountain Projects\n\n2177 Asheville Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nHeart to Heart International - in Haywood Department of Health Parking Lot\n\n157 Paragon Pkwy., Ste. 800, Clyde, NC 28721\n\nThe following location offers hot meals daily:\n\nMaggie Valley Fire Department\n\n2901 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nJukebox Junction\n\n3606 Pigeon Rd., Canton, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nThe following location offers showers daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.:\n\nCalvary Baptist Church\n\n2701 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nThe following location is offering supplies for horses and livestock:\n\nWNC Regional Livestock Center\n\n474 Stock Dr., Canton, NC 28716\n\nHenderson County\n\nHenderson County has stood up Resource Hub locations for water distribution and other supplies as they become available.\n\nDistribution will be taking place daily from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. at the following locations:\n\nEtowah Elementary: 320 Etowah School Rd., Etowah, NC 28729\n\nMills River Town Hall: 124 Town Center Dr., Mills River, NC 28759\n\nEach family unit will be provided supplies for one day\u2019s meal and water as available.\n\nIndividuals are asked to enter the drive-through and remain in your car unless otherwise instructed by volunteers to ensure an efficient process.\n\nIn addition to the resource hubs, the following churches will also be providing supplies:\n\nEbeneezer Baptist Church\n\n2557 Chimney Rock Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nOpen today, October 11, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church - Hendersonville\n\n312 5th Ave. W., Hendersonville, NC 28739\n\nOpen 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. today, October 11\n\nJackson County\n\nIn partnership with the Red Cross, the following is available for citizens of Jackson County:\n\nThe Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau are providing shelf-stable meals at the following location:\n\n558 Frank Allen Rd., Cashiers, NC 28717\n\nThe Canada Fire Department is distributing emergency supplies at the following location:\n\n149 Charleys Creek Rd., Tuckasegee, NC 28783\n\nThe following locations are providing resources to displaced families and individuals in need:\n\nMountain Projects\n\n154-B Medical Park Loop, Sylva, NC 28779\n\nUnited Christian Ministries\n\n191 Skyland Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nSt. Mary\u2019s Roman Catholic Church of Sylva\n\n22 Bartlett St., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.\n\nCornbread and Roses\n\n1294 Savannah Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours:\n\nWednesday, 6:00-8:00 p.m.\n\nThursday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nSunday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nMadison County\n\nThe following locations are offering food, water, and some supply distribution in Madison County:\n\nBeech Glen Community Center\n\n2936 Beech Glen Rd., Mars Hill, 28754\n\nDaily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.\n\nCenter Community Center\n\n1300 Grapevine Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nEbbs Chapel Community Center\n\n281 Laurel Valley Rd., Mars Hill, NC 28754\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nEnon Baptist Church\n\n174 Ammons Branch Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nOpen Sunday 12:00-4:00 p.m.\n\nFreedom Christian Church\n\n7350 US 25/70 Bypass, Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThis location offers additional resources such as hygiene products, blankets, clothes, cleaning supplies, diapers, pet food, etc.\n\nLaurel Community Center - also has supplies\n\n4100 NC 212 Hwy., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily Hours: 8:00 a.m. \u2013 8:00 p.m.\n\nRevere-Rice Community Center\n\n3980 Revere Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (Mon-Sat)\n\nSpring Creek Community Center\n\n13075 NC 209 Hwy., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThis location also has additional resources such as pet food, livestock feed and hay.\n\nWalnut Community Center - also has supplies\n\n46 School Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.\n\nN.C. Cooperative Extension - Madison County Center\n\n258 Carolina Ln., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nThis location is offering drive-thru food distribution only.\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMcDowell County has established multiple points of distribution that are open daily from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 4:00-6:00 p.m., depending on supply levels.\n\nDistribution takes place daily at the following locations:\n\nFormer TJ\u2019s Discounts - North Cove\n\n8153 US 221 N., Marion, NC 28752\n\nOld Fort Town Hall\n\n38 Catawba Ave., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nNew Manna Baptist Church\n\n225 E. Court St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nSolid Rock Free Will Baptist Church - Dysartsville\n\n7860 NC 226 S., Nebo, NC 28761\n\nZion Hill Baptist Church\n\n1036 Zion Hill Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nHot meals are also being provided at the following location:\n\nGrace Community Church\n\n5182 US 70 W., Marion, NC 28752\n\nLunch is served every day from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.\n\nDinner is available from 4:00-5:30 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church of Marion is offering hot showers, air conditioning, and areas to charge devices.\n\nCurrent hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 2:00-5:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday.\n\nPolk County\n\nThe following locations are offering food and water distribution for residents in need from 1:00-5:00 p.m.:\n\nMill Spring/Green Creek Community\n\n25 International Blvd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nColumbus Community\n\n95 Walker St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nSaluda Community Bus Parking Lot\n\n214 E. Main St., Saluda, NC 28773\n\nTryon Community\n\n301 N. Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782\n\nSunny View\n\n86 Sunny View School Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nThe following locations are serving hot meals daily:\n\nTryon Equestrian Center\n\n4066 Pea Ridge Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nRoseland Community Center\n\n56 Peake St., Tryon, NC 28782\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nRutherford County\n\nThe following locations are open from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. for citizens to get food and emergency supplies:\n\nThomas Jefferson High School\n\n2527 US-221A Hwy., Mooresboro, NC 28114\n\nFlorence Baptist Church\n\n201 S. Broadway St., Forest City, NC 28043\n\nRutherford County Health Department\n\n221 Callahan Koon Rd., Spindale, NC 28160\n\nGilkey Church of God\n\n255 Oak Springs Rd., Rutherfordton, NC 28139\n\nParks, Recreation, & Lake Office\n\n658 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nLake Lure Baptist Church\n\n6837 US-74 ALT, Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nIngles at Lake Lure - meals only\n\n276 NC-9, Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nOffers hot meals at 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. and 4:30-6:30 p.m.\n\nAlso offers showers, restrooms, a mobile health van, a tool trailer, a charging station (please bring your own charging cord), and wi-fi.\n\nFather\u2019s Vineyard - also has shower and charging stations\n\n724 Oakland Rd., Spindale, NC 28160\n\nSpencer Baptist Church - water distribution only\n\n187 N Oak St., Spindale, NC 28160\n\nUnited Way of Rutherford County - water distribution and charging stations only\n\n668 Withrow Rd., Forest City, NC 28043\n\nTransylvania County\n\nThe following locations are providing hot meals to county residents:\n\nLittle River Baptist Church - through October 11\n\n51 Little River Church Rd., Penrose, NC 28766\n\nBreakfast hours: 8:00-10:00 a.m.\n\nLunch hours: 12:30-2:00 p.m.\n\nDinner hours: 6:00-7:30 p.m.\n\nCedar Mountain Community Center\n\n10635 Greenville Hwy., Cedar Mountain, NC 28718\n\nBreakfast hours: 9:00-11:00 a.m.\n\nLunch hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nDinner hours: 4:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nBalsam Grove Community Center - daily until power is fully restored\n\n8732 Parkway Rd., Balsam Grove, NC 28708\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.Resource pick-up locations are listed below by county. As I learn more, I will keep you posted:\n\nBottled water is available daily at local fire departments and 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Anchor Baptist Church located at:\n\n3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nWater filling stations can be found at the following locations:\n\nCity Sports Complex\n\n824 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.\n\nCedar Mountain Outpost\n\n8431 Greenville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nTerritory Brevard\n\n43 S. Broad St, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nDD Bullwinkles\n\n60 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nFirst United Methodist Church\n\n325 N. Broad St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nPisgah Forest Baptist Church\n\n494 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nFood, water, and other supplies such as hygiene products are being distributed at the following locations:\n\nAnchor Baptist Church\n\n3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nYancey County\n\nYancey County has transitioned to one centralized distribution site for water, food and ice located at the following address:\n\nAltec\n\n150 Altec Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nMobile laundry facilities are available in the GO Grocery parking lot located at the following address:\n\n631 W Hwy. 19E Bypass, Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nTrash Services and Debris Removal\n\nIf your home has damage and you need assistance with clean up, please call Crisis Cleanup for access to volunteer organizations that can assist you at 844-965-1386.\n\nIf Hurricane Helene caused damage to your home or belongings, make sure to document it.\n\nThis is critically important in getting reimbursed.\n\nTake photos before you begin cleaning up.\n\nMake a list of damaged or lost items and gather receipts.\n\nDoing this helps speed up the process with insurance and other assistance programs, and ensures you get properly compensated.\n\nBefore you start the clean-up process, remember:\n\nWear PPE such as long pants, goggles, gloves and sturdy shoes.\n\nStay off damaged structures.\n\nBe aware that snakes or other hazardous animals could be present.\n\nCall your local fire department to inspect or removal chemicals, propane tanks, and other hazardous materials.\n\nIf you suspect debris contains toxic substances, seal them in plastic bags to prevent them from becoming airborne.\n\nTo reduce the risk of accidental fires, please DO NOT burn your storm debris.\n\nEmergency personnel are continuing to work on other storm recovery and response efforts, limiting resources to respond to accidental fires.\n\nPlease discard storm debris at a local transfer site or via curbside debris pickup.\n\nDebris should be placed curbside and not block the roadway or access to the property.\n\nPlease place debris away from trees, poles or other structures (e.g., fire hydrants, meters, etc.) to make removal work easier.\n\nContact your local municipality for curbside storm debris removal collection schedules or see below for additional information on debris waste removal by county.\n\nAdditionally, the following counties have resources for where to take household trash and debris waste.\n\nBuncombe\n\nCurbside collection will begin Monday for City of Asheville sanitation customers.\n\nThere will be no recycling pick up until the recycling plant is operational.\n\nResidents can use both recycling and trash carts for household waste.\n\nThe following materials cannot be collected at this time: Mud, construction debris, concrete and other bulky or hazardous items.\n\nDebris collection is estimated to start in mid-October.\n\nThe Town of Black Mountain Public Works Department has secured four 15-yard dumpsters located in two sites for Black Mountain residents to throw away household trash ONLY:\n\nTractor Supply: 125 Old US Hwy. 70 E., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nIngles: 550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nPlease Note: Yard waste, bulk items, separate recycling and debris collection are not available at this time.\n\nWaste Pro collection service has resumed for regular Monday route customers.\n\nRecycling services are currently suspended while repair work is underway at the recycling process facility.\n\nHaywood\n\nHousehold waste will be accepted at the Materials Recovery Facility at 247 Recycle Rd., Clyde and at Convenience Centers at Jonathan Creek, Beaverdam, Bethel, Hazelwood, Mauney Cove, Jones Cove and Highway 110.\n\nWhite Oak Landfill has reopened.\n\nHenderson\n\nHenderson County Transfer Station is open and accepting storm debris with normal fees.\n\nHenderson County has begun curbside storm debris removal to county residents as a free service.\n\nThe county will pick up storm debris for free if it is pushed to the right of way of a property.\n\nStorm debris includes tree branches, leaves, logs, building materials, furniture, paint etc.\n\nPlease be patient.\n\nThe county will pick up storm debris for free as quickly as possible.\n\nMadison\n\nThe Hot Springs collection center is operating on normal hours for household trash ONLY:\n\nMonday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nWednesday: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.\n\nFriday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nSaturday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nHot Springs trash pickup is returning to Mondays like usual.\n\nPlease only use this pickup service if you cannot bring it to the collection center yourself.\n\nThe pickup service is being led by volunteers at this time.\n\nPolk\n\nThe Polk County landfill is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\n322 Landfill Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nDrop-off of residential trash is $10.\n\nGFL trash services will continue the regular schedule. However, certain areas may be inaccessible due to ongoing power outages from Hurricane Helene.\n\nTwo dumpsters are located on Gibson Street for immediate trash disposal due to road inaccessibility.\n\nTransylvania\n\nThe City of Brevard has resumed regular trash pickup.\n\nYancey\n\nThe Riverside and East Yancey Recycling Centers have resumed operations.\n\nDaily hours: 7:00 a.m. \u2013 4:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday\n\nVoter Information\n\nThe North Carolina State Board of Elections has provided pertinent information and recommendations for voters in the Helene disaster area during the 2024 general election.\n\nTo review information on voting in the 2024 general election after Hurricane Helene, you can follow this link.\n\nThe site provides information on absentee voting, how to change your polling location if you have a new permanent address, county board of elections, office closures and more.\n\nFor any additional questions on voting post-hurricane, please contact your county Board of Elections.\n\nPlease note: Your county Board of Elections is the best place to get any questions answered.\n\nI have been permitted to share the above, nonpartisan information but am prohibited from answering any questions related to the 2024 general election.\n\nUnited States Postal Service/Mail Services\n\nUSPS anticipates continued improvement of mail delivery operations with local recovery efforts, to include power, connectivity, and roads.\n\nSocial Security checks are being routed to all units for delivery and/or are available for customer pick up.\n\nFor impacted residents who have relocated due to the storm, please be sure to complete a change of address request at moversguide.usps.com.\n\nThere are some facilities unable to provide full retail and mail delivery due to road closures and current conditions.\n\nNo drop shipments will be accepted at any of the locations listed below.\n\nThe following sites are closed with no retail, but delivery is being attempted where it is safe to do so:\n\nNewland - 28657\n\nCedar Mountain - 28718\n\nThe following sites are closed with alternative facilities listed:\n\nAlexander - 28701\n\nAlternative location: 2350 Old Marshall Hwy., Alexander, NC 28701\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.; closed 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. for lunch\n\nOpen Saturdays: 8:00-10:00 a.m.\n\nBat Cave - 28710\n\nAlternative location: 3979 Chimney Rock Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; closed 12:00-1:00 p.m. for lunch\n\nBarnardsville - 28709\n\nAlternate location: 1664 Barnardsville Hwy., Barnardsville, NC 28709\n\nDaily hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; closed from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. for lunch.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 8:30-10:30 a.m.\n\nChimney Rock - 28720\n\nAlternate location: 2432 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. \u2013 4:00 p.m., closed 12:00-1:00 p.m.\n\nEdneyville - 28727\n\nAlternate location: 3979 Chimney Rock Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; closed 12:00-1:00 p.m. for lunch\n\nGerton \u2013 28735\n\nAlternate location: 1352 Charlotte Hwy., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nDaily Hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nGreen Mountain - 28740\n\nAlternate location: 670 W. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nHot Springs - 28743\n\n111 Bridge St., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; closed 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. for lunch.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00-10:30 a.m.\n\nMarshall - 28753\n\nAlternate location: 100 S. Main St., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; closed 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. for lunch.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nMicaville - 28755\n\nAlternate location: 670 W. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nMontreat - 28757\n\nAlternate location: 2 Tucker Rd., Ridgecrest, NC 28770\n\nDaily hours M-F: 12:30-4:30 p.m.\n\nPenland - 28765\n\nAlternative location: 899 Oak Ave., Spruce Pine, NC 28777\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nRosman - 28778\n\nAlternate location: 272 Main St., Rosman, NC 28772\n\nDaily hours M-F: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; closed 12:30-1:30 p.m. for lunch.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 10:00-11:00 a.m.\n\nSwannanoa - 28765\n\nAlternate location: 2311 U.S. 70 Highway, Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nAll remaining locations are attempting delivery where it is safe to do so.\n\nPharmacy Access\n\nPharmacy Locator\n\nHundreds of pharmacies never closed or have reopened across Western North Carolina.\n\nUse this link to locate pharmacy locations open to the public by county.\n\nThe Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response under the Department of Health and Human Services has activated the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) for North Carolinians.\n\nThe EPAP program helps uninsured residents replace prescription medication or certain medical equipment lost or damaged during Hurricane Helene.\n\nThrough the program, uninsured residents can:\n\nRequest a free 30-day supply of certain prescription medications at any EPAP-participating pharmacy which can be renewed every 30 days while the EPAP is active.\n\nReplace certain medical equipment and supplies such as canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, blood sugar meters and blood sugar test strips for diabetics.\n\nUninsured North Carolina residents affected by the recent hurricane can call the EPAP hotline, 855-793-7470, or visit the EPAP website to check their eligibility, determine if their medications or medical equipment are covered, or locate a participating pharmacy.\n\nPrescription Pad is open from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and filling prescriptions for Yancey County residents at the following location:\n\n730 E. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nOpen Urgent Cares/ Health Care Services\n\nThere is a field hospital with physicians, nurses and paramedics who can treat patients at the Burnsville Fire Department. The address is as follows:\n\n305 Pineola St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nThe following urgent cares are open and accessible for community members with non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries:\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Weaverville\n\n61 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nMercy Urgent Care West Asheville\n\n1201 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nMercy Urgent Care Waynesville\n\n120 Frazier St., Ste. 6, Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nLocations open between 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Brevard\n\n22 Trust Ln., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Columbus\n\n140 West Mills St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nLocations open between 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.:\n\nMobile Urgent Care Clinic\n\n12 Florida Ave., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nMental Health & Basic Medical Support Center\n\n130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nPardee Urgent Care\n\n45 Hendersonville Hwy., Ste. A, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nFree mental health services - All available for drop-in\n\nCare Collaborative for Western North Carolina Clinicians is a partnership among more than 200 mental health professionals volunteering to provide free mental health services for Hurricane Helene survivors.\n\nServices are provided virtually, and you can follow this link to find a professional that fits your needs and their contact information to schedule a session.\n\nHot Springs Elementary School - Art Room\n\n63 N. Serpentine Ave., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nThe Pearl Institute\n\n55 Academy St., Waynesville, NC\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-6:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nFree telehealth appointments are also available.\n\nTo book a telehealth appointment, you can email info@pearlpsychedelicinstitute.org or call/text (828) 400-7091\n\nCommunity Support Group\n\n221 Mills Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nMary C. Jenkins Community & Cultural Center\n\nHosted by the City of Brevard, AARP, and Blue Ridge Community College\n\n9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on October 14, 28, and November 18.\n\nAll University of North Carolina System students have access to free mental health through their university.\n\nPlease monitor your student email for more information on how to access these services.\n\nThe following orthopedic urgent care locations are open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily, physical therapy appointments are also available at each of these locations:\n\nEmergeOrtho Hendersonville\n\n800 Fleming St., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nEmergeOrtho Arden (South Asheville)\n\n2585 Hendersonville Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nEmergeOrtho Waynesville\n\n9 Haywood Office Park, Ste. 102 and 103, Waynesville, NC 28785\n\nEmergeOrtho Brevard\n\n89 Hospital Dr., Ste. A, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nEmergeOrtho Weaverville\n\n159 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nDialysis Locations\n\nThe following location is open and available for dialysis treatments in NC-11:\n\nPardee Hospital\n\n800 N. Justice St., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nThis location can dialyze 30 patients a day.\n\nDaVita Kidney Care nurses are reaching out to their patients to coordinate treatment, but the following DaVita locations are available:\n\nDaVita Greer South Dialysis\n\n3254 Brushy Greek Rd., Greer, SC 29650\n\nContact Number: (864) 801-2065\n\nDaVita Saluda River Dialysis\n\n8080 Augusta Rd., Piedmont, SC 29673\n\nContact Number: (833) 378-2702\n\nDaVita Wofford at Home\n\n8024 White Ave., Spartanburg, SC 29303\n\nContact Number: (864) 583-4788\n\nDaVita Boiling Springs Dialysis\n\n196 Sloane Garden Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316\n\nContact Number: (833) 458-4809\n\nOxygen Locations\n\nHendersonville High School\n\n1 Bearcat Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nMust be assessed through Pardee Hospital.\n\nLincare is only serving established patients.\n\nPatients must bring in empty tanks to one of the following locations:\n\nAsheville Lincare\n\n103 Elk Park Dr., Asheville, NC 28804\n\nFax number: (866) 234-6698\n\nGreenville Lincare\n\n355 Woodruff Rd., Ste. 204 and 205, Greenville, SC 29607\n\nFax Number: (864) 288-0339\n\nThe following locations are available for oxygen refills, but patients must bring their own oxygen equipment - fire departments are available 24/7:\n\nBoiling Springs Fire Department\n\n186 Rainbow Lake Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316\n\nReidville Fire Department\n\n7450 Reidville Rd., Woodruff, SC 29388\n\nInman City Fire Department\n\n6 Humphrey St., Inman, SC 29349\n\nFirst Presbyterian Church\n\n393 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29302\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.\n\nGreer Relief Indigo Hope Neighborhood Impact Center\n\n113C Berry Ave., Greer, SC 29651\n\nDaily hours: 2:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nCroft Fire Department\n\n370 Cedar Springs Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29302\n\nArkwright Fire Department\n\n1070 Southport Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29306\n\nRoebuck Fire Department\n\n2639 Stone Station Rd., Roebuck, SC 29376\\\n\nNorth Spartanburg Fire Department\n\n8767 Asheville Hwy., Spartanburg, SC 29316\n\nResources for Veterans\n\nThe U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs launched a new web page with disaster relief resources, providing a single place for veterans and their caregivers to access VA resources on health care, housing, benefits payments, insurance, and more.\n\nYou can access the web site via this link.\n\nIf you or a veteran you know needs immediate housing assistance after Hurricane Helene, please call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at (877) 424-3838.\n\nThe call center is open 24/7.\n\nIf you have a VA-backed home loan and are unable to make your mortgage payments, please contact your mortgage servicer.\n\nYou can also call the VA at (877) 827-3702, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nHome loan servicers are allowed to put a 90-day pause on foreclosures and encouraged to waive late charges for VA-guaranteed home loans after a disaster.\n\nLegionnaires, Sons of the American Legion members and Legion Posts that have been displaced from their primary residence due to damage sustained during Hurricane Helene may be eligible for financial assistance through the American Legion.\n\nLegionnaires and Sons of the American Legion members may be eligible for up to $3,000.\n\nLegion Posts may be eligible for up to $10,000.\n\nTo learn more or to request assistance, please use this link.\n\nApplications must be submitted within 90 days of the disaster: Dec. 26, 2024.\n\nThe Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville and Master Sergeant Jerry K. Crump VA Clinic in Forest City are open for essential and emergency services.\n\nVeterans can:\n\nVisit the Asheville VA Hospital pharmacy for medication refills or:\n\nCall the Regional Clinical Contact Center at (855) 679-0074 and press 1 for pharmacy representatives.\n\nLocal pharmacies in the VA\u2019s community care network will also fill written prescriptions, or prescriptions as they appear on an active VA prescription bottle that is not older than six months and has available refills, to provide a 30-day supply.\n\nHickory and Franklin outpatient VA clinics are now operating regularly.\n\nDue to the damage and personal losses caused by Hurricane Helene to the staff of the VA, it will take some time to bring staffing to full capacity.\n\nPlease be patient as the VA works to rebuild their workforce.\n\nThe Asheville VA Medical Center has successfully contacted over 91 percent of veterans most at risk for injury or poor outcomes due to the storm.\n\nAdditional outreach to those who have not yet been contacted is ongoing.\n\nThe Asheville VA Medical Center\u2019s water supply is stable due to a schedule of eight 6,000-gallon tanker trucks bringing in water.\n\nTo make sure the VA water supply remains stable, an emergency contract for well water and a disinfection service that will be operational as a backup water source in about two to three weeks have both been procured.\n\nResources for Farmers\n\nThe United States Department of Agriculture has put together a list of resources for farmers and other agricultural industry members.\n\nIf your agricultural operation has been impacted by Hurricane Helene, you can review this link, farmers.gov, for emergency and disaster assistance programs.\n\nPower\n\nLess than 36,000 customers remain without power in Western North Carolina.\n\nGreat strides have been taken this week to reconnect the majority of Western North Carolina, and Duke Energy continues to work around the clock to restore power for the 36,000 who remain without power as quickly as possible.\n\nDuke Energy is providing restoration updates via text to all customers that remain without power.\n\nNCDOT crews are coordinating closely with power companies to ensure service is being restored as quickly as possible, including along private roads, keeping in mind that cold months are approaching fast.\n\nRestoration of service for individuals in the disaster rebuild zones will be a longer process but Duke Energy workers have already made substantial progress on the extremely difficult and targeted work that lies ahead.\n\nFor more information on Duke Energy\u2019s power restoration efforts, you can review the following links:\n\nComplex Repair & Disaster Rebuild Zones Map: duke-energy.com/info/carolinas-restoration\n\nOutage Map: duke-energy.com/outages\n\nOutage Alerts: duke-energy.com/outages/alerts\n\nGenerator safety: duke-energy.com/outages/generators\n\nPower restoration process: duke-energy.com/outages/restoring-your-power\n\nRoads\n\nA \u201cDO NOT DRIVE\u201d message remains in place from the North Carolina Department of Transportation for most of Western North Carolina.\n\nUnless it is an emergency, please do not travel to the hardest hit communities.\n\nCherokee, Graham, Clay, Swain, Macon and Jackson counties ARE FULLY OPEN to people who can access them through safe routes.\n\nPlease DO NOT try to visit or travel through the areas hardest hit by the storm.\n\nNon-essential traffic in impacted areas hinders NCDOT\u2019s efforts to reopen roads.\n\nTo monitor road conditions in and around NC-11, use drivenc.gov.\n\nThe website tracks NCDOT-managed road conditions in real time.\n\nCut and shove, debris removal, and damage assessment are winding down, and some locations have transitioned to temporary repairs and reconstruction.\n\nTransportation infrastructure damage estimates from assessments are up to several billion dollars.\n\nRepairs and reconstruction of roadways will be an extremely long road (no pun intended) over the next couple of years to return Western NC\u2019s transportation network to what it was before.\n\nNCDOT crews and contractors have reopened more than 540 roads so far.\n\nRoughly 630 roads remain closed in Western NC.\n\nThis number is still rapidly changing as communications improve and NCDOT reaches new sites.\n\nAbout 100 of the closed roads are along primary routes.\n\nUSDOT approved an initial $100 million in Emergency Repair funds to NCDOT.\n\nDamage to our mountain roads exceeds $100 million but USDOT\u2019s investment is a significant and most welcome start.\n\nNCDOT has stated they will be utilizing the $100 million to supplement ongoing efforts in Western North Carolina - this is what I would have hoped the funds are going to be used for, but their public statement is a welcome confirmation of their commitment to restore transportation networks in our mountains.\n\nNCDOT has awarded a $10 million contract to Wright Brothers Construction of Charleston, TN, to stabilize the westbound lanes of I-40 by drilling soil nails where the eastbound lanes no longer exist.\n\nThe contract includes incentives to be complete by January 4, 2025.\n\nAround the time this operation concludes, plans for a larger, complex, and complete repair will be in progress.\n\nNC DMV has reopened 11 of the 16 driver license offices that were closed due to Hurricane Helene.\n\nThe following DMV offices are open for walk-in services in or near NC-11, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., closed between 11:30 a.m. through 1:00 p.m. for a lunch break:\n\nBurke County - Closest open location for McDowell and Yancey County residents\n\n115 Government Dr., Morganton, NC 28655\n\nCherokee County\n\n1440 Main St., Andrews, NC 28901\n\nHaywood County\n\n290 Lee Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nHenderson County\n\n125 Baystone Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nJackson County\n\n876 Skyland Dr., Ste. 2, Sylva, NC 28779\n\nMacon County\n\n16 Patton Ave., Franklin, NC 28734\n\nRutherford County\n\n596 Withrow Rd., Forest City, NC 28043\n\nSwain County\n\n2650 Governors Island Rd., Bryson City, NC 28713\n\nTransylvania County\n\n50 Commerce St., Ste. 4, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAll but five license plate agencies have reopened.\n\nAir traffic has sustained at 300 percent above pre-hurricane levels in Western NC.\n\nNCDOT\u2019s aviation division continue to work to make sure flight operations are safe coming into and out of airports, including by:\n\nScheduling landing/unloading times and aircraft parking so aircraft are spaced out and to reduce the risk of incidents.\n\nEstablishing a first of its kind \u201ccorridors in the sky\u201d to separate civilian and military aircraft in the air.\n\nHaving search and rescue partners use short, time and location specific restrictions on air operations to enhance safety when multiple helicopters are engaged in search and rescue efforts.\n\nThe state of North Carolina is NOT turning away civil aviation support so long as it has been coordinated through the proper channels with NC Emergency Management.\n\nIf you or someone you know is interested in providing civil aviation support and don\u2019t know where to coordinate your efforts, please call my office and we will help you get in touch with the right folks.\n\nNCDOT has launched a detour map to show motorists how to get around closures on I-26 and I-40 at the Tennessee border.\n\nYou can access the map here.\n\nInternet Access\n\nInternet providers are working with local energy and cell providers to restore service for customers across Western North Carolina.\n\nSpaceX is offering free monthly Starlink service for 30 days to any household or entity located in the disaster area.\n\nTo apply for this free service, residents can go to starlink.com/residential and select the \u201cHelene Relief\u201d service plan at check out.\n\nInternet providers including Optimum and Spectrum are working around the clock to restore service for customers. However, part of the network\u2019s infrastructure was destroyed by mudslides and collapsed bridges making restoration a lengthy process.\n\nAs a result, some impacted areas will require a rebuild of the network from scratch.\n\nTo mitigate the lack of service, Optimum, formerly Altice USA, has set up an Optimum Wi-Fi Trailer that is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the following locations:\n\n717 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\n1800 Four Seasons Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nThe following locations are offering free public wi-fi:\n\nFirst Baptist Church - Weaverville\n\n63 N. Main St, Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nDowntown Franklin\n\nThe Town of Franklin has free wi-fi on the town hill area in downtown.\n\nTransylvania County Library - 24/7\n\n212 S. Gaston St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nThe Yard Brevard\n\n284 Railroad Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nBrevard Visitor Center\n\n175 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAvailable daily from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nCell Service\n\nCommunications in the region are improving rapidly.\n\nMore than 85 percent of cell sites have been restored in Western North Carolina.\n\nOnly one county remains with 50 percent or more cell sites down.\n\nThe Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has full mobile cell service.\n\nAT&T has restored more than 60 percent of their cell sites in impacted areas, and Verizon only has 34 sites out of services across our mountains.\n\nVerizon started with hundreds of cell sites out of service, so significant progress has been made.\n\nSince the storm first hit, T-Mobile has partnered with Starlink to deploy Direct-to-Cellular service over Western North Carolina.\n\nDirect to Cell service connects mobile phones directly to Starlink\u2019s satellites in orbit and eliminates the need for functional ground infrastructure, like cell towers.\n\nCell service providers have implemented disaster roaming for any phone located in Western North Carolina to maximize phone service for all users.\n\nDisaster roaming allows users to connect to any mobile network during a disaster when other networks are down.\n\nThis allows users to access emergency services, such as 911, even when their own network is out.\n\nIf you have service one moment, but experience a reduction in service the next, try restarting your phone to jumpstart disaster roaming again.\n\nUpCycle Tech in Transylvania County is offering free computers and phones for use at the following location:\n\n470 Asheville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAT&T has deployed its Mobile Connectivity Center to the following location:\n\nSam\u2019s Club: 645 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nThe Mobile Connectivity Center is an air-conditioned mobile unit open to the public, equipped with laptops, charging stations and wi-fi.\n\nThe public can use the center for various needs including contacting your insurance company, filling out paperwork or connecting with loved ones.\n\nVerizon has deployed Wireless Emergency Communication Centers to help hurricane survivors stay connected to their friends, family and other important contacts.\n\nWireless Emergency Communication Centers are generator-powered mobile units that have device charging and computer workstations, along with wireless phones, tablets, and other devices available for use.\n\nVerizon\u2019s Wireless Emergency Communication Centers have been set up at the following locations:\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nAsheville YMCA\n\n30 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nFamily Justice Center\n\n35 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nGroce United Methodist Church\n\n954 Tunnel Rd., Asheville, NC 28805\n\nVerizon also has charging stations at the following locations:\n\nYMCA of Western North Carolina\n\n348 Grace Corpening Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nTwo charging stations at this location\n\nWNC Agricultural Center\n\n761 Boylston Hwy., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nThree charging stations at this location\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nOne charging station at this location\n\nT-Mobile has set up satellite cellular on light trucks (SatCOLTs), providing cellular voice and data along with wi-fi and charging stations at the following locations:\n\nAsheville Middle School\n\n211 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center\n\n285 Livingston St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nFirst Baptist Church\n\n130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nAdditional T-Mobile satellite cell on trucks are located in Hendersonville and at a Tractor Supply Co. in Asheville, with others planned for Mission Hospital in Asheville, Cherokee County Emergency Operations Center in Murphy, and in Cherokee.\n\nNorth Carolina National Guard & Department of Defense\n\nMore than 2,100 North Carolina National Guard soldiers and airmen and nearly 1,500 active-duty service members have been deployed to provide support to Western North Carolina so far.\n\nYesterday, active-duty service members distributed more than 690 cases of water, 140 cases of shelf-stable meals, and three pallets of humanitarian assistance items.\n\nSo far, the National Guard has:\n\nDelivered more than 5,000 tons of commodities to affected areas\n\nCleared 1,066 obstacles\n\nSearch and rescue operations are still ongoing in Western North Carolina.\n\nThe Guard\u2019s key tasks continue to be search and rescue of impacted civilian personnel, followed by:\n\nDelivery of essential relief supplies to points of need\n\nClearing of routes to gain access to isolated communities\n\nAlthough airspace is limited due to ongoing missions by the National Guard and Department of Defense, a process has been established for private pilots seeking to fly in humanitarian relief to coordinate with local authorities.\n\nIf you are looking to fly in resources and don\u2019t know where to turn, call my office and we will get you in contact with the right coordinators.\n\nHere are a few key phone numbers from the NCNG:\n\nHOTLINE: 888-892-1162\n\nEmergency management watch: 919-733-3300\n\nDonated goods: 919-825-2474\n\nThese lines have very high call volumes. If you do not get through the first try, keep calling.\n\nAsheville Regional Airport\n\nAsheville Regional Airport closed mid-day on Friday, September 27, due to risk of flooding.\n\nCommercial flights at Asheville Regional Airport have resumed.\n\nIf you parked your car in an Asheville Regional Airport lot and could not retrieve the vehicle due to the storm, great news - none of the airport\u2019s lots flooded and all cars are fine.\n\nStay safe and pick up your car when you are able.\n\nPLEASE NOTE:\n\nNo general aviation pilots are allowed to land at Asheville Regional Airport without prior clearance from FEMA to ensure the safety of aircraft and personnel.\n\nSupply deliveries by civilian pilots ARE permitted to land at Asheville Regional Airport so long as they have prior clearance from FEMA.\n\nFEMA is not turning away any pilot that has gone through the proper channels to coordinate delivery and ensure the safety of his fellow aircraft and personnel.\n\nFederal Nutrition Programs\n\nThe U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service has approved flexibilities due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene.\n\nSNAP\n\nNorth Carolina was granted a waiver for the 10-day reporting requirement for the replacement of food purchased with SNAP benefits lost because of the hurricane.\n\nThis waiver provides additional time beyond the standard 10-day time frame for households to report food losses and receive replacement benefits for food that was destroyed and previously purchased with SNAP benefits.\n\nChild Nutrition\n\nThe North Carolina Department of Public Instruction was approved for a waiver pertaining to the child nutrition programs.\n\nUnder the waiver approval, NCDPI\u2019s local program operators may:\n\nServe meals in a non-congregate setting\n\nAdjust the time of meal service\n\nAllow parent pick-up\n\nAllow service of meals at school sites\n\nFood and Nutrition Services Program\n\nPeople and families in North Carolina who are enrolled in the Food and Nutrition Services program can now use their EBT card to purchase hot food.\n\nThis flexibility will remain in effect until November 3.\n\nSpecial Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, & Children (WIC)\n\nFamilies participating in WIC who may have relocated to a new area can go to any NC WIC agency to:\n\nHave a new eWIC card issued\n\nRequest replacement breastfeeding supplies or breast pumps\n\nRequest replacement food that was purchased with current WIC benefits and lost due to Hurricane Helene\n\nFor NC-11 Medical Providers\n\nIf you own a medical practice in NC-11 and are experiencing financial hardship due to Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina Medical Society is reactivating its Financial Recovery Program (FRP) to help you recover and open your doors again.\n\nFor more information on the disaster relief fund, you can visit this link.\n\nDetails on how medical practices can qualify and apply for funds will be coming soon.\n\nThe Department of Health and Human Services through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has made available:\n\nAccelerated payments to Medicare Part A providers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nAdvance payments to Medicare Part B suppliers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nFor Local Government Resource Requests\n\nFor county leaders: This is a reminder to make sure your Emergency Operation Center has submitted the request for gasoline, food, water, cell service deployables, etc. with North Carolina Emergency Management to have your request processed and resources delivered.\n\nMy office stands ready to assist with checking the status of your request if the county or municipality has not heard back from NC Emergency Management within 24 hours.\n\nFor Individual Assistance through FEMA\n\nNorth Carolina received a Major Disaster Declaration for the following counties: Buncombe, Clay, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania and Yancey counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.\n\nPeople with damage to their homes or personal property who live in one of the above-listed counties should apply for Individual Assistance through FEMA, which may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies.\n\nFunds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay.\n\nIndividual Assistance provides financial aid and services to eligible individuals and households that have been affected by a disaster to assist with the recovery process. Individuals can officially begin applying for Individual Assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling the application phone number at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. EST.\n\nTo date, FEMA has paid out more than $60 million in housing and other types of assistance for more than 51,000 Western North Carolina households.\n\nTo Connect with a Loved One\n\nResidents trying to connect with family members may call NC 211 (or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from out-of-state) to report missing loved ones or request a welfare check.\n\nPeople in the impacted areas can indicate that they are safe by reporting themselves safe through Red Cross Reunification by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).\n\nPlease only use 911 for life-threatening emergencies so the lines remain open for critical situations.\n\nIf you are still trying to locate a friend or family member, please complete this form to notify local officials of their missing status.\n\nThe form was created by Buncombe County but information is being shared amongst all counties.\n\nRegardless of which county your loved one was last known to be in, you can still submit the form.\n\nBuncombe County will share the information with the appropriate officials to initiate search and rescue efforts.\n\nUnited Way is also fielding missing person/welfare check requests.\n\nText PERSON to 40403 to add a loved one to search and rescue efforts or fill out this form.\n\nResources for Utility & Other Status Updates\n\nFor information on the status of utilities, debris sites, etc., we want to share the following resources. As communications are restored and more information becomes available, these sites will continue to be updated.\n\nDrinking Water Systems: Public Water Supply Situation Report Tracking\n\nDebris Disposal Sites: Active Temporary Debris Disposal Sites\n\nNCDEQ Situation Report Tracking System\n\nNCDPS Hurricane Helene - Storm Information\n\nNCDPS County Emergency Management Agencies\n\nHow to Apply for FEMA Assistance After Hurricane Helene\n\nFree Legal Assistance\n\nLegal Aid of North Carolina stands ready to provide free advice and legal counsel regarding natural disaster needs, including legal representation if necessary, including for civil legal issues involving:\n\nFiling FEMA claims and appeals (a process which can be overwhelmingly bureaucratic and burdensome)\n\nReplacement of lost or destroyed legal and government documents, including driver\u2019s licenses and identification cards\n\nMedical and insurance claims\n\nHome repair contracts\n\nUtility disputes related to restoration of services\n\nConsumer protection issues like construction fraud, price-gouging on repairs and identity theft\n\nHousing issues such as unlawful eviction and foreclosures\n\nBankruptcy\n\nProbate and clearing title for survivors living in generational homes without a clear title\n\nFamily law cases and children in need of services (unfortunately, domestic violence tends to rise following a natural disaster)\n\nIf you need civil legal assistance, please contact Legal Aid of North Carolina via the following toll-free hotline:\n\n(866) 219-LANC or (866) 219-5262\n\nThe hotline is available from:\n\n8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; and 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Monday and Thursdays.\n\nConstituents can also apply online at legalaidnc.org/get-help/ between 1:00-4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday.\n\nIRS Guidance for Taxpayers Impacted by Hurricane Helene\n\nExtension of certain tax filing deadlines:\n\nIRS has extended various filing deadlines for taxpayers in impacted areas, including 2024 individual/business returns, certain quarterly estimated income tax payments, and certain payroll/excise taxes.\n\nClick here for the full list of extensions and respective dates\n\nClick here for more information from the IRS on disaster assistance\n\nTax relief for qualified payments, disaster-related losses:\n\nIRS released provided guidance to taxpayers on how to address disaster-related losses in their 2024 tax return, as well as providing guidance on how qualified disaster relief payments - like government assistance payments - are generally excluded from gross income.\n\nClick here for a general walkthrough of these policies (under header \u201cAdditional tax relief\u201d)\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of disaster-related losses\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of qualified disaster relief payments\n\nShelters\n\nFor those unable to evacuate to a safe location or in need of a place to go, the following shelters are currently open and available as of October 11:\n\nBuncombe County\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nGold\u2019s Gym\n\n801 Fairview Rd, Asheville, NC 28803\n\nWNC Agricultural Center\n\n1301 Fanning Bridge Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nHaywood County\n\nHaywood County Government Armory\n\n285 Armory Dr., Clyde, NC 28781\n\nHenderson County\n\nEdneyville Elementary School\n\n2875 Pace Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nHenderson County Recreation Center\n\n708 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nMadison County\n\nMadison Early College High School\n\n5374 US Hwy 25-70, Marshall, NC 28755\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMcDowell County Senior Center\n\n100 Spaulding Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nRutherford County\n\nRutherfordton Presbyterian Church\n\n252 N. Washington St., Rutherfordton, NC 28139\n\nTransylvania County\n\nTransylvania Parks & Rec\n\n1078 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nYancey County\n\nBlue Ridge Elementary\n\n910 Cane River School Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nWith my warmest regards,\n\nChuck Edwards\n\nMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://hudson.house.gov/press-releases/rep-richard-hudson-issues-statement-on-the-passing-of-george-little", "Rep. Richard Hudson Issues Statement on the Passing of George Little", "2024-10-11", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Richard Hudson", "H001067", "hudson.house.gov", "hudson", "https://hudson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-09) released the below statement following the passing of George Little.\n\nRep. Richard Hudson said, \"Renee and I are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my dear friend George Little, a beloved leader and a pillar of Moore County. George was not only born and raised in this community, but he dedicated his life to making it better. Along with founding an insurance business, he was a champion of economic development in Moore County and tirelessly devoted to civic service. One institution George dearly loved and dedicated many long hours to is Sandhills Community College. As the longest-serving chair of a community college board in the nation, George's leadership and vision helped transform the institution into what it is today.\n\n\"I met George 30 years ago when I was a college intern at the North Carolina Republican Party. Nobody loved the Republican Party more than George Little. He served the Party and Republican Governors for decades. He was a friend and mentor to me and so many others. We join the Moore County community in praying for Wanda and the entire family, and all who knew and loved him. George's incredible legacy of service, his infectious sense of humor, and his positive outlook on life will never be forgotten. George Little was one of the most consequential citizens to ever call Moore County home and his tireless efforts will continue to shape our community for years to come.\"\n\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://hudson.house.gov/press-releases/reps-richard-hudson-kevin-hern-august-pfluger-move-to-stop-flawed-social-cost-of", "Reps. Richard Hudson, Kevin Hern, August Pfluger Move to Stop Flawed Social Cost of Energy from Driving Burdensome Regulations", "2024-10-11", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Richard Hudson", "H001067", "hudson.house.gov", "hudson", "https://hudson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-09), Republican Study Committee (RSC) Chairman Kevin Hern (OK-01), and RSC House Energy Action Team (HEAT) Chairman August Pfluger (TX-11) led 10 of their colleagues to introduce the Transparency and Honesty in Energy Regulations Act, which will prohibit the federal government from using the flawed social cost of carbon, methane, nitrous oxide, or any other greenhouse gas metric in the rulemaking process.\n\n\u201cThe Biden-Harris Administration will use every tool at their disposal to advance their radical green agenda. North Carolinians are struggling to fill up their tanks and pay their electricity bills \u2014 the last thing they are worried about is the \u2018social cost\u2019 of energy. We need to be unleashing American energy to lower prices, not cripple production with burdensome, costly regulations,\u201d said Rep. Hudson.\n\n\u201cThe Biden-Harris Administration is proud of their war on traditional energy sources; they began their assault on Day 1. As a result, Americans are feeling the pain at the pump. It\u2019s just a fact that government interference in the energy industry has directly contributed to these rising costs. No more manipulated studies and biased research \u2013 the American people deserve transparent and honest information,\u201d said RSC Chairman Hern.\n\n\u201cThe Biden-Harris White House has proven their willingness to hide behind biased and flawed research to advance their war against American energy producers. I am proud to join forces with Representatives Hudson and Hern and our friend Senator Lankford to prohibit the federal government from using flawed metrics to impose new mandates on the energy industry. The White House should unleash clean, affordable, American energy to bring costs down for the American people,\" said RSC HEAT Chairman Pfluger.\n\nJoining Hudson, Hern, and Pfluger are Representatives Mike Carey (R-OH), Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA), Tim Walberg (R-MI), Jake LaTurner (R-KS), Brian Babin (R-TX), Nick Langworthy (R-NY), Chip Roy (R-TX), Laurel Lee (R-FL), and Jeff Duncan (R-SC).\n\nRead more in Fox News HERE. Read the full text of the bill HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2024/10/ross-castor-williams-urge-social-media-executives-to-address-rampant-misinformation-following-hurricanes-helene-milton", "Ross, Castor, Williams Urge Social Media Executives to Address Rampant Misinformation Following Hurricanes Helene, Milton", "2024-10-11", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Representatives Deborah Ross (NC-02), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Nikema Williams (GA-05), and Wiley Nickel (NC-13), who represent states that were hit hard by Hurricanes Helene or Milton, led a letter to the social media executives of Facebook/Meta, Instagram, X, Discord, TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat urging them to implement necessary processes to counter harmful misinformation related to disaster relief that has circulated on their platforms. The lawmakers are urging social media companies to increase the monitoring and removal of misinformation; enhance fact-checking with local agencies and organizations; strengthen algorithms to identify conspiracy theories; and implement stronger safeguards against scams. Federal recovery efforts across the Southeast require the dissemination of accurate, reliable information to ensure those who need help can receive it.\n\nIn North Carolina alone, misinformation has seriously impeded Hurricane Helene disaster relief. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Director Deanne Criswell called the level of misinformation: \u201cthe worst [she\u2019s] ever seen.\u201d Elon Musk, owner of X, has even amplified and spread harmful lies and accusations.\n\n\u201cIn the days following Hurricane Helene, we have seen posts encouraging people to apply for fake Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) relief programs, scams targeting those who have lost their homes, and misleading information about where to find shelter and resources\u2026 On Instagram, TikTok, and Discord, conspiracy theories have spread claiming that both storms are the result of government actions. It was particularly disturbing to see that, prior to Hurricane Milton\u2019s landfall, meteorologists experienced harassment and even received death threats from users on X,\u201d wrote the lawmakers.\n\nThey continued, \u201cYou have the power and the responsibility to improve the digital spaces where millions of Americans both seek and promote information during crises, including natural disasters. Again, we strongly encourage you to act quickly and decisively to address the clear dangers posed by the spread of misinformation, disinformation, and scams in the wake of these storms. Lives, livelihoods, and the integrity of our recovery efforts depend on it.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/hurricane-helene-update-13-congressman-edwards", "Hurricane Helene update #13 from Congressman Edwards", "2024-10-10", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Chuck Edwards", "E000246", "edwards.house.gov", "edwards", "https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "October 10, 2024\n\nDear Friend,\n\nAlthough we are still in the thick of meeting immediate recovery needs across Western North Carolina, I wanted to take a step back today to request that everyone keep the people of Florida in your thoughts and prayers.\n\nWe know all too well the devastation and worry that Hurricane Milton is bringing to the people of Florida, and even though we are not in a place to be sending equipment, manpower, and vital resources, we are in a place to sympathize with their circumstances - which are much like our circumstances were two weeks ago - and to pray that Milton does not bring the same level of destruction to central Florida as Helene brought to Western North Carolina.\n\nFlorida is not new to hurricanes, and because of that, the state has been an ally for NC-11 over the past two weeks. Florida has sent manpower, temporary bridges, and other supplies to our mountains to support us in our recovery. Now it is time that we express our support.\n\nNo matter how much damage Milton leaves in his wake, the close timing of both storms means one thing will be true: North Carolina and Florida are in this together.\n\nThis update includes new resources for veterans, information on a $273 million relief package from the North Carolina General Assembly, where to find the Disaster Recovery Center in Buncombe County for FEMA assistance, and where to test your drinking water.\n\nToday is update number 13, with more information to come in the following days. As always, please make sure to read everything and share it with your friends and family.\n\nFEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Sites\n\nA Disaster Recovery Center opens today, October 10, in Asheville to assist North Carolina survivors who have experienced losses from Hurricane Helene.\n\nThe center is located at:\n\nA.C. Reynolds High School\n\n1 Rocket Dr., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. (including weekends)\n\nA Comfort Care Center will also be available at this location where survivors can shower, do laundry and use other services.\n\nA Disaster Recovery Center is a one-stop shop where survivors can meet face-to-face with FEMA representatives, apply for FEMA assistance, receive referrals to local assistance in their area, apply with the U.S. Small Business Administration for disaster loans, etc.\n\nAdditional recovery centers will be opening soon, and I will keep you posted as I learn about them.\n\nDisaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams are stationed across NC-11 to help survivors apply for FEMA assistance and connect them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources.\n\nIn addition to designated locations, DSA teams are going door to door in the following counties:\n\nBuncombe County\n\nHenderson County\n\nMadison County\n\nYancey County\n\nAs new stationary locations are established, I will keep you posted.\n\nThe following locations are open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., unless otherwise noted:\n\nBuncombe County\n\nIngles Market\n\n550 Hwy. 9, Black Mountain, NC 28803\n\nWalmart\n\n60 Airport Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nRiceville Community Church\n\n2342 Riceville Rd., Asheville, NC 28805\n\nTitle 10 Mission - Asheville\n\n503 Park St., Swannanoa, NC28778\n\nMontford North Star Academy\n\n90 Montford Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nAC Reynolds High School\n\n1 Rocket Dr., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nBeech Community Center\n\n15 State Rd. 2117, Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nJackson County\n\nJackson County EOC\n\n401 Grindstaff Cove Rd., Ste. A-145, Sylva, NC 28779\n\nMcDowell County\n\nCorpening Memorial YMCA\n\n348 Grace Corpening Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nMcDowell County EOC\n\n129 Barnes Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nMcDowell County Senior Center\n\n100 Spaulding Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nRutherford County\n\nIngles Market\n\n276 N. 9 Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nTransylvania County\n\nTransylvania County EOC\n\n155 Public Safety Way, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nYancey County\n\nYancey County Public Library\n\n321 School Cir., Burnsville, NC 28174\n\nLegislative Support\n\nThe U.S. House of Representatives is gearing up to pass a disaster relief package when we return to session in November.\n\nI have begun conversations with leadership about how to best meet Western North Carolina\u2019s needs in any supplemental relief package passed by Congress in the coming months.\n\nYesterday, both chambers of the North Carolina General Assembly unanimously passed the Disaster Recovery Act of 2024.\n\nThis bill creates a new Hurricane Helene fund with $273 million from the state\u2019s Savings Reserve Fund.\n\n$250 million will go to the Department of Public Safety's Division of Emergency Management to provide the state\u2019s match to federal disaster relief funds.\n\nAnother portion of the funds will be used to establish a revolving loan program to help local government and state agencies with cash flow while they are waiting for reimbursement from the federal government.\n\n$16 million will go to the Department of Public Instruction for \u201clost compensation of school nutrition employees due to school closures resulting from Hurricane Helene\u201d\n\n$2 million to provide local governments technical assistance with local recovery funds.\n\n$5 million to the State Board of Elections, alongside a variety of temporary election law changes such as changing polling sites that were rendered unusable by the storm and establishing a voter hotline, to make it easier for residents of Western North Carolina to vote.\n\nThe bill also:\n\nGrants school calendar flexibility to public schools by allowing them to make up or mark as completed any number of the days or hours missed.\n\nIt also allows the schools to use up to 30 days of remote instruction toward required instructional days.\n\nWaives DMV fees for things like obtaining a duplicate driver\u2019s license, ID card, etc.\n\nWaives certain environmental requirements for state highway repairs.\n\nThis provision will not reduce the safety of repairs conducted by NCDOT or negatively impact the environment.\n\nFood and Water\n\nA mobile lab to test drinking water is available at the following location seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. until October 19:\n\nA-B Tech Community College\n\n20 Canoe Ln., Woodfin, NC 28804\n\nSupplying drinkable water remains a top priority for emergency crews.\n\n66 water systems are on a boil advisory.\n\nFour treatment plants have reported having no power and 27 systems are out of water.\n\nWater restoration trends continue to move in a positive direction, with 20 treatment plants rescinding their boil advisories and another nine treatment plants regaining power in the past 24 hours.\n\nSeveral major water systems are currently not distributing water, including the City of Asheville, Black Mountain, Woodfin, Spruce Pine, and Burnsville.\n\nWork continues on each of these systems to restore functionality.\n\nNCDEQ has provided the following resources to help community members track progress on water supply restoration efforts:\n\nPublic Water Supply Situation Report Tracking - ArcGIS map with filters for system status, county, etc. linked here.\n\nDEQ Dashboard - links to additional maps, including mobile view of water system status, and environmental guidance linked here.\n\nThe Federal Emergency Management Agency has promised 120 truckloads a day of food and water with no specified end date.\n\nFEMA has shipped 14 million liters of water and more than 17 million meals utilizing the $20 billion in funds that I helped to draft and pass for disaster relief just two days before Hurricane Helene hit.\n\nOf the shipped food and water, more than 6 million liters of water and 4 million individual meals have already been delivered to Western NC communities.\n\nThe GE Aerospace Foundation announced a $500,000 donation to support disaster relief efforts in Western North Carolina.\n\nHome Depot will be passing out free disaster relief kits every day starting at 9:00 a.m., while supplies last, at the following locations:\n\nHome Depot Asheville\n\n795 Fairview Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nHome Depot West Asheville\n\n127 Acton Cir., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nHome Depot Hendersonville\n\n401 Linda Vista Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nWalmart is hosting activities at the following locations:\n\nHendersonville, NC Store 1242\n\n250 Highlands Square Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nPortable restrooms\n\nServing hot meals at 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily\n\nArden, NC Store 1179\n\n60 Airport Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nPortable restrooms\n\nLaundry\n\nShowers\n\nWi-fi hotspot and charging stations\n\nBuncombe County\n\nBuncombe County has begun water distribution at multiple sites. Each will be available daily from 1:00 -7:00 p.m.:\n\nPack Square Park - you MUST bring your own container for this site\n\n80 Court Plz., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nWilliam W. Estes Elementary School\n\n275 Overlook Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nSand Hill-Venable Elementary\n\n154 Sand Hill School Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nNorth Windy Ridge Intermediate School\n\n20 Doan Rd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nFairview Elementary\n\n1355 Charlotte Hwy., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nThe following feeding sites are available in Buncombe County, where citizens can access food, water and other basic necessities:\n\nBiltmore Baptist Church\n\n35 Clayton Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nDistribution and bulk pickup for volunteers looking to take bulk loads of supplies to in-need community members\n\nSaturday hours: 10:00 a.m. \u2013 1:00 p.m.\n\nCommunity drive-thru for anyone in the community needing supplies\n\nSaturday hours: 3:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church \u2013 Weaverville\n\n63 N. Main St., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nHot showers available from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nUnlimited clean drinking water is available, bring your own container.\n\nSupplies and bottled water.\n\nHot lunch served at 1:30 p.m.\n\nHot meals are available at the following locations:\n\nWorld Central Kitchen in Bear\u2019s Smokehouse BBQ\n\n135 Coxe Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nServes 25,000 hot meals a day.\n\nDaily hours: 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.\n\nShiloh Community Center\n\n121 Shiloh Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nGrovemont Park\n\n251 Stonewall Ave., Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nManna Food Bank - Farmer\u2019s Market\n\n570 Brevard Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nWesley Grant Community Center\n\n285 Livingston St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nWest Asheville Ingles\n\n669 Haywood Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 3:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nBlack Mountain Ingles\n\n550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nDaily Hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nNesbitt Chapel\n\n12 Nesbitt Chapel Rd., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nDaily hours: 3:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nFood and drinking water are available from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily at the following locations:\n\nAsheville Middle School\n\n211 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nIngles\n\n550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nThis location also has handwashing stations and portable restrooms\n\nLinwood Crump Shiloh Community Center\n\n121 Shiloh Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nLucy Herring Elementary\n\n98 Sulphur Springs Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nOakley Elementary School\n\n753 Fairvew Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nHaywood County\n\nThe following locations are providing community members with essential resources such as but not limited to, food, water, cleaning products, baby formula, and pet food, Monday through Fridays:\n\nFines Creek Community Center\n\n190 Fines Creek Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nOpen every day until 6:00 p.m.\n\nPigeon Community Center\n\n450 Pigeon St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nAlso offering hot meals every day at 2:00 p.m.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCruso Community Center\n\n13186 Cruso Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.\n\nFirst United Methodist Church\n\n566 S. Haywood St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nIncludes shower access.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.\n\nMaggie Valley Pavilion\n\n3935 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nDaily Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.\n\nWoodland Baptist Church\n\n545 Crabtree Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nBethel Elementary School\n\n4700 Old River Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nJonathan Valley Elementary School\n\n410 Hall Dr., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nMonday through Friday\n\nSt. John the Evangelist Catholic Church - in the Parish Hall\n\n234 Church St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.\n\nMonday to Friday\n\nHot food available from 4:00 p.m. to 7 :00 p.m. daily.\n\nSt. Barnabas Catholic Church\n\n109 Crescent Hill Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nDaily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.\n\nReynolds Baptist Church - Family Life Center\n\n520 Rose Hill Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.\n\nThis location also has potable water available to residents who bring their own vessels to fill.\n\nLife Church of Waynesville\n\n601 Westwood Cir., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nSupplies will be distributed from Wednesday, October 9 to Friday, October 11\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.\n\nMountain Projects\n\n2177 Asheville Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nHeart to Heart International - in Haywood Department of Health Parking Lot\n\n157 Paragon Pkwy., Ste. 800, Clyde, NC 28721\n\nThe following location offers hot meals daily:\n\nMaggie Valley Fire Department\n\n2901 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nJukebox Junction\n\n3606 Pigeon Rd., Canton, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nThe following location offers showers daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.:\n\nCalvary Baptist Church\n\n2701 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nThe following location is offering supplies for horses and livestock:\n\nWNC Regional Livestock Center\n\n474 Stock Dr., Canton, NC 28716\n\nHenderson County\n\nHenderson County has stood up Resource Hub locations for water distribution and other supplies as they become available.\n\nDistribution will be taking place daily from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. at the following locations:\n\nEtowah Elementary: 320 Etowah School Rd., Etowah, NC 28729\n\nMills River Town Hall: 124 Town Center Dr., Mills River, NC 28759\n\nEach family unit will be provided supplies for one day\u2019s meal and water as available.\n\nIndividuals are asked to enter the drive-through and remain in your car unless otherwise instructed by volunteers to ensure an efficient process.\n\nIn addition to the resource hubs, the following churches will also be providing supplies:\n\nEbeneezer Baptist Church\n\n2557 Chimney Rock Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nOpen October 9 and October 11, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church - Hendersonville\n\n312 5th Ave. W., Hendersonville, NC 28739\n\nOpen 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. on October 10 and 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on October 11\n\nJackson County\n\nIn partnership with the Red Cross, the following is available for citizens of Jackson County:\n\nThe Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau are providing shelf-stable meals at the following location:\n\n558 Frank Allen Rd., Cashiers, NC 28717\n\nThe Canada Fire Department is distributing emergency supplies at the following location:\n\n149 Charleys Creek Rd., Tuckasegee, NC 28783\n\nThe following locations are providing resources to displaced families and individuals in need:\n\nMountain Projects\n\n154-B Medical Park Loop, Sylva, NC 28779\n\nUnited Christian Ministries\n\n191 Skyland Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nSt. Mary\u2019s Roman Catholic Church of Sylva\n\n22 Bartlett St., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.\n\nCornbread and Roses\n\n1294 Savannah Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours:\n\nWednesday, 6:00-8:00 p.m.\n\nThursday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nSunday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nMadison County\n\nThe following locations are offering food, water, and some supply distribution in Madison County:\n\nBeech Glen Community Center\n\n2936 Beech Glen Rd., Mars Hill, 28754\n\nDaily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.\n\nCenter Community Center\n\n1300 Grapevine Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nEbbs Chapel Community Center\n\n281 Laurel Valley Rd., Mars Hill, NC 28754\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nEnon Baptist Church\n\n174 Ammons Branch Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nOpen Sunday 12:00-4:00 p.m.\n\nFreedom Christian Church\n\n7350 US 25/70 Bypass, Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThis location offers additional resources such as hygiene products, blankets, clothes, cleaning supplies, diapers, pet food, etc.\n\nLaurel Community Center - also has supplies\n\n4100 NC 212 Hwy., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily Hours: 8:00 a.m. \u2013 8:00 p.m.\n\nRevere-Rice Community Center\n\n3980 Revere Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (Mon-Sat)\n\nSpring Creek Community Center\n\n13075 NC 209 Hwy., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThis location also has additional resources such as pet food, livestock feed and hay.\n\nWalnut Community Center - also has supplies\n\n46 School Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.\n\nN.C. Cooperative Extension - Madison County Center\n\n258 Carolina Ln., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nThis location is offering drive-thru food distribution only.\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMcDowell County has established multiple points of distribution that are open daily from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 4:00-6:00 p.m., depending on supply levels.\n\nDistribution takes place daily at the following locations:\n\nFormer TJ\u2019s Discounts - North Cove\n\n8153 US 221 N., Marion, NC 28752\n\nOld Fort Town Hall\n\n38 Catawba Ave., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nNew Manna Baptist Church\n\n225 E. Court St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nSolid Rock Free Will Baptist Church - Dysartsville\n\n7860 NC 226 S., Nebo, NC 28761\n\nZion Hill Baptist Church\n\n1036 Zion Hill Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nHot meals are also being provided at the following location:\n\nGrace Community Church\n\n5182 US 70 W., Marion, NC 28752\n\nLunch is served every day from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.\n\nDinner is available from 4:00-5:30 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church of Marion is offering hot showers, air conditioning, and areas to charge devices.\n\nCurrent hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 2:00-5:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday.\n\nPolk County\n\nThe following locations are offering food and water distribution for residents in need from 1:00-5:00 p.m.:\n\nMill Spring/Green Creek Community\n\n25 International Blvd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nColumbus Community\n\n95 Walker St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nSaluda Community Bus Parking Lot\n\n214 E. Main St., Saluda, NC 28773\n\nTryon Community\n\n301 N. Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782\n\nSunny View\n\n86 Sunny View School Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nThe following locations are serving hot meals daily:\n\nTryon Equestrian Center\n\n4066 Pea Ridge Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nRoseland Community Center\n\n56 Peake St., Tryon, NC 28782\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nRutherford County\n\nThe following locations are open from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. for citizens to get food and emergency supplies:\n\nThomas Jefferson High School\n\n2527 US-221A Hwy., Mooresboro, NC 28114\n\nFlorence Baptist Church\n\n201 S. Broadway St., Forest City, NC 28043\n\nRutherford County Health Department\n\n221 Callahan Koon Rd., Spindale, NC 28160\n\nGilkey Church of God\n\n255 Oak Springs Rd., Rutherfordton, NC 28139\n\nParks, Recreation, & Lake Office\n\n658 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nLake Lure Baptist Church\n\n6837 US-74 ALT, Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nIngles at Lake Lure - meals only\n\n276 NC-9, Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nOffers hot meals at 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. and 4:30-6:30 p.m.\n\nAlso offers showers, restrooms, a mobile health van, a tool trailer, a charging station (please bring your own charging cord), and wi-fi.\n\nFather\u2019s Vineyard - also has shower and charging stations\n\n724 Oakland Rd., Spindale, NC 28160\n\nSpencer Baptist Church - water distribution only\n\n187 N Oak St., Spindale, NC 28160\n\nUnited Way of Rutherford County - water distribution and charging stations only\n\n668 Withrow Rd., Forest City, NC 28043\n\nThe Church at Sapphire - through October 10\n\n620 Whitewater Rd., Sapphire, NC 28774\n\nDaily hours: 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.\n\nLittle River Baptist Church - through October 11\n\n51 Little River Church Rd., Penrose, NC 28766\n\nBreakfast hours: 8:00-10:00 a.m.\n\nLunch hours: 12:30-2:00 p.m.\n\nDinner hours: 6:00-7:30 p.m.\n\nTransylvania County\n\nThe following locations are providing hot meals to county residents:\n\nThe Church at Sapphire - through October 10\n\n620 Whitewater Rd., Sapphire, NC 28774\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-4:00 p.m.\n\nLittle River Baptist Church - through October 11\n\n51 Little River Church Rd., Penrose, NC 28766\n\nBreakfast hours: 8:00-10:00 a.m.\n\nLunch hours: 12:30-2:00 p.m.\n\nDinner hours: 6:00-7:30 p.m.\n\nCedar Mountain Community Center\n\n10635 Greenville Hwy., Cedar Mountain, NC 28718\n\nBreakfast hours: 9:00-11:00 a.m.\n\nLunch hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nDinner hours: 4:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nBalsam Grove Community Center - daily until power is fully restored\n\n8732 Parkway Rd., Balsam Grove, NC 28708\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.Resource pick-up locations are listed below by county. As I learn more, I will keep you posted:\n\nBottled water is available daily at local fire departments and 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Anchor Baptist Church located at:\n\n3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nWater filling stations can be found at the following locations:\n\nCity Sports Complex\n\n824 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.\n\nCedar Mountain Outpost\n\n8431 Greenville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nTerritory Brevard\n\n43 S. Broad St, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nDD Bullwinkles\n\n60 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nFirst United Methodist Church\n\n325 N. Broad St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nPisgah Forest Baptist Church\n\n494 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nNewfound Artisan\n\n22 W. Jordan St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nThrough today, October 6.\n\nHours: 12:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nFood, water, and other supplies such as hygiene products are being distributed at the following locations:\n\nAnchor Baptist Church\n\n3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nYancey County\n\nYancey County has transitioned to one centralized distribution site for water, food and ice located at the following address:\n\nAltec\n\n150 Altec Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nMobile laundry facilities are available in the GO Grocery parking lot located at the following address:\n\n631 W Hwy. 19E Bypass, Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nTrash Services and Debris Removal\n\nIf your home has damages and you need assistance with clean up, please call Crisis Cleanup for access to volunteer organizations that can assist you at 844-965-1386.\n\nIf Hurricane Helene caused damage to your home or belongings, make sure to document it.\n\nThis is critically important in getting reimbursed.\n\nTake photos before you begin cleaning up.\n\nMake a list of damaged or lost items and gather receipts.\n\nDoing this helps speed up the process with insurance and other assistance programs, and ensures you get properly compensated.\n\nBefore you start the clean-up process, remember:\n\nWear PPE such as long pants, goggles, gloves and sturdy shoes.\n\nStay off damaged structures.\n\nBe aware that snakes or other hazardous animals could be present.\n\nCall your local fire department to inspect or removal chemicals, propane tanks, and other hazardous materials.\n\nIf you suspect debris contains toxic substances, seal them in plastic bags to prevent them from becoming airborne.\n\nTo reduce the risk of accidental fires, please DO NOT burn your storm debris.\n\nEmergency personnel are continuing to work on other storm recovery and response efforts, limiting resources to respond to accidental fires.\n\nPlease discard of storm debris at a local transfer site or via curbside debris pickup.\n\nDebris should be placed curbside and not block the roadway or access to the property.\n\nPlease place debris away from trees, poles or other structures (e.g., fire hydrants, meters, etc.) to make removal work easier.\n\nContact your local municipality for curbside storm debris removal collection schedules or see below for additional information on debris waste removal by county.\n\nAdditionally, the following counties have resources for where to take household trash and debris waste.\n\nBuncombe\n\nCurbside collection will begin Monday for City of Asheville sanitation customers.\n\nThere will be no recycling pick up until the recycling plant is operational.\n\nResidents can use both recycling and trash carts for household waste.\n\nThe following materials cannot be collected at this time: Mud, construction debris, concrete and other bulky or hazardous items.\n\nDebris collection is estimated to start in mid-October.\n\nThe Town of Black Mountain Public Works Department has secured four 15-yard dumpsters located in two sites for Black Mountain residents to throw away household trash ONLY:\n\nTractor Supply: 125 Old US Hwy. 70 E., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nIngles: 550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nPlease Note: Yard waste, bulk item, separate recycling and debris collection are not available at this time.\n\nWaste Pro collection service has resumed for regular Monday route customers.\n\nRecycling services are currently suspending while repair work is underway at the recycling process facility.\n\nHaywood\n\nHousehold waste will be accepted at the Materials Recovery Facility at 247 Recycle Rd., Clyde and at Convenience Centers at Jonathan Creek, Beaverdam, Bethel, Hazelwood, Mauney Cove, Jones Cove and Highway 110.\n\nWhite Oak Landfill has reopened.\n\nHenderson\n\nHenderson County Transfer Station is open and accepting storm debris with normal fees.\n\nHenderson County has begun curbside storm debris removal to county residents as a free service.\n\nThe county will pick up storm debris for free if it is pushed to the right of way of a property.\n\nStorm debris includes tree branches, leaves, logs, building materials, furniture, paint etc.\n\nPlease be patient.\n\nThe county will pick up storm debris for free as quickly as possible.\n\nMadison\n\nThe Hot Springs collection center is operating on normal hours for household trash ONLY:\n\nMonday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nWednesday: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.\n\nFriday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nSaturday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nHot Springs trash pickup is returning to Mondays like usual.\n\nPlease only use this pickup service if you cannot bring it to the collection center yourself.\n\nThe pickup service is being led by volunteers at this time.\n\nPolk\n\nThe Polk County landfill is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\n322 Landfill Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nBeginning today, October 9, drop off of residential trash will be $10.\n\nGFL trash services will continue on the regular schedule. However, certain areas may be inaccessible due to ongoing power outages from Hurricane Helene.\n\nTwo dumpsters are located on Gibson Street for immediate trash disposal due to road inaccessibility.\n\nTransylvania\n\nThe City of Brevard has resumed regular trash pickup.\n\nYancey\n\nThe Riverside and East Yancey Recycling Centers have resumed operations.\n\nDaily hours: 7:00 a.m. \u2013 4:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday\n\nVoter Information\n\nThe North Carolina State Board of Elections has provided pertinent information and recommendations for voters in the Helene disaster area during the 2024 general election.\n\nTo review information on voting in the 2024 general election after Hurricane Helene, you can follow this link.\n\nThe site provides information on absentee voting, how to change your polling location if you have a new permanent address, county board of elections, office closures and more.\n\nFor any additional questions on voting post-hurricane, please contact your county Board of Elections.\n\nPlease note: Your county Board of Elections is the best place to get any questions answered.\n\nI have been permitted to share the above, nonpartisan information but am prohibited from answering any questions related to the 2024 general election.\n\nUnited States Postal Service/Mail Services\n\nUSPS anticipates continued improvement of mail delivery operations with local recovery efforts, to include power, connectivity, and roads.\n\nThere are some facilities unable to provide full retail and mail delivery due to road closures and current conditions.\n\nNo drop shipments will be accepted at any of the locations listed below.\n\nThe following sites are closed with no retail, but delivery is being attempted where it is safe to do so:\n\nNewland - 28657\n\nCedar Mountain - 28718\n\nThe following sites are closed with alternative facilities listed:\n\nAlexander - 28701\n\nAlternative location: 2350 Old Marshall Hwy., Alexander, NC 28701\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.; closed 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. for lunch\n\nOpen Saturdays: 8:00-10:00 a.m.\n\nBat Cave - 28710\n\nAlternative location: 3979 Chimney Rock Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; closed 12:00-1:00 p.m. for lunch\n\nBarnardsville - 28709\n\nAlternate location: 1664 Barnardsville Hwy., Barnardsville, NC 28709\n\nDaily hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; closed from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. for lunch.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 8:30-10:30 a.m.\n\nChimney Rock - 28720\n\nAlternate location: 2432 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. \u2013 4:00 p.m., closed 12:00-1:00 p.m.\n\nEdneyville - 28727\n\nAlternate location: 3979 Chimney Rock Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; closed 12:00-1:00 p.m. for lunch\n\nGerton \u2013 28735\n\nAlternate location: 1352 Charlotte Hwy., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nDaily Hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nGreen Mountain - 28740\n\nAlternate location: 670 W. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nHot Springs - 28743\n\n111 Bridge St., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; closed 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. for lunch.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00-10:30 a.m.\n\nMarshall - 28753\n\nAlternate location: 100 S. Main St., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; closed 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. for lunch.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nMicaville - 28755\n\nAlternate location: 670 W. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nMontreat - 28757\n\nAlternate location: 2 Tucker Rd., Ridgecrest, NC 28770\n\nDaily hours M-F: 12:30-4:30 p.m.\n\nPenland - 28765\n\nAlternative location: 899 Oak Ave., Spruce Pine, NC 28777\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nRosman - 28778\n\nAlternate location: 272 Main St., Rosman, NC 28772\n\nDaily hours M-F: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; closed 12:30-1:30 p.m. for lunch.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 10:00-11:00 a.m.\n\nSwannanoa - 28765\n\nAlternate location: 2311 U.S. 70 Highway, Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nAll remaining locations are attempting delivery where it is safe to do so.\n\nMultiple United Parcel Service (UPS) sites continue to be affected by power, flooding, and downed trees/power and lines/storm related obstacles.\n\nThe Hendersonville and Asheville UPS buildings are currently operational and are being powered by portable generators.\n\nDelivery of packages in these areas is increasing as road conditions improve daily.\n\nPharmacy Access\n\nThe Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response under the Department of Health and Human Services has activated the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) for North Carolinians as of Friday, October 4.\n\nThe EPAP program helps uninsured residents replace prescription medication or certain medical equipment lost or damaged during Hurricane Helene.\n\nThrough the program, uninsured residents can:\n\nRequest a free 30-day supply of certain prescription medications at any EPAP-participating pharmacy which can be renewed every 30 days while the EPAP is active.\n\nReplace certain medical equipment and supplies such as canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, blood sugar meters and blood sugar test strips for diabetics.\n\nUninsured North Carolina residents affected by the recent hurricane can call the EPAP hotline, 855-793-7470, or visit the EPAP website to check their eligibility, determine if their medications or medical equipment are covered, or locate a participating pharmacy.\n\nPrescription Pad is open from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and filling prescriptions for Yancey County residents at the following location:\n\n730 E. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nFor individuals able to safely travel to fill a prescription, the following CVS locations are open:\n\n324 Long Shoals Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\n505 Smokey Park Hwy., Asheville, NC 28806\n\n371 Asheville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\n3450 Hendersonville Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\n1605 Four Seasons Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\n2001 Spartanburg Hwy., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\n111 S Main St., Rutherfordton, NC 28139\n\n773 Russ Ave., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nYou can also use this link to locate non-CVS pharmacy locations open to the public by county.\n\nHow to Acquire a Prescription:\n\nIf a store is closed, you can still call the number and the pharmacy\u2019s phone lines have been rerouted to a nearby CVS Pharmacy that is open to help patients access their prescriptions.\n\nPatients can visit any CVS Pharmacy for assistance with immediate prescription needs.\n\nOpen Urgent Cares/ Health Care Services\n\nThere is a field hospital with physicians, nurses and paramedics who can treat patients at the Burnsville Fire Department. The address is as follows:\n\n305 Pineola St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nThe following urgent cares are open and accessible for community members with non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries:\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Weaverville\n\n61 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nMercy Urgent Care West Asheville\n\n1201 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nMercy Urgent Care Waynesville\n\n120 Frazier St., Ste. 6, Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nLocations open between 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Brevard\n\n22 Trust Ln., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Columbus\n\n140 West Mills St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nLocations open between 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.:\n\nMobile Urgent Care Clinic\n\n12 Florida Ave., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nMental Health & Basic Medical Support Center\n\n130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nPardee Urgent Care\n\n45 Hendersonville Hwy., Ste. A, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nFree mental health services - All available for drop-in\n\nCare Collaborative for Western North Carolina Clinicians is a partnership among more than 200 mental health professionals volunteering to provide free mental health services for Hurricane Helene survivors.\n\nServices are provided virtually, and you can follow this link to find a professional that fits your needs and their contact information to schedule a session.\n\nHot Springs Elementary School - Art Room\n\n63 N. Serpentine Ave., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nThe Pearl Institute\n\n55 Academy St., Waynesville, NC\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-6:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nFree telehealth appointments are also available.\n\nTo book a telehealth appointment, you can email info@pearlpsychedelicinstitute.org or call/text (828) 400-7091\n\nCommunity Support Group\n\n221 Mills Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nMary C. Jenkins Community & Cultural Center\n\nHosted by the City of Brevard, AARP, and Blue Ridge Community College\n\n9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on October 14, 28, and November 18.\n\nAll University of North Carolina System students have access to free mental health through their university.\n\nPlease monitor your student email for more information on how to access these services.\n\nThe following orthopedic urgent care locations are open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily, physical therapy appointments are also available at each of these locations:\n\nEmergeOrtho Hendersonville\n\n800 Fleming St., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nEmergeOrtho Arden (South Asheville)\n\n2585 Hendersonville Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nEmergeOrtho Waynesville\n\n9 Haywood Office Park, Ste. 102 and 103, Waynesville, NC 28785\n\nEmergeOrtho Brevard\n\n89 Hospital Dr., Ste. A, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nEmergeOrtho Weaverville\n\n159 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nDialysis Locations\n\nThe following location is open and available for dialysis treatments in NC-11:\n\nPardee Hospital\n\n800 N. Justice St., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nThis location can dialyze 30 patients a day.\n\nDaVita Kidney Care nurses are reaching out to their patients to coordinate treatment, but the following DaVita locations are available:\n\nDaVita Greer South Dialysis\n\n3254 Brushy Greek Rd., Greer, SC 29650\n\nContact Number: (864) 801-2065\n\nDaVita Saluda River Dialysis\n\n8080 Augusta Rd., Piedmont, SC 29673\n\nContact Number: (833) 378-2702\n\nDaVita Wofford at Home\n\n8024 White Ave., Spartanburg, SC 29303\n\nContact Number: (864) 583-4788\n\nDaVita Boiling Springs Dialysis\n\n196 Sloane Garden Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316\n\nContact Number: (833) 458-4809\n\nOxygen Locations\n\nHendersonville High School\n\n1 Bearcat Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nMust be assessed through Pardee Hospital.\n\nLincare is only serving established patients.\n\nPatients must bring in empty tanks to one of the following locations:\n\nAsheville Lincare\n\n103 Elk Park Dr., Asheville, NC 28804\n\nFax number: (866) 234-6698\n\nGreenville Lincare\n\n355 Woodruff Rd., Ste. 204 and 205, Greenville, SC 29607\n\nFax Number: (864) 288-0339\n\nThe following locations are available for oxygen refills, but patients must bring their own oxygen equipment - fire departments are available 24/7:\n\nBoiling Springs Fire Department\n\n186 Rainbow Lake Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316\n\nReidville Fire Department\n\n7450 Reidville Rd., Woodruff, SC 29388\n\nInman City Fire Department\n\n6 Humphrey St., Inman, SC 29349\n\nFirst Presbyterian Church\n\n393 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29302\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.\n\nGreer Relief Indigo Hope Neighborhood Impact Center\n\n113C Berry Ave., Greer, SC 29651\n\nDaily hours: 2:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nCroft Fire Department\n\n370 Cedar Springs Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29302\n\nArkwright Fire Department\n\n1070 Southport Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29306\n\nRoebuck Fire Department\n\n2639 Stone Station Rd., Roebuck, SC 29376\\\n\nNorth Spartanburg Fire Department\n\n8767 Asheville Hwy., Spartanburg, SC 29316\n\nResources for Veterans\n\nThe U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs launched a new web page with disaster relief resources, providing a single place for veterans and their caregivers to access VA resources on health care, housing, benefits payments, insurance, and more.\n\nYou can access the web site via this link.\n\nIf you or a veteran you know needs immediate housing assistance after Hurricane Helene, please call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at (877) 424-3838.\n\nThe call center is open 24/7.\n\nIf you have a VA-backed home loan and are unable to make your mortgage payments, please contact your mortgage servicer.\n\nYou can also call the VA at (877) 827-3702, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nHome loan servicers are allowed to put a 90-day pause on foreclosures and encouraged to waive late charges for VA-guaranteed home loans after a disaster.\n\nLegionnaires, Sons of the American Legion members and Legion Posts that have been displaced from their primary residence due to damage sustained during Hurricane Helene may be eligible for financial assistance through the American Legion.\n\nLegionnaires and Sons of the American Legion members may be eligible for up to $3,000.\n\nLegion Posts may be eligible for up to $10,000.\n\nTo learn more or to request assistance, please use this link.\n\nApplications must be submitted within 90 days of the disaster: Dec. 26, 2024.\n\nThe Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville and Master Sergeant Jerry K. Crump VA Clinic in Forest City are open for essential and emergency services.\n\nVeterans can:\n\nVisit the Asheville VA Hospital pharmacy for medication refills or:\n\nCall the Regional Clinical Contact Center at (855) 679-0074 and press 1 for pharmacy representatives.\n\nLocal pharmacies in the VA\u2019s community care network will also fill written prescriptions, or prescriptions as they appear on an active VA prescription bottle that is not older than six months and has available refills, to provide a 30-day supply.\n\nHickory and Franklin outpatient VA clinics are now operating regularly.\n\nDue to the damage and personal losses caused by Hurricane Helene to the staff of the VA, it will take some time to bring staffing to full capacity.\n\nPlease be patient as the VA works to rebuild their workforce.\n\nThe Asheville VA Medical Center has successfully contacted over 91 percent of veterans most at risk for injury or poor outcomes due to the storm.\n\nAdditional outreach to those who have not yet been contacted is ongoing.\n\nThe Asheville VA Medical Center\u2019s water supply is stable due to a schedule of eight 6,000-gallon tanker trucks bringing in water.\n\nTo make sure the VA water supply remains stable, an emergency contract for well water and a disinfection service that will be operational as a backup water source in about two to three weeks have both been procured.\n\nResources for Farmers\n\nThe United States Department of Agriculture is beginning to put together a list of resources for farmers and other agricultural industry members.\n\nIf your agricultural operation has been impacted by Hurricane Helene, you can review this link, farmers.gov, for emergency and disaster assistance programs.\n\nPower and Gas\n\nFewer than 99,000 customers remain without power in Western North Carolina.\n\nDuke Energy is providing restoration updates via text to all customers that remain without power.\n\nRestoration of service for customers in complex repair zones is anticipated by Sunday, October 13.\n\nCrews are working around the clock to restore power as quickly as possible.\n\nRestoration of service for individuals in the disaster rebuild zones will be a longer process but Duke Energy workers have already made substantial progress overall on the extremely difficult and targeted work that lies ahead.\n\nFor more information on Duke Energy\u2019s power restoration efforts, you can review the following links:\n\nComplex Repair & Disaster Rebuild Zones Map: duke-energy.com/info/carolinas-restoration\n\nOutage Map: duke-energy.com/outages\n\nOutage Alerts: duke-energy.com/outages/alerts\n\nGenerator safety: duke-energy.com/outages/generators\n\nPower restoration process: duke-energy.com/outages/restoring-your-power\n\nRoads\n\nA \u201cDO NOT DRIVE\u201d message remains in place from the North Carolina Department of Transportation for most of Western North Carolina.\n\nUnless it is an emergency, please do not travel to the hardest hit communities.\n\nCherokee, Graham, Clay, Swain, Macon and Jackson counties ARE FULLY OPEN to people who can access them through safe routes.\n\nPlease DO NOT try to visit or travel through the areas hardest hit by the storm.\n\nNon-essential traffic in impacted areas hinders NCDOT\u2019s efforts to reopen roads.\n\nTo monitor road conditions in and around NC-11, use drivenc.gov.\n\nThe website tracks NCDOT-managed road conditions in real time.\n\nThere are still areas in Yancey County that have limited access to the state highway system.\n\nThis limited access may be by ATV, footbridge, or National Guard vehicles.\n\nNCDOT is working to improve access to these limited areas as quickly as possible.\n\nA temporary air traffic control tower has been established in Rutherford County Airport to facilitate safe movement of aircraft in the area.\n\nDamage estimates from what NCDOT has been able to assess to this point are up to several billion dollars.\n\nUSDOT approved an initial $100 million in Emergency Repair funds to NCDOT.\n\nDamage to our mountain roads exceeds $100 million but USDOT\u2019s investment is a significant and most welcome start.\n\nNCDOT has stated they will be utilizing the $100 million to supplement ongoing efforts in Western North Carolina - this is what I would have hoped the funds are going to be used for, but their public statement is a welcome confirmation of their commitment to restore transportation networks in our mountains.\n\nNCDOT has awarded a $10 million contract to Wright Brothers Construction of Charleston, TN, to stabilize the westbound lanes of I-40 by drilling soil nails where the eastbound lanes no longer exist.\n\nThe contract includes incentives to be complete by January 4, 2025.\n\nAround the time this operation concludes, plans for a larger, complex, and complete repair will be in progress.\n\nNC DMV has reopened 11 of the 16 driver license offices that were closed due to Hurricane Helene.\n\nThe following DMV offices are open for walk-in services in or near NC-11, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., closed between 11:30 a.m. through 1:00 p.m. for a lunch break:\n\nBurke County - Closest open location for McDowell and Yancey County residents\n\n115 Government Dr., Morganton, NC 28655\n\nCherokee County\n\n1440 Main St., Andrews, NC 28901\n\nHaywood County\n\n290 Lee Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nHenderson County\n\n125 Baystone Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nJackson County\n\n876 Skyland Dr., Ste. 2, Sylva, NC 28779\n\nMacon County\n\n16 Patton Ave., Franklin, NC 28734\n\nRutherford County\n\n596 Withrow Rd., Forest City, NC 28043\n\nSwain County\n\n2650 Governors Island Rd., Bryson City, NC 28713\n\nTransylvania County\n\n50 Commerce St., Ste. 4, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAll but five license plate agencies have reopened.\n\nAir traffic has sustained at 300 percent above pre-hurricane levels in Western NC.\n\nNCDOT\u2019s aviation division continue to work to make sure flight operations are safe coming into and out of airports, including by:\n\nScheduling landing/unloading times and aircraft parking so aircraft are spaced out and to reduce the risk of incidents.\n\nEstablishing a first of its kind \u201ccorridors in the sky\u201d to separate civilian and military aircraft in the air.\n\nHaving search and rescue partners use short, time and location specific restrictions on air operations to enhance safety when multiple helicopters are engaged in search and rescue efforts.\n\nThe state of North Carolina is NOT turning away civil aviation support so long as it has been coordinated through the proper channels with NC Emergency Management.\n\nIf you or someone you know is interested in providing civil aviation support and don\u2019t know where to coordinate your efforts, please call my office and we will help you get in touch with the right folks.\n\nNCDOT has launched a detour map to show motorists how to get around closures on I-26 and I-40 at the Tennessee border.\n\nYou can access the map here.\n\nInternet Access\n\nInternet providers are working with local energy and cell providers to restore service for customers across Western North Carolina.\n\nTo date, more than 1,000 Starlink terminals have been deployed to assist with internet access for disaster response and relief efforts.\n\nSpaceX is offering free monthly Starlink service for 30 days to any household or entity located in the disaster area.\n\nTo apply for this free service, residents can go to starlink.com/residential and select the \u201cHelene Relief\u201d service plan at check out.\n\nInternet providers including Optimum and Spectrum are working around the clock to restore service for customers. However, part of the network\u2019s infrastructure was destroyed by mudslides and collapsed bridges making restoration a lengthy process.\n\nAs a result, some impacted areas will require a rebuild of the network from scratch.\n\nTo mitigate the lack of service, Optimum, formerly Altice USA, has set up an Optimum Wi-Fi Trailer that is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the following locations:\n\n717 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\n1800 Four Seasons Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nThe following locations are offering free public wi-fi:\n\nFirst Baptist Church - Weaverville\n\n63 N. Main St, Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nDowntown Franklin\n\nThe Town of Franklin has free wi-fi on the town hill area in downtown.\n\nTransylvania County Library - 24/7\n\n212 S. Gaston St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nThe Yard Brevard\n\n284 Railroad Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nBrevard Visitor Center\n\n175 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAvailable daily from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nCell Service\n\nFirstNet is a nationwide wireless network for first responders deployed through a partnership between the federal government and AT&T.\n\nThe FirstNet fleet has responded to more than 200 FirstNet emergency support requests from public safety officials and deployed more than 180 temporary cell sites to the most heavily affected areas to provide vital connectivity for first responders.\n\nNot only have these assets supported public safety but they have also supported calls to 911 from the public if they lack cellular coverage from their carrier.\n\nSo far, FirstNet has restored 97 percent of affected cell sites in Western North Carolina.\n\nCommunications in the region are improving rapidly.\n\nMore than 85 percent of cell sites have been restored in Western North Carolina.\n\nOnly one county remains with 50 percent or more cell sites down.\n\nThe Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has full mobile cell service.\n\nCell service providers have implemented disaster roaming for any phone located in Western North Carolina to maximize phone service for all users.\n\nDisaster roaming allows users to connect to any mobile network during a disaster when other networks are down.\n\nThis allows users to access emergency services, such as 911, even when their own network is out.\n\nIf you have service one moment, but experience a reduction in service the next, try restarting your phone to jumpstart disaster roaming again.\n\nUpCycle Tech in Transylvania County is offering free computers and phones for use at the following location:\n\n470 Asheville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAT&T has deployed its Mobile Connectivity Center to the following location:\n\nSam\u2019s Club: 645 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nThe Mobile Connectivity Center is an air-conditioned mobile unit open to the public, equipped with laptops, charging stations and wi-fi.\n\nThe public can use the center for various needs including contacting your insurance company, filling out paperwork or connecting with loved ones.\n\nVerizon has deployed Wireless Emergency Communication Centers to help hurricane survivors stay connected to their friends, family and other important contacts.\n\nWireless Emergency Communication Centers are generator-powered mobile units that have device charging and computer workstations, along with wireless phones, tablets, and other devices available for use.\n\nVerizon\u2019s Wireless Emergency Communication Centers have been set up at the following locations:\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nAsheville YMCA\n\n30 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nFamily Justice Center\n\n35 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nGroce United Methodist Church\n\n954 Tunnel Rd., Asheville, NC 28805\n\nVerizon also has charging stations at the following locations:\n\nYMCA of Western North Carolina\n\n348 Grace Corpening Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nTwo charging stations at this location\n\nWNC Agricultural Center\n\n761 Boylston Hwy., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nThree charging stations at this location\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nOne charging station at this location\n\nT-Mobile has set up satellite cellular on light trucks (SatCOLTs), providing cellular voice and data along with wi-fi and charging stations at the following locations:\n\nAsheville Middle School\n\n211 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center\n\n285 Livingston St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nFirst Baptist Church\n\n130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nAdditional T-Mobile satellite cell on trucks are located in Hendersonville and at a Tractor Supply Co. in Asheville, with others planned for Mission Hospital in Asheville, Cherokee County Emergency Operations Center in Murphy, and in Cherokee.\n\nNorth Carolina National Guard & Department of Defense\n\nMore than 2,100 North Carolina National Guard soldiers and airmen and nearly 1,500 active-duty service members have been deployed to provide support to Western North Carolina so far.\n\nYesterday, active-duty service members distributed more than 690 cases of water, 140 cases of shelf-stable meals, and three pallets of humanitarian assistance items.\n\nSo far, the National Guard has:\n\nDelivered more than 5,000 tons of commodities to affected areas\n\nCleared 1,066 obstacles\n\nSearch and rescue operations are still ongoing in Western North Carolina.\n\nThe Guard\u2019s key tasks continue to be search and rescue of impacted civilian personnel, followed by:\n\nDelivery of essential relief supplies to points of need\n\nClearing of routes to gain access to isolated communities\n\nAlthough airspace is limited due to ongoing missions by the National Guard and Department of Defense, a process has been established for private pilots seeking to fly in humanitarian relief to coordinate with local authorities.\n\nIf you are looking to fly in resources and don\u2019t know where to turn, call my office and we will get you in contact with the right coordinators.\n\nHere are a few key phone numbers from the NCNG:\n\nHOTLINE: 888-892-1162\n\nEmergency management watch: 919-733-3300\n\nDonated goods: 919-825-2474\n\nThese lines have very high call volumes. If you do not get through the first try, keep calling.\n\nAsheville Regional Airport\n\nAsheville Regional Airport closed mid-day on Friday, September 27, due to risk of flooding.\n\nCommercial flights at Asheville Regional Airport have resumed.\n\nIf you parked your car in an Asheville Regional Airport lot and could not retrieve the vehicle due to the storm, great news - none of the airport\u2019s lots flooded and all cars are fine.\n\nStay safe and pick up your car when you are able.\n\nPLEASE NOTE:\n\nNo general aviation pilots are allowed to land at Asheville Regional Airport without prior clearance from FEMA to ensure the safety of aircraft and personnel.\n\nSupply deliveries by civilian pilots ARE permitted to land at Asheville Regional Airport so long as they have prior clearance from FEMA.\n\nFEMA is not turning away any pilot that has gone through the proper channels to coordinate delivery and ensure the safety of his fellow aircraft and personnel.\n\nFederal Nutrition Programs\n\nThe U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service has approved flexibilities due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene.\n\nSNAP\n\nNorth Carolina was granted a waiver for the 10-day reporting requirement for the replacement of food purchased with SNAP benefits lost because of the hurricane.\n\nThis waiver provides additional time beyond the standard 10-day time frame for households to report food losses and receive replacement benefits for food that was destroyed and previously purchased with SNAP benefits.\n\nChild Nutrition\n\nThe North Carolina Department of Public Instruction was approved for a waiver pertaining to the child nutrition programs.\n\nUnder the waiver approval, NCDPI\u2019s local program operators may:\n\nServe meals in a non-congregate setting\n\nAdjust the time of meal service\n\nAllow parent pick-up\n\nAllow service of meals at school sites\n\nFood and Nutrition Services Program\n\nPeople and families in North Carolina who are enrolled in the Food and Nutrition Services program can now use their EBT card to purchase hot food.\n\nThis flexibility will remain in effect until November 3.\n\nSpecial Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, & Children (WIC)\n\nFamilies participating in WIC who may have relocated to a new area can go to any NC WIC agency to:\n\nHave a new eWIC card issued\n\nRequest replacement breastfeeding supplies or breast pumps\n\nRequest replacement food that was purchased with current WIC benefits and lost due to Hurricane Helene\n\nFor NC-11 Medical Providers\n\nIf you own a medical practice in NC-11 and are experiencing financial hardship due to Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina Medical Society is reactivating its Financial Recovery Program (FRP) to help you recover and open your doors again.\n\nFor more information on the disaster relief fund, you can visit this link.\n\nDetails on how medical practices can qualify and apply for funds will be coming soon.\n\nThe Department of Health and Human Services through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has made available:\n\nAccelerated payments to Medicare Part A providers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nAdvance payments to Medicare Part B suppliers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nFor Local Government Resource Requests\n\nFor county leaders: This is a reminder to make sure your Emergency Operation Center has submitted the request for gasoline, food, water, cell service deployables, etc. with North Carolina Emergency Management to have your request processed and resources delivered.\n\nMy office stands ready to assist with checking the status of your request if the county or municipality has not heard back from NC Emergency Management within 24 hours.\n\nFor Individual Assistance through FEMA\n\nNorth Carolina received a Major Disaster Declaration for the following counties: Buncombe, Clay, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania and Yancey counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.\n\nPeople with damage to their homes or personal property who live in one of the above-listed counties should apply for Individual Assistance through FEMA, which may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies.\n\nFunds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay.\n\nIndividual Assistance provides financial aid and services to eligible individuals and households that have been affected by a disaster to assist with the recovery process. Individuals can officially begin applying for Individual Assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling the application phone number at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. EST.\n\nTo date, FEMA has paid out more than $60 million in housing and other types of assistance for more than 51,000 Western North Carolina households.\n\nTo Connect with a Loved One\n\nResidents trying to connect with family members may call NC 211 (or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from out-of-state) to report missing loved ones or request a welfare check.\n\nPeople in the impacted areas can indicate that they are safe by reporting themselves safe through Red Cross Reunification by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).\n\nPlease only use 911 for life-threatening emergencies so the lines remain open for critical situations.\n\nIf you are still trying to locate a friend or family member, please complete this form to notify local officials of their missing status.\n\nThe form was created by Buncombe County but information is being shared amongst all counties.\n\nRegardless of which county your loved one was last known to be in, you can still submit the form.\n\nBuncombe County will share the information with the appropriate officials to initiate search and rescue efforts.\n\nUnited Way is also fielding missing person/welfare check requests.\n\nText PERSON to 40403 to add a loved one to search and rescue efforts or fill out this form.\n\nResources for Utility & Other Status Updates\n\nFor information on the status of utilities, debris sites, etc., we want to share the following resources. As communications are restored and more information becomes available, these sites will continue to be updated.\n\nDrinking Water Systems: Public Water Supply Situation Report Tracking\n\nDebris Disposal Sites: Active Temporary Debris Disposal Sites\n\nNCDEQ Situation Report Tracking System\n\nNCDPS Hurricane Helene - Storm Information\n\nNCDPS County Emergency Management Agencies\n\nHow to Apply for FEMA Assistance After Hurricane Helene\n\nFree Legal Assistance\n\nLegal Aid of North Carolina stands ready to provide free advice and legal counsel regarding natural disaster needs, including legal representation if necessary, including for civil legal issues involving:\n\nFiling FEMA claims and appeals (a process which can be overwhelmingly bureaucratic and burdensome)\n\nReplacement of lost or destroyed legal and government documents, including driver\u2019s licenses and identification cards\n\nMedical and insurance claims\n\nHome repair contracts\n\nUtility disputes related to restoration of services\n\nConsumer protection issues like construction fraud, price-gouging on repairs and identity theft\n\nHousing issues such as unlawful eviction and foreclosures\n\nBankruptcy\n\nProbate and clearing title for survivors living in generational homes without a clear title\n\nFamily law cases and children in need of services (unfortunately, domestic violence tends to rise following a natural disaster)\n\nIf you need civil legal assistance, please contact Legal Aid of North Carolina via the following toll-free hotline:\n\n(866) 219-LANC or (866) 219-5262\n\nThe hotline is available from:\n\n8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; and 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Monday and Thursdays.\n\nConstituents can also apply online at legalaidnc.org/get-help/ between 1:00-4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday.\n\nIRS Guidance for Taxpayers Impacted by Hurricane Helene\n\nExtension of certain tax filing deadlines:\n\nIRS has extended various filing deadlines for taxpayers in impacted areas, including 2024 individual/business returns, certain quarterly estimated income tax payments, and certain payroll/excise taxes.\n\nClick here for the full list of extensions and respective dates\n\nClick here for more information from the IRS on disaster assistance\n\nTax relief for qualified payments, disaster-related losses:\n\nIRS released provided guidance to taxpayers on how to address disaster-related losses in their 2024 tax return, as well as providing guidance on how qualified disaster relief payments - like government assistance payments - are generally excluded from gross income.\n\nClick here for a general walkthrough of these policies (under header \u201cAdditional tax relief\u201d)\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of disaster-related losses\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of qualified disaster relief payments\n\nShelters\n\nFor those unable to evacuate to a safe location or in need of a place to go, the following shelters are currently open and available as of October 9:\n\nBuncombe\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nGold\u2019s Gym\n\n801 Fairview Rd, Asheville, NC 28803\n\nWNC Agricultural Center\n\n1301 Fanning Bridge Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nHaywood\n\nHaywood County Government Armory\n\n285 Armory Dr., Clyde, NC 28781\n\nHenderson\n\nEdneyville Elementary School\n\n2875 Pace Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nHenderson County Recreation Center\n\n708 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nMadison\n\nMadison Early College High School\n\n5374 US Hwy 25-70, Marshall, NC 28755\n\nMcDowell\n\nYMCA of Western North Carolina\n\n348 Grace Corpening Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nRutherford\n\nRutherfordton Presbyterian Church\n\n252 N. Washington St., Rutherfordton, NC 28139\n\nTransylvania\n\nTransylvania Parks & Rec\n\n1078 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nYancey\n\nBlue Ridge Elementary\n\n910 Cane River School Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nWith my warmest regards,\n\nChuck Edwards\n\nMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-adams-host-military-service-academy-day", "Rep. Adams to Host Military Service Academy Day", "2024-10-09", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Alma S. Adams", "A000370", "adams.house.gov", "adams", "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "CHARLOTTE \u2013 Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12) invites students, families, and teachers to attend the 12th Congressional District Military Service Academy Day. More information can be found below.\n\nWHO:\n\nCongresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D.\n\nStudents, families, and teachers in the 12th district with interest in U.S. Service Academies.\n\nRepresentatives from:\n\nUS Military Academy West Point\n\nUS Air Force Academy\n\nUS Merchant Marines Academy\n\nUS Naval Academy\n\nUS Coast Guard Academy\n\nWHAT: An event providing a comprehensive overview of the Military Academies, the application processes, and nominations. Academy representatives will be present to discuss their respective programs.\n\nWHERE: West Charlotte High School; 2219 Senior Drive, Charlotte, NC, 28216\n\nWHEN: Saturday, October 19, 2024, 10am -11:30am\n\nRSVPs: Please submit RSVPs here or or email adams.press@mail.house.gov\n\n###\n\nCongresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. represents North Carolina's 12th Congressional District (Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, Cabarrus County) and serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Education & the Workforce, where she serves as ranking member of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee. For more information contact the Office of Congresswoman Alma Adams: (202)225-1510.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-adams-talks-healthcare-protect-our-care-bus-tour-event", "Rep. Adams Talks Healthcare at Protect Our Care Bus Tour Event", "2024-10-09", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Alma S. Adams", "A000370", "adams.house.gov", "adams", "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "CHARLOTTE \u2013 Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12) spoke yesterday at Protect Our Care's Annual \u201cLower Costs, Better Care\u201d Nationwide Bus Tour event in Charlotte, about the state of healthcare in the United States.\n\n\u201cThe Affordable Care Act and the Inflation Reduction Act have expanded affordable healthcare access, capped the costs of prescription drugs and Insulin, saved the average taxpayer thousands of dollars, and ended discrimination for the tens of millions of us with pre-existing conditions,\u201d said Rep. Adams. \u201cGiven the success of this legislation, it's no surprise that some would choose to play politics and repeal them. We have to get up and fight for the IRA and ACA to protect our care.\u201d\n\nRep. Adams spoke to the successes of Democrats\u2019 Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, the need to protect the Affordable Care Act from Republican repeal efforts, her support for abortion rights, and plans to expand access to affordable care. Other speakers included Stacy Staggs, President of North Carolina Chapter of Little Lobbyists, and healthcare advocates DonnaMarie Woodson, Laura Packard, and Meghan Bradshaw. Pictures of the event may be viewed here.\n\n###\n\nCongresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. represents North Carolina's 12th Congressional District (Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, Cabarrus County) and serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Education & the Workforce, where she serves as ranking member of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/hurricane-helene-update-12-congressman-edwards", "Hurricane Helene update #12 from Congressman Edwards", "2024-10-09", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Chuck Edwards", "E000246", "edwards.house.gov", "edwards", "https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "October 9, 2024\n\nDear Friend,\n\nYou may have received my email yesterday dispelling the outlandish rumors being spread online about Hurricane Helene response and recovery. It is disappointing such an email had to be sent in the first place, but I hope I have been able to quell any concerns felt by citizens of Western North Carolina.\n\nThe reality is: These conspiracy theories, while certainly frustrating, have done more harm than most people may realize. The spreading of falsehoods has diverted state, local, and federal resources from helping NC-11 recover toward refuting hearsay and repeatedly trying to set the record straight.\n\nOur priority MUST be unified on the recovery and repair of Western North Carolina\u2019s mountains, businesses, families and homes. Any attempt to impede that goal is a disservice to the people of NC-11.\n\nI have been overwhelmed by the vast number of Western North Carolinians who share my top priority, and I can only hope that as recovery efforts continue, others who may have been concerned by the falsehoods they were reading online will also turn their attention first and foremost to how they can help, not hinder, Western NC\u2019s recovery.\n\nToday\u2019s update includes best practices for navigating storm debris removal, including what may be needed for FEMA and insurance documentation; how to handle hazardous material; and where to place debris for pickup by municipalities. Additionally, the update includes more information on where to find a hot meal, progress on the I-40 westbound repair process and steps being taken by the Asheville VA to shore up their water source.\n\nThis is update number 12, with more information to come in the following days. Please make sure to read everything and share it with your friends and family.\n\nFEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Sites\n\nDisaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams are stationed across NC-11 to help survivors apply for FEMA assistance and connect them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources.\n\nIn addition to designated locations, DSA teams are going door to door in the following counties:\n\nBuncombe County\n\nHenderson County\n\nMadison County\n\nYancey County\n\nAs new stationary locations are established, I will keep you posted.\n\nThe following locations are open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., unless otherwise noted:\n\nBuncombe County\n\nIngles Market\n\n550 Hwy. 9, Black Mountain, NC 28803\n\nIngles Market\n\n800 Fairview Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nWalmart\n\n60 Airport Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nTitle 10 Mission - Asheville\n\n503 Park St., Swannanoa, NC28778\n\nMontford North Star Academy\n\n90 Montford Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nAC Reynolds High School\n\n1 Rocket Dr., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nBeech Community Center\n\n15 State Rd. 2117, Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMcDowell County Senior Center\n\n100 Spaulding Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nPolk County\n\nPolk County Courthouse\n\n40 Courthouse St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nRutherford County\n\nIngles Market\n\n276 N. 9 Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nLake Lure Baptist Church\n\n6837 U.S. Highway 64-74A, Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nChimney Rock Fire Department\n\n109 Terrace Dr., Chimney Rock, NC 28720\n\nThis location closes at 5:00 p.m.\n\nYancey County\n\nBlue Ridge Elementary School Shelter\n\n910 Cane River School Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nFood and Water\n\nSupplying drinkable water remains a top priority for emergency crews.\n\n86 water systems are on a boil advisory.\n\n15 treatment plants have reported having no power and 27 systems are out of water.\n\nWater restoration trends continue to move in a positive direction, with nine treatment plants regaining power and six systems restoring water to the system in the past 24 hours.\n\nSeveral major water systems are currently not distributing water, including the City of Asheville, Black Mountain, Woodfin, Spruce Pine, and Burnsville.\n\nWork continues on each of these systems to restore functionality.\n\nNCDEQ has provided the following resources to help community members track progress on water supply restoration efforts:\n\nPublic Water Supply Situation Report Tracking - ArcGIS map with filters for system status, county, etc.\n\nDEQ Dashboard - links to additional maps, including mobile view of water system status, and environmental guidance.\n\nThe Federal Emergency Management Agency has promised 120 truckloads a day of food and water with no specified end date.\n\nFEMA has shipped 14 million liters of water and more than 16 million meals utilizing the $20 billion in funds that I helped to draft and pass for disaster relief just two days before Hurricane Helene hit.\n\nOf the shipped food and water, more than 6 million liters of water and 4 million individual meals have already been delivered to Western NC communities.\n\nHome Depot will be passing out free disaster relief kits every day starting at 9:00 a.m., while supplies last, at the following locations:\n\nHome Depot Asheville\n\n795 Fairview Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nHome Depot West Asheville\n\n127 Acton Cir., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nHome Depot Hendersonville\n\n401 Linda Vista Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nWalmart is hosting activities at the following locations:\n\nHendersonville, NC Store 1242\n\n250 Highlands Square Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nPortable restrooms\n\nServing hot meals at 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily\n\nArden, NC Store 1179\n\n60 Airport Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nPortable restrooms\n\nLaundry\n\nShowers\n\nWi-fi hotspot and charging stations\n\nBuncombe County\n\nBuncombe County has begun water distribution at multiple sites. Each will be available daily from 1:00 -7:00 p.m.:\n\nPack Square Park - you MUST bring your own container for this site\n\n80 Court Plz., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nWilliam W. Estes Elementary School\n\n275 Overlook Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nSand Hill-Venable Elementary\n\n154 Sand Hill School Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nNorth Windy Ridge Intermediate School\n\n20 Doan Rd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nFairview Elementary\n\n1355 Charlotte Hwy., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nThe following feeding sites are available in Buncombe County, where citizens can access food, water and other basic necessities:\n\nBiltmore Baptist Church\n\n35 Clayton Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nDistribution and bulk pickup for volunteers looking to take bulk loads of supplies to in-need community members\n\nSaturday hours: 10:00 a.m. \u2013 1:00 p.m.\n\nCommunity drive-thru for anyone in the community needing supplies\n\nSaturday hours: 3:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church \u2013 Weaverville\n\n63 N. Main St., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nHot showers available from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nUnlimited clean drinking water is available, bring your own container.\n\nSupplies and bottled water.\n\nHot lunch served at 1:30 p.m.\n\nHot meals are available at the following locations:\n\nWorld Central Kitchen in Bear\u2019s Smokehouse BBQ\n\n135 Coxe Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nServes 25,000 hot meals a day.\n\nDaily hours: 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.\n\nShiloh Community Center\n\n121 Shiloh Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nGrovemont Park\n\n251 Stonewall Ave., Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nManna Food Bank - Farmer\u2019s Market\n\n570 Brevard Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nWesley Grant Community Center\n\n285 Livingston St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nWest Asheville Ingles\n\n669 Haywood Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 3:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nBlack Mountain Ingles\n\n550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nDaily Hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nNesbitt Chapel\n\n12 Nesbitt Chapel Rd., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nDaily hours: 3:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nFood and drinking water are available from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily at the following locations:\n\nAsheville Middle School\n\n211 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nIngles\n\n550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nThis location also has handwashing stations and portable restrooms\n\nLinwood Crump Shiloh Community Center\n\n121 Shiloh Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nLucy Herring Elementary\n\n98 Sulphur Springs Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nOakley Elementary School\n\n753 Fairvew Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nHaywood County\n\nThe following locations are providing community members with essential resources such as but not limited to, food, water, cleaning products, baby formula, and pet food, Monday through Fridays:\n\nFines Creek Community Center\n\n190 Fines Creek Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nOpen every day until 6:00 p.m.\n\nPigeon Community Center\n\n450 Pigeon St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nAlso offering hot meals every day at 2:00 p.m.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCruso Community Center\n\n13186 Cruso Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.\n\nFirst United Methodist Church\n\n566 S. Haywood St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nIncludes shower access.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.\n\nMaggie Valley Pavilion\n\n3935 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nDaily Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.\n\nWoodland Baptist Church\n\n545 Crabtree Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nBethel Elementary School\n\n4700 Old River Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nJonathan Valley Elementary School\n\n410 Hall Dr., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nMonday through Friday\n\nSt. John the Evangelist Catholic Church - in the Parish Hall\n\n234 Church St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.\n\nMonday to Friday\n\nHot food available from 4:00 p.m. to 7 :00 p.m. daily.\n\nSt. Barnabas Catholic Church\n\n109 Crescent Hill Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nDaily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.\n\nReynolds Baptist Church - Family Life Center\n\n520 Rose Hill Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.\n\nThis location also has potable water available to residents who bring their own vessels to fill.\n\nLife Church of Waynesville\n\n601 Westwood Cir., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nSupplies will be distributed from Wednesday, October 9 to Friday, October 11\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.\n\nMountain Projects\n\n2177 Asheville Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nHeart to Heart International - in Haywood Department of Health Parking Lot\n\n157 Paragon Pkwy., Ste. 800, Clyde, NC 28721\n\nThe following location offers hot meals daily:\n\nMaggie Valley Fire Department\n\n2901 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nJukebox Junction\n\n3606 Pigeon Rd., Canton, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nThe following location offers showers daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.:\n\nCalvary Baptist Church\n\n2701 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nThe following location is offering supplies for horses and livestock:\n\nWNC Regional Livestock Center\n\n474 Stock Dr., Canton, NC 28716\n\nHenderson County\n\nHenderson County has stood up Resource Hub locations for water distribution and other supplies as they become available.\n\nDistribution will be taking place daily from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. at the following locations:\n\nEtowah Elementary: 320 Etowah School Rd., Etowah, NC 28729\n\nMills River Town Hall: 124 Town Center Dr., Mills River, NC 28759\n\nEach family unit will be provided supplies for one day\u2019s meal and water as available.\n\nIndividuals are asked to enter the drive-through and remain in your car unless otherwise instructed by volunteers to ensure an efficient process.\n\nIn addition to the resource hubs, the following churches will also be providing supplies:\n\nEbeneezer Baptist Church\n\n2557 Chimney Rock Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nOpen October 9 and October 11, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church - Hendersonville\n\n312 5th Ave. W., Hendersonville, NC 28739\n\nOpen 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. on October 10 and 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on October 11\n\nJackson County\n\nIn partnership with the Red Cross, the following is available for citizens of Jackson County:\n\nThe Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau are providing shelf-stable meals at the following location:\n\n558 Frank Allen Rd., Cashiers, NC 28717\n\nHours of operation to come.\n\nThe Canada Fire Department is distributing emergency supplies at the following location:\n\n149 Charleys Creek Rd., Tuckasegee, NC 28783\n\nHours of operation to come.\n\nThe following location is providing resources to displaced families and individuals in need:\n\nMountain Projects\n\n154-B Medical Park Loop, Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours: Not available at this time.\n\nMadison County\n\nThe following locations are offering food, water, and some supply distribution in Madison County:\n\nBeech Glen Community Center\n\n2936 Beech Glen Rd., Mars Hill, 28754\n\nDaily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.\n\nCenter Community Center\n\n1300 Grapevine Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nEbbs Chapel Community Center\n\n281 Laurel Valley Rd., Mars Hill, NC 28754\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nEnon Baptist Church\n\n174 Ammons Branch Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nOpen Sunday 12:00-4:00 p.m.\n\nFreedom Christian Church\n\n7350 US 25/70 Bypass, Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThis location offers additional resources such as hygiene products, blankets, clothes, cleaning supplies, diapers, pet food, etc.\n\nLaurel Community Center - also has supplies\n\n4100 NC 212 Hwy., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily Hours: 8:00 a.m. \u2013 8:00 p.m.\n\nRevere-Rice Community Center\n\n3980 Revere Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (Mon-Sat)\n\nSpring Creek Community Center\n\n13075 NC 209 Hwy., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThis location also has additional resources such as pet food, livestock feed and hay.\n\nWalnut Community Center - also has supplies\n\n46 School Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.\n\nN.C. Cooperative Extension - Madison County Center\n\n258 Carolina Ln., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nThis location is offering drive-thru food distribution only.\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMcDowell County has established multiple points of distribution that are open daily from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 4:00-6:00 p.m., depending on supply levels.\n\nDistribution takes place daily at the following locations:\n\nFormer TJ\u2019s Discounts - North Cove\n\n8153 US 221 N., Marion, NC 28752\n\nOld Fort Town Hall\n\n38 Catawba Ave., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nNew Manna Baptist Church\n\n225 E. Court St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nSolid Rock Free Will Baptist Church - Dysartsville\n\n7860 NC 226 S., Nebo, NC 28761\n\nZion Hill Baptist Church\n\n1036 Zion Hill Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nHot meals are also being provided at the following location:\n\nGrace Community Church\n\n5182 US 70 W., Marion, NC 28752\n\nLunch is served every day from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.\n\nDinner is available from 4:00-5:30 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church of Marion is offering hot showers, air conditioning, and areas to charge devices.\n\nCurrent hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 2:00-5:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday.\n\nPolk County\n\nThe following locations are offering food and water distribution for residents in need from 1:00-5:00 p.m.:\n\nMill Spring/Green Creek Community\n\n25 International Blvd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nColumbus Community\n\n95 Walker St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nSaluda Community Bus Parking Lot\n\n214 E. Main St., Saluda, NC 28773\n\nTryon Community\n\n301 N. Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782\n\nSunny View\n\n86 Sunny View School Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nThe following locations are serving hot meals daily:\n\nTryon Equestrian Center\n\n4066 Pea Ridge Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nRoseland Community Center\n\n56 Peake St., Tryon, NC 28782\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nRutherford County\n\nThe following locations are open from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. for citizens to get food and emergency supplies:\n\nThomas Jefferson High School\n\n2527 US-221A Hwy., Mooresboro, NC 28114\n\nFlorence Baptist Church\n\n201 S. Broadway St., Forest City, NC 28043\n\nRutherford County Health Department\n\n221 Callahan Koon Rd., Spindale, NC 28160\n\nGilkey Church of God\n\n255 Oak Springs Rd., Rutherfordton, NC 28139\n\nParks, Recreation, & Lake Office\n\n658 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nLake Lure Baptist Church\n\n6837 US-74 ALT, Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nIngles at Lake Lure - meals only\n\n276 NC-9, Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nOffers hot meals at 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. and 4:30-6:30 p.m.\n\nAlso offers showers, restrooms, a mobile health van, a tool trailer, a charging station (please bring your own charging cord), and wi-fi.\n\nFather\u2019s Vineyard - also has shower and charging stations\n\n724 Oakland Rd., Spindale, NC 28160\n\nSpencer Baptist Church - water distribution only\n\n187 N Oak St., Spindale, NC 28160\n\nUnited Way of Rutherford County - water distribution and charging stations only\n\n668 Withrow Rd., Forest City, NC 28043\n\nThe Church at Sapphire - through October 10\n\n620 Whitewater Rd., Sapphire, NC 28774\n\nDaily hours: 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.\n\nLittle River Baptist Church - through October 11\n\n51 Little River Church Rd., Penrose, NC 28766\n\nBreakfast hours: 8:00-10:00 a.m.\n\nLunch hours: 12:30-2:00 p.m.\n\nDinner hours: 6:00-7:30 p.m.\n\nTransylvania County\n\nThe following locations are providing hot meals to county residents:\n\nThe Church at Sapphire - through October 10\n\n620 Whitewater Rd., Sapphire, NC 28774\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-4:00 p.m.\n\nLittle River Baptist Church - through October 11\n\n51 Little River Church Rd., Penrose, NC 28766\n\nBreakfast hours: 8:00-10:00 a.m.\n\nLunch hours: 12:30-2:00 p.m.\n\nDinner hours: 6:00-7:30 p.m.\n\nCedar Mountain Community Center\n\n10635 Greenville Hwy., Cedar Mountain, NC 28718\n\nBreakfast hours: 9:00-11:00 a.m.\n\nLunch hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nDinner hours: 4:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nBalsam Grove Community Center - daily until power is fully restored\n\n8732 Parkway Rd., Balsam Grove, NC 28708\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.Resource pick-up locations are listed below by county. As I learn more, I will keep you posted:\n\nBottled water is available daily at local fire departments and 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Anchor Baptist Church located at:\n\n3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nWater filling stations can be found at the following locations:\n\nCity Sports Complex\n\n824 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.\n\nCedar Mountain Outpost\n\n8431 Greenville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nTerritory Brevard\n\n43 S. Broad St, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nDD Bullwinkles\n\n60 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nFirst United Methodist Church\n\n325 N. Broad St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nPisgah Forest Baptist Church\n\n494 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nNewfound Artisan\n\n22 W. Jordan St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nThrough today, October 6.\n\nHours: 12:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nFood, water, and other supplies such as hygiene products are being distributed at the following locations:\n\nAnchor Baptist Church\n\n3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nYancey County\n\nYancey County has transitioned to one centralized distribution site for water, food and ice located at the following address:\n\nAltec\n\n150 Altec Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nMobile laundry facilities are available in the GO Grocery parking lot located at the following address:\n\n631 W Hwy. 19E Bypass, Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nTrash Services and Debris Removal\n\nIf your home has damages and you need assistance with clean up, please call Crisis Cleanup for access to volunteer organizations that can assist you at 844-965-1386.\n\nIf Hurricane Helene caused damage to your home or belongings, make sure to document it.\n\nThis is critically important in getting reimbursed.\n\nTake photos before you begin cleaning up.\n\nMake a list of damaged or lost items and gather receipts.\n\nDoing this helps speed up the process with insurance and other assistance programs, and ensures you get properly compensated.\n\nBefore you start the clean-up process, remember:\n\nWear PPE such as long pants, goggles, gloves and sturdy shoes.\n\nStay off damaged structures.\n\nBe aware that snakes or other hazardous animals could be present.\n\nCall your local fire department to inspect or removal chemicals, propane tanks, and other hazardous materials.\n\nIf you suspect debris contains toxic substances, seal them in plastic bags to prevent them from becoming airborne.\n\nTo reduce the risk of accidental fires, please DO NOT burn your storm debris.\n\nEmergency personnel are continuing to work on other storm recovery and response efforts, limiting resources to respond to accidental fires.\n\nPlease discard of storm debris at a local transfer site or via curbside debris pickup.\n\nDebris should be placed curbside and not block the roadway or access to the property.\n\nPlease place debris away from trees, poles or other structures (e.g., fire hydrants, meters, etc.) to make removal work easier.\n\nContact your local municipality for curbside storm debris removal collection schedules or see below for additional information on debris waste removal by county.\n\nAdditionally, the following counties have resources for where to take household trash and debris waste.\n\nBuncombe\n\nCurbside collection will begin Monday for City of Asheville sanitation customers.\n\nThere will be no recycling pick up until the recycling plant is operational.\n\nResidents can use both recycling and trash carts for household waste.\n\nThe following materials cannot be collected at this time: Mud, construction debris, concrete and other bulky or hazardous items.\n\nDebris collection is estimated to start in mid-October.\n\nThe Town of Black Mountain Public Works Department has secured four 15-yard dumpsters located in two sites for Black Mountain residents to throw away household trash ONLY:\n\nTractor Supply: 125 Old US Hwy. 70 E., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nIngles: 550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nPlease Note: Yard waste, bulk item, separate recycling and debris collection are not available at this time.\n\nWaste Pro collection service has resumed for regular Monday route customers.\n\nRecycling services are currently suspending while repair work is underway at the recycling process facility.\n\nHaywood\n\nHousehold waste will be accepted at the Materials Recovery Facility at 247 Recycle Rd., Clyde and at Convenience Centers at Jonathan Creek, Beaverdam, Bethel, Hazelwood, Mauney Cove, Jones Cove and Highway 110.\n\nWhite Oak Landfill has reopened.\n\nHenderson\n\nHenderson County Transfer Station is open and accepting storm debris with normal fees.\n\nHenderson County has begun curbside storm debris removal to county residents as a free service.\n\nThe county will pick up storm debris for free if it is pushed to the right of way of a property.\n\nStorm debris includes tree branches, leaves, logs, building materials, furniture, paint etc.\n\nPlease be patient.\n\nThe county will pick up storm debris for free as quickly as possible.\n\nMadison\n\nThe Hot Springs collection center is operating on normal hours for household trash ONLY:\n\nMonday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nWednesday: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.\n\nFriday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nSaturday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nHot Springs trash pickup is returning to Mondays like usual.\n\nPlease only use this pickup service if you cannot bring it to the collection center yourself.\n\nThe pickup service is being led by volunteers at this time.\n\nPolk\n\nThe Polk County landfill is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\n322 Landfill Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nBeginning today, October 9, drop off of residential trash will be $10.\n\nGFL trash services will continue on the regular schedule. However, certain areas may be inaccessible due to ongoing power outages from Hurricane Helene.\n\nTwo dumpsters are located on Gibson Street for immediate trash disposal due to road inaccessibility.\n\nTransylvania\n\nThe City of Brevard has resumed regular trash pickup.\n\nYancey\n\nThe Riverside and East Yancey Recycling Centers have resumed operations.\n\nDaily hours: 7:00 a.m. \u2013 4:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday\n\nVoter Information\n\nThe North Carolina State Board of Elections has provided pertinent information and recommendations for voters in the Helene disaster area during the 2024 general election.\n\nTo review information on voting in the 2024 general election after Hurricane Helene, you can follow this link.\n\nThe site provides information on absentee voting, how to change your polling location if you have a new permanent address, county board of elections, office closures and more.\n\nFor any additional questions on voting post-hurricane, please contact your county Board of Elections.\n\nPlease note: Your county Board of Elections is the best place to get any questions answered.\n\nI have been permitted to share the above, nonpartisan information but am prohibited from answering any questions related to the 2024 general election.\n\nUnited States Postal Service/Mail Services\n\nUSPS anticipates continued improvement of mail delivery operations with local recovery efforts, to include power, connectivity, and roads.\n\nThere are some facilities unable to provide full retail and mail delivery due to road closures and current conditions.\n\nNo drop shipments will be accepted at any of the locations listed below.\n\nThe following sites are closed with no retail, but delivery is being attempted where it is safe to do so:\n\nNewland - 28657\n\nCedar Mountain - 28718\n\nThe following sites are closed with alternative facilities listed:\n\nAlexander - 28701\n\nAlternative location: 2350 Old Marshall Hwy., Alexander, NC 28701\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.; closed 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. for lunch\n\nOpen Saturdays: 8:00-10:00 a.m.\n\nBat Cave - 28710\n\nAlternative location: 3979 Chimney Rock Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; closed 12:00-1:00 p.m. for lunch\n\nBarnardsville - 28709\n\nAlternate location: 1664 Barnardsville Hwy., Barnardsville, NC 28709\n\nDaily hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; closed from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. for lunch.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 8:30-10:30 a.m.\n\nChimney Rock - 28720\n\nAlternate location: 2432 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. \u2013 4:00 p.m., closed 12:00-1:00 p.m.\n\nEdneyville - 28727\n\nAlternate location: 3979 Chimney Rock Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; closed 12:00-1:00 p.m. for lunch\n\nGerton \u2013 28735\n\nAlternate location: 1352 Charlotte Hwy., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nDaily Hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nGreen Mountain - 28740\n\nAlternate location: 670 W. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nHot Springs - 28743\n\n111 Bridge St., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; closed 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. for lunch.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00-10:30 a.m.\n\nMarshall - 28753\n\nAlternate location: 100 S. Main St., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; closed 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. for lunch.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nMicaville - 28755\n\nAlternate location: 670 W. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nMontreat - 28757\n\nAlternate location: 2 Tucker Rd., Ridgecrest, NC 28770\n\nDaily hours M-F: 12:30-4:30 p.m.\n\nPenland - 28765\n\nAlternative location: 899 Oak Ave., Spruce Pine, NC 28777\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nRosman - 28778\n\nAlternate location: 272 Main St., Rosman, NC 28772\n\nDaily hours M-F: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; closed 12:30-1:30 p.m. for lunch.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 10:00-11:00 a.m.\n\nSwannanoa - 28765\n\nAlternate location: 2311 U.S. 70 Highway, Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nAll remaining locations are attempting delivery where it is safe to do so.\n\nMultiple United Parcel Service (UPS) sites continue to be affected by power, flooding, and downed trees/power and lines/storm related obstacles.\n\nThe Hendersonville and Asheville UPS buildings are currently operational and are being powered by portable generators.\n\nDelivery of packages in these areas is increasing as road conditions improve daily.\n\nPharmacy Access\n\nThe Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response under the Department of Health and Human Services has activated the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) for North Carolinians as of Friday, October 4.\n\nThe EPAP program helps uninsured residents replace prescription medication or certain medical equipment lost or damaged during Hurricane Helene.\n\nThrough the program, uninsured residents can:\n\nRequest a free 30-day supply of certain prescription medications at any EPAP-participating pharmacy which can be renewed every 30 days while the EPAP is active.\n\nReplace certain medical equipment and supplies such as canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, blood sugar meters and blood sugar test strips for diabetics.\n\nUninsured North Carolina residents affected by the recent hurricane can call the EPAP hotline, 855-793-7470, or visit the EPAP website to check their eligibility, determine if their medications or medical equipment are covered, or locate a participating pharmacy.\n\nPrescription Pad is open from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and filling prescriptions for Yancey County residents at the following location:\n\n730 E. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nFor individuals able to safely travel to fill a prescription, the following CVS locations are open:\n\n324 Long Shoals Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\n505 Smokey Park Hwy., Asheville, NC 28806\n\n371 Asheville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\n3450 Hendersonville Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\n1605 Four Seasons Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\n2001 Spartanburg Hwy., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\n111 S Main St., Rutherfordton, NC 28139\n\n773 Russ Ave., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nYou can also use this link to locate non-CVS pharmacy locations open to the public by county.\n\nHow to Acquire a Prescription:\n\nIf a store is closed, you can still call the number and the pharmacy\u2019s phone lines have been rerouted to a nearby CVS Pharmacy that is open to help patients access their prescriptions.\n\nPatients can visit any CVS Pharmacy for assistance with immediate prescription needs.\n\nOpen Urgent Cares/ Health Care Services\n\nThere is a field hospital with physicians, nurses and paramedics who can treat patients at the Burnsville Fire Department. The address is as follows:\n\n305 Pineola St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nThe following urgent cares are open and accessible for community members with non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries:\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Weaverville\n\n61 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nMercy Urgent Care West Asheville\n\n1201 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nMercy Urgent Care Waynesville\n\n120 Frazier St., Ste. 6, Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nLocations open between 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Brevard\n\n22 Trust Ln., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Columbus\n\n140 West Mills St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nLocations open between 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.:\n\nMobile Urgent Care Clinic\n\n12 Florida Ave., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nMental Health & Basic Medical Support Center\n\n130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nPardee Urgent Care\n\n45 Hendersonville Hwy., Ste. A, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nFree mental health services - All available for drop-in\n\nCare Collaborative for Western North Carolina Clinicians is a partnership among more than 200 mental health professionals volunteering to provide free mental health services for Hurricane Helene survivors.\n\nServices are provided virtually, and you can follow this link to find a professional that fits your needs and their contact information to schedule a session.\n\nHot Springs Elementary School - Art Room\n\n63 N. Serpentine Ave., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nThe Pearl Institute\n\n55 Academy St., Waynesville, NC\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-6:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nFree telehealth appointments are also available.\n\nTo book a telehealth appointment, you can email info@pearlpsychedelicinstitute.org or call/text (828) 400-7091\n\nCommunity Support Group\n\n221 Mills Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nMary C. Jenkins Community & Cultural Center\n\nHosted by the City of Brevard, AARP, and Blue Ridge Community College\n\n9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on October 14, 28, and November 18.\n\nAll University of North Carolina System students have access to free mental health through their university.\n\nPlease monitor your student email for more information on how to access these services.\n\nThe following emergency orthopedic offices are open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily:\n\n800 Fleming St., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\n2585 Hendersonville Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\n9 Haywood Office Park, Ste. 102 and 103, Waynesville, NC 28785\n\nPlease Note: Emergency orthopedic phone services are down so patients will be seen on a walk-in basis without appointment.\n\nDialysis Locations\n\nThe following location is open and available for dialysis treatments in NC-11:\n\nPardee Hospital\n\n800 N. Justice St., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nThis location can dialyze 30 patients a day.\n\nDaVita Kidney Care nurses are reaching out to their patients to coordinate treatment, but the following DaVita locations are available:\n\nDaVita Greer South Dialysis\n\n3254 Brushy Greek Rd., Greer, SC 29650\n\nContact Number: (864) 801-2065\n\nDaVita Saluda River Dialysis\n\n8080 Augusta Rd., Piedmont, SC 29673\n\nContact Number: (833) 378-2702\n\nDaVita Wofford at Home\n\n8024 White Ave., Spartanburg, SC 29303\n\nContact Number: (864) 583-4788\n\nDaVita Boiling Springs Dialysis\n\n196 Sloane Garden Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316\n\nContact Number: (833) 458-4809\n\nOxygen Locations\n\nHendersonville High School\n\n1 Bearcat Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nMust be assessed through Pardee Hospital.\n\nLincare is only serving established patients.\n\nPatients must bring in empty tanks to one of the following locations:\n\nAsheville Lincare\n\n103 Elk Park Dr., Asheville, NC 28804\n\nFax number: (866) 234-6698\n\nGreenville Lincare\n\n355 Woodruff Rd., Ste. 204 and 205, Greenville, SC 29607\n\nFax Number: (864) 288-0339\n\nThe following locations are available for oxygen refills, but patients must bring their own oxygen equipment - fire departments are available 24/7:\n\nBoiling Springs Fire Department\n\n186 Rainbow Lake Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316\n\nReidville Fire Department\n\n7450 Reidville Rd., Woodruff, SC 29388\n\nInman City Fire Department\n\n6 Humphrey St., Inman, SC 29349\n\nFirst Presbyterian Church\n\n393 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29302\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.\n\nGreer Relief Indigo Hope Neighborhood Impact Center\n\n113C Berry Ave., Greer, SC 29651\n\nDaily hours: 2:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nCroft Fire Department\n\n370 Cedar Springs Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29302\n\nArkwright Fire Department\n\n1070 Southport Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29306\n\nRoebuck Fire Department\n\n2639 Stone Station Rd., Roebuck, SC 29376\\\n\nNorth Spartanburg Fire Department\n\n8767 Asheville Hwy., Spartanburg, SC 29316\n\nResources for Veterans\n\nLegionnaires, Sons of the American Legion members and Legion Posts that have been displaced from their primary residence due to damage sustained during Hurricane Helene may be eligible for financial assistance through the American Legion.\n\nLegionnaires and Sons of the American Legion members may be eligible for up to $3,000.\n\nLegion Posts may be eligible for up to $10,000.\n\nTo learn more or to request assistance, please use this link.\n\nApplications must be submitted within 90 days of the disaster: Dec. 26, 2024.\n\nThe Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville and Master Sergeant Jerry K. Crump VA Clinic in Forest City are open for essential and emergency services.\n\nVeterans can:\n\nVisit the Asheville VA Hospital pharmacy for medication refills or:\n\nCall the Regional Clinical Contact Center at (855) 679-0074 and press 1 for pharmacy representatives.\n\nLocal pharmacies in the VA\u2019s community care network will also fill written prescriptions, or prescriptions as they appear on an active VA prescription bottle that is not older than six months and has available refills, to provide a 30-day supply.\n\nHickory and Franklin outpatient VA clinics are now operating regularly.\n\nDue to the damage and personal losses caused by Hurricane Helene to the staff of the VA, it will take some time to bring staffing to full capacity.\n\nPlease be patient as the VA works to rebuild their workforce.\n\nThe Asheville VA Medical Center has successfully contacted over 91 percent of veterans most at risk for injury or poor outcomes due to the storm.\n\nAdditional outreach to those who have not yet been contacted is ongoing.\n\nThe Asheville VA Medical Center\u2019s water supply is stable due to a schedule of eight 6,000-gallon tanker trucks bringing in water.\n\nTo make sure the VA water supply remains stable, an emergency contract for well water and a disinfection service that will be operational as a backup water source in about two to three weeks have both been procured.\n\nResources for Farmers\n\nThe United States Department of Agriculture is beginning to put together a list of resources for farmers and other agricultural industry members.\n\nIf your agricultural operation has been impacted by Hurricane Helene, you can review this link, farmers.gov, for emergency and disaster assistance programs.\n\nPower and Gas\n\nFewer than 99,000 customers remain without power in Western North Carolina.\n\nDuke Energy is providing restoration updates via text to all customers that remain without power.\n\nRestoration of service for all other customers in the heavily impacted areas is anticipated within a week, by Sunday, October 13.\n\nCrews are working around the clock to restore power as quickly as possible.\n\nAs work on substations conclude, Duke Energy is moving personnel to work on the power grid\u2019s thousands of miles of lines and poles that serve individual homes and businesses.\n\nThis work can feel slower because the same amount of work restores fewer customers.\n\nFor more information on Duke Energy\u2019s power restoration efforts, you can review the following links:\n\nComplex Repair & Disaster Rebuild Zones Map: duke-energy.com/info/carolinas-restoration\n\nOutage Map: duke-energy.com/outages\n\nOutage Alerts: duke-energy.com/outages/alerts\n\nGenerator safety: duke-energy.com/outages/generators\n\nPower restoration process: duke-energy.com/outages/restoring-your-power\n\nRoads\n\nA \u201cDO NOT DRIVE\u201d message remains in place from the North Carolina Department of Transportation for most of Western North Carolina.\n\nUnless it is an emergency, please do not travel to the hardest hit communities.\n\nCherokee, Graham, Clay, Swain, Macon and Jackson counties ARE FULLY OPEN to people who can access them through safe routes.\n\nPlease DO NOT try to visit or travel through the areas hardest hit by the storm.\n\nTo monitor road conditions in and around NC-11, use drivenc.gov.\n\nThe website tracks NCDOT-managed road conditions in real time.\n\nNCDOT has reopened more than 460 roads.\n\nRoughly 610 roads remain closed, 98 of which are primary routes.\n\nUSDOT approved an initial $100 million in Emergency Repair funds to NCDOT.\n\nDamage to our mountain roads exceeds $100 million but USDOT\u2019s investment is a significant and most welcome start.\n\nNCDOT has stated they will be utilizing the $100 million to supplement ongoing efforts in Western North Carolina - this is what I would have hoped the funds are going to be used for, but their public statement is a welcome confirmation of their commitment to restore transportation networks in our mountains.\n\nNCDOT has awarded a $10 million contract to Wright Brothers Construction of Charleston, TN, to stabilize the westbound lanes of I-40 by drilling soil nails where the eastbound lanes no longer exist.\n\nThe contract includes incentives to be complete by January 4, 2025.\n\nAround the time this operation concludes, plans for a larger, complex, and complete repair will be in progress.\n\nNC DMV has reopened nine of the 16 driver license offices that were closed due to Hurricane Helene.\n\nThe following DMV offices are open for walk-in services Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., closed between 11:30 a.m. through 1:00 p.m. for a lunch break:\n\nBurke County - Closest open location for McDowell and Yancey County residents\n\n115 Government Dr., Morganton, NC 28655\n\nCherokee County\n\n1440 Main St., Andrews, NC 28901\n\nHaywood County\n\n290 Lee Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nHenderson County\n\n125 Baystone Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nJackson County\n\n876 Skyland Dr., Ste. 2, Sylva, NC 28779\n\nMacon County\n\n16 Patton Ave., Franklin, NC 28734\n\nRutherford County\n\n596 Withrow Rd., Forest City, NC 28043\n\nSwain County\n\n2650 Governors Island Rd., Bryson City, NC 28713\n\nTransylvania County\n\n50 Commerce St., Ste. 4, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nThe Department of Motor Vehicles plans to reopen two more driver license offices on Wednesday, October 9.\n\nThe Asheville driver license office will remain closed until water service can be restored.\n\nAll but five license plate agencies have reopened.\n\nAir traffic has sustained at 300 percent above pre-hurricane levels in Western NC.\n\nNCDOT\u2019s aviation division continue to work to make sure flight operations are safe coming into and out of airports, including by:\n\nScheduling landing/unloading times and aircraft parking so aircraft are spaced out and to reduce the risk of incidents.\n\nEstablishing a first of its kind \u201ccorridors in the sky\u201d to separate civilian and military aircraft in the air.\n\nHaving search and rescue partners use short, time and location specific restrictions on air operations to enhance safety when multiple helicopters are engaged in search and rescue efforts.\n\nThe state of North Carolina is NOT turning away civil aviation support so long as it has been coordinated through the proper channels with NC Emergency Management.\n\nIf you or someone you know is interested in providing civil aviation support and don\u2019t know where to coordinate your efforts, please call my office and we will help you get in touch with the right folks.\n\nNCDOT has launched a detour map to show motorists how to get around closures on I-26 and I-40 at the Tennessee border.\n\nYou can access the map here.\n\nInternet Access\n\nInternet providers are working with local energy and cell providers to restore service for customers across Western North Carolina.\n\nTo date, more than 1,000 Starlink terminals have been deployed to assist with internet access for disaster response and relief efforts.\n\nSpaceX is offering free monthly Starlink service for 30 days to any household or entity located in the disaster area.\n\nTo apply for this free service, residents can go to starlink.com/residential and select the \u201cHelene Relief\u201d service plan at check out.\n\nInternet providers including Optimum and Spectrum are working around the clock to restore service for customers. However, part of the network\u2019s infrastructure was destroyed by mudslides and collapsed bridges making restoration a lengthy process.\n\nAs a result, some impacted areas will require a rebuild of the network from scratch.\n\nTo mitigate the lack of service, Optimum, formerly Altice USA, has set up an Optimum Wi-Fi Trailer that is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the following locations:\n\n717 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\n1800 Four Seasons Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nThe following locations are offering free public wi-fi:\n\nFirst Baptist Church - Weaverville\n\n63 N. Main St, Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nDowntown Franklin\n\nThe Town of Franklin has free wi-fi on the town hill area in downtown.\n\nTransylvania County Library - 24/7\n\n212 S. Gaston St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nThe Yard Brevard\n\n284 Railroad Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nBrevard Visitor Center\n\n175 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAvailable daily from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nCell Service\n\nCommunications in the region are improving rapidly.\n\nMore than 85 percent of cell sites have been restored in Western North Carolina.\n\nOnly two counties remain with 50 percent or more cell sites down.\n\nThe Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has full mobile cell service.\n\nCell service providers have implemented disaster roaming for any phone located in Western North Carolina to maximize phone service for all users.\n\nDisaster roaming allows users to connect to any mobile network during a disaster when other networks are down.\n\nThis allows users to access emergency services, such as 911, even when their own network is out.\n\nIf you have service one moment, but experience a reduction in service the next, try restarting your phone to jumpstart disaster roaming again.\n\nUpCycle Tech in Transylvania County is offering free computers and phones for use at the following location:\n\n470 Asheville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAT&T has deployed its Mobile Connectivity Center to the following location:\n\nSam\u2019s Club: 645 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nThe Mobile Connectivity Center is an air-conditioned mobile unit open to the public, equipped with laptops, charging stations and wi-fi.\n\nThe public can use the center for various needs including contacting your insurance company, filling out paperwork or connecting with loved ones.\n\nVerizon has deployed Wireless Emergency Communication Centers to help hurricane survivors stay connected to their friends, family and other important contacts.\n\nWireless Emergency Communication Centers are generator-powered mobile units that have device charging and computer workstations, along with wireless phones, tablets, and other devices available for use.\n\nVerizon\u2019s Wireless Emergency Communication Centers have been set up at the following locations:\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nAsheville YMCA\n\n30 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nFamily Justice Center\n\n35 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nGroce United Methodist Church\n\n954 Tunnel Rd., Asheville, NC 28805\n\nVerizon also has charging stations at the following locations:\n\nYMCA of Western North Carolina\n\n348 Grace Corpening Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nTwo charging stations at this location\n\nWNC Agricultural Center\n\n761 Boylston Hwy., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nThree charging stations at this location\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nOne charging station at this location\n\nT-Mobile has set up satellite cellular on light trucks (SatCOLTs), providing cellular voice and data along with wi-fi and charging stations at the following locations:\n\nAsheville Middle School\n\n211 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center\n\n285 Livingston St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nFirst Baptist Church\n\n130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nAdditional T-Mobile satellite cell on trucks are located in Hendersonville and at a Tractor Supply Co. in Asheville, with others planned for Mission Hospital in Asheville, Cherokee County Emergency Operations Center in Murphy, and in Cherokee.\n\nNorth Carolina National Guard & Department of Defense\n\nMore than 4,900 federal responders are on the ground in Western North Carolina, including the 1,500 active-duty service members.\n\nMore than 1,800 North Carolina National Guard soldiers and airmen have been deployed to provide support to Western North Carolina so far.\n\nThe National Guard has now mobilized over 1,200 vehicles and 50 helicopters from six states and two active-duty units in Western NC for rescue and recovery, debris clearing, and other missions.\n\nSo far, the National Guard has:\n\nDelivered more than 3,800 tons of commodities to affected areas\n\nCleared 1,060 obstacles\n\nThe Guard\u2019s key tasks continue to be search and rescue of impacted civilian personnel, followed by:\n\nDelivery of essential relief supplies to points of need\n\nClearing of routes to gain access to isolated communities\n\nAlthough airspace is limited due to ongoing missions by the National Guard and Department of Defense, a process has been established for private pilots seeking to fly in humanitarian relief to coordinate with local authorities.\n\nIf you are looking to fly in resources and don\u2019t know where to turn, call my office and we will get you in contact with the right coordinators.\n\nHere are a few key phone numbers from the NCNG:\n\nHOTLINE: 888-892-1162\n\nEmergency management watch: 919-733-3300\n\nDonated goods: 919-825-2474\n\nThese lines have very high call volumes. If you do not get through the first try, keep calling.\n\nAsheville Regional Airport\n\nAsheville Regional Airport closed mid-day on Friday, September 27, due to risk of flooding.\n\nCommercial flights at Asheville Regional Airport have resumed.\n\nIf you parked your car in an Asheville Regional Airport lot and could not retrieve the vehicle due to the storm, great news - none of the airport\u2019s lots flooded and all cars are fine.\n\nStay safe and pick up your car when you are able.\n\nPLEASE NOTE:\n\nNo general aviation pilots are allowed to land at Asheville Regional Airport without prior clearance from FEMA to ensure the safety of aircraft and personnel.\n\nSupply deliveries by civilian pilots ARE permitted to land at Asheville Regional Airport so long as they have prior clearance from FEMA.\n\nFEMA is not turning away any pilot that has gone through the proper channels to coordinate delivery and ensure the safety of his fellow aircraft and personnel.\n\nFederal Nutrition Programs\n\nThe U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service has approved flexibilities due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene.\n\nSNAP\n\nNorth Carolina was granted a waiver for the 10-day reporting requirement for the replacement of food purchased with SNAP benefits lost because of the hurricane.\n\nThis waiver provides additional time beyond the standard 10-day time frame for households to report food losses and receive replacement benefits for food that was destroyed and previously purchased with SNAP benefits.\n\nChild Nutrition\n\nThe North Carolina Department of Public Instruction was approved for a waiver pertaining to the child nutrition programs.\n\nUnder the waiver approval, NCDPI\u2019s local program operators may:\n\nServe meals in a non-congregate setting\n\nAdjust the time of meal service\n\nAllow parent pick-up\n\nAllow service of meals at school sites\n\nFood and Nutrition Services Program\n\nPeople and families in North Carolina who are enrolled in the Food and Nutrition Services program can now use their EBT card to purchase hot food.\n\nThis flexibility will remain in effect until November 3.\n\nSpecial Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, & Children (WIC)\n\nFamilies participating in WIC who may have relocated to a new area can go to any NC WIC agency to:\n\nHave a new eWIC card issued\n\nRequest replacement breastfeeding supplies or breast pumps\n\nRequest replacement food that was purchased with current WIC benefits and lost due to Hurricane Helene\n\nFor NC-11 Medical Providers\n\nIf you own a medical practice in NC-11 and are experiencing financial hardship due to Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina Medical Society is reactivating its Financial Recovery Program (FRP) to help you recover and open your doors again.\n\nFor more information on the disaster relief fund, you can visit this link.\n\nDetails on how medical practices can qualify and apply for funds will be coming soon.\n\nThe Department of Health and Human Services through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has made available:\n\nAccelerated payments to Medicare Part A providers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nAdvance payments to Medicare Part B suppliers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nFor Local Government Resource Requests\n\nFor county leaders: This is a reminder to make sure your Emergency Operation Center has submitted the request for gasoline, food, water, cell service deployables, etc. with North Carolina Emergency Management to have your request processed and resources delivered.\n\nMy office stands ready to assist with checking the status of your request if the county or municipality has not heard back from NC Emergency Management within 24 hours.\n\nFor Individual Assistance through FEMA\n\nNorth Carolina received a Major Disaster Declaration for the following counties: Buncombe, Clay, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania and Yancey counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.\n\nPeople with damage to their homes or personal property who live in one of the above-listed counties should apply for Individual Assistance through FEMA, which may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies.\n\nFunds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay.\n\nIndividual Assistance provides financial aid and services to eligible individuals and households that have been affected by a disaster to assist with the recovery process. Individuals can officially begin applying for Individual Assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling the application phone number at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. EST.\n\nTo date, FEMA has paid out more than $37 million in housing and other types of assistance for more than 28,000 Western North Carolina households. .\n\nTo Connect with a Loved One\n\nResidents trying to connect with family members may call NC 211 (or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from out-of-state) to report missing loved ones or request a welfare check.\n\nPeople in the impacted areas can indicate that they are safe by reporting themselves safe through Red Cross Reunification by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).\n\nPlease only use 911 for life-threatening emergencies so the lines remain open for critical situations.\n\nIf you are still trying to locate a friend or family member, please complete this form to notify local officials of their missing status.\n\nThe form was created by Buncombe County but information is being shared amongst all counties.\n\nRegardless of which county your loved one was last known to be in, you can still submit the form.\n\nBuncombe County will share the information with the appropriate officials to initiate search and rescue efforts.\n\nUnited Way is also fielding missing person/welfare check requests.\n\nText PERSON to 40403 to add a loved one to search and rescue efforts or fill out this form.\n\nResources for Utility & Other Status Updates\n\nFor information on the status of utilities, debris sites, etc., we want to share the following resources. As communications are restored and more information becomes available, these sites will continue to be updated.\n\nDrinking Water Systems: Public Water Supply Situation Report Tracking\n\nDebris Disposal Sites: Active Temporary Debris Disposal Sites\n\nNCDEQ Situation Report Tracking System\n\nNCDPS Hurricane Helene - Storm Information\n\nNCDPS County Emergency Management Agencies\n\nHow to Apply for FEMA Assistance After Hurricane Helene\n\nFree Legal Assistance\n\nLegal Aid of North Carolina stands ready to provide free advice and legal counsel regarding natural disaster needs, including legal representation if necessary, including for civil legal issues involving:\n\nFiling FEMA claims and appeals (a process which can be overwhelmingly bureaucratic and burdensome)\n\nReplacement of lost or destroyed legal and government documents, including driver\u2019s licenses and identification cards\n\nMedical and insurance claims\n\nHome repair contracts\n\nUtility disputes related to restoration of services\n\nConsumer protection issues like construction fraud, price-gouging on repairs and identity theft\n\nHousing issues such as unlawful eviction and foreclosures\n\nBankruptcy\n\nProbate and clearing title for survivors living in generational homes without a clear title\n\nFamily law cases and children in need of services (unfortunately, domestic violence tends to rise following a natural disaster)\n\nIf you need civil legal assistance, please contact Legal Aid of North Carolina via the following toll-free hotline:\n\n(866) 219-LANC or (866) 219-5262\n\nThe hotline is available from:\n\n8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; and 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Monday and Thursdays.\n\nConstituents can also apply online at legalaidnc.org/get-help/ between 1:00-4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday.\n\nIRS Guidance for Taxpayers Impacted by Hurricane Helene\n\nExtension of certain tax filing deadlines:\n\nIRS has extended various filing deadlines for taxpayers in impacted areas, including 2024 individual/business returns, certain quarterly estimated income tax payments, and certain payroll/excise taxes.\n\nClick here for the full list of extensions and respective dates\n\nClick here for more information from the IRS on disaster assistance\n\nTax relief for qualified payments, disaster-related losses:\n\nIRS released provided guidance to taxpayers on how to address disaster-related losses in their 2024 tax return, as well as providing guidance on how qualified disaster relief payments - like government assistance payments - are generally excluded from gross income.\n\nClick here for a general walkthrough of these policies (under header \u201cAdditional tax relief\u201d)\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of disaster-related losses\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of qualified disaster relief payments\n\nShelters\n\nFor those unable to evacuate to a safe location or in need of a place to go, the following shelters are currently open and available as of October 9:\n\nBuncombe\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nGold\u2019s Gym\n\n801 Fairview Rd, Asheville, NC 28803\n\nWNC Agricultural Center\n\n1301 Fanning Bridge Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nHaywood\n\nHaywood County Government Armory\n\n285 Armory Dr., Clyde, NC 28781\n\nHenderson\n\nEdneyville Elementary School\n\n2875 Pace Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nHenderson County Recreation Center\n\n708 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nMadison\n\nMadison Early College High School\n\n5374 US Hwy 25-70, Marshall, NC 28755\n\nMcDowell\n\nGlenwood Baptist Church\n\n1550 Glenwood Baptist Church Rd., Marion, NC 29640\n\nYMCA of Western North Carolina\n\n348 Grace Corpening Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nPolk\n\nPolk County High School\n\n1681 NC 108 Hwy. E., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nRutherford\n\nRutherfordton/Spindale Central High School\n\n641 US 221 Hwy. N., Rutherfordton, NC 28139\n\nTransylvania\n\nTransylvania Parks & Rec\n\n1078 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nYancey\n\nBlue Ridge Elementary\n\n910 Cane River School Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nCane River Middle School\n\n1128 Cane River School Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nWith my warmest regards,\n\nChuck Edwards\n\nMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/debunking-helene-response-myths", "Debunking Helene Response Myths", "2024-10-08", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Chuck Edwards", "E000246", "edwards.house.gov", "edwards", "https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "October 8, 2024\n\nDear Friend,\n\nOver the past 10 days, I have been proud of how our mountain communities have come together to help one another. We have seen a level of support that is unmatched by most any other disaster nationwide; but amidst all of the support, we have also seen an uptick in untrustworthy sources trying to spark chaos by sharing hoaxes, conspiracy theories, and hearsay about hurricane response efforts across our mountains.\n\nWhile it is true, the Federal Emergency Management Agency\u2019s response to Hurricane Helene has had its shortfalls, I\u2019m here to dispel the outrageous rumors that have been circulated online:\n\nHurricane Helene was NOT geoengineered by the government to seize and access lithium deposits in Chimney Rock.\n\nNobody can control the weather.\n\nCharles Konrad, director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration\u2019s Southeast Regional Climate Center, has confirmed that no one has the technology or ability to geoengineer a hurricane.\n\nCurrent geoengineering technology can serve as a large-scale intervention to mitigate the negative consequences of naturally occurring weather phenomena, but it cannot be used to create or manipulate hurricanes.\n\nLocal officials have confirmed the government is NOT seizing Chimney Rock.\n\nThere was no \u201cspecial meeting\u201d held in Chimney Rock between federal, state or local governments about seizing the town.\n\nLocal officials are NOT abandoning search and rescue efforts to bulldoze over Chimney Rock.\n\nChimney Rock is NOT being bulldozed over.\n\nRutherford County emergency services personnel are going to extensive lengths to search for missing people, including in debris by using cadaver dogs to locate any remains of individuals trapped in the debris.\n\nJust as every other community in Western North Carolina, Chimney Rock officials are focused first and foremost on recovery efforts, followed by plans to rebuild in the future.\n\nFEMA is NOT stopping trucks or vehicles with donations, confiscating or seizing supplies, or otherwise turning away donations.\n\nFEMA does not conduct vehicle stops or handle road closures with armed guards - all road closures are managed by local law enforcement who are prioritizing getting resources to their fellow community members.\n\nFEMA has NOT diverted disaster response funding to the border or foreign aid.\n\nDisaster response efforts and individual assistance are funded through the Disaster Relief Fund, which is a dedicated fund for disaster efforts.\n\nFEMA\u2019s non-disaster related presence at the border has always been of major concern to me, even before Hurricane Helene, and I will continue to condemn their deployment of personnel to the southern border, but we must separate the two issues.\n\nFEMA is NOT going to run out of money.\n\nFEMA officials have repeatedly affirmed that the agency has enough money for immediate response and recovery needs over the next few months.\n\nSecretary Mayorkas\u2019 statement indicating otherwise was an irresponsible attempt to politicize a tragedy for personal gain.\n\nIn the coming months, Western North Carolina is going to need more disaster relief funding than is currently available to assist with recovery efforts.\n\nI\u2019m confident that supplemental disaster relief funding, which I am already involved in the process of creating, will be considered in the House once we return to session in mid-November.\n\nFEMA cannot seize your property or land.\n\nApplying for disaster assistance does not grant FEMA or the federal government authority or ownership of your property or land.\n\nThe FAA is NOT restricting access to airspace for Helene rescue and recovery operations.\n\nNobody seeking to fly resources into Western North Carolina will be prohibited from doing so by the FAA or North Carolina Emergency Management so long as they coordinate their efforts with NC Aviation.\n\nIf you are looking to conduct an airdrop of resources but don\u2019t know who to contact for approval, please reach out to my office and we will share that information with you.\n\nFEMA is NOT only providing $750 to disaster survivors to support their recovery.\n\nThe initial $750 provided to disaster survivors is an immediate type of assistance called Serious Needs Assistance that may be made to individuals in need as soon as they apply for FEMA assistance.\n\nThe $750 is an upfront, flexible payment to help cover essential items like food, water, baby formula and medication while FEMA assesses the applicant\u2019s eligibility for additional funds.\n\nThis award is just the first step of a longer process to provide financial assistance to disaster survivors in need of federal support.\n\nAs an application moves through the review process, individuals are eligible to receive additional forms of assistance for other needs such as temporary housing, personal property and home repair costs, etc.\n\nI encourage you to remember that everything you see on Facebook, X, or any other social media platform is not always fact. Please make sure you are fact checking what you read online with a reputable source.\n\nWith my warmest regards,\n\nChuck Edwards\n\nMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/hurricane-helene-update-11-congressman-edwards", "Hurricane Helene update #11 from Congressman Edwards", "2024-10-08", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Chuck Edwards", "E000246", "edwards.house.gov", "edwards", "https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "October 8, 2024\n\nDear Friend,\n\nI know everyone is starting to get restless. Many of you have seen your power restored but still don\u2019t have running water to shower, cook, or clean laundry. Others still don\u2019t have power and are likely frustrated with the inability to do something as simple as come home and turn on the lights. I want to let you know that your frustration is valid. It has been a long 11 days for the people of our mountains, and it\u2019s reaching the point where folks are just tired. That is okay. We will still get through this.\n\nIf you feel you are overwhelmed or need someone to talk to about everything you have endured since Hurricane Helene hit, I encourage you to reach out to a friend, a family member, or maybe one of the mental health resources I\u2019ve listed in today\u2019s update.\n\nThe closer we get to two weeks post-disaster, the more anxious I\u2019m sure many of you are going to feel to want to return to how mountain life was pre-disaster. I want to assure you that we will get there. It will be a long road, but every passing day is just another 24 hours closer to a better, stronger, more resilient Western North Carolina.\n\nToday\u2019s update includes changes to open USPS locations, information on open DMV offices, and an update on Department of Defense assets deployed to assist with response and recovery efforts in Western North Carolina.\n\nThis is update number 11, with more information to come in the following days. Please make sure to read everything and share it with your friends and family.\n\nFood and Water\n\nSupplying drinkable water remains a top priority for emergency crews.\n\n86 water systems are on a boil advisory.\n\n15 treatment plants have reported having no power and 27 systems are out of water.\n\nWater restoration trends continue to move in a positive direction, with nine treatment plants regaining power and six systems restoring water to the system in the past 24 hours.\n\nThe Federal Emergency Management Agency has promised 120 truckloads a day of food and water with no specified end date.\n\nFEMA has shipped 14 million liters of water and more than 15 million meals utilizing the $20 billion in funds that I helped to draft and pass for disaster relief just two days before Hurricane Helene hit.\n\nOf the shipped food and water, more than 6 million liters of water and 4 million individual meals have already been delivered to Western NC communities.\n\nHome Depot will be passing out free disaster relief kits every day starting at 9:00 a.m., while supplies last, at the following locations:\n\nHome Depot Asheville\n\n795 Fairview Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nHome Depot West Asheville\n\n127 Acton Cir., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nHome Depot Hendersonville\n\n401 Linda Vista Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nWalmart is hosting activities at the following locations:\n\nHendersonville, NC Store 1242\n\n250 Highlands Square Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nPortable restrooms\n\nServing hot meals at 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily\n\nArden, NC Store 1179\n\n60 Airport Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nPortable restrooms\n\nLaundry\n\nShowers\n\nWi-fi hotspot and charging stations\n\nBuncombe County\n\nBuncombe County has begun water distribution at multiple sites. Each will be available daily from 1:00 -7:00 p.m.:\n\nPack Square Park - you MUST bring your own container for this site\n\n80 Court Plz., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nWilliam W. Estes Elementary School\n\n275 Overlook Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nSand Hill-Venable Elementary\n\n154 Sand Hill School Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nNorth Windy Ridge Intermediate School\n\n20 Doan Rd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nFairview Elementary\n\n1355 Charlotte Hwy., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nThe following major feeding site is available in Buncombe County, where citizens can access food, water and other basic necessities:\n\nBiltmore Baptist Church\n\n35 Clayton Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nDistribution and bulk pickup for volunteers looking to take bulk loads of supplies to in-need community members\n\nSaturday hours: 10:00 a.m. \u2013 1:00 p.m.\n\nCommunity drive-thru for anyone in the community needing supplies\n\nSaturday hours: 3:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church \u2013 Weaverville\n\n63 N. Main St., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nHot showers available from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nUnlimited clean drinking water is available, bring your own container.\n\nSupplies and bottled water.\n\nHot lunch served at 1:30 p.m.\n\nFood and drinking water are available from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily at the following locations:\n\nAsheville Middle School\n\n211 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nIngles\n\n550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nThis location also has handwashing stations and portable restrooms\n\nLinwood Crump Shiloh Community Center\n\n121 Shiloh Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nLucy Herring Elementary\n\n98 Sulphur Springs Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nOakley Elementary School\n\n753 Fairvew Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nHaywood County\n\nThe following locations are providing community members with essential resources such as but not limited to, food, water, cleaning products, baby formula, and pet food, Monday through Fridays:\n\nFines Creek Community Center\n\n190 Fines Creek Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nOpen every day until 6:00 p.m.\n\nPigeon Community Center\n\n450 Pigeon St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nAlso offering hot meals every day at 2:00 p.m.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCruso Community Center\n\n13186 Cruso Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.\n\nFirst United Methodist Church\n\n566 S. Haywood St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nIncludes shower access.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.\n\nMaggie Valley Pavilion\n\n3935 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nDaily Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.\n\nWoodland Baptist Church\n\n545 Crabtree Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nBethel Elementary School\n\n4700 Old River Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nJonathan Valley Elementary School\n\n410 Hall Dr., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nMonday through Friday\n\nSt. John the Evangelist Catholic Church - in the Parish Hall\n\n234 Church St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.\n\nMonday to Friday\n\nHot food available from 4:00 p.m. to 7 :00 p.m. daily.\n\nSt. Barnabas Catholic Church\n\n109 Crescent Hill Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nDaily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.\n\nReynolds Baptist Church - Family Life Center\n\n520 Rose Hill Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.\n\nThis location also has potable water available to residents who bring their own vessels to fill.\n\nLife Church of Waynesville\n\n601 Westwood Cir., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nSupplies will be distributed from Wednesday, October 9 to Friday, October 11\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.\n\nThe following location offers hot meals daily:\n\nMaggie Valley Fire Department\n\n2901 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nThe following location offers showers daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.:\n\nCalvary Baptist Church\n\n2701 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nHenderson County\n\nHenderson County has stood up Resource Hub locations for water distribution and other supplies as they become available.\n\nDistribution will be taking place daily from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 6 at the following locations:\n\nEtowah Elementary: 320 Etowah School Rd., Etowah, NC 28729\n\nRugby Middle School: 3345 Haywood Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nEast Henderson High School: 150 Eagle Pride Dr., East Flat Rock, NC 28726\n\nNorth Henderson High School: 35 Fruitland Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nMills River Town Hall: 124 Town Center Dr., Mills River, NC 28759\n\nFletcher Town Hall: 300 Old Cane Creek Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nEach family unit will be provided supplies for one day\u2019s meal and water as available.\n\nIndividuals are asked to enter the drive-through and remain in your car unless otherwise instructed by volunteers to ensure an efficient process.\n\nJackson County\n\nIn partnership with the Red Cross, the following is available for citizens of Jackson County:\n\nThe Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau are providing shelf-stable meals at the following location:\n\n558 Frank Allen Rd., Cashiers, NC 28717\n\nHours of operation to come.\n\nThe Canada Fire Department is distributing emergency supplies at the following location:\n\n149 Charleys Creek Rd., Tuckasegee, NC 28783\n\nHours of operation to come.\n\nMadison County\n\nThe following locations are offering food, water, and some supply distribution in Madison County:\n\nBeech Glen Community Center\n\n2936 Beech Glen Rd., Mars Hill, 28754\n\nDaily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.\n\nCenter Community Center\n\n1300 Grapevine Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nEbbs Chapel Community Center\n\n281 Laurel Valley Rd., Mars Hill, NC 28754\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nEnon Baptist Church\n\n174 Ammons Branch Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nOpen Sunday 12:00-4:00 p.m.\n\nFreedom Christian Church\n\n7350 US 25/70 Bypass, Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThis location offers additional resources such as hygiene products, blankets, clothes, cleaning supplies, diapers, pet food, etc.\n\nLaurel Community Center - also has supplies\n\n4100 NC 212 Hwy., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily Hours: 8:00 a.m. \u2013 8:00 p.m.\n\nRevere-Rice Community Center\n\n3980 Revere Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (Mon-Sat)\n\nSpring Creek Community Center\n\n13075 NC 209 Hwy., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThis location also has additional resources such as pet food, livestock feed and hay.\n\nWalnut Community Center - also has supplies\n\n46 School Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.\n\nN.C. Cooperative Extension - Madison County Center\n\n258 Carolina Ln., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nThis location is offering drive-thru food distribution only.\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMcDowell County has established multiple points of distribution that are open daily from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 4:00-6:00 p.m., depending on supply levels.\n\nDistribution takes place daily at the following locations:\n\nFormer TJ\u2019s Discounts - North Cove\n\n8153 US 221 N., Marion, NC 28752\n\nOld Fort Town Hall\n\n38 Catawba Ave., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nNew Manna Baptist Church\n\n225 E. Court St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nSolid Rock Free Will Baptist Church - Dysartsville\n\n7860 NC 226 S., Nebo, NC 28761\n\nZion Hill Baptist Church\n\n1036 Zion Hill Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nHot meals are also being provided at the following location:\n\nGrace Community Church\n\n5182 US 70 W., Marion, NC 28752\n\nLunch is served every day from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.\n\nDinner is available from 4:00-5:30 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church of Marion is offering hot showers, air conditioning, and areas to charge devices.\n\nCurrent hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 2:00-5:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday.\n\nPolk County\n\nThe following locations are offering food and water distribution for residents in need from 1:00-5:00 p.m.:\n\nMill Spring/Green Creek Community\n\n25 International Blvd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nColumbus Community\n\n95 Walker St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nSaluda Community Bus Parking Lot\n\n214 E. Main St., Saluda, NC 28773\n\nTryon Community\n\n301 N. Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782\n\nSunny View\n\n86 Sunny View School Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nRutherford County\n\nThe following locations are open from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. for citizens to get food and emergency supplies:\n\nThomas Jefferson High School\n\n2527 US-221A Hwy., Mooresboro, NC 28114\n\nFlorence Baptist Church\n\n201 S. Broadway St., Forest City, NC 28043\n\nRutherford County Health Department\n\n221 Callahan Koon Rd., Spindale, NC 28160\n\nGilkey Church of God\n\n255 Oak Springs Rd., Rutherfordton, NC 28139\n\nParks, Recreation, & Lake Office\n\n658 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nLake Lure Baptist Church\n\n6837 US-74 ALT, Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nIngles at Lake Lure - meals only\n\n276 NC-9, Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nOffers hot meals at 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. and 4:30-6:30 p.m.\n\nAlso offers showers, restrooms, a mobile health van, a tool trailer, a charging station (please bring your own charging cord), and wi-fi.\n\nFather\u2019s Vineyard - also has shower and charging stations\n\n724 Oakland Rd., Spindale, NC 28160\n\nSpencer Baptist Church - water distribution only\n\n187 N Oak St., Spindale, NC 28160\n\nUnited Way of Rutherford County - water distribution and charging stations only\n\n668 Withrow Rd., Forest City, NC 28043\n\nThe Church at Sapphire - through October 10\n\n620 Whitewater Rd., Sapphire, NC 28774\n\nDaily hours: 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.\n\nLittle River Baptist Church - through October 11\n\n51 Little River Church Rd., Penrose, NC 28766\n\nBreakfast hours: 8:00-10:00 a.m.\n\nLunch hours: 12:30-2:00 p.m.\n\nDinner hours: 6:00-7:30 p.m.\n\nTransylvania County\n\nThe following locations are providing hot meals to county residents:\n\nThe Church at Sapphire - through October 10\n\n620 Whitewater Rd., Sapphire, NC 28774\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-4:00 p.m.\n\nLittle River Baptist Church - through October 11\n\n51 Little River Church Rd., Penrose, NC 28766\n\nBreakfast hours: 8:00-10:00 a.m.\n\nLunch hours: 12:30-2:00 p.m.\n\nDinner hours: 6:00-7:30 p.m.\n\nCedar Mountain Community Center\n\n10635 Greenville Hwy., Cedar Mountain, NC 28718\n\nBreakfast hours: 9:00-11:00 a.m.\n\nLunch hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nDinner hours: 4:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nBalsam Grove Community Center - daily until power is fully restored\n\n8732 Parkway Rd., Balsam Grove, NC 28708\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.Resource pick-up locations are listed below by county. As I learn more, I will keep you posted:\n\nBottled water is available daily at local fire departments and 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Anchor Baptist Church located at:\n\n3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nWater filling stations can be found at the following locations:\n\nCity Sports Complex\n\n824 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.\n\nCedar Mountain Outpost\n\n8431 Greenville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nTerritory Brevard\n\n43 S. Broad St, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nDD Bullwinkles\n\n60 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nFirst United Methodist Church\n\n325 N. Broad St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nPisgah Forest Baptist Church\n\n494 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nNewfound Artisan\n\n22 W. Jordan St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nThrough today, October 6.\n\nHours: 12:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nFood, water, and other supplies such as hygiene products are being distributed at the following locations:\n\nAnchor Baptist Church\n\n3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThe Church at Sapphire\n\n620 Whitewater Rd., Sapphire, NC 28774\n\nThrough October 10.\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-4:00 p.m.\n\nYancey County\n\nYancey County has transitioned to one centralized distribution site for water, food and ice located at the following address:\n\nAltec\n\n150 Altec Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nMobile laundry facilities are available in the GO Grocery parking lot located at the following address:\n\n631 W Hwy. 19E Bypass, Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nTrash Services and Debris Removal\n\nIf your home has damages and you need assistance with clean up, please call Crisis Cleanup for access to volunteer organizations that can assist you at 844-965-1386.\n\nAdditionally, the following counties have resources for where to take debris waste.\n\nBuncombe\n\nCurbside collection will begin Monday for City of Asheville sanitation customers.\n\nThere will be no recycling pick up until the recycling plant is operational.\n\nResidents can use both recycling and trash carts for household waste.\n\nThe following materials cannot be collected at this time: Mud, construction debris, concrete and other bulky or hazardous items.\n\nDebris collection is estimated to start in mid-October.\n\nThe Town of Black Mountain Public Works Department has secured four 15-yard dumpsters located in two sites for Black Mountain residents to throw away household trash ONLY:\n\nTractor Supply: 125 Old US Hwy. 70 E., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nIngles: 550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nPlease Note: Yard waste, bulk item, separate recycling and debris collection are not available at this time.\n\nWaste Pro collection service will resume today, October 7, for regular Monday route customers.\n\nRecycling services are currently suspending while repair work is underway at the recycling process facility.\n\nHaywood\n\nHousehold waste will be accepted at the Materials Recovery Facility at 247 Recycle Rd., Clyde and at Convenience Centers at Jonathan Creek, Beaverdam, Bethel, Hazelwood, Mauney Cove, Jones Cove and Highway 110.\n\nWhite Oak Landfill has reopened.\n\nHenderson\n\nHenderson County Transfer Station is open and accepting storm debris with normal fees.\n\nHenderson County has begun curbside storm debris removal to county residents as a free service.\n\nThe county will pick up storm debris for free if it is pushed to the right of way of a property.\n\nStorm debris includes tree branches, leaves, logs, building materials, furniture, paint etc.\n\nPlease be patient.\n\nThe county will pick up storm debris for free as quickly as possible.\n\nMadison\n\nThe Hot Springs collection center is operating on normal hours for household trash ONLY:\n\nMonday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nWednesday: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.\n\nFriday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nSaturday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nHot Springs trash pickup is returning to Mondays like usual.\n\nPlease only use this pickup service if you cannot bring it to the collection center yourself.\n\nThe pickup service is being led by volunteers at this time.\n\nPolk\n\nThe Polk County landfill is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\n322 Landfill Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nThe service fee is waived through October 8.\n\nBeginning on October 9, drop off of residential trash will be $10.\n\nGFL trash services will continue on the regular schedule. However, certain areas may be inaccessible due to ongoing power outages from Hurricane Helene.\n\nTwo dumpsters are located on Gibson Street for immediate trash disposal due to road inaccessibility.\n\nTransylvania\n\nThe City of Brevard has resumed regular trash pickup.\n\nYancey\n\nThe Riverside and East Yancey Recycling Centers were expected to resume operations by yesterday, October 5.\n\nNo update has been published, but I will keep you posted once I have received confirmation that the facilities have been reopened.\n\nVoter Information\n\nThe North Carolina State Board of Elections has provided pertinent information and recommendations for voters in the Helene disaster area during the 2024 general election.\n\nTo review information on voting in the 2024 general election after Hurricane Helene, you can follow this link.\n\nThe site provides information on absentee voting, how to change your polling location, county board of elections, office closures and more.\n\nFor any additional questions on voting post-hurricane, please contact your county Board of Elections.\n\nPlease note: Your county Board of Elections is the best place to get any questions answered.\n\nI have been permitted to share the above, nonpartisan information but am prohibited from answering any questions related to the 2024 general election.\n\nUnited States Postal Service/Mail Services\n\nUSPS anticipates continued improvement of mail delivery operations with local recovery efforts, to include power, connectivity, and roads.\n\nThere are some facilities unable to provide full retail and mail delivery due to road closures and current conditions.\n\nNo drop shipments will be accepted at any of the locations listed below.\n\nThe following sites are closed with no retail or delivery:\n\nBarnardsville - 28709\n\nCedar Mountain - 28718\n\nHot Springs - 28743\n\nRosman - 28772\n\nSwannanoa - 28778\n\nThe following site is closed with no retail, but delivery is being attempted where it is safe to do so:\n\nNewland - 28657\n\nThe following sites are closed with alternative facilities listed:\n\nAlexander - 28701\n\nAlternative location: 2350 Old Marshall Hwy., Alexander, NC 28701\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 8:00-10:00 a.m.\n\nBat Cave - 28710\n\nAlternative location: 3979 Chimney Rock Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; closed 12:00-1:00 p.m. for lunch\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nBarnardsville - 28709\n\nAlternate location: 1664 Barnardsville Hwy., Barnardsville, NC 28709\n\nDaily hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; closed from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. for lunch.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 8:30-10:30 a.m.\n\nCedar Mountain - 28718\n\nAlternate location: 9515 Greenville Hwy., Cedar Mountain, NC 28718\n\nDaily hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; closed 12:00-2:00 p.m. for lunch\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:30-10:30 a.m.\n\nChimney Rock - 28720\n\nAlternate location: 2432 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. \u2013 4:00 p.m., closed 12:00-1:00 p.m.\n\nEdneyville - 28727\n\nAlternate location: 1800 Four Seasons Blvd., Ste. 11, Hendersonville, NC 28739\n\nDaily hours M-F: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nGerton \u2013 28735\n\nAlternate location: 1352 Charlotte Hwy., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nDaily Hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nGreen Mountain - 28740\n\nAlternate location: 670 W. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nHot Springs - 28743\n\n111 Bridge St., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; closed 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. for lunch.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00-10:30 a.m.\n\nMarshall - 28753\n\nAlternate location: 100 S. Main St., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; closed 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. for lunch.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nMicaville - 28755\n\nAlternate location: 670 W. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nMontreat - 28757\n\nAlternate location: 2 Tucker Rd., Ridgecrest, NC 28770\n\nDaily hours M-F: 12:30-4:30 p.m.\n\nPenland - 28765\n\nAlternative location: 899 Oak Ave., Spruce Pine, NC 28777\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nRosman - 28778\n\nAlternate location: 272 Main St., Rosman, NC 28772\n\nDaily hours M-F: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; closed 12:30-1:30 p.m. for lunch.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 10:00-11:00 a.m.\n\nSwannanoa - 28765\n\nAlternate location: 1141 Tunnel Rd., Ste. C, Asheville, NC 28805\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.\n\nAll remaining locations are attempting delivery where it is safe to do so.\n\nMultiple United Parcel Service (UPS) sites continue to be affected by power, flooding, and downed trees/power and lines/storm related obstacles.\n\nThe Hendersonville and Asheville UPS buildings are currently operational and are being powered by portable generators.\n\nDelivery of packages in these areas is increasing as road conditions improve daily.\n\nPharmacy Access\n\nThe Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response under the Department of Health and Human Services has activated the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) for North Carolinians as of Friday, October 4.\n\nThe EPAP program helps uninsured residents replace prescription medication or certain medical equipment lost or damaged during Hurricane Helene.\n\nThrough the program, uninsured residents can:\n\nRequest a free 30-day supply of certain prescription medications at any EPAP-participating pharmacy which can be renewed every 30 days while the EPAP is active.\n\nReplace certain medical equipment and supplies such as canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, blood sugar meters and blood sugar test strips for diabetics.\n\nUninsured North Carolina residents affected by the recent hurricane can call the EPAP hotline, 855-793-7470, or visit the EPAP website to check their eligibility, determine if their medications or medical equipment are covered, or locate a participating pharmacy.\n\nPrescription Pad is open from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and filling prescriptions for Yancey County residents at the following location:\n\n730 E. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nFor individuals able to safely travel to fill a prescription, CVS at the following locations are actively open as of October 2:\n\n324 Long Shoals Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\n505 Smokey Park Hwy., Asheville, NC 28806\n\n371 Asheville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\n3450 Hendersonville Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\n1605 Four Seasons Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\n2001 Spartanburg Hwy., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\n111 S Main St., Rutherfordton, NC 28139\n\n773 Russ Ave., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nYou can also use this link to locate non-CVS pharmacy locations open to the public by county.\n\nHow to Acquire a Prescription:\n\nIf a store is closed, you can still call the number and the pharmacy\u2019s phone lines have been rerouted to a nearby CVS Pharmacy that is open to help patients access their prescriptions.\n\nPatients can visit any CVS Pharmacy for assistance with immediate prescription needs.\n\nOpen Urgent Cares/ Health Care Services\n\nThere is a field hospital with physicians, nurses and paramedics who can treat patients at the Burnsville Fire Department. The address is as follows:\n\n305 Pineola St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nThe following urgent cares are open and accessible for community members with non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries:\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Weaverville\n\n61 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nMercy Urgent Care West Asheville\n\n1201 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nMercy Urgent Care Waynesville\n\n120 Frazier St., Ste. 6, Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nLocations open between 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Brevard\n\n22 Trust Ln., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Columbus\n\n140 West Mills St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nLocations open between 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.:\n\nMobile Urgent Care Clinic\n\n12 Florida Ave., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nMental Health & Basic Medical Support Center\n\n130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nPardee Urgent Care\n\n45 Hendersonville Hwy., Ste. A, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nFree mental health services - All available for drop-in\n\nCare Collaborative for Western North Carolina Clinicians is a partnership among more than 200 mental health professionals volunteering to provide free mental health services for Hurricane Helene survivors.\n\nServices are provided virtually, and you can follow this link to find a professional that fits your needs and their contact information to schedule a session.\n\nHot Springs Elementary School - Art Room\n\n63 N. Serpentine Ave., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nThe Pearl Institute\n\n55 Academy St., Waynesville, NC\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-6:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nFree telehealth appointments are also available.\n\nTo book a telehealth appointment, you can email info@pearlpsychedelicinstitute.org or call/text (828) 400-7091\n\nAll University of North Carolina System students have access to free mental health through their university.\n\nPlease monitor your student email for more information on how to access these services.\n\nThe following emergency orthopedic offices are open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily:\n\n800 Fleming St., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\n2585 Hendersonville Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\n9 Haywood Office Park, Ste. 102 and 103, Waynesville, NC 28785\n\nPlease Note: Emergency orthopedic phone services are down so patients will be seen on a walk-in basis without appointment.\n\nDialysis Locations\n\nThe following location is open and available for dialysis treatments in NC-11:\n\nPardee Hospital\n\n800 N. Justice St., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nThis location can dialyze 30 patients a day.\n\nDaVita Kidney Care nurses are reaching out to their patients to coordinate treatment, but the following DaVita locations are available:\n\nDaVita Greer South Dialysis\n\n3254 Brushy Greek Rd., Greer, SC 29650\n\nContact Number: (864) 801-2065\n\nDaVita Saluda River Dialysis\n\n8080 Augusta Rd., Piedmont, SC 29673\n\nContact Number: (833) 378-2702\n\nDaVita Wofford at Home\n\n8024 White Ave., Spartanburg, SC 29303\n\nContact Number: (864) 583-4788\n\nDaVita Boiling Springs Dialysis\n\n196 Sloane Garden Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316\n\nContact Number: (833) 458-4809\n\nOxygen Locations\n\nHendersonville High School\n\n1 Bearcat Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nMust be assessed through Pardee Hospital.\n\nLincare is only serving established patients.\n\nPatients must bring in empty tanks to one of the following locations:\n\nAsheville Lincare\n\n103 Elk Park Dr., Asheville, NC 28804\n\nFax number: (866) 234-6698\n\nGreenville Lincare\n\n355 Woodruff Rd., Ste. 204 and 205, Greenville, SC 29607\n\nFax Number: (864) 288-0339\n\nThe following locations are available for oxygen refills, but patients must bring their own oxygen equipment - fire departments are available 24/7:\n\nBoiling Springs Fire Department\n\n186 Rainbow Lake Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316\n\nReidville Fire Department\n\n7450 Reidville Rd., Woodruff, SC 29388\n\nInman City Fire Department\n\n6 Humphrey St., Inman, SC 29349\n\nFirst Presbyterian Church\n\n393 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29302\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.\n\nGreer Relief Indigo Hope Neighborhood Impact Center\n\n113C Berry Ave., Greer, SC 29651\n\nDaily hours: 2:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nCroft Fire Department\n\n370 Cedar Springs Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29302\n\nArkwright Fire Department\n\n1070 Southport Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29306\n\nRoebuck Fire Department\n\n2639 Stone Station Rd., Roebuck, SC 29376\\\n\nNorth Spartanburg Fire Department\n\n8767 Asheville Hwy., Spartanburg, SC 29316\n\nResources for Veterans\n\nLegionnaires, Sons of the American Legion members and Legion Posts that have been displaced from their primary residence due to damage sustained during Hurricane Helene may be eligible for financial assistance through the American Legion.\n\nLegionnaires and Sons of the American Legion members may be eligible for up to $3,000.\n\nLegion Posts may be eligible for up to $10,000.\n\nTo learn more or to request assistance, please use this link.\n\nApplications must be submitted within 90 days of the disaster: Dec. 26, 2024.\n\nThe Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville and Master Sergeant Jerry K. Crump VA Clinic in Forest City are open for essential and emergency services.\n\nVeterans can:\n\nVisit the Asheville VA Hospital pharmacy for medication refills or:\n\nCall the Regional Clinical Contact Center at (855) 679-0074 and press 1 for pharmacy representatives.\n\nLocal pharmacies in the VA\u2019s community care network will also fill written prescriptions, or prescriptions as they appear on an active VA prescription bottle that is not older than six months and has available refills, to provide a 30-day supply.\n\nHickory and Franklin outpatient VA clinics are now operating regularly.\n\nDue to the damage and personal losses caused by Hurricane Helene to the staff of the VA, it will take some time to bring staffing to full capacity.\n\nPlease be patient as the VA works to rebuild their workforce.\n\nResources for Farmers\n\nThe United States Department of Agriculture is beginning to put together a list of resources for farmers and other agricultural industry members.\n\nIf your agricultural operation has been impacted by Hurricane Helene, you can review this link, farmers.gov, for emergency and disaster assistance programs.\n\nPower and Gas\n\nAbout 117,000 customers remain without power in Western North Carolina.\n\nCustomers whose properties are inaccessible or not able to receive power may be without electricity for an extended period of time as Duke Energy works to rebuild critical infrastructure.\n\nRestoration of service for all other customers in the heavily impacted areas is anticipated within a week, by Sunday, October 13.\n\nCrews are working around the clock to restore power as quickly as possible.\n\nAs work on substations conclude, Duke Energy is moving personnel to work on the power grid\u2019s thousands of miles of lines and poles that serve individual homes and businesses.\n\nThis work can feel slower because the same amount of work restores fewer customers.\n\nFor more information on Duke Energy\u2019s power restoration efforts, you can review the following links:\n\nComplex Repair & Disaster Rebuild Zones Map: duke-energy.com/info/carolinas-restoration\n\nOutage Map: duke-energy.com/outages\n\nOutage Alerts: duke-energy.com/outages/alerts\n\nGenerator safety: duke-energy.com/outages/generators\n\nPower restoration process: duke-energy.com/outages/restoring-your-power\n\nRoads\n\nA \u201cDO NOT DRIVE\u201d message remains in place from the North Carolina Department of Transportation for most of Western North Carolina.\n\nUnless it is an emergency, please do not travel to the hardest hit communities.\n\nCherokee, Graham, Clay, Swain, Macon and Jackson counties ARE FULLY OPEN to people who can access them through safe routes.\n\nPlease DO NOT try to visit or travel through the areas hardest hit by the storm.\n\nNCDOT has reopened more than 450 roads.\n\nRoughly 630 roads remain closed, 105 of which are primary routes.\n\nCut-and-shove operations continue in areas of Henderson and Polk counties.\n\nAll other storm impacted areas in Division 14 have transitioned to damage assessment and/or repairs of primary and secondary routes by state or contract forces.\n\nDivision 14 includes all NC-11 counties, other than: McDowell, Rutherford, Buncombe, Madison, and Yancey counties.\n\nNon-Division 14 counties are a part of Division 13, which has seen an influx of transfer crews to increase personnel and equipment support for cut and shove efforts.\n\nUSDOT approved an initial $100 million in Emergency Repair funds to NCDOT.\n\nDamage to our mountain roads exceeds $100 million but USDOT\u2019s investment is a significant and most welcome start.\n\nA total of 2,050 DOT employees are working to restore and repair road access in WNC.\n\nNCDOT also has:\n\n1,100 pieces of heavy equipment for debris clearance and road repairs in affected areas, including dump trucks, backhoes, loaders, graders, etc.\n\nMore than 50 personnel from neighboring states on the ground providing assistance.\n\nAs of October 7, public transportation agencies in areas impacted by Helene have provided 487 evacuation trips and transported 2,018 people out of impacted areas to safety.\n\nYesterday, NC DMV reopened nine of the 16 driver license offices that had been closed since Hurricane Helene hit.\n\nThe following DMV offices are open for walk-in services Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., closed between 11:30 a.m. through 1:00 p.m. for a lunch break:\n\nBurke County - Closest open location for McDowell and Yancey County residents\n\n115 Government Dr., Morganton, NC 28655\n\nCherokee County\n\n1440 Main St., Andrews, NC 28901\n\nHaywood County\n\n290 Lee Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nHenderson County\n\n125 Baystone Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nJackson County\n\n876 Skyland Dr., Ste. 2, Sylva, NC 28779\n\nMacon County\n\n16 Patton Ave., Franklin, NC 28734\n\nRutherford County\n\n596 Withrow Rd., Forest City, NC 28043\n\nSwain County\n\n2650 Governors Island Rd., Bryson City, NC 28713\n\nTransylvania County\n\n50 Commerce St., Ste. 4, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nThe Department of Motor Vehicles plans to reopen two more driver license offices on Wednesday, October 9.\n\nThe Asheville driver license office will remain closed until water service can be restored.\n\nAll but five license plate agencies have reopened.\n\nAir traffic has sustained at 300 percent above pre-hurricane levels in Western NC.\n\nNCDOT\u2019s aviation division continue to work to make sure flight operations are safe coming into and out of airports, including by:\n\nScheduling landing/unloading times and aircraft parking so aircraft are spaced out and to reduce the risk of incidents.\n\nEstablishing a first of its kind \u201ccorridors in the sky\u201d to separate civilian and military aircraft in the air.\n\nHaving search and rescue partners use short, time and location specific restrictions on air operations to enhance safety when multiple helicopters are engaged in search and rescue efforts.\n\nThe state of North Carolina is NOT turning away civil aviation support so long as it has been coordinated through the proper channels with NC Emergency Management.\n\nIf you or someone you know is interested in providing civil aviation support and don\u2019t know where to coordinate your efforts, please call my office and we will help you get in touch with the right folks.\n\nNCDOT has launched a detour map to show motorists how to get around closures on I-26 and I-40 at the Tennessee border.\n\nYou can access the map here.\n\nInternet Access\n\nInternet providers are working with local energy and cell providers to restore service for customers across Western North Carolina.\n\nRestoration timelines are not available at this time.\n\nInternet providers including Optimum and Spectrum are working around the clock to restore service for customers. However, part of the network\u2019s infrastructure was destroyed by mudslides and collapsed bridges making restoration a lengthy process.\n\nAs a result, some impacted areas will require a rebuild of the network from scratch.\n\nTo mitigate the lack of service, Optimum, formerly Altice USA, has set up an Optimum Wi-Fi Trailer that is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the following locations:\n\n717 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\n1800 Four Seasons Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nThe following locations are offering free public wi-fi:\n\nFirst Baptist Church - Weaverville\n\n63 N. Main St, Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nDowntown Franklin\n\nThe Town of Franklin has free wi-fi on the town hill area in downtown.\n\nTransylvania County Library - 24/7\n\n212 S. Gaston St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNewfound Artison through today, October 6\n\nHigh-speed internet and charging outlets\n\nAvailable 12:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nThe Yard Brevard\n\n284 Railroad Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nBrevard Visitor Center\n\n175 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAvailable daily from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nCell Service\n\nCommunications in the region are improving rapidly.\n\nRoughly 80 percent of access to cell service has been restored in Western North Carolina.\n\nMore than 100 temporary network assets have been deployed across all service providers in NC-11 to assist with service quality.\n\nCell service providers have implemented disaster roaming for any phone located in Western North Carolina to maximize phone service for all users.\n\nDisaster roaming allows users to connect to any mobile network during a disaster when other networks are down.\n\nThis allows users to access emergency services, such as 911, even when their own network is out.\n\nIf you have service one moment, but experience a reduction in service the next, try restarting your phone to jumpstart disaster roaming again.\n\nUpCycle Tech in Transylvania County is offering free computers and phones for use at the following location:\n\n470 Asheville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAT&T has deployed its Mobile Connectivity Center to the following location:\n\nSam\u2019s Club: 645 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nThe Mobile Connectivity Center is an air-conditioned mobile unit open to the public, equipped with laptops, charging stations and wi-fi.\n\nThe public can use the center for various needs including contacting your insurance company, filling out paperwork or connecting with loved ones.\n\nVerizon has deployed Wireless Emergency Communication Centers to help hurricane survivors stay connected to their friends, family and other important contacts.\n\nWireless Emergency Communication Centers are generator-powered mobile units that have device charging and computer workstations, along with wireless phones, tablets, and other devices available for use.\n\nVerizon\u2019s Wireless Emergency Communication Centers have been set up at the following locations:\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nAsheville YMCA\n\n30 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nFamily Justice Center\n\n35 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nGroce United Methodist Church\n\n954 Tunnel Rd., Asheville, NC 28805\n\nVerizon also has charging stations at the following locations:\n\nYMCA of Western North Carolina\n\n348 Grace Corpening Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nTwo charging stations at this location\n\nWNC Agricultural Center\n\n761 Boylston Hwy., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nThree charging stations at this location\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nOne charging station at this location\n\nT-Mobile has set up satellite cellular on light trucks (SatCOLTs), providing cellular voice and data along with wi-fi and charging stations at the following locations:\n\nAsheville Middle School\n\n211 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center\n\n285 Livingston St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nFirst Baptist Church\n\n130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nAdditional T-Mobile satellite cell on trucks are located in Hendersonville and at a Tractor Supply Co. in Asheville, with others planned for Mission Hospital in Asheville, Cherokee County Emergency Operations Center in Murphy, and in Cherokee.\n\nNorth Carolina National Guard & Department of Defense\n\nMore than 4,900 federal responders are on the ground in Western North Carolina, including the 1,500 active-duty service members.\n\nMore than 1,800 North Carolina National Guard soldiers and airmen have been deployed to provide support to Western North Carolina so far.\n\nThe National Guard has more than 700 vehicles and 50 helicopters from six states and two active-duty units in Western NC for rescue and recovery, debris clearing, and other missions.\n\nSo far, the National Guard has:\n\nDelivered more than 2,614 tons of commodities to affected areas\n\nCleared 1,052 obstacles\n\nRescued nearly 1,000 individuals\n\nThe Department of Defense has also deployed 918 vehicles and 41 aircraft to Western North Carolina.\n\nThe Guard\u2019s key tasks continue to be search and rescue of impacted civilian personnel, followed by:\n\nDelivery of essential relief supplies to points of need\n\nClearing of routes to gain access to isolated communities\n\nAlthough airspace is limited due to ongoing missions by the National Guard and Department of Defense, a process has been established for private pilots seeking to fly in humanitarian relief to coordinate with local authorities.\n\nIf you are looking to fly in resources and don\u2019t know where to turn, call my office and we will get you in contact with the right coordinators.\n\nHere are a few key phone numbers from the NCNG:\n\nHOTLINE: 888-892-1162\n\nEmergency management watch: 919-733-3300\n\nDonated goods: 919-825-2474\n\nThese lines have very high call volumes. If you do not get through the first try, keep calling.\n\nAsheville Regional Airport\n\nAsheville Regional Airport closed mid-day on Friday, September 27, due to risk of flooding.\n\nCommercial flights at Asheville Regional Airport have resumed.\n\nIf you parked your car in an Asheville Regional Airport lot and could not retrieve the vehicle due to the storm, great news - none of the airport\u2019s lots flooded and all cars are fine.\n\nStay safe and pick up your car when you are able.\n\nPLEASE NOTE:\n\nNo general aviation pilots are allowed to land at Asheville Regional Airport without prior clearance from FEMA to ensure the safety of aircraft and personnel.\n\nSupply deliveries by civilian pilots ARE permitted to land at Asheville Regional Airport so long as they have prior clearance from FEMA.\n\nFEMA is not turning away any pilot that has gone through the proper channels to coordinate delivery and ensure the safety of his fellow aircraft and personnel.\n\nFederal Nutrition Programs\n\nThe U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service has approved flexibilities due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene.\n\nSNAP\n\nNorth Carolina was granted a waiver for the 10-day reporting requirement for the replacement of food purchased with SNAP benefits lost because of the hurricane.\n\nThis waiver provides additional time beyond the standard 10-day time frame for households to report food losses and receive replacement benefits for food that was destroyed and previously purchased with SNAP benefits.\n\nChild Nutrition\n\nThe North Carolina Department of Public Instruction was approved for a waiver pertaining to the child nutrition programs.\n\nUnder the waiver approval, NCDPI\u2019s local program operators may:\n\nServe meals in a non-congregate setting\n\nAdjust the time of meal service\n\nAllow parent pick-up\n\nAllow service of meals at school sites\n\nFood and Nutrition Services Program\n\nPeople and families in North Carolina who are enrolled in the Food and Nutrition Services program can now use their EBT card to purchase hot food.\n\nThis flexibility will remain in effect until November 3.\n\nSpecial Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, & Children (WIC)\n\nFamilies participating in WIC who may have relocated to a new area can go to any NC WIC agency to:\n\nHave a new eWIC card issued\n\nRequest replacement breastfeeding supplies or breast pumps\n\nRequest replacement food that was purchased with current WIC benefits and lost due to Hurricane Helene\n\nFor NC-11 Medical Providers\n\nIf you own a medical practice in NC-11 and are experiencing financial hardship due to Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina Medical Society is reactivating its Financial Recovery Program (FRP) to help you recover and open your doors again.\n\nFor more information on the disaster relief fund, you can visit this link.\n\nDetails on how medical practices can qualify and apply for funds will be coming soon.\n\nThe Department of Health and Human Services through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has made available:\n\nAccelerated payments to Medicare Part A providers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nAdvance payments to Medicare Part B suppliers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nFor Local Government Resource Requests\n\nFor county leaders: This is a reminder to make sure your Emergency Operation Center has submitted the request for gasoline, food, water, cell service deployables, etc. with North Carolina Emergency Management to have your request processed and resources delivered.\n\nMy office stands ready to assist with checking the status of your request if the county or municipality has not heard back from NC Emergency Management within 24 hours.\n\nFor Individual Assistance through FEMA\n\nNorth Carolina received a Major Disaster Declaration for the following counties: Buncombe, Clay, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania and Yancey counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.\n\nPeople with damage to their homes or personal property who live in one of the above-listed counties should apply for Individual Assistance through FEMA, which may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies.\n\nFunds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay.\n\nIndividual Assistance provides financial aid and services to eligible individuals and households that have been affected by a disaster to assist with the recovery process. Individuals can officially begin applying for Individual Assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling the application phone number at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. EST.\n\nTo date, FEMA has paid out more than $33 million in housing and other types of assistance and more than 109,000 Western North Carolinians have registered for Individual Assistance.\n\nTo Connect with a Loved One\n\nResidents trying to connect with family members may call NC 211 (or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from out-of-state) to report missing loved ones or request a welfare check.\n\nPeople in the impacted areas can indicate that they are safe by reporting themselves safe through Red Cross Reunification by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).\n\nPlease only use 911 for life-threatening emergencies so the lines remain open for critical situations.\n\nIf you are still trying to locate a friend or family member, please complete this form to notify local officials of their missing status.\n\nThe form was created by Buncombe County but information is being shared amongst all counties.\n\nRegardless of which county your loved one was last known to be in, you can still submit the form.\n\nBuncombe County will share the information with the appropriate officials to initiate search and rescue efforts.\n\nUnited Way is also fielding missing person/welfare check requests.\n\nText PERSON to 40403 to add a loved one to search and rescue efforts or fill out this form.\n\nResources for Utility & Other Status Updates\n\nFor information on the status of utilities, debris sites, etc., we want to share the following resources. As communications are restored and more information becomes available, these sites will continue to be updated.\n\nDrinking Water Systems: Public Water Supply Situation Report Tracking\n\nDebris Disposal Sites: Active Temporary Debris Disposal Sites\n\nNCDEQ Situation Report Tracking System\n\nNCDPS Hurricane Helene - Storm Information\n\nNCDPS County Emergency Management Agencies\n\nHow to Apply for FEMA Assistance After Hurricane Helene\n\nFree Legal Assistance\n\nLegal Aid of North Carolina stands ready to provide free advice and legal counsel regarding natural disaster needs, including legal representation if necessary, including for civil legal issues involving:\n\nFiling FEMA claims and appeals (a process which can be overwhelmingly bureaucratic and burdensome)\n\nReplacement of lost or destroyed legal and government documents, including driver\u2019s licenses and identification cards\n\nMedical and insurance claims\n\nHome repair contracts\n\nUtility disputes related to restoration of services\n\nConsumer protection issues like construction fraud, price-gouging on repairs and identity theft\n\nHousing issues such as unlawful eviction and foreclosures\n\nBankruptcy\n\nProbate and clearing title for survivors living in generational homes without a clear title\n\nFamily law cases and children in need of services (unfortunately, domestic violence tends to rise following a natural disaster)\n\nIf you need civil legal assistance, please contact Legal Aid of North Carolina via the following toll-free hotline:\n\n(866) 219-LANC or (866) 219-5262\n\nThe hotline is available from:\n\n8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; and 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Monday and Thursdays.\n\nConstituents can also apply online at legalaidnc.org/get-help/ between 1:00-4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday.\n\nIRS Guidance for Taxpayers Impacted by Hurricane Helene\n\nExtension of certain tax filing deadlines:\n\nIRS has extended various filing deadlines for taxpayers in impacted areas, including 2024 individual/business returns, certain quarterly estimated income tax payments, and certain payroll/excise taxes.\n\nClick here for the full list of extensions and respective dates\n\nClick here for more information from the IRS on disaster assistance\n\nTax relief for qualified payments, disaster-related losses:\n\nIRS released provided guidance to taxpayers on how to address disaster-related losses in their 2024 tax return, as well as providing guidance on how qualified disaster relief payments - like government assistance payments - are generally excluded from gross income.\n\nClick here for a general walkthrough of these policies (under header \u201cAdditional tax relief\u201d)\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of disaster-related losses\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of qualified disaster relief payments\n\nShelters\n\nFor those unable to evacuate to a safe location or in need of a place to go, the following shelters are currently open and available as of October 9:\n\nBuncombe\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nGold\u2019s Gym\n\n801 Fairview Rd, Asheville, NC 28803\n\nWNC Agricultural Center\n\n1301 Fanning Bridge Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nHaywood\n\nHaywood County Government Armory\n\n285 Armory Dr., Clyde, NC 28781\n\nHenderson\n\nEdneyville Elementary School\n\n2875 Pace Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nHenderson County Recreation Center\n\n708 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nMadison\n\nMadison Early College High School\n\n5374 US Hwy 25-70, Marshall, NC 28755\n\nMcDowell\n\nGlenwood Baptist Church\n\n1550 Glenwood Baptist Church Rd., Marion, NC 29640\n\nYMCA of Western North Carolina\n\n348 Grace Corpening Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nPolk\n\nPolk County High School\n\n1681 NC 108 Hwy. E., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nRutherford\n\nRutherfordton/Spindale Central High School\n\n641 US 221 Hwy. N., Rutherfordton, NC 28139\n\nTransylvania\n\nTransylvania Parks & Rec\n\n1078 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nYancey\n\nBlue Ridge Elementary\n\n910 Cane River School Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nCane River Middle School\n\n1128 Cane River School Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nWith my warmest regards,\n\nChuck Edwards\n\nMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/hurricane-helene-update-10-congressman-edwards", "Hurricane Helene update #10 from Congressman Edwards", "2024-10-07", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Chuck Edwards", "E000246", "edwards.house.gov", "edwards", "https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "October 7, 2024\n\nDear Friend,\n\nHere\u2019s to hope: 6,586 people have been rescued, evacuated or assisted by search and rescue teams since Hurricane Helene hit, including 39 survivors being rescued on Saturday, October 5, over eight full days into rescue efforts.\n\nMore than 4,000 first responders, national guardsmen, and active-duty military are in Western North Carolina looking for your friends, your family, or if you\u2019re still stranded waiting for help - they\u2019re looking for you. And they won\u2019t stop until every missing person is accounted for.\n\nI\u2019m sure many of you have heard that there is a second hurricane brewing on the coast of Florida. It is not expected to hit Western North Carolina, but if it maintains it\u2019s intensity as a Category 4 hurricane, it is expected to be catastrophic. I\u2019m here to tell you that we will support Florida in any way we can, but I am also committed to making sure Western North Carolina does not get left behind in place of the newest natural disaster.\n\nThe resources and help I have listed over the last nine days are here to stay.\n\nToday is update number 10 and includes details on where to find critical health care services including orthopedic care, dialysis treatments, and oxygen tanks, and an updated timeline on power restoration for individuals in the hardest hit areas. More information is to come in the following days.\n\nAs always, please make sure to read everything and share it with your friends and family.\n\nFood and Water\n\nSupplying drinkable water remains a top priority for emergency crews.\n\n84 water systems are on a boil advisory.\n\n24 treatment plants have reported having no power and 33 systems are out of water.\n\nWater restoration trends continue to move in a positive direction.\n\nThe Federal Emergency Management Agency has promised 120 truckloads a day of food and water with no specified end date.\n\nFEMA has shipped 13 million meals and 13 million liters of water utilizing the $20 billion in funds that I helped to draft and pass for disaster relief just two days before Hurricane Helene hit.\n\nOf the shipped food and water, more than 6 million liters of water and 4 million individual meals have already been delivered to Western NC communities.\n\nWalmart is hosting activities at the following locations:\n\nHendersonville, NC Store 1242\n\n250 Highlands Square Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nPortable restrooms\n\nServing hot meals at 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily\n\nArden, NC Store 1179\n\n60 Airport Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nPortable restrooms\n\nLaundry\n\nShowers\n\nWi-fi hotspot and charging stations\n\nBuncombe County\n\nBuncombe County has begun water distribution at multiple sites. Each will be available daily from 1:00 -7:00 p.m.:\n\nPack Square Park - you MUST bring your own container for this site\n\n80 Court Plz., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nWilliam W. Estes Elementary School\n\n275 Overlook Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nSand Hill-Venable Elementary\n\n154 Sand Hill School Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nNorth Windy Ridge Intermediate School\n\n20 Doan Rd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nFairview Elementary\n\n1355 Charlotte Hwy., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nThe following major feeding site is available in Buncombe County, where citizens can access food, water and other basic necessities:\n\nBiltmore Baptist Church\n\n35 Clayton Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nDistribution and bulk pickup for volunteers looking to take bulk loads of supplies to in-need community members\n\nSaturday hours: 10:00 a.m. \u2013 1:00 p.m.\n\nCommunity drive-thru for anyone in the community needing supplies\n\nSaturday hours: 3:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church \u2013 Weaverville\n\n63 N. Main St., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nHot showers available from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nUnlimited clean drinking water is available, bring your own container.\n\nSupplies and bottled water.\n\nHot lunch served at 1:30 p.m.\n\nFood and drinking water are available from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily at the following locations:\n\nAsheville Middle School\n\n211 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nIngles\n\n550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nThis location also has handwashing stations and portable restrooms\n\nLinwood Crump Shiloh Community Center\n\n121 Shiloh Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nLucy Herring Elementary\n\n98 Sulphur Springs Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nOakley Elementary School\n\n753 Fairvew Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nHaywood County\n\nThe following locations are providing community members with essential resources such as but not limited to, food, water, cleaning products, baby formula, and pet food, Monday through Fridays:\n\nFines Creek Community Center\n\n190 Fines Creek Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nOpen every day until 6:00 p.m.\n\nPigeon Community Center\n\n450 Pigeon St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nAlso offering hot meals every day at 2:00 p.m.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCruso Community Center\n\n13186 Cruso Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.\n\nFirst United Methodist Church\n\n566 S. Haywood St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nIncludes shower access.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.\n\nMaggie Valley Pavilion\n\n3935 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nDaily Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.\n\nWoodland Baptist Church\n\n545 Crabtree Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nBethel Elementary School\n\n4700 Old River Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nJonathan Valley Elementary School\n\n410 Hall Dr., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nMonday through Friday\n\nSt. John the Evangelist Catholic Church - in the Parish Hall\n\n234 Church St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.\n\nMonday to Friday\n\nHot food available from 4:00 p.m. to 7 :00 p.m. daily.\n\nSt. Barnabas Catholic Church\n\n109 Crescent Hill Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nDaily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.\n\nReynolds Baptist Church - Family Life Center\n\n520 Rose Hill Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.\n\nThis location also has potable water available to residents who bring their own vessels to fill.\n\nThe following location offers hot meals daily:\n\nMaggie Valley Fire Department\n\n2901 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nThe following location offers showers daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.:\n\nCalvary Baptist Church\n\n2701 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nHenderson County\n\nHenderson County has stood up Resource Hub locations for water distribution and other supplies as they become available.\n\nDistribution will be taking place daily from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 6 at the following locations:\n\nEtowah Elementary: 320 Etowah School Rd., Etowah, NC 28729\n\nRugby Middle School: 3345 Haywood Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nEast Henderson High School: 150 Eagle Pride Dr., East Flat Rock, NC 28726\n\nNorth Henderson High School: 35 Fruitland Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nMills River Town Hall: 124 Town Center Dr., Mills River, NC 28759\n\nFletcher Town Hall: 300 Old Cane Creek Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nEach family unit will be provided supplies for one day\u2019s meal and water as available.\n\nIndividuals are asked to enter the drive-through and remain in your car unless otherwise instructed by volunteers to ensure an efficient process.\n\nJackson County\n\nIn partnership with the Red Cross, the following is available for citizens of Jackson County:\n\nThe Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau are providing shelf-stable meals at the following location:\n\n558 Frank Allen Rd., Cashiers, NC 28717\n\nHours of operation to come.\n\nThe Canada Fire Department is distributing emergency supplies at the following location:\n\n149 Charleys Creek Rd., Tuckasegee, NC 28783\n\nHours of operation to come.\n\nMadison County\n\nThe following locations are offering food, water, and some supply distribution in Madison County:\n\nBeech Glen Community Center\n\n2936 Beech Glen Rd., Mars Hill, 28754\n\nDaily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.\n\nCenter Community Center\n\n1300 Grapevine Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nEbbs Chapel Community Center\n\n281 Laurel Valley Rd., Mars Hill, NC 28754\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nEnon Baptist Church\n\n174 Ammons Branch Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nOpen Sunday 12:00-4:00 p.m.\n\nFreedom Christian Church\n\n7350 US 25/70 Bypass, Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThis location offers additional resources such as hygiene products, blankets, clothes, cleaning supplies, diapers, pet food, etc.\n\nLaurel Community Center - also has supplies\n\n4100 NC 212 Hwy., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily Hours: 8:00 a.m. \u2013 8:00 p.m.\n\nRevere-Rice Community Center\n\n3980 Revere Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (Mon-Sat)\n\nSpring Creek Community Center\n\n13075 NC 209 Hwy., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThis location also has additional resources such as pet food, livestock feed and hay.\n\nWalnut Community Center - also has supplies\n\n46 School Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.\n\nN.C. Cooperative Extension - Madison County Center\n\n258 Carolina Ln., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nThis location is offering drive-thru food distribution only.\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMcDowell County has established multiple points of distribution that are open daily from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 4:00-6:00 p.m., depending on supply levels.\n\nDistribution takes place daily at the following locations:\n\nFormer TJ\u2019s Discounts - North Cove\n\n8153 US 221 N., Marion, NC 28752\n\nOld Fort Town Hall\n\n38 Catawba Ave., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nNew Manna Baptist Church\n\n225 E. Court St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nSolid Rock Free Will Baptist Church - Dysartsville\n\n7860 NC 226 S., Nebo, NC 28761\n\nZion Hill Baptist Church\n\n1036 Zion Hill Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nHot meals are also being provided at the following location:\n\nGrace Community Church\n\n5182 US 70 W., Marion, NC 28752\n\nLunch is served every day from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.\n\nDinner is available from 4:00-5:30 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church of Marion is offering hot showers, air conditioning, and areas to charge devices.\n\nCurrent hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 2:00-5:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday.\n\nPolk County\n\nThe following locations are offering food and water distribution for residents in need from 1:00-5:00 p.m.:\n\nMill Spring/Green Creek Community\n\n25 International Blvd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nColumbus Community\n\n95 Walker St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nSaluda Community Bus Parking Lot\n\n214 E. Main St., Saluda, NC 28773\n\nTryon Community\n\n301 N. Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782\n\nSunny View\n\n86 Sunny View School Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nRutherford County\n\nThe following locations are open from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. for citizens to get food and emergency supplies:\n\nThomas Jefferson High School\n\n2527 US-221A Hwy., Mooresboro, NC 28114\n\nFlorence Baptist Church\n\n201 S. Broadway St., Forest City, NC 28043\n\nRutherford County Health Department\n\n221 Callahan Koon Rd., Spindale, NC 28160\n\nGilkey Church of God\n\n255 Oak Springs Rd., Rutherfordton, NC 28139\n\nParks, Recreation, & Lake Office\n\n658 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nLake Lure Baptist Church\n\n6837 US-74 ALT, Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nIngles at Lake Lure - meals only\n\n276 NC-9, Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nOffers hot meals at 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. and 4:30-6:30 p.m.\n\nAlso offers showers, restrooms, a mobile health van, a tool trailer, a charging station (please bring your own charging cord), and wi-fi.\n\nFather\u2019s Vineyard - also has shower and charging stations\n\n724 Oakland Rd., Spindale, NC 28160\n\nSpencer Baptist Church - water distribution only\n\n187 N Oak St., Spindale, NC 28160\n\nUnited Way of Rutherford County - water distribution and charging stations only\n\n668 Withrow Rd., Forest City, NC 28043\n\nThe Church at Sapphire - through October 10\n\n620 Whitewater Rd., Sapphire, NC 28774\n\nDaily hours: 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.\n\nLittle River Baptist Church - through October 11\n\n51 Little River Church Rd., Penrose, NC 28766\n\nBreakfast hours: 8:00-10:00 a.m.\n\nLunch hours: 12:30-2:00 p.m.\n\nDinner hours: 6:00-7:30 p.m.\n\nTransylvania County\n\nThe following locations are providing hot meals to county residents:\n\nThe Church at Sapphire - through October 10\n\n620 Whitewater Rd., Sapphire, NC 28774\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-4:00 p.m.\n\nLittle River Baptist Church - through October 11\n\n51 Little River Church Rd., Penrose, NC 28766\n\nBreakfast hours: 8:00-10:00 a.m.\n\nLunch hours: 12:30-2:00 p.m.\n\nDinner hours: 6:00-7:30 p.m.\n\nCedar Mountain Community Center\n\n10635 Greenville Hwy., Cedar Mountain, NC 28718\n\nBreakfast hours: 9:00-11:00 a.m.\n\nLunch hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nDinner hours: 4:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nBalsam Grove Community Center - daily until power is fully restored\n\n8732 Parkway Rd., Balsam Grove, NC 28708\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.Resource pick-up locations are listed below by county. As I learn more, I will keep you posted:\n\nBottled water is available daily at local fire departments and 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Anchor Baptist Church located at:\n\n3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nWater filling stations can be found at the following locations:\n\nCity Sports Complex\n\n824 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.\n\nCedar Mountain Outpost\n\n8431 Greenville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nTerritory Brevard\n\n43 S. Broad St, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nDD Bullwinkles\n\n60 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nFirst United Methodist Church\n\n325 N. Broad St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nPisgah Forest Baptist Church\n\n494 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nNewfound Artisan\n\n22 W. Jordan St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nThrough today, October 6.\n\nHours: 12:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nFood, water, and other supplies such as hygiene products are being distributed at the following locations:\n\nAnchor Baptist Church\n\n3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThe Church at Sapphire\n\n620 Whitewater Rd., Sapphire, NC 28774\n\nThrough October 10.\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-4:00 p.m.\n\nYancey County\n\nYancey County has transitioned to one centralized distribution site for water, food and ice located at the following address:\n\nAltec\n\n150 Altec Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nMobile laundry facilities are available in the GO Grocery parking lot located at the following address:\n\n631 W Hwy. 19E Bypass, Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nTrash Services and Debris Removal\n\nIf your home has damages and you need assistance with clean up, please call Crisis Cleanup for access to volunteer organizations that can assist you at 844-965-1386.\n\nAdditionally, the following counties have resources for where to take debris waste.\n\nBuncombe\n\nCurbside collection will begin Monday for City of Asheville sanitation customers.\n\nThere will be no recycling pick up until the recycling plant is operational.\n\nResidents can use both recycling and trash carts for household waste.\n\nThe following materials cannot be collected at this time: Mud, construction debris, concrete and other bulky or hazardous items.\n\nDebris collection is estimated to start in mid-October.\n\nThe Town of Black Mountain Public Works Department has secured four 15-yard dumpsters located in two sites for Black Mountain residents to throw away household trash ONLY:\n\nTractor Supply: 125 Old US Hwy. 70 E., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nIngles: 550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nPlease Note: Yard waste, bulk item, separate recycling and debris collection are not available at this time.\n\nWaste Pro collection service will resume today, October 7, for regular Monday route customers.\n\nRecycling services are currently suspending while repair work is underway at the recycling process facility.\n\nHaywood\n\nHousehold waste will be accepted at the Materials Recovery Facility at 247 Recycle Rd., Clyde and at Convenience Centers at Jonathan Creek, Beaverdam, Bethel, Hazelwood, Mauney Cove, Jones Cove and Highway 110.\n\nWhite Oak Landfill has reopened.\n\nHenderson\n\nHenderson County Transfer Station is open and accepting storm debris with normal fees.\n\nHenderson County has begun curbside storm debris removal to county residents as a free service.\n\nThe county will pick up storm debris for free if it is pushed to the right of way of a property.\n\nStorm debris includes tree branches, leaves, logs, building materials, furniture, paint etc.\n\nPlease be patient.\n\nThe county will pick up storm debris for free as quickly as possible.\n\nMadison\n\nThe Hot Springs collection center is operating on normal hours for household trash ONLY:\n\nMonday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nWednesday: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.\n\nFriday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nSaturday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nHot Springs trash pickup is returning to Mondays like usual.\n\nPlease only use this pickup service if you cannot bring it to the collection center yourself.\n\nThe pickup service is being led by volunteers at this time.\n\nPolk\n\nThe Polk County landfill is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\n322 Landfill Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nThe service fee is waived through October 8.\n\nBeginning on October 9, drop off of residential trash will be $10.\n\nGFL trash services will continue on the regular schedule. However, certain areas may be inaccessible due to ongoing power outages from Hurricane Helene.\n\nTwo dumpsters are located on Gibson Street for immediate trash disposal due to road inaccessibility.\n\nTransylvania\n\nThe City of Brevard has resumed regular trash pickup.\n\nYancey\n\nThe Riverside and East Yancey Recycling Centers were expected to resume operations by yesterday, October 5.\n\nNo update has been published, but I will keep you posted once I have received confirmation that the facilities have been reopened.\n\nVoter Information\n\nThe North Carolina State Board of Elections has provided pertinent information and recommendations for voters in the Helene disaster area during the 2024 general election.\n\nTo review information on voting in the 2024 general election after Hurricane Helene, you can follow this link.\n\nThe site provides information on absentee voting, how to change your polling location, county board of elections, office closures and more.\n\nFor any additional questions on voting post-hurricane, please contact your county Board of Elections.\n\nPlease note: Your county Board of Elections is the best place to get any questions answered.\n\nI have been permitted to share the above, nonpartisan information but am prohibited from answering any questions related to the 2024 general election.\n\nUnited States Postal Service/Mail Services\n\nUSPS anticipates continued improvement of mail delivery operations with local recovery efforts, to include power, connectivity, and roads.\n\nThere are some facilities unable to provide full retail and mail delivery due to road closures and current conditions.\n\nNo drop shipments will be accepted at any of the locations listed below.\n\nThe following sites are closed with no retail or delivery:\n\nBarnardsville - 28709\n\nCedar Mountain - 28718\n\nHot Springs - 28743\n\nRosman - 28772\n\nSwannanoa - 28778\n\nThe following site is closed with no retail, but delivery is being attempted where it is safe to do so:\n\nNewland - 28657\n\nThe following sites are closed with alternative facilities listed:\n\nAlexander - 28701\n\nAlternative location: 270 N. Main St., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:45 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nBat Cave - 28710\n\nAlternative location: 1800 Four Season Blvd., Ste. 11, Hendersonville, NC 28739\n\nDaily hours M-F: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nChimney Rock - 28720\n\nAlternative location: 2432 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. \u2013 4:00 p.m., closed 12:00-1:00 p.m.\n\nEdneyville - 28727\n\nAlternative location: 1800 Four Seasons Blvd., Ste. 11, Hendersonville, NC 28739\n\nDaily hours M-F: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nGerton \u2013 28735\n\nAlternative location: 1352 Charlotte Hwy., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nDaily Hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nGreen Mountain - 28740\n\nAlternative location: 670 W. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nMarshall - 28753\n\nAlternative Location: 270 N. Main St., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:45 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nMicaville - 28755\n\nAlternative location: 670 W. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nMontreat - 28757\n\nAlternative location: 2 Tucker Rd., Ridgecrest, NC 28770\n\nDaily hours M-F: 12:30-4:30 p.m.\n\nPenland - 28765\n\nAlternative location: 899 Oak Ave., Spruce Pine, NC 28777\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nAll remaining locations are attempting delivery where it is safe to do so.\n\nDue to internet outages and connectivity issues, the following sites are providing retail services with cash only, PO Box only:\n\nDana - 28724\n\nEnka - 28728\n\nFlat Rock - 28731\n\nHendersonville MPO - 28739\n\nLake Lure (OIC) - 28746\n\nLittle Switzerland - 28749\n\nMountain Home - 28758\n\nNaples - 28760\n\nPisgah Forest - 28768\n\nRidgecrest - 28770\n\nSkyland - 28776\n\nZirconia - 28790\n\nBostic - 28018\n\nMultiple United Parcel Service (UPS) sites continue to be affected by power, flooding, and downed trees/power and lines/storm related obstacles.\n\nThe Hendersonville and Asheville UPS buildings in North Carolina are currently operational and are being powered by portable generators.\n\nDelivery of packages in these areas is increasing as road conditions improve daily.\n\nPharmacy Access\n\nThe Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response under the Department of Health and Human Services has activated the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) for North Carolinians as of Friday, October 4.\n\nThe EPAP program helps uninsured residents replace prescription medication or certain medical equipment lost or damaged during Hurricane Helene.\n\nThrough the program, uninsured residents can:\n\nRequest a free 30-day supply of certain prescription medications at any EPAP-participating pharmacy which can be renewed every 30 days while the EPAP is active.\n\nReplace certain medical equipment and supplies such as canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, blood sugar meters and blood sugar test strips for diabetics.\n\nUninsured North Carolina residents affected by the recent hurricane can call the EPAP hotline, 855-793-7470, or visit the EPAP website to check their eligibility, determine if their medications or medical equipment are covered, or locate a participating pharmacy.\n\nPrescription Pad is open from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and filling prescriptions for Yancey County residents at the following location:\n\n730 E. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nFor individuals able to safely travel to fill a prescription, CVS at the following locations are actively open as of October 2:\n\n324 Long Shoals Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\n505 Smokey Park Hwy., Asheville, NC 28806\n\n371 Asheville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\n3450 Hendersonville Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\n1605 Four Seasons Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\n2001 Spartanburg Hwy., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\n111 S Main St., Rutherfordton, NC 28139\n\n773 Russ Ave., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nYou can also use this link to locate non-CVS pharmacy locations open to the public by county.\n\nHow to Acquire a Prescription:\n\nIf a store is closed, you can still call the number and the pharmacy\u2019s phone lines have been rerouted to a nearby CVS Pharmacy that is open to help patients access their prescriptions.\n\nPatients can visit any CVS Pharmacy for assistance with immediate prescription needs.\n\nOpen Urgent Cares/ Health Care Services\n\nThere is a field hospital with physicians, nurses and paramedics who can treat patients at the Burnsville Fire Department. The address is as follows:\n\n305 Pineola St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nThe following urgent cares are open and accessible for community members with non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries:\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Weaverville\n\n61 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nMercy Urgent Care West Asheville\n\n1201 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nMercy Urgent Care Waynesville\n\n120 Frazier St., Ste. 6, Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nLocations open between 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Brevard\n\n22 Trust Ln., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Columbus\n\n140 West Mills St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nLocations open between 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.:\n\nMobile Urgent Care Clinic\n\n12 Florida Ave., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nMental Health & Basic Medical Support Center\n\n130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nPardee Urgent Care\n\n45 Hendersonville Hwy., Ste. A, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nLocations open from 12:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nHot Springs Elementary School - Art Room (mental health services only)\n\n63 N. Serpentine Ave., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nThe following emergency orthopedic offices are open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily:\n\n800 Fleming St., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\n2585 Hendersonville Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\n9 Haywood Office Park, Ste. 102 and 103, Waynesville, NC 28785\n\nPlease Note: Emergency orthopedic phone services are down so patients will be seen on a walk-in basis without appointment.\n\nDialysis Locations\n\nThe following location is open and available for dialysis treatments in NC-11:\n\nPardee Hospital\n\n800 N. Justice St., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nThis location can dialyze 30 patients a day.\n\nDaVita Kidney Care nurses are reaching out to their patients to coordinate treatment, but the following DaVita locations are available:\n\nDaVita Greer South Dialysis\n\n3254 Brushy Greek Rd., Greer, SC 29650\n\nContact Number: (864) 801-2065\n\nDaVita Saluda River Dialysis\n\n8080 Augusta Rd., Piedmont, SC 29673\n\nContact Number: (833) 378-2702\n\nDaVita Wofford at Home\n\n8024 White Ave., Spartanburg, SC 29303\n\nContact Number: (864) 583-4788\n\nDaVita Boiling Springs Dialysis\n\n196 Sloane Garden Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316\n\nContact Number: (833) 458-4809\n\nOxygen Locations\n\nHendersonville High School\n\n1 Bearcat Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nMust be assessed through Pardee Hospital.\n\nLincare is only serving established patients.\n\nPatients must bring in empty tanks to one of the following locations:\n\nAsheville Lincare\n\n103 Elk Park Dr., Asheville, NC 28804\n\nFax number: (866) 234-6698\n\nGreenville Lincare\n\n355 Woodruff Rd., Ste. 204 and 205, Greenville, SC 29607\n\nFax Number: (864) 288-0339\n\nThe following locations are available for oxygen refills, but patients must bring their own oxygen equipment - fire departments are available 24/7:\n\nBoiling Springs Fire Department\n\n186 Rainbow Lake Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316\n\nReidville Fire Department\n\n7450 Reidville Rd., Woodruff, SC 29388\n\nInman City Fire Department\n\n6 Humphrey St., Inman, SC 29349\n\nFirst Presbyterian Church\n\n393 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29302\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.\n\nGreer Relief Indigo Hope Neighborhood Impact Center\n\n113C Berry Ave., Greer, SC 29651\n\nDaily hours: 2:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nCroft Fire Department\n\n370 Cedar Springs Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29302\n\nArkwright Fire Department\n\n1070 Southport Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29306\n\nRoebuck Fire Department\n\n2639 Stone Station Rd., Roebuck, SC 29376\\\n\nNorth Spartanburg Fire Department\n\n8767 Asheville Hwy., Spartanburg, SC 29316\n\nResources for Veterans\n\nLegionnaires, Sons of the American Legion members and Legion Posts that have been displaced from their primary residence due to damage sustained during Hurricane Helene may be eligible for financial assistance through the American Legion.\n\nLegionnaires and Sons of the American Legion members may be eligible for up to $3,000.\n\nLegion Posts may be eligible for up to $10,000.\n\nTo learn more or to request assistance, please use this link.\n\nApplications must be submitted within 90 days of the disaster: Dec. 26, 2024.\n\nThe Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville and Master Sergeant Jerry K. Crump VA Clinic in Forest City are open for essential and emergency services.\n\nVeterans can:\n\nVisit the Asheville VA Hospital pharmacy for medication refills or:\n\nCall the Regional Clinical Contact Center at (855) 679-0074 and press 1 for pharmacy representatives.\n\nLocal pharmacies in the VA\u2019s community care network will also fill written prescriptions, or prescriptions as they appear on an active VA prescription bottle that is not older than six months and has available refills, to provide a 30-day supply.\n\nHickory and Franklin outpatient VA clinics are now operating regularly.\n\nDue to the damage and personal losses caused by Hurricane Helene to the staff of the VA, it will take some time to bring staffing to full capacity.\n\nPlease be patient as the VA works to rebuild their workforce.\n\nResources for Farmers\n\nThe United States Department of Agriculture is beginning to put together a list of resources for farmers and other agricultural industry members.\n\nIf your agricultural operation has been impacted by Hurricane Helene, you can review this link, farmers.gov, for emergency and disaster assistance programs.\n\nPower and Gas\n\nAbout 117,000 customers remain without power in Western North Carolina.\n\nCustomers whose properties are inaccessible or not able to receive power may be without electricity for an extended period of time as Duke Energy works to rebuild critical infrastructure.\n\nRestoration of service for all other customers in the heavily impacted areas is anticipated within a week, by Sunday, October 13.\n\nCrews are working around the clock to restore power as quickly as possible.\n\nAs work on substations conclude, Duke Energy is moving personnel to work on the power grid\u2019s thousands of miles of lines and poles that serve individual homes and businesses.\n\nThis work can feel slower because the same amount of work restores fewer customers.\n\nFor more information on Duke Energy\u2019s power restoration efforts, you can review the following links:\n\nOutage Map: duke-energy.com/outages\n\nOutage Alerts: duke-energy.com/outages/alerts\n\nGenerator safety: duke-energy.com/outages/generators\n\nPower restoration process: duke-energy.com/outages/restoring-your-power\n\nRoads\n\nA \u201cDO NOT DRIVE\u201d message remains in place from the North Carolina Department of Transportation for most of Western North Carolina.\n\nUnless it is an emergency, please do not travel to the hardest hit communities.\n\nCherokee, Graham, Clay and Swain counties ARE FULLY OPEN to people who can access them through safe routes.\n\nPlease DO NOT try to visit or travel through the areas hardest hit by the storm such as Henderson and Buncombe counties.\n\nUSDOT approved an initial $100 million in Emergency Repair funds to NCDOT.\n\nDamage to our mountain roads exceeds $100 million but USDOT\u2019s investment is a significant and most welcome start.\n\nA total of 2,050 DOT employees are working to restore and repair road access in WNC.\n\nNCDOT also has:\n\nDOT also has:\n\n1,100 pieces of heavy equipment for debris clearance and road repairs in affected areas, including dump trucks, backhoes, loaders, graders, etc.\n\nMore than 50 personnel from neighboring states on the ground providing assistance.\n\nNCDOT is reporting about 650 road closures, 106 of which are to primary routes.\n\nNow that communications have been largely restored, NCDOT has a more comprehensive picture of debris blocking roadways, road damage, and necessary repairs in our mountains.\n\nAt least 100 bridges are irreparable and will require replacement.\n\nAll roadways in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Caldwell, and Wilkes counties are accessible, although some are requiring four-wheel drive.\n\nWhile none of the above-listed counties are in NC-11, they are a welcome sign of what\u2019s to come.\n\nProgress has been made on NCDOT and Tennessee DOT's plans for reconstruction of I-40 in the Pigeon River Gorge.\n\nBids for stabilization of the westbound lanes of I-40 where the eastbound lanes no longer exist will be opening today, October 7.\n\nA contract will be awarded shortly after the bid closes.\n\nNCDOT is working to expedite the necessary repairs to restore mobility to the area as soon as possible.\n\nAir traffic has sustained at 300 percent above pre-hurricane levels in Western NC.\n\nNCDOT\u2019s aviation division continue to work to make sure flight operations are safe coming into and out of airports, including by:\n\nScheduling landing/unloading times and aircraft parking so aircraft are spaced out and to reduce the risk of incidents.\n\nEstablishing a first of its kind \u201ccorridors in the sky\u201d to separate civilian and military aircraft in the air.\n\nHaving search and rescue partners use short, time and location specific restrictions on air operations to enhance safety when multiple helicopters are engaged in search and rescue efforts.\n\nThe state of North Carolina is NOT turning away civil aviation support so long as it has been coordinated through the proper channels with NC Emergency Management.\n\nIf you or someone you know is interested in providing civil aviation support and don\u2019t know where to coordinate your efforts, please call my office and we will help you get in touch with the right folks.\n\nNCDOT has launched a detour map to show motorists how to get around closures on I-26 and I-40 at the Tennessee border.\n\nYou can access the map here.\n\nInternet Access\n\nInternet providers are working with local energy and cell providers to restore service for customers across Western North Carolina.\n\nRestoration timelines are not available at this time.\n\nInternet providers including Optimum and Spectrum are working around the clock to restore service for customers. However, part of the network\u2019s infrastructure was destroyed by mudslides and collapsed bridges making restoration a lengthy process.\n\nAs a result, some impacted areas will require a rebuild of the network from scratch.\n\nTo mitigate the lack of service, Optimum, formerly Altice USA, has set up an Optimum Wi-Fi Trailer that is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the following locations:\n\n717 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\n1800 Four Seasons Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nThe following locations are offering free public wi-fi:\n\nFirst Baptist Church - Weaverville\n\n63 N. Main St, Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nDowntown Franklin\n\nThe Town of Franklin has free wi-fi on the town hill area in downtown.\n\nTransylvania County Library - 24/7\n\n212 S. Gaston St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNewfound Artison through today, October 6\n\nHigh-speed internet and charging outlets\n\nAvailable 12:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nThe Yard Brevard\n\n284 Railroad Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nBrevard Visitor Center\n\n175 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAvailable daily from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nCell Service\n\nCommunications in the region are improving rapidly.\n\nCell service providers reported significant gains in service coverage on Sunday, October 6.\n\nRoughly 80 percent of access to cell service has been restored in Western North Carolina.\n\nMore than 100 temporary network assets have been deployed across all service providers in NC-11 to assist with service quality.\n\nCell service providers have implemented disaster roaming for any phone located in Western North Carolina to maximize phone service for all users.\n\nDisaster roaming allows users to connect to any mobile network during a disaster when other networks are down.\n\nThis allows users to access emergency services, such as 911, even when their own network is out.\n\nIf you have service one moment, but experience a reduction in service the next, try restarting your phone to jumpstart disaster roaming again.\n\nUpCycle Tech in Transylvania County is offering free computers and phones for use at the following location:\n\n470 Asheville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAT&T has deployed its Mobile Connectivity Center to the following location:\n\nSam\u2019s Club: 645 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nThe Mobile Connectivity Center is an air-conditioned mobile unit open to the public, equipped with laptops, charging stations and wi-fi.\n\nThe public can use the center for various needs including contacting your insurance company, filling out paperwork or connecting with loved ones.\n\nVerizon has deployed Wireless Emergency Communication Centers to help hurricane survivors stay connected to their friends, family and other important contacts.\n\nWireless Emergency Communication Centers are generator-powered mobile units that have device charging and computer workstations, along with wireless phones, tablets, and other devices available for use.\n\nVerizon\u2019s Wireless Emergency Communication Centers have been set up at the following locations:\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nAsheville YMCA\n\n30 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nFamily Justice Center\n\n35 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nGroce United Methodist Church\n\n954 Tunnel Rd., Asheville, NC 28805\n\nVerizon also has charging stations at the following locations:\n\nYMCA of Western North Carolina\n\n348 Grace Corpening Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nTwo charging stations at this location\n\nWNC Agricultural Center\n\n761 Boylston Hwy., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nThree charging stations at this location\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nOne charging station at this location\n\nT-Mobile has set up satellite cellular on light trucks (SatCOLTs), providing cellular voice and data along with wi-fi and charging stations at the following locations:\n\nAsheville Middle School\n\n211 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center\n\n285 Livingston St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nFirst Baptist Church\n\n130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nAdditional T-Mobile satellite cell on trucks are located in Hendersonville and at a Tractor Supply Co. in Asheville, with others planned for Mission Hospital in Asheville, Cherokee County Emergency Operations Center in Murphy, and in Cherokee.\n\nNorth Carolina National Guard & Department of Defense\n\nAlmost 1,800 North Carolina National Guard soldiers and airmen have been deployed to provide support to Western North Carolina so far.\n\nThe total number of deployed guardsmen will continue to increase over the coming days.\n\nThe National Guard has more than 700 vehicles and 50 helicopters from six states and two active-duty units in Western NC for rescue and recovery, debris clearing, and other missions.\n\nSo far, the National Guard has:\n\nDelivered more than 2,614 tons of commodities to affected areas\n\nCleared 1,052 obstacles\n\nRescued nearly 1,000 individuals\n\nThe Guard\u2019s key tasks continue to be search and rescue of impacted civilian personnel, followed by:\n\nDelivery of essential relief supplies to points of need\n\nClearing of routes to gain access to isolated communities\n\nAlthough airspace is limited due to ongoing missions by the National Guard and Department of Defense, a process has been established for private pilots seeking to fly in humanitarian relief to coordinate with local authorities.\n\nIf you are looking to fly in resources and don\u2019t know where to turn, call my office and we will get you in contact with the right coordinators.\n\nOn October 2, the Secretary of Defense authorized the movement of up to 1,000 active-duty soldiers, including soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division from Ft. Liberty (formerly Ft. Bragg).\n\nNearly all 1,000 of the authorized active-duty soldiers have been mobilized to support the residents and affect counties devastated by Hurricane Helene in Western NC.\n\nThese soldiers are providing additional manpower and logistics capabilities to reach the hardest hit areas as quickly as possible.\n\nIn addition to the 1,000 previously authorized soldiers, another 500 troops with advanced technological assets were approved for deployment to Western NC to provide greater situational awareness on the ground.\n\nThese troops are not yet in NC-11, but coordination is taking place for rapid deployment over the coming days.\n\nThe Department of Defense has also committed 22 helicopters to assist with search and rescue operations.\n\nHere are a few key phone numbers from the NCNG:\n\nHOTLINE: 888-892-1162\n\nEmergency management watch: 919-733-3300\n\nDonated goods: 919-825-2474\n\nThese lines have very high call volumes. If you do not get through the first try, keep calling.\n\nAsheville Regional Airport\n\nAsheville Regional Airport closed mid-day on Friday, September 27, due to risk of flooding.\n\nCommercial flights at Asheville Regional Airport have resumed.\n\nIf you parked your car in an Asheville Regional Airport lot and could not retrieve the vehicle due to the storm, great news - none of the airport\u2019s lots flooded and all cars are fine.\n\nStay safe and pick up your car when you are able.\n\nPLEASE NOTE:\n\nNo general aviation pilots are allowed to land at Asheville Regional Airport without prior clearance from FEMA to ensure the safety of aircraft and personnel.\n\nSupply deliveries by civilian pilots ARE permitted to land at Asheville Regional Airport so long as they have prior clearance from FEMA.\n\nFEMA is not turning away any pilot that has gone through the proper channels to coordinate delivery and ensure the safety of his fellow aircraft and personnel.\n\nFederal Nutrition Programs\n\nThe U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service has approved flexibilities due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene.\n\nSNAP\n\nNorth Carolina was granted a waiver for the 10-day reporting requirement for the replacement of food purchased with SNAP benefits lost because of the hurricane.\n\nThis waiver provides additional time beyond the standard 10-day time frame for households to report food losses and receive replacement benefits for food that was destroyed and previously purchased with SNAP benefits.\n\nChild Nutrition\n\nThe North Carolina Department of Public Instruction was approved for a waiver pertaining to the child nutrition programs.\n\nUnder the waiver approval, NCDPI\u2019s local program operators may:\n\nServe meals in a non-congregate setting\n\nAdjust the time of meal service\n\nAllow parent pick-up\n\nAllow service of meals at school sites\n\nFood and Nutrition Services Program\n\nPeople and families in North Carolina who are enrolled in the Food and Nutrition Services program can now use their EBT card to purchase hot food.\n\nThis flexibility will remain in effect until November 3.\n\nSpecial Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, & Children (WIC)\n\nFamilies participating in WIC who may have relocated to a new area can go to any NC WIC agency to:\n\nHave a new eWIC card issued\n\nRequest replacement breastfeeding supplies or breast pumps\n\nRequest replacement food that was purchased with current WIC benefits and lost due to Hurricane Helene\n\nFor NC-11 Medical Providers\n\nIf you own a medical practice in NC-11 and are experiencing financial hardship due to Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina Medical Society will be reactivating its Financial Recovery Program (FRP) to help you recover and open your doors again.\n\nThe FRP will be back online to provide much needed assistance soon.\n\nMore information to follow.\n\nThe Department of Health and Human Services through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has made available:\n\nAccelerated payments to Medicare Part A providers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nAdvance payments to Medicare Part B suppliers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nFor Local Government Resource Requests\n\nFor county leaders: This is a reminder to make sure your Emergency Operation Center has submitted the request for gasoline, food, water, cell service deployables, etc. with North Carolina Emergency Management to have your request processed and resources delivered.\n\nMy office stands ready to assist with checking the status of your request if the county or municipality has not heard back from NC Emergency Management within 24 hours.\n\nFor Individual Assistance through FEMA\n\nNorth Carolina received a Major Disaster Declaration for the following counties: Buncombe, Clay, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania and Yancey counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.\n\nPeople with damage to their homes or personal property who live in one of the above-listed counties should apply for Individual Assistance through FEMA, which may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies.\n\nFunds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay.\n\nIndividual Assistance provides financial aid and services to eligible individuals and households that have been affected by a disaster to assist with the recovery process. Individuals can officially begin applying for Individual Assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling the application phone number at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. EST.\n\nTo date, FEMA has paid out more than $30 million in housing and other types of assistance and more than 96,000 Western North Carolinians have registered for Individual Assistance.\n\nTo Connect with a Loved One\n\nResidents trying to connect with family members may call NC 211 (or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from out-of-state) to report missing loved ones or request a welfare check.\n\nPeople in the impacted areas can indicate that they are safe by reporting themselves safe through Red Cross Reunification by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).\n\nPlease only use 911 for life-threatening emergencies so the lines remain open for critical situations.\n\nIf you are still trying to locate a friend or family member, please complete this form to notify local officials of their missing status.\n\nThe form was created by Buncombe County but information is being shared amongst all counties.\n\nRegardless of which county your loved one was last known to be in, you can still submit the form.\n\nBuncombe County will share the information with the appropriate officials to initiate search and rescue efforts.\n\nUnited Way is also fielding missing person/welfare check requests.\n\nText PERSON to 40403 to add a loved one to search and rescue efforts or fill out this form.\n\nResources for Utility & Other Status Updates\n\nFor information on the status of utilities, debris sites, etc., we want to share the following resources. As communications are restored and more information becomes available, these sites will continue to be updated.\n\nDrinking Water Systems: Public Water Supply Situation Report Tracking\n\nDebris Disposal Sites: Active Temporary Debris Disposal Sites\n\nNCDEQ Situation Report Tracking System\n\nNCDPS Hurricane Helene - Storm Information\n\nNCDPS County Emergency Management Agencies\n\nHow to Apply for FEMA Assistance After Hurricane Helene\n\nFree Legal Assistance\n\nLegal Aid of North Carolina stands ready to provide free advice and legal counsel regarding natural disaster needs, including legal representation if necessary, including for civil legal issues involving:\n\nFiling FEMA claims and appeals (a process which can be overwhelmingly bureaucratic and burdensome)\n\nReplacement of lost or destroyed legal and government documents, including driver\u2019s licenses and identification cards\n\nMedical and insurance claims\n\nHome repair contracts\n\nUtility disputes related to restoration of services\n\nConsumer protection issues like construction fraud, price-gouging on repairs and identity theft\n\nHousing issues such as unlawful eviction and foreclosures\n\nBankruptcy\n\nProbate and clearing title for survivors living in generational homes without a clear title\n\nFamily law cases and children in need of services (unfortunately, domestic violence tends to rise following a natural disaster)\n\nIf you need civil legal assistance, please contact Legal Aid of North Carolina via the following toll-free hotline:\n\n(866) 219-LANC or (866) 219-5262\n\nThe hotline is available from:\n\n8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; and 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Monday and Thursdays.\n\nConstituents can also apply online at legalaidnc.org/get-help/ between 1:00-4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday.\n\nIRS Guidance for Taxpayers Impacted by Hurricane Helene\n\nExtension of certain tax filing deadlines:\n\nIRS has extended various filing deadlines for taxpayers in impacted areas, including 2024 individual/business returns, certain quarterly estimated income tax payments, and certain payroll/excise taxes.\n\nClick here for the full list of extensions and respective dates\n\nClick here for more information from the IRS on disaster assistance\n\nTax relief for qualified payments, disaster-related losses:\n\nIRS released provided guidance to taxpayers on how to address disaster-related losses in their 2024 tax return, as well as providing guidance on how qualified disaster relief payments - like government assistance payments - are generally excluded from gross income.\n\nClick here for a general walkthrough of these policies (under header \u201cAdditional tax relief\u201d)\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of disaster-related losses\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of qualified disaster relief payments\n\nShelters\n\nFor those unable to evacuate to a safe location or in need of a place to go, the following shelters are currently open and available as of October 5:\n\nBuncombe\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nGold\u2019s Gym\n\n801 Fairview Rd, Asheville, NC 28803\n\nWNC Agricultural Center\n\n1301 Fanning Bridge Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nHaywood\n\nHaywood County Government Armory\n\n285 Armory Dr., Clyde, NC 28781\n\nHenderson\n\nEdneyville Elementary School\n\n2875 Pace Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nHenderson County Recreation Center\n\n708 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nMadison\n\nMadison Early College High School\n\n5374 US Hwy 25-70, Marshall, NC 28755\n\nMcDowell\n\nGlenwood Baptist Church\n\n1550 Glenwood Baptist Church Rd., Marion, NC 29640\n\nYMCA of Western North Carolina\n\n348 Grace Corpening Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nPolk\n\nPolk County High School\n\n1681 NC 108 Hwy. E., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nRutherford\n\nRutherfordton/Spindale Central High School\n\n641 US 221 Hwy. N., Rutherfordton, NC 28139\n\nTransylvania\n\nTransylvania Parks & Rec\n\n1078 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nYancey\n\nBlue Ridge Elementary\n\n910 Cane River School Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nCane River Middle School\n\n1128 Cane River School Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nWith my warmest regards,\n\nChuck Edwards\n\nMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://hudson.house.gov/press-releases/hudson-tillis-lead-nc-colleagues-in-urging-hhs-fema-to-operationalize-greensboro", "Hudson, Tillis Lead NC Colleagues in Urging HHS & FEMA to Operationalize Greensboro Migrant Facility to Support Western North Carolina's Recovery from Helene", "2024-10-07", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Richard Hudson", "H001067", "hudson.house.gov", "hudson", "https://hudson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (R-NC) and Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) led Republican Members of North Carolina's Congressional Delegation in a letter to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell on the urgent need to operationalize the Greensboro Influx Care Facility (ICF) to assist in Western North Carolina's recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene.\n\nIn addition to Representative Hudson and Senator Tillis, the letter was signed by Senator Ted Budd (R-NC), and Representatives Chuck Edwards (R-NC), David Rouzer (R-NC), Dan Bishop (R-NC), Virginia Foxx (R-NC), Greg Murphy (R-NC), and Patrick McHenry (R-NC).\n\nThe lawmakers wrote, \"As you may know, Health and Human Services (HHS) currently operates GCC as an Influx Care Facility (ICF) meant to house and support unaccompanied alien children (UAC) in the case of an emergency. However, in June 2024, HHS\u2019s Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) at the Administration for Children & Families (ACF) announced that GCC has \u201cramped down its operations to facility upkeep.\u201d\n\n\"Based on our understanding of this facility, we think that it could be incredibly useful in supporting the people of western North Carolina as the region recovers from Hurricane Helene,\" the lawmakers continued. \"For example, GCC could be used to temporarily house those displaced by the storm or to serve as a staging area for aid workers stationed in the state.\"\n\n\"Our delegation is grateful for the work that has been done by your agencies so far to assist the people of North Carolina. However, much more can and should be done to expediently aid those whose lives have been upended by this storm. We believe operationalizing GCC for the purposes of aid and recovery is an effective way to do so,\" the lawmakers concluded.\n\nRead the full letter HERE.\n\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/murphy-issues-statement-one-year-anniversary-october-7th-escalating-threat-war", "Murphy Issues Statement on One-Year Anniversary of October 7th, Escalating Threat of War in the Middle East", "2024-10-07", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Gregory F. Murphy", "M001210", "murphy.house.gov", "murphy", "https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Greenville, NC \u2014 Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. issued the following statement on the one-year anniversary of the attacks on October 7th and the escalating threat of a full-scale war in the Middle East.\n\n\"Today marks the horrific tragedy of October 7th, 2023 when Israel was brutally and savagely attacked by the Hamas terrorist group,\" said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. \"Since then, Israel has also withstood the attacks of another terrorist group of Hezbollah and, most recently, the terrorist nation of Iran. Regardless of the foe, it has become clear to the world that Israel will not be eliminated. Increasing tensions and regional instability present a threat not just to the Middle East, but to the global community. Tehran's repeated escalation of its war against Israel will be met with great immediate and long term consequences.\n\n\"The United States and its allies must remain stalwart in our support of our greatest Middle East ally in this grave time. Peace can only be achieved through strength. Unprovoked aggression must be met with boldness and complete resolve. Until the bloodthirsty terrorists lay down their weapons, they will continue to feel the wrath of the Israel Defense Forces and our supporting coalition will remain ready to defend the innocent.\"\n\nTimeline of the War\n\nOctober 7, 2023: Hamas launches attack on Israel killing more than 1,200 people and seizing about 250 hostages.\n\nOctober 8, 2023: Hezbollah begins shelling Israel from Lebanon.\n\nOctober 11, 2023: Netanyahu forms emergency government.\n\nOctober 13, 2023: Israel warns people to evacuate northern Gaza an area with a population of around 1 million.\n\nOctober 19, 2023: U.S. Navy warship intercepts missiles and drones launched from Yemen over the Red Sea in the direction of Israel.\n\nOctober 21, 2023: Aid trucks begin to enter Gaza through the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Israel.\n\nOctober 27, 2023: Israel launches ground offensive in Gaza.\n\nNovember 1, 2023: Evacuations from Gaza through the Rafah border crossing for foreign passport-holders, dual nationals and dependents, and individuals needing emergency care begin.\n\nNovember 9, 2023: A drone launched from Syrian territory hits Israel, and the next day, the IDF attacks the militia responsible.\n\nNovember 21, 2023: Israel and Hamas reaches an agreement to pause fighting for four days to exchange hostages and allow more aid. 105 Israeli hostages and about 240 Palestinian detainees are released.\n\nDecember 4, 2023: Israel launches a ground assault in southern Gaza.\n\nDecember 22, 2023: The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an Iranian-backed militia, announces it launched a long-range attack on Israel which reports no impact.\n\nJanuary 2, 2024: IDF eliminates Saleh Arouri, second-in-command of Hamas\u2019s political office, in Beirut.\n\nFebruary 9, 2024: Netanyahu instructs Israel's military to present plans to the Cabinet for evacuating the civilian population from Rafah and for a military operation that would eliminate Hamas battalions in the city.\n\nMarch 13, 2024: IDF says it has plans to move displaced individuals in Rafah.\n\nApril 8, 2024: Netanyahu announces there is a date for Israel's military operation in Rafah, but does not specify it.\n\nMay 6, 2024: Israel orders people in Rafah to evacuate, sending phone messages and dropping leaflets overhead, and launches military offensive.\n\nJune 9, 2024: IDF special operation rescues four hostages in central Gaza.\n\nJuly 4, 2024: Hezbollah fires 200 rockets at Israel.\n\nJuly 30, 2024: Israel eliminates Ismail Haniyeh, a top political leader of Hamas, in Tehran and Fuad Shukr, a Hezbollah commander responsible for the 1983 Beirut Bombing, in Beirut.\n\nAugust 25, 2024: Israel and Hezbollah engage in their biggest exchange of fire since the 34-day war in 2006.\n\nAugust 31, 2024: Israeli-American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin found dead.\n\nSeptember 17, 2024: Hundreds of pagers carried by Hezbollah members in Lebanon blew up nearly simultaneously killing at least 12 individuals.\n\nSeptember 18, 2024: Handheld radios explode in Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah, killing at least 20 people and wounding 450.\n\nSeptember 27, 2024: Israel eliminates Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut.\n\nOctober 1, 2024: Iran launches at least 180 missiles into Israel.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/hurricane-helene-update-9-congressman-edwards", "Hurricane Helene update #9 from Congressman Edwards", "2024-10-06", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Chuck Edwards", "E000246", "edwards.house.gov", "edwards", "https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "October 6, 2024\n\nDear Friend,\n\nHappy Sunday. If you\u2019ll give me a point of privilege, I\u2019d like to skip the business talk today and share a bit of positivity. Regardless of your beliefs, Sundays are an opportunity to reflect and be grateful for the blessings in our lives.\n\nToday, I\u2019m grateful that I get to represent such strong, resilient, salt-of-the-earth people who continue to show up for each other. I\u2019m grateful for the thousands of people from across the country who have come to serve and help our mountains, and I\u2019m grateful for the local leaders who are working day and night to help us recover and achieve a new normal.\n\nI\u2019m curious, what are you grateful for today?\n\nToday\u2019s update includes the longest list of food and water distribution sites yet. It also includes more information on county trash pickup/debris removal, plans to rebuild and reopen I-40 into Tennessee, and where to find free internet.\n\nToday is update number nine, with more information to follow in the coming days. Please make sure to read everything and share it with your friends and family.\n\nFood and Water\n\nSupplying drinkable water remains a top priority for emergency crews.\n\n93 water systems are on a boil advisory.\n\n37 treatment plants have reported having no power and 41 systems are out of water.\n\nWater restoration trends continue to move in a positive direction.\n\nToday, October 6, 12 combined teams from the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be conducting infrastructure assessments on public water supplies in the following counties:\n\nBuncombe\n\nHenderson\n\nMcDowell\n\nPolk\n\nRutherford\n\nYancey\n\nThe results of these assessments are expected on October 7 and will provide insight into the necessary steps to restore water services in each county.\n\nThe state of North Carolina is continuing to provide a minimum of 40 trailer loads of water and 20 trailer loads of food daily through at least October 6, per their promise to the people of Western North Carolina.\n\nI\u2019m in conversation with NC Emergency Management to negotiate a new commitment for the people of Western North Carolina since the state\u2019s initial promise of 40 trailers of water and 20 trailers of food expires today.\n\nThe Federal Emergency Management Agency has promised 120 truckloads a day of food and water with no specified end date.\n\nTo date, FEMA has shipped 13 million meals and 13 million liters of water utilizing the $20 billion in funds that I helped to draft and pass for disaster relief just two days before Hurricane Helene hit.\n\nWalmart is hosting activities at the following locations:\n\nHendersonville, NC Store 1242\n\n250 Highlands Square Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nPortable restrooms\n\nServing hot meals at 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily\n\nArden, NC Store 1179\n\n60 Airport Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nPortable restrooms\n\nLaundry\n\nShowers\n\nWi-fi hotspot and charging stations\n\nResource pick-up locations are listed below by county. As I learn more, I will keep you posted:\n\nBuncombe County\n\nBuncombe County has begun water distribution at multiple sites. Each will be available daily from 1:00 -7:00 p.m.:\n\nPack Square Park - you MUST bring your own container for this site\n\n80 Court Plz., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nWilliam W. Estes Elementary School\n\n275 Overlook Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nSand Hill-Venable Elementary\n\n154 Sand Hill School Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nNorth Windy Ridge Intermediate School\n\n20 Doan Rd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nFairview Elementary\n\n1355 Charlotte Hwy., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nThe following major feeding site is available in Buncombe County, where citizens can access food, water and other basic necessities:\n\nBiltmore Baptist Church\n\n35 Clayton Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nDistribution and bulk pickup for volunteers looking to take bulk loads of supplies to in-need community members\n\nSaturday hours: 10:00 a.m. \u2013 1:00 p.m.\n\nCommunity drive-thru for anyone in the community needing supplies\n\nSaturday hours: 3:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church \u2013 Weaverville\n\n63 N. Main St., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nHot showers available from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nUnlimited clean drinking water is available, bring your own container.\n\nSupplies and bottled water.\n\nHot lunch served at 1:30 p.m.\n\nFood and drinking water are available from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily at the following locations:\n\nAsheville Middle School\n\n211 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nIngles\n\n550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nThis location also has handwashing stations and portable restrooms\n\nLinwood Crump Shiloh Community Center\n\n121 Shiloh Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nLucy Herring Elementary\n\n98 Sulphur Springs Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nOakley Elementary School\n\n753 Fairvew Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nHaywood County\n\nThe following locations are providing community members with essential resources such as but not limited to, food, water, cleaning products, baby formula, and pet food, Monday through Fridays:\n\nPigeon Community Center\n\n450 Pigeon St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nAlso offering hot meals every day at 2:00 p.m.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCruso Community Center\n\n13186 Cruso Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.\n\nFirst United Methodist Church\n\n566 S. Haywood St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nIncludes shower access.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.\n\nMaggie Valley Pavilion\n\n3935 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nDaily Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.\n\nWoodland Baptist Church\n\n545 Crabtree Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nBethel Elementary School\n\n4700 Old River Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nJonathan Valley Elementary School\n\n410 Hall Dr., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nMonday through Friday\n\nThe following location offers hot meals daily:\n\nMaggie Valley Fire Department\n\n2901 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nThe following location offers showers daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.:\n\nCalvary Baptist Church\n\n2701 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nHenderson County\n\nHenderson County has stood up Resource Hub locations for water distribution and other supplies as they become available.\n\nDistribution will be taking place daily from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 6 at the following locations:\n\nEtowah Elementary: 320 Etowah School Rd., Etowah, NC 28729\n\nRugby Middle School: 3345 Haywood Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nEast Henderson High School: 150 Eagle Pride Dr., East Flat Rock, NC 28726\n\nNorth Henderson High School: 35 Fruitland Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nMills River Town Hall: 124 Town Center Dr., Mills River, NC 28759\n\nFletcher Town Hall: 300 Old Cane Creek Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nEach family unit will be provided supplies for one day\u2019s meal and water as available.\n\nIndividuals are asked to enter the drive-through and remain in your car unless otherwise instructed by volunteers to ensure an efficient process.\n\nJackson County\n\nIn partnership with the Red Cross, the following is available for citizens of Jackson County:\n\nThe Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau are providing shelf-stable meals at the following location:\n\n558 Frank Allen Rd., Cashiers, NC 28717\n\nHours of operation to come.\n\nThe Canada Fire Department is distributing emergency supplies at the following location:\n\n149 Charleys Creek Rd., Tuckasegee, NC 28783\n\nHours of operation to come.\n\nMadison County\n\nThe following locations are offering food, water, and some supply distribution in Madison County:\n\nBeech Glen Community Center\n\n2936 Beech Glen Rd., Mars Hill, 28754\n\nDaily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.\n\nCenter Community Center\n\n1300 Grapevine Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nEbbs Chapel Community Center\n\n281 Laurel Valley Rd., Mars Hill, NC 28754\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nEnon Baptist Church\n\n174 Ammons Branch Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nOpen Sunday 12:00-4:00 p.m.\n\nFreedom Christian Church\n\n7350 US 25/70 Bypass, Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThis location offers additional resources such as hygiene products, blankets, clothes, cleaning supplies, diapers, pet food, etc.\n\nLaurel Community Center - also has supplies\n\n4100 NC 212 Hwy., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily Hours: 8:00 a.m. \u2013 8:00 p.m.\n\nRevere-Rice Community Center\n\n3980 Revere Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (Mon-Sat)\n\nSpring Creek Community Center\n\n13075 NC 209 Hwy., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThis location also has additional resources such as pet food, livestock feed and hay.\n\nWalnut Community Center - also has supplies\n\n46 School Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.\n\nN.C. Cooperative Extension - Madison County Center\n\n258 Carolina Ln., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nThis location is offering drive-thru food distribution only.\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMcDowell County has established multiple points of distribution that are open daily from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 4:00-6:00 p.m., depending on supply levels.\n\nDistribution takes place daily at the following locations:\n\nFormer TJ\u2019s Discounts - North Cove\n\n8153 US 221 N., Marion, NC 28752\n\nOld Fort Town Hall\n\n38 Catawba Ave., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nNew Manna Baptist Church\n\n225 E. Court St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nSolid Rock Free Will Baptist Church - Dysartsville\n\n7860 NC 226 S., Nebo, NC 28761\n\nZion Hill Baptist Church\n\n1036 Zion Hill Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nHot meals are also being provided at the following location:\n\nGrace Community Church\n\n5182 US 70 W., Marion, NC 28752\n\nLunch is served every day from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.\n\nDinner is available from 4:00-5:30 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church of Marion is offering hot showers, air conditioning, and areas to charge devices.\n\nCurrent hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 2:00-5:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday.\n\nPolk County\n\nThe following locations are offering food and water distribution for residents in need from 1:00-5:00 p.m.:\n\nMill Spring/Green Creek Community\n\n25 International Blvd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nColumbus Community\n\n95 Walker St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nSaluda Community Bus Parking Lot\n\n214 E. Main St., Saluda, NC 28773\n\nTryon Community\n\n301 N. Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782\n\nSunny View\n\n86 Sunny View School Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nRutherford County\n\nThe following locations are open from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. for citizens to get food and emergency supplies:\n\nThomas Jefferson High School\n\n2527 US-221A Hwy., Mooresboro, NC 28114\n\nFlorence Baptist Church\n\n201 S. Broadway St., Forest City, NC 28043\n\nRutherford County Health Department\n\n221 Callahan Koon Rd., Spindale, NC 28160\n\nGilkey Church of God\n\n255 Oak Springs Rd., Rutherfordton, NC 28139\n\nParks, Recreation, & Lake Office\n\n658 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nLake Lure Baptist Church\n\n6837 US-74 ALT, Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nIngles at Lake Lure - meals only\n\n276 NC-9, Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nOffers hot meals at 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. and 4:30-6:30 p.m.\n\nAlso offers showers, restrooms, a mobile health van, a tool trailer, a charging station (please bring your own charging cord), and wi-fi.\n\nFather\u2019s Vineyard - also has shower and charging stations\n\n724 Oakland Rd., Spindale, NC 28160\n\nSpencer Baptist Church - water distribution only\n\n187 N Oak St., Spindale, NC 28160\n\nUnited Way of Rutherford County - water distribution and charging stations only\n\n668 Withrow Rd., Forest City, NC 28043\n\nThe Church at Sapphire - through October 10\n\n620 Whitewater Rd., Sapphire, NC 28774\n\nDaily hours: 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.\n\nLittle River Baptist Church - through October 11\n\n51 Little River Church Rd., Penrose, NC 28766\n\nBreakfast hours: 8:00-10:00 a.m.\n\nLunch hours: 12:30-2:00 p.m.\n\nDinner hours: 6:00-7:30 p.m.\n\nCedar Mountain Community CenterTransylvania County\n\n10635 Greenville Hwy., Cedar Mountain, NC 28718\n\nBreakfast hours: 9:00-11:00 a.m.\n\nLunch hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nDinner hours: 4:00-6:00 p.m.The following locations are providing hot meals to county residents:\n\nBalsam Grove Community Center - daily until power is fully restored\n\n8732 Parkway Rd., Balsam Grove, NC 28708\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nBottled water is available daily at local fire departments and 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Anchor Baptist Church located at:\n\n3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nWater filling stations can be found at the following locations:\n\nCity Sports Complex\n\n824 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.\n\nCedar Mountain Outpost\n\n8431 Greenville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nTerritory Brevard\n\n43 S. Broad St, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nDD Bullwinkles\n\n60 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nFirst United Methodist Church\n\n325 N. Broad St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nPisgah Forest Baptist Church\n\n494 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nNewfound Artisan\n\n22 W. Jordan St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nThrough today, October 6.\n\nHours: 12:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nFood, water, and other supplies such as hygiene products are being distributed at the following locations:\n\nAnchor Baptist Church\n\n3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThe Church at Sapphire\n\n620 Whitewater Rd., Sapphire, NC 28774\n\nThrough October 10.\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-4:00 p.m.\n\nYancey County\n\nYancey County has transitioned to one centralized distribution site for water, food and ice located at the following address:\n\nAltec\n\n150 Altec Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nMobile laundry facilities are available in the GO Grocery parking lot located at the following address:\n\n631 W Hwy. 19E Bypass, Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nTrash Services and Debris Removal\n\nIf your home has damages and you need assistance with clean up, please call Crisis Cleanup for access to volunteer organizations that can assist you at 844-965-1386.\n\nAdditionally, the following counties have resources for where to take debris waste.\n\nBuncombe\n\nCurbside collection will begin Monday for City of Asheville sanitation customers.\n\nThere will be no recycling pick up until the recycling plant is operational.\n\nResidents can use both recycling and trash carts for household waste.\n\nThe following materials cannot be collected at this time: Mud, construction debris, concrete and other bulky or hazardous items.\n\nDebris collection is estimated to start in mid-October.\n\nThe Town of Black Mountain Public Works Department has secured four 15-yard dumpsters located in two sites for Black Mountain residents to throw away household trash ONLY:\n\nTractor Supply: 125 Old US Hwy. 70 E., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nIngles: 550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nPlease Note: Yard waste, bulk item, separate recycling and debris collection are not available at this time.\n\nHaywood\n\nHousehold waste will be accepted at the Materials Recovery Facility at 247 Recycle Rd., Clyde and at Convenience Centers at Jonathan Creek, Beaverdam, Bethel, Hazelwood, Mauney Cove, Jones Cove and Highway 110.\n\nWhite Oak Landfill has reopened.\n\nHenderson\n\nHenderson County Transfer Station is open and accepting storm debris with normal fees.\n\nHenderson County has begun curbside storm debris removal to county residents as a free service.\n\nThe county will pick up storm debris for free if it is pushed to the right of way of a property.\n\nStorm debris includes tree branches, leaves, logs, building materials, furniture, paint etc.\n\nPlease be patient.\n\nThe county will pick up storm debris for free as quickly as possible.\n\nMadison\n\nThe Hot Springs collection center is operating on normal hours for household trash ONLY:\n\nMonday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nWednesday: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.\n\nFriday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nSaturday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nHot Springs trash pickup is returning to Mondays like usual.\n\nPlease only use this pickup service if you cannot bring it to the collection center yourself.\n\nThe pickup service is being led by volunteers at this time.\n\nPolk\n\nThe Polk County landfill is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\n322 Landfill Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nThe service fee is waived through October 8.\n\nBeginning on October 9, drop off of residential trash will be $10.\n\nGFL trash services will continue on the regular schedule. However, certain areas may be inaccessible due to ongoing power outages from Hurricane Helene.\n\nTwo dumpsters are located on Gibson Street for immediate trash disposal due to road inaccessibility.\n\nTransylvania\n\nThe City of Brevard has resumed regular trash pickup.\n\nYancey\n\nThe Riverside and East Yancey Recycling Centers were expected to resume operations by yesterday, October 5.\n\nNo update has been published, but I will keep you posted once I have received confirmation that the facilities have been reopened.\n\nVoter Information\n\nThe North Carolina State Board of Elections has provided pertinent information and recommendations for voters in the Helene disaster area during the 2024 general election.\n\nTo review information on voting in the 2024 general election after Hurricane Helene, you can follow this link.\n\nThe site provides information on absentee voting, how to change your polling location, county board of elections, office closures and more.\n\nFor any additional questions on voting post-hurricane, please contact your county Board of Elections.\n\nPlease note: Your county Board of Elections is the best place to get any questions answered.\n\nI have been permitted to share the above, nonpartisan information but am prohibited from answering any questions related to the 2024 general election.\n\nUnited States Postal Service/Mail Services\n\nUSPS anticipates continued improvement of mail delivery operations with local recovery efforts, to include power, connectivity, and roads.\n\nThere are some facilities unable to provide full retail and mail delivery due to road closures and current conditions.\n\nNo drop shipments will be accepted at any of the locations listed below.\n\nThe following sites are closed:\n\nBarnardsville - 28709\n\nCedar Mountain - 28718\n\nHot Springs - 28743\n\nRosman - 28772\n\nSwannanoa - 28778\n\nThe following sites are closed with alternative facilities listed:\n\nAlexander - 28701\n\nAlternative location: 270 N. Main St., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:45 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nBat Cave - 28710\n\nAlternative location: 1800 Four Season Blvd., Ste. 11, Hendersonville, NC 28739\n\nDaily hours M-F: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nChimney Rock - 28720\n\nAlternative location: 2432 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. \u2013 4:00 p.m., closed 12:00-1:00 p.m.\n\nEdneyville - 28727\n\nAlternative location: 1800 Four Seasons Blvd., Ste. 11, Hendersonville, NC 28739\n\nDaily hours M-F: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nGerton \u2013 28735\n\nAlternative location: 1352 Charlotte Hwy., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nDaily Hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nGreen Mountain - 28740\n\nAlternative location: 670 W. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nMarshall - 28753\n\nAlternative Location: 270 N. Main St., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:45 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nMicaville - 28755\n\nAlternative location: 670 W. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nMontreat - 28757\n\nAlternative location: 2 Tucker Rd., Ridgecrest, NC 28770\n\nDaily hours M-F: 12:30-4:30 p.m.\n\nPenland - 28765\n\nAlternative location: 899 Oak Ave., Spruce Pine, NC 28777\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nThe following sites are attempting delivery where safe to do so:\n\nArden - 28704\n\nAsheville London Rd. - 28803\n\nAsheville S&DC - 28810\n\nBlack Mountain - 28711\n\nBrevard - 28712\n\nBurnsville - 28714\n\nCandler - 28715\n\nClyde - 28721\n\nColumbus - 28722\n\nEast Flat Rock - 28726\n\nEtowah - 28729\n\nFairview - 2873\n\nFletcher - 28732\n\nHendersonville Annex - 28792\n\nHorse Shoe - 28742\n\nLake Toxaway (cash only/PO box) - 28747\n\nMarion - 28752\n\nMars Hill - 28754\n\nOld Fort - 28762\n\nRutherfordton - 28139\n\nSaluda - 28773\n\nSapphire - 28774\n\nSpruce Pine - 28777\n\nTryon - 28782\n\nWeaverville - 28787\n\nDue to internet outages and connectivity issues, the following sites are providing retail services with cash only, PO Box only:\n\nDana - 28724\n\nEnka - 28728\n\nFlat Rock - 28731\n\nHendersonville MPO - 28739\n\nLake Lure (OIC) - 28746\n\nLittle Switzerland - 28749\n\nMountain Home - 28758\n\nNaples - 28760\n\nPisgah Forest - 28768\n\nRidgecrest - 28770\n\nSkyland - 28776\n\nZirconia - 28790\n\nBostic - 28018\n\nMultiple United Parcel Service (UPS) sites continue to be affected by power, flooding, and downed trees/power and lines/storm related obstacles.\n\nThe Hendersonville and Asheville UPS buildings in North Carolina are currently operational and are being powered by portable generators.\n\nDelivery of packages in these areas is increasing as road conditions improve daily.\n\nPharmacy Access\n\nThe Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response under the Department of Health and Human Services has activated the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) for North Carolinians as of Friday, October 4.\n\nThe EPAP program helps uninsured residents replace prescription medication or certain medical equipment lost or damaged during Hurricane Helene.\n\nThrough the program, uninsured residents can:\n\nRequest a free 30-day supply of certain prescription medications at any EPAP-participating pharmacy which can be renewed every 30 days while the EPAP is active.\n\nReplace certain medical equipment and supplies such as canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, blood sugar meters and blood sugar test strips for diabetics.\n\nUninsured North Carolina residents affected by the recent hurricane can call the EPAP hotline, 855-793-7470, or visit the EPAP website to check their eligibility, determine if their medications or medical equipment are covered, or locate a participating pharmacy.\n\nPrescription Pad is open from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and filling prescriptions for Yancey County residents at the following location:\n\n730 E. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nFor individuals able to safely travel to fill a prescription, CVS at the following locations are actively open as of October 2:\n\n324 Long Shoals Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\n505 Smokey Park Hwy., Asheville, NC 28806\n\n371 Asheville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\n3450 Hendersonville Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\n1605 Four Seasons Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\n2001 Spartanburg Hwy., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\n111 S Main St., Rutherfordton, NC 28139\n\n773 Russ Ave., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nYou can also use this link to locate non-CVS pharmacy locations open to the public by county.\n\nHow to Acquire a Prescription:\n\nIf a store is closed, you can still call the number and the pharmacy\u2019s phone lines have been rerouted to a nearby CVS Pharmacy that is open to help patients access their prescriptions.\n\nPatients can visit any CVS Pharmacy for assistance with immediate prescription needs.\n\nOpen Urgent Cares/ Health Care Services\n\nThere is a field hospital with physicians, nurses and paramedics who can treat patients at the Burnsville Fire Department. The address is as follows:\n\n305 Pineola St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nThe following urgent cares are open and accessible for community members with non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries:\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Weaverville\n\n61 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nMercy Urgent Care West Asheville\n\n1201 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nMercy Urgent Care Waynesville\n\n120 Frazier St., Ste. 6, Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nLocations open between 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Brevard\n\n22 Trust Ln., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Columbus\n\n140 West Mills St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nLocations open between 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.:\n\nMobile Urgent Care Clinic\n\n12 Florida Ave., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nMental Health & Basic Medical Support Center\n\n130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nPardee Urgent Care\n\n45 Hendersonville Hwy., Ste. A, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nLocations open from 12:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nHot Springs Elementary School - Art Room (mental health services only)\n\n63 N. Serpentine Ave., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nResources for Veterans\n\nLegionnaires, Sons of the American Legion members and Legion Posts that have been displaced from their primary residence due to damage sustained during Hurricane Helene may be eligible for financial assistance through the American Legion.\n\nLegionnaires and Sons of the American Legion members may be eligible for up to $3,000.\n\nLegion Posts may be eligible for up to $10,000.\n\nTo learn more or to request assistance, please use this link.\n\nApplications must be submitted within 90 days of the disaster: Dec. 26, 2024.\n\nThe Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville and Master Sergeant Jerry K. Crump VA Clinic in Forest City are open for essential and emergency services.\n\nVeterans can:\n\nVisit the Asheville VA Hospital pharmacy for medication refills or:\n\nCall the Regional Clinical Contact Center at (855) 679-0074 and press 1 for pharmacy representatives.\n\nLocal pharmacies in the VA\u2019s community care network will also fill written prescriptions, or prescriptions as they appear on an active VA prescription bottle that is not older than six months and has available refills, to provide a 30-day supply.\n\nHickory and Franklin outpatient VA clinics are now operating regularly.\n\nDue to the damage and personal losses caused by Hurricane Helene to the staff of the VA, it will take some time to bring staffing to full capacity.\n\nPlease be patient as the VA works to rebuild their workforce.\n\nResources for Farmers\n\nThe United States Department of Agriculture is beginning to put together a list of resources for farmers and other agricultural industry members.\n\nIf your agricultural operation has been impacted by Hurricane Helene, you can review this link, farmers.gov, for emergency and disaster assistance programs.\n\nOn Monday, October 7, at 11:00 a.m., USDA is hosting a virtual briefing to share information on disaster assistance programs.\n\nYou can join the event on Microsoft Teams using this link.\n\nAdd the event to your calendar: Google, iCal, or Outlook.\n\nPower and Gas\n\n141,000 customers remain without power in Western North Carolina.\n\nAs work on substations conclude, Duke Energy is moving personnel to work on the power grid\u2019s thousands of miles of lines and poles that serve individual homes and businesses.\n\nThis work can feel slower because the same amount of work restores fewer customers.\n\nFor more information on Duke Energy\u2019s power restoration efforts, you can review the following links:\n\nOutage Map: duke-energy.com/outages\n\nOutage Alerts: duke-energy.com/outages/alerts\n\nGenerator safety: duke-energy.com/outages/generators\n\nPower restoration process: duke-energy.com/outages/restoring-your-power\n\nRoads\n\nA \u201cDO NOT DRIVE\u201d message remains in place from the North Carolina Department of Transportation for most of Western North Carolina.\n\nUnless it is an emergency, please do not travel to the hardest hit communities.\n\nCherokee, Graham, Clay and Swain counties ARE FULLY OPEN to people who can access them through safe routes.\n\nPlease DO NOT try to visit or travel through the areas hardest hit by the storm such as Henderson and Buncombe counties.\n\nUSDOT approved an initial $100 million in Emergency Repair funds to NCDOT.\n\nDamage to our mountain roads exceeds $100 million but USDOT\u2019s investment is a significant and most welcome start.\n\nSince Friday, NCDOT has deployed an additional 450 employees to help respond to storm damage.\n\nA total of 2,050 DOT employees are working to restore and repair road access in WNC.\n\nNCDOT also has more than 50 personnel from neighboring states on the ground providing assistance.\n\nThere are currently about 650 road closures, 109 of which are to primary routes.\n\nAbout 300 bridges have been identified for further investigation and at least one-third will need to be replaced.\n\nNCDOT and Tennessee DOT are collaborating on a long-term plan for reconstruction of I-40 in the Pigeon River Gorge.\n\nNCDOT is in the process of contracting a project to stabilize the westbound lanes of I-40 where the eastbound lanes no longer exist to mitigate the risk of further damage.\n\nNCDOT is working to expedite these repairs to restore mobility to the area as soon as possible.\n\nAir traffic has sustained at 300 percent above pre-hurricane levels in Western NC.\n\nNCDOT\u2019s aviation division continue to work to make sure flight operations are safe coming into and out of airports, including by:\n\nScheduling landing/unloading times and aircraft parking so aircraft are spaced out and to reduce the risk of incidents.\n\nEstablishing a first of its kind \u201ccorridors in the sky\u201d to separate civilian and military aircraft in the air.\n\nHaving search and rescue partners use short, time and location specific restrictions on air operations to enhance safety when multiple helicopters are engaged in search and rescue efforts.\n\nThe state of North Carolina is NOT turning away civil aviation support so long as it has been coordinated through the proper channels with NC Emergency Management.\n\nIf you or someone you know is interested in providing civil aviation support and don\u2019t know where to coordinate your efforts, please call my office and we will help you get in touch with the right folks.\n\nNCDOT has launched a detour map to show motorists how to get around closures on I-26 and I-40 at the Tennessee border.\n\nYou can access the map here.\n\nInternet Access\n\nInternet providers are working with local energy and cell providers to restore service for customers across Western North Carolina.\n\nTo mitigate the lack of service, Optimum, formerly Altice USA, has set up an Optimum Wi-Fi Trailer that is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the following locations:\n\n717 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\n1800 Four Seasons Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nThe following locations are offering free public wi-fi:\n\nFirst Baptist Church - Weaverville\n\n63 N. Main St, Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nDowntown Franklin\n\nThe Town of Franklin has free wi-fi on the town hill area in downtown.\n\nTransylvania County Library - 24/7\n\n212 S. Gaston St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNewfound Artison through today, October 6\n\nHigh-speed internet and charging outlets\n\nAvailable 12:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nThe Yard Brevard\n\n284 Railroad Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nBrevard Visitor Center\n\n175 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAvailable daily from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nCell Service\n\nVerizon was able to restore service in the Waynesville area.\n\nThey will be moving the portable cell sites and satellite connections that were in Waynesville to Lake Junaluska, Iron Duff, and other areas north of Waynesville to provide service for the residents and first responders there.\n\nEngineers have finally been able to clear access for equipment in Rutherford County near Chimney Rock and Lake Lure.\n\nProviders are currently assessing the extent of the damage and starting repairs.\n\nEven though you may have service again, you may notice it is different from your pre-storm service.\n\nThe temporary connection links put in place as a temporary fix while the fiber is being repaired can accommodate smaller amounts of traffic.\n\nNetwork capacity on temporary connection links may be maxed out more frequently, so service providers are encouraging customers to use the network sparingly to maintain room for first responders and community members who still need to reach help or critical resources.\n\nSupport and recovery personnel are also encouraged to minimize cell usage.\n\nService providers are working to add additional capacity to cell sites and move mobile assets where needed to accommodate data increases, so I am requesting a little more patience on their behalf as providers work to fully restore our community\u2019s network.\n\nCell service providers have implemented disaster roaming for any phone located in Western North Carolina to maximize phone service for all users.\n\nDisaster roaming allows users to connect to any mobile network during a disaster when other networks are down.\n\nThis allows users to access emergency services, such as 911, even when their own network is out.\n\nIf you have service one moment, but experience a reduction in service the next, try restarting your phone to jumpstart disaster roaming again.\n\nUpCycle Tech in Transylvania County is offering free computers and phones for use at the following location:\n\n470 Asheville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAT&T has deployed its Mobile Connectivity Center to the following location:\n\nSam\u2019s Club: 645 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nThe Mobile Connectivity Center is an air-conditioned mobile unit open to the public, equipped with laptops, charging stations and wi-fi.\n\nThe public can use the center for various needs including contacting your insurance company, filling out paperwork or connecting with loved ones.\n\nVerizon has deployed Wireless Emergency Communication Centers to help hurricane survivors stay connected to their friends, family and other important contacts.\n\nWireless Emergency Communication Centers are generator-powered mobile units that have device charging and computer workstations, along with wireless phones, tablets, and other devices available for use.\n\nVerizon\u2019s Wireless Emergency Communication Centers have been set up at the following locations:\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nAsheville YMCA\n\n30 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nFamily Justice Center\n\n35 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nGroce United Methodist Church\n\n954 Tunnel Rd., Asheville, NC 28805\n\nVerizon also has charging stations at the following locations:\n\nYMCA of Western North Carolina\n\n348 Grace Corpening Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nTwo charging stations at this location\n\nWNC Agricultural Center\n\n761 Boylston Hwy., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nThree charging stations at this location\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nOne charging station at this location\n\nT-Mobile has set up satellite cellular on light trucks (SatCOLTs), providing cellular voice and data along with wi-fi and charging stations at the following locations:\n\nAsheville Middle School\n\n211 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center\n\n285 Livingston St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nFirst Baptist Church\n\n130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nAdditional T-Mobile satellite cell on trucks are located in Hendersonville and at a Tractor Supply Co. in Asheville, with others planned for Mission Hospital in Asheville, Cherokee County Emergency Operations Center in Murphy, and in Cherokee.\n\nNorth Carolina National Guard & Department of Defense\n\nMore than 1,500 North Carolina National Guard soldiers and airmen have been deployed to provide support to Western North Carolina so far.\n\nThe total number of deployed guardsmen will continue to increase over the coming days.\n\nThe National Guard has deployed a military liaison officer to each of the affected counties to aid in communication and coordination with each county EMS.\n\nAlthough airspace is limited due to ongoing missions by the National Guard and Department of Defense, a process has been established for private pilots seeking to fly in humanitarian relief to coordinate with local authorities.\n\nIf you are looking to fly in resources and don\u2019t know where to turn, call my office and we will get you in contact with the right coordinators.\n\nOn October 2, the Secretary of Defense authorized the movement of up to 1,000 active-duty soldiers, including soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division from Ft. Liberty (formerly Ft. Bragg).\n\nMany of these soldiers have arrived in Western North Carolina and are supporting the delivery of food, water and other critical aid to communities impacted by Hurricane Helene.\n\n400 soldiers have already been stationed in Western North Carolina.\n\nHundreds of others are positioned nearby, prepared to assume tasks and missions as they are requested by counties and assigned by NC Emergency Management.\n\nThe Department of Defense has also committed 22 helicopters to assist with search and rescue operations.\n\nHere are a few key phone numbers from the NCNG:\n\nHOTLINE: 888-892-1162\n\nEmergency management watch: 919-733-3300\n\nDonated goods: 919-825-2474\n\nThese lines have very high call volumes. If you do not get through the first try, keep calling.\n\nAsheville Regional Airport\n\nAsheville Regional Airport closed mid-day on Friday, September 27, due to risk of flooding.\n\nCommercial flights at Asheville Regional Airport have resumed.\n\nIf you parked your car in an Asheville Regional Airport lot and could not retrieve the vehicle due to the storm, great news - none of the airport\u2019s lots flooded and all cars are fine.\n\nStay safe and pick up your car when you are able.\n\nPLEASE NOTE:\n\nNo general aviation pilots are allowed to land at Asheville Regional Airport without prior clearance from FEMA to ensure the safety of aircraft and personnel.\n\nSupply deliveries by civilian pilots ARE permitted to land at Asheville Regional Airport so long as they have prior clearance from FEMA.\n\nFEMA is not turning away any pilot that has gone through the proper channels to coordinate delivery and ensure the safety of his fellow aircraft and personnel.\n\nFederal Nutrition Programs\n\nThe U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service has approved flexibilities due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene.\n\nSNAP\n\nNorth Carolina was granted a waiver for the 10-day reporting requirement for the replacement of food purchased with SNAP benefits lost because of the hurricane.\n\nThis waiver provides additional time beyond the standard 10-day time frame for households to report food losses and receive replacement benefits for food that was destroyed and previously purchased with SNAP benefits.\n\nChild Nutrition\n\nThe North Carolina Department of Public Instruction was approved for a waiver pertaining to the child nutrition programs.\n\nUnder the waiver approval, NCDPI\u2019s local program operators may:\n\nServe meals in a non-congregate setting\n\nAdjust the time of meal service\n\nAllow parent pick-up\n\nAllow service of meals at school sites\n\nFood and Nutrition Services Program\n\nPeople and families in North Carolina who are enrolled in the Food and Nutrition Services program can now use their EBT card to purchase hot food.\n\nThis flexibility will remain in effect until November 3.\n\nSpecial Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, & Children (WIC)\n\nFamilies participating in WIC who may have relocated to a new area can go to any NC WIC agency to:\n\nHave a new eWIC card issued\n\nRequest replacement breastfeeding supplies or breast pumps\n\nRequest replacement food that was purchased with current WIC benefits and lost due to Hurricane Helene\n\nFor NC-11 Medical Providers\n\nIf you own a medical practice in NC-11 and are experiencing financial hardship due to Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina Medical Society will be reactivating its Financial Recovery Program (FRP) to help you recover and open your doors again.\n\nThe FRP will be back online to provide much needed assistance soon.\n\nMore information to follow.\n\nThe Department of Health and Human Services through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has made available:\n\nAccelerated payments to Medicare Part A providers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nAdvance payments to Medicare Part B suppliers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nFor Local Government Resource Requests\n\nFor county leaders: This is a reminder to make sure your Emergency Operation Center has submitted the request for gasoline, food, water, cell service deployables, etc. with North Carolina Emergency Management to have your request processed and resources delivered.\n\nMy office stands ready to assist with checking the status of your request if the county or municipality has not heard back from NC Emergency Management within 24 hours.\n\nFor Individual Assistance through FEMA\n\nNorth Carolina received a Major Disaster Declaration for the following counties: Buncombe, Clay, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania and Yancey counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.\n\nPeople with damage to their homes or personal property who live in one of the above-listed counties should apply for Individual Assistance through FEMA, which may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies.\n\nFunds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay.\n\nIndividual Assistance provides financial aid and services to eligible individuals and households that have been affected by a disaster to assist with the recovery process. Individuals can officially begin applying for Individual Assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling the application phone number at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. EST.\n\nTo date, FEMA has paid out more than $26 million in housing and other types of assistance to more than 19,000 North Carolina households.\n\nTo Connect with a Loved One\n\nResidents trying to connect with family members may call NC 211 (or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from out-of-state) to report missing loved ones or request a welfare check.\n\nPeople in the impacted areas can indicate that they are safe by reporting themselves safe through Red Cross Reunification by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).\n\nPlease only use 911 for life-threatening emergencies so the lines remain open for critical situations.\n\nIf you are still trying to locate a friend or family member, please complete this form to notify local officials of their missing status.\n\nThe form was created by Buncombe County but information is being shared amongst all counties.\n\nRegardless of which county your loved one was last known to be in, you can still submit the form.\n\nBuncombe County will share the information with the appropriate officials to initiate search and rescue efforts.\n\nUnited Way is also fielding missing person/welfare check requests.\n\nText PERSON to 40403 to add a loved one to search and rescue efforts or fill out this form.\n\nResources for Utility & Other Status Updates\n\nFor information on the status of utilities, debris sites, etc., we want to share the following resources. As communications are restored and more information becomes available, these sites will continue to be updated.\n\nDrinking Water Systems: Public Water Supply Situation Report Tracking\n\nDebris Disposal Sites: Active Temporary Debris Disposal Sites\n\nNCDEQ Situation Report Tracking System\n\nNCDPS Hurricane Helene - Storm Information\n\nNCDPS County Emergency Management Agencies\n\nHow to Apply for FEMA Assistance After Hurricane Helene\n\nFree Legal Assistance\n\nLegal Aid of North Carolina stands ready to provide free advice and legal counsel regarding natural disaster needs, including legal representation if necessary, including for civil legal issues involving:\n\nFiling FEMA claims and appeals (a process which can be overwhelmingly bureaucratic and burdensome)\n\nReplacement of lost or destroyed legal and government documents, including driver\u2019s licenses and identification cards\n\nMedical and insurance claims\n\nHome repair contracts\n\nUtility disputes related to restoration of services\n\nConsumer protection issues like construction fraud, price-gouging on repairs and identity theft\n\nHousing issues such as unlawful eviction and foreclosures\n\nBankruptcy\n\nProbate and clearing title for survivors living in generational homes without a clear title\n\nFamily law cases and children in need of services (unfortunately, domestic violence tends to rise following a natural disaster)\n\nIf you need civil legal assistance, please contact Legal Aid of North Carolina via the following toll-free hotline:\n\n(866) 219-LANC or (866) 219-5262\n\nThe hotline is available from:\n\n8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; and 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Monday and Thursdays.\n\nConstituents can also apply online at legalaidnc.org/get-help/ between 1:00-4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday.\n\nIRS Guidance for Taxpayers Impacted by Hurricane Helene\n\nExtension of certain tax filing deadlines:\n\nIRS has extended various filing deadlines for taxpayers in impacted areas, including 2024 individual/business returns, certain quarterly estimated income tax payments, and certain payroll/excise taxes.\n\nClick here for the full list of extensions and respective dates\n\nClick here for more information from the IRS on disaster assistance\n\nTax relief for qualified payments, disaster-related losses:\n\nIRS released provided guidance to taxpayers on how to address disaster-related losses in their 2024 tax return, as well as providing guidance on how qualified disaster relief payments - like government assistance payments - are generally excluded from gross income.\n\nClick here for a general walkthrough of these policies (under header \u201cAdditional tax relief\u201d)\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of disaster-related losses\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of qualified disaster relief payments\n\nShelters\n\nFor those unable to evacuate to a safe location or in need of a place to go, the following shelters are currently open and available as of October 5:\n\nBuncombe\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nGold\u2019s Gym\n\n801 Fairview Rd, Asheville, NC 28803\n\nWNC Agricultural Center\n\n1301 Fanning Bridge Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nHaywood\n\nHaywood County Government Armory\n\n285 Armory Dr., Clyde, NC 28781\n\nHenderson\n\nEdneyville Elementary School\n\n2875 Pace Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nHenderson County Recreation Center\n\n708 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nMadison\n\nMadison Early College High School\n\n5374 US Hwy 25-70, Marshall, NC 28755\n\nMcDowell\n\nGlenwood Baptist Church\n\n1550 Glenwood Baptist Church Rd., Marion, NC 29640\n\nYMCA of Western North Carolina\n\n348 Grace Corpening Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nPolk\n\nPolk County High School\n\n1681 NC 108 Hwy. E., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nRutherford\n\nRutherfordton/Spindale Central High School\n\n641 US 221 Hwy. N., Rutherfordton, NC 28139\n\nTransylvania\n\nTransylvania Parks & Rec\n\n1078 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nYancey\n\nBlue Ridge Elementary\n\n910 Cane River School Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nCane River Middle School\n\n1128 Cane River School Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nWith my warmest regards,\n\nChuck Edwards\n\nMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-adams-greets-vice-president-kamala-harris-charlotte", "Rep. Adams Greets Vice President Kamala Harris in Charlotte", "2024-10-05", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Alma S. Adams", "A000370", "adams.house.gov", "adams", "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "CHARLOTTE \u2013 Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12) welcomed Vice President Kamala D. Harris to Charlotte, North Carolina on Saturday, as she arrived at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) to survey the damage wrought by Tropical Storm Helene.\n\n\u201cI spoke with Vice President Harris, and she is committed to providing whatever resources are required to help the people of North Carolina recover from Helene,\u201d said Rep. Adams. \u201cI am thankful to her and to President Biden for all the work they\u2019re doing behind the scenes to help our state.\u201d\n\nRep. Adams, who represents northern Charlotte and some surrounding towns, joined the Vice President on the tarmac at CLT, to welcome her to the region. CLT has benefited from over $200 million in federal funds supporting its expansion and modernization, thanks to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) passed under the Biden-Harris Administration.\n\n###\n\nCongresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. represents North Carolina's 12th Congressional District (Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, Cabarrus County) and serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Education & the Workforce, where she serves as ranking member of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/hurricane-helene-update-8-congressman-edwards", "Hurricane Helene update #8 from Congressman Edwards", "2024-10-05", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Chuck Edwards", "E000246", "edwards.house.gov", "edwards", "https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "October 5, 2024\n\nDear Friend,\n\nWe are turning a corner. Resources are here, the community is coming together, and it has been made very clear that victims are not in this recovery effort alone. Let me repeat that: You are not alone, and you will not have to recover from this hurricane alone.\n\nI want to start today\u2019s update by applauding every single person who has reached out to offer aid, traveled to Western North Carolina to help, donated their time, money, or supplies, or prayed for the people of these mountains.\n\nFor every new community I have visited over the past week, I have seen dozens of new volunteers serving North Carolinians in need, and this help isn\u2019t going anywhere anytime soon. Volunteers, you depict hope, which is something that has been desperately needed in NC-11 over the past week. Thank you.\n\nToday\u2019s update is jam packed. New information or resources have been added in just about every category and I\u2019ve added a few completely new categories as well. These include resources for farmers, prescription access for veterans and the uninsured, new federal nutrition program flexibilities, and arguably most in-demand - resources for how to vote in a post-Hurricane Helene environment.\n\nToday is update number eight and I will, of course, be continuing to provide you with more information over the coming days and weeks. As always, please make sure to read everything and share it with your friends and family.\n\nFood and Water\n\nSupplying drinkable water remains a top priority for emergency crews.\n\n96 water systems are on a boil advisory.\n\n37 treatment plants have reported having no power and 41 systems are out of water.\n\nWater restoration trends continue to move in a positive direction.\n\nThe state of North Carolina is continuing to provide a minimum of 40 trailer loads of water and 20 trailer loads of food daily through at least October 6, per their promise to the people of Western North Carolina.\n\nThe Federal Emergency Management Agency has promised 120 truckloads a day of food and water with no specified end date.\n\nTo date, FEMA has delivered 5.4 million meals and 6.3 million liters of water utilizing the $20 billion in funds that I helped to draft and pass for disaster relief just two days before Hurricane Helene hit.\n\nWalmart will also be hosting activities at the following locations:\n\nHendersonville, NC Store 1242\n\n250 Highlands Square Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nPortable restrooms\n\nServing hot meals at 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily\n\nArden, NC Store 1179\n\n60 Airport Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nPortable restrooms\n\nLaundry\n\nShowers\n\nWi-fi hotspot and charging stations\n\nResource pick-up locations are listed below by county. As I learn more, I will keep you posted:\n\nBuncombe County\n\nBuncombe County has begun water distribution at multiple sites. Each will be available daily from 1:00 -7:00 p.m.:\n\nPack Square Park - you MUST bring your own container for this site\n\n80 Court Plz., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nWilliam W. Estes Elementary School\n\n275 Overlook Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nSand Hill-Venable Elementary\n\n154 Sand Hill School Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nNorth Windy Ridge Intermediate School\n\n20 Doan Rd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nFairview Elementary\n\n1355 Charlotte Hwy., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nThe following major feeding site is available in Buncombe County, where citizens can access food, water and other basic necessities:\n\nBiltmore Baptist Church\n\n35 Clayton Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nDistribution and bulk pickup for volunteers looking to take bulk loads of supplies to in-need community members\n\nSaturday hours: 10:00 a.m. \u2013 1:00 p.m.\n\nCommunity drive-thru for anyone in the community needing supplies\n\nSaturday hours: 3:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nHaywood County\n\nThe following locations are providing community members with essential resources such as but not limited to, food, water, cleaning products, baby formula, and pet food, Monday through Fridays:\n\nPigeon Community Center\n\n450 Pigeon St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nAlso offering hot meals every day at 2:00 p.m.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCruso Community Center\n\n13186 Cruso Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.\n\nFirst United Methodist Church\n\n566 S. Haywood St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nIncludes shower access.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.\n\nMaggie Valley Pavilion\n\n3935 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nDaily Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.\n\nWoodland Baptist Church\n\n545 Crabtree Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nBethel Elementary School\n\n4700 Old River Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nJonathan Valley Elementary School\n\n410 Hall Dr., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nMonday through Friday\n\nThe following location offers hot meals daily:\n\nMaggie Valley Fire Department\n\n2901 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nThe following location offers showers daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.:\n\nCalvary Baptist Church\n\n2701 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nHenderson County\n\nHenderson County has stood up Resource Hub locations for water distribution and other supplies as they become available.\n\nDistribution takes place daily, starting at 9:00 a.m., at the following locations:\n\nEtowah Elementary: 320 Etowah School Rd., Etowah, NC 28729\n\nRugby Middle School: 3345 Haywood Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nEast Henderson High School: 150 Eagle Pride Dr., East Flat Rock, NC 28726\n\nNorth Henderson High School: 35 Fruitland Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nMills River Town Hall: 124 Town Center Dr., Mills River, NC 28759\n\nFletcher Town Hall: 300 Old Cane Creek Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nEach family unit will be provided supplies for one day\u2019s meal and water as available.\n\nIndividuals are asked to enter the drive-through and remain in your car unless otherwise instructed by volunteers to ensure an efficient process.\n\nMadison County\n\nThe following locations are offering food and water distribution in Madison County:\n\n5580 US-25, Marshall, NC 28753\n\n225 Carl Eller Rd., Mars Hill, NC 28754\n\n63 N. Serpentine Ave., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMcDowell County has established multiple points of distribution that are open daily from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 4:00-6:00 p.m., depending on supply levels.\n\nDistribution takes place daily at the following locations:\n\nHicks Chapel Church\n\n6008 US 221 N., Marion, NC 28752\n\nFormer TJ\u2019s Discounts\n\n8153 US 221 N., Marion, NC 28752\n\nOld Fort Town Hall\n\n38 Catawba Ave., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nNew Manna Baptist Church\n\n225 E. Court St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nSolid Rock Free Will Baptist Church\n\n7860 NC 226 S., Nebo, NC 28761\n\nHot meals are also being provided at the following location:\n\nGrace Community Church\n\n5182 US 70 W., Marion, NC 28752\n\nLunch is served every day from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.\n\nDinner is available from 4:00-5:30 p.m.\n\nPolk County\n\nThe following locations are offering food and water distribution for residents in need:\n\nMill Spring/Green Creek Community\n\n25 International Blvd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nColumbus Community\n\n95 Walker St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nSaluda Community Bus Parking Lot\n\n214 E. Main St., Saluda, NC 28773\n\nTryon Community\n\n301 N. Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782\n\nSunny View\n\n86 Sunny View School Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nThe Roseland Center\n\n56 Peake St., Tryon, NC 28782\n\nRutherford County\n\nThe following locations are open from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. for citizens to get food and emergency supplies:\n\nThomas Jefferson High School\n\n2527 US-221A Hwy., Mooresboro, NC 28114\n\nFlorence Baptist Church\n\n201 S. Broadway St., Forest City, NC 28043\n\nRutherford County Health Department\n\n221 Callahan Koon Rd., Spindale, NC 28160\n\nGilkey Church of God\n\n255 Oak Springs Rd., Rutherfordton, NC 28139\n\nParks, Recreation, & Lake Office\n\n658 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nLake Lure Baptist Church - also has bathroom and shower stations\n\n6837 US-74 ALT, Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nIngles at Lake Lure - meals only\n\n276 NC-9, Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nOffers hot meals at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., and 6:30 p.m.\n\nFather\u2019s Vineyard - also has shower and charging stations\n\n724 Oakland Rd., Spindale, NC 28160\n\nSpencer Baptist Church - water distribution only\n\n187 N Oak St., Spindale, NC 28160\n\nUnited Way of Rutherford County - water distribution and charging stations only\n\n668 Withrow Rd., Forest City, NC 28043\n\nDebris Removal\n\nIf your home has damages and you need assistance with clean up, please call Crisis Cleanup for access to volunteer organizations that can assist you at 844-965-1386.\n\nAdditionally, the following counties have resources for where to take debris waste.\n\nHaywood\n\nHousehold waste will be accepted at the Materials Recovery Facility at 247 Recycle Rd., Clyde and at Convenience Centers at Jonathan Creek, Beaverdam, Bethel, Hazelwood, Mauney Cove, Jones Cove and Highway 110.\n\nWhite Oak Landfill has reopened, as of noon on Tuesday, October 1\n\nHenderson\n\nHenderson County Transfer Station is open and accepting storm debris with normal fees.\n\nHenderson County has begun curbside storm debris removal to county residents as a free service.\n\nThe county will pick up storm debris for free if it is pushed to the right of way of a property.\n\nStorm debris includes tree branches, leaves, logs, building materials, furniture, paint etc.\n\nPlease be patient.\n\nThe county will pick up storm debris for free as quickly as possible.\n\nVoter Information\n\nThe North Carolina State Board of Elections has provided pertinent information and recommendations for voters in the Helene disaster area during the 2024 general election.\n\nTo review information on voting in the 2024 general election after Hurricane Helene, you can follow this link.\n\nThe site provides information on absentee voting, how to change your polling location, county board of elections, office closures and more.\n\nFor any additional questions on voting post-hurricane, please contact your county Board of Elections.\n\nPlease note: Your county Board of Elections is the best place to get any questions answered.\n\nI have been permitted to share the above, nonpartisan information but am prohibited from answering any questions related to the 2024 general election.\n\nUnited States Postal Service/Mail Services\n\nUSPS anticipates continued improvement of mail delivery operations with local recovery efforts, to include power, connectivity, and roads.\n\nThere are some facilities unable to provide full retail and mail delivery due to road closures and current conditions.\n\nNo drop shipments will be accepted at any of the locations listed below.\n\nThe following sites are closed:\n\nBarnardsville - 28709\n\nCedar Mountain - 28718\n\nHot Springs - 28743\n\nRosman - 28772\n\nSwannanoa - 28778\n\nThe following sites are closed with alternative facilities listed:\n\nAlexander - 28701\n\nAlternative location: 270 N. Main St., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:45 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nBat Cave - 28710\n\nAlternative location: 1800 Four Season Blvd., Ste. 11, Hendersonville, NC 28739\n\nDaily hours M-F: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nChimney Rock - 28720\n\nAlternative location: 2432 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. \u2013 4:00 p.m., closed 12:00-1:00 p.m.\n\nEdneyville - 28727\n\nAlternative location: 1800 Four Seasons Blvd., Ste. 11, Hendersonville, NC 28739\n\nDaily hours M-F: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nGerton \u2013 28735\n\nAlternative location: 1352 Charlotte Hwy., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nDaily Hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nGreen Mountain - 28740\n\nAlternative location: 670 W. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nMarshall - 28753\n\nAlternative Location: 270 N. Main St., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:45 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nMicaville - 28755\n\nAlternative location: 670 W. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nMontreat - 28757\n\nAlternative location: 2 Tucker Rd., Ridgecrest, NC 28770\n\nDaily hours M-F: 12:30-4:30 p.m.\n\nPenland - 28765\n\nAlternative location: 899 Oak Ave., Spruce Pine, NC 28777\n\nDaily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\nOpen Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nThe following sites are attempting delivery where safe to do so:\n\nArden - 28704\n\nAsheville London Rd. - 28803\n\nAsheville S&DC - 28810\n\nBlack Mountain - 28711\n\nBrevard - 28712\n\nBurnsville - 28714\n\nCandler - 28715\n\nClyde - 28721\n\nColumbus - 28722\n\nEast Flat Rock - 28726\n\nEtowah - 28729\n\nFairview - 2873\n\nFletcher - 28732\n\nHendersonville Annex - 28792\n\nHorse Shoe - 28742\n\nLake Toxaway (cash only/PO box) - 28747\n\nMarion - 28752\n\nMars Hill - 28754\n\nOld Fort - 28762\n\nRutherfordton - 28139\n\nSaluda - 28773\n\nSapphire - 28774\n\nSpruce Pine - 28777\n\nTryon - 28782\n\nWeaverville - 28787\n\nDue to internet outages and connectivity issues, the following sites are providing retail services with cash only, PO Box only:\n\nDana - 28724\n\nEnka - 28728\n\nFlat Rock - 28731\n\nHendersonville MPO - 28739\n\nLake Lure (OIC) - 28746\n\nLittle Switzerland - 28749\n\nMountain Home - 28758\n\nNaples - 28760\n\nPisgah Forest - 28768\n\nRidgecrest - 28770\n\nSkyland - 28776\n\nZirconia - 28790\n\nBostic - 28018\n\nMultiple United Parcel Service (UPS) sites continue to be affected by power, flooding, and downed trees/power and lines/storm related obstacles.\n\nThe Hendersonville and Asheville UPS buildings in North Carolina are currently operational and are being powered by portable generators.\n\nDelivery of packages in these areas is increasing as road conditions improve daily.\n\nPharmacy Access\n\nThe Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response under the Department of Health and Human Services has activated the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) for North Carolinians as of Friday, October 4.\n\nThe EPAP program helps uninsured residents replace prescription medication or certain medical equipment lost or damaged during Hurricane Helene.\n\nThrough the program, uninsured residents can:\n\nRequest a free 30-day supply of certain prescription medications at any EPAP-participating pharmacy which can be renewed every 30 days while the EPAP is active.\n\nReplace certain medical equipment and supplies such as canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, blood sugar meters and blood sugar test strips for diabetics.\n\nUninsured North Carolina residents affected by the recent hurricane can call the EPAP hotline, 855-793-7470, or visit the EPAP website to check their eligibility, determine if their medications or medical equipment are covered, or locate a participating pharmacy.\n\nFor individuals able to safely travel to fill a prescription, CVS at the following locations are actively open as of October 2:\n\n324 Long Shoals Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\n505 Smokey Park Hwy., Asheville, NC 28806\n\n371 Asheville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\n3450 Hendersonville Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\n1605 Four Seasons Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\n2001 Spartanburg Hwy., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\n111 S Main St., Rutherfordton, NC 28139\n\n773 Russ Ave., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nYou can also use this link to locate non-CVS pharmacy locations open to the public by county.\n\nHow to Acquire a Prescription:\n\nIf a store is closed, you can still call the number and the pharmacy\u2019s phone lines have been rerouted to a nearby CVS Pharmacy that is open to help patients access their prescriptions.\n\nPatients can visit any CVS Pharmacy for assistance with immediate prescription needs.\n\nOpen Urgent Cares\n\nThe following urgent cares are open and accessible for community members with non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries:\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Weaverville\n\n61 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nMercy Urgent Care West Asheville\n\n1201 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nMercy Urgent Care Waynesville\n\n120 Frazier St., Ste. 6, Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nLocations open between 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Brevard\n\n22 Trust Ln., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Columbus\n\n140 West Mills St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nResources for Veterans\n\nLegionnaires, Sons of the American Legion members and Legion Posts that have been displaced from their primary residence due to damage sustained during Hurricane Helene may be eligible for financial assistance through the American Legion.\n\nLegionnaires and Sons of the American Legion members may be eligible for up to $3,000.\n\nLegion Posts may be eligible for up to $10,000.\n\nTo learn more or to request assistance, please use this link.\n\nApplications must be submitted within 90 days of the disaster: Dec. 26, 2024.\n\nThe Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville and Master Sergeant Jerry K. Crump VA Clinic in Forest City are open for essential and emergency services.\n\nVeterans can:\n\nVisit the Asheville VA Hospital pharmacy for medication refills or:\n\nCall the Regional Clinical Contact Center at (855) 679-0074 and press 1 for pharmacy representatives.\n\nLocal pharmacies in the VA\u2019s community care network will also fill written prescriptions, or prescriptions as they appear on an active VA prescription bottle that is not older than six months and has available refills, to provide a 30-day supply.\n\nHickory and Franklin outpatient VA clinics are now operating regularly.\n\nDue to the damage and personal losses caused by Hurricane Helene to the staff of the VA, it will take some time to bring staffing to full capacity.\n\nPlease be patient as the VA works to rebuild their workforce.\n\nResources for Farmers\n\nThe United States Department of Agriculture is beginning to put together a list of resources for farmers and other agricultural industry members.\n\nIf your agricultural operation has been impacted by Hurricane Helene, you can review this link, farmers.gov, for emergency and disaster assistance programs.\n\nOn Monday, October 7, at 11:00 a.m., USDA is hosting a virtual briefing to share information on disaster assistance programs.\n\nYou can join the event on Microsoft Teams using this link.\n\nAdd the event to your calendar: Google, iCal, or Outlook.\n\nPower and Gas\n\n174,000 customers remain without power in Western North Carolina.\n\nDuke Energy is on track to restore an additional 27,000 customers by Sunday evening, October 6.\n\nThe remaining outages are in the hardest-hit areas of Western North Carolina.\n\nIn the areas where catastrophic damage exists, 105,000 customers are without power.\n\nDuke Energy is working closely with the state on plans to address these areas as quickly as possible.\n\nThe number of customers seeing their power turn back on each day is slowing, but that is only because Duke Energy has been conducting significant work to repair and bring back online the 360 substations that were damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Helene.\n\nThe substations are the backbone of our energy grid.\n\nOnce restored, service for private homeowners and businesses will rapidly begin to come back online.\n\nSo far, 95 percent of substations have been restored and significant substation work is continuing today.\n\nPower for the Greenwood Rock Quarry has been restored.\n\nRestoration of the quarry\u2019s power will help NCDOT to address gravel needs for road repairs.\n\nFor more information on Duke Energy\u2019s power restoration efforts, you can review the following links:\n\nOutage Map: duke-energy.com/outages\n\no Outage Alerts: duke-energy.com/outages/alerts\n\no Generator safety: duke-energy.com/outages/generators\n\no Power restoration process: duke-energy.com/outages/restoring-your-power\n\nRoads\n\nA \u201cDO NOT DRIVE\u201d message remains in place from the North Carolina Department of Transportation for most of Western North Carolina.\n\nUnless it is an emergency, please do not travel to the hardest hit communities.\n\nCherokee, Graham, Clay and Swain counties ARE FULLY OPEN to people who can access them through safe routes.\n\nPlease DO NOT try to visit or travel through the areas hardest hit by the storm such as Henderson and Buncombe counties.\n\nNCDOT continues to make steady progress reopening roads in response to Hurricane Helene.\n\nNew road reopenings include:\n\nU.S. 19 - Partially open with two-lane two-way traffic into Tennessee\n\nU.S. 321 - Cleared to the Tennessee line with a few one-lane stretches.\n\nBee Tree Road\n\nClearing of this road has restored critical access to the reservoir in Buncombe County.\n\nNCDOT is partnering with Duke Energy to reopen roads leading to their substations to restore power.\n\nIn addition to repair and debris removal efforts, NCDOT has provided support and helped coordinate relief efforts for many agencies near or in storm-impacted areas.\n\nAs of Friday, October 4, there has successfully been:\n\n472 evacuation trips\n\n2,003 people transported to safety\n\n523 trips to shelters\n\n2,076 people transported to the shelters\n\nAir traffic has increased 300% in Western North Carolina since Helene recovery began.\n\nNCDOT\u2019s aviation division is working to make sure flight operations are safe coming into and out of airports, including by:\n\nScheduling landing/unloading times and aircraft parking so aircraft are spaced out and to reduce the risk of incidents.\n\nEstablishing a first of its kind \u201ccorridors in the sky\u201d to separate civilian and military aircraft in the air.\n\nHaving search and rescue partners use short, time and location specific restrictions on air operations to enhance safety when multiple helicopters are engaged in search and rescue efforts.\n\nThe state of North Carolina is NOT turning away civil aviation support so long as it has been coordinated through the proper channels with NC Emergency Management.Air traffic has increased 300 percent in Western North Carolina since Helene recovery began.\n\nIf you or someone you know is interested in providing civil aviation support and don\u2019t know where to coordinate your efforts, please call my office and we will help you get in touch with the right folks.\n\nThe United States Forest Service is now and has been active in the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests for the last few days.\n\nUSFS\u2019 primary mission is gaining access to remote communities through the forest.\n\nThis access is being used to:\n\nSupplement normal transportation routes\n\nHelp isolated communities get their water systems back online\n\nNCDOT has launched a detour map to show motorists how to get around closures on I-26 and I-40 at the Tennessee border.\n\nYou can access the map here.\n\nInternet Access\n\nInternet providers are diligently working with local energy and cell providers to restore service for customers across Western North Carolina.\n\nTo mitigate the lack of service, Optimum, formerly Altice USA, has set up an Optimum Wi-Fi Trailer that is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the following locations:\n\n717 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\n1800 Four Seasons Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nCell Service\n\nEven though you may have service again, you may notice it is different from your pre-storm service.\n\nThe temporary connection links put in place as a temporary fix while the fiber is being repaired can accommodate smaller amounts of traffic.\n\nNetwork capacity on temporary connection links may be maxed out more frequently, so service providers are encouraging customers to use the network sparingly to maintain room for first responders and community members who still need to reach help or critical resources.\n\nSupport and recovery personnel are also encouraged to minimize cell usage.\n\nService providers are working to add additional capacity to cell sites and move mobile assets where needed to accommodate data increases, so I am requesting a little more patience on their behalf as providers work to fully restore our community\u2019s network.\n\nCell service providers have implemented disaster roaming for any phone located in Western North Carolina to maximize phone service for all users.\n\nDisaster roaming allows users to connect to any mobile network during a disaster when other networks are down.\n\nThis allows users to access emergency services, such as 911, even when their own network is out.\n\nIf you have service one moment, but experience a reduction in service the next, try restarting your phone to jumpstart disaster roaming again.\n\nAT&T has deployed its Mobile Connectivity Center to the following location:\n\nSam\u2019s Club: 645 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nThe Mobile Connectivity Center is an air-conditioned mobile unit open to the public, equipped with laptops, charging stations and wi-fi.\n\nThe public can use the center for various needs including contacting your insurance company, filling out paperwork or connecting with loved ones.\n\nVerizon has deployed Wireless Emergency Communication Centers to help hurricane survivors stay connected to their friends, family and other important contacts.\n\nWireless Emergency Communication Centers are generator-powered mobile units that have device charging and computer workstations, along with wireless phones, tablets, and other devices available for use.\n\nVerizon\u2019s Wireless Emergency Communication Centers have been set up at the following locations:\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nAsheville YMCA\n\n30 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nVerizon also has charging stations at the following locations:\n\nYMCA of Western North Carolina\n\n348 Grace Corpening Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nTwo charging stations at this location\n\nWNC Agricultural Center\n\n761 Boylston Hwy., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nThree charging stations at this location\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nOne charging station at this location\n\nT-Mobile has set up satellite cellular on light trucks (SatCOLTs) in Asheville, providing cellular voice and data along with wi-fi and charging stations at the following locations:\n\nAsheville Middle School\n\n211 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center\n\n285 Livingston St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nAdditional T-Mobile satellite cell on trucks are located in Hendersonville and at a Tractor Supply Co. in Asheville, with others planned for Mission Hospital in Asheville, Cherokee County Emergency Operations Center in Murphy, and in Cherokee.\n\nNorth Carolina National Guard & Department of Defense\n\nMore than 1,475 North Carolina National Guard soldiers and airmen have been deployed to provide support to Western North Carolina so far.\n\nThe total number of deployed guardsmen will continue to increase over the coming days.\n\nFurther, more than 525 vehicles, including 90 high-water vehicles, and 50 rotary wing assets have been deployed to Western NC.\n\nGeorgia, Virginia, Kentucky, South Carolina and Ft. Liberty have all sent helicopters to assist with aerial initiatives in NC-11.\n\nAs of the afternoon of October 3, the National Guard has:\n\nRescued more than 1,000 Western North Carolinians, including almost 200 by hoist, and 150 animals.\n\nDelivered nearly 2 million lbs. of resources to impacted communities by air.\n\nThe National Guard is continuing C-17 transport of supplies to Asheville.\n\nAlthough airspace is limited due to ongoing missions by the National Guard and Department of Defense, a process has been established for private pilots seeking to fly in humanitarian relief to coordinate with local authorities.\n\nIf you are looking to fly in resources and don\u2019t know where to turn, call my office and we will get you in contact with the right coordinators.\n\nOn October 2, the Secretary of Defense authorized the movement of up to 1,000 active-duty soldiers, including soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division from Ft. Liberty (formerly Ft. Bragg).\n\nMany of these soldiers have arrived in Western North Carolina and are supporting the delivery of food, water and other critical aid to communities impacted by Hurricane Helene.\n\n400 soldiers have already been stationed in Western North Carolina, with hundreds of others being positioned nearby to await directives while logistics are being finalized.\n\nThe Department of Defense has also committed 22 helicopters to assist with search and rescue operations.\n\nSeven CH-47 Chinook helicopters from Ft. Liberty have already been flying resupply missions for the past two days.\n\nHere are a few key phone numbers from the NCNG:\n\nHOTLINE: 888-892-1162\n\nEmergency management watch: 919-733-3300\n\nDonated goods: 919-825-2474\n\nThese lines have very high call volumes. If you do not get through the first try, keep calling.\n\nAsheville Regional Airport\n\nAsheville Regional Airport closed mid-day on Friday, September 27, due to risk of flooding.\n\nCommercial flights at Asheville Regional Airport have resumed.\n\nIf you parked your car in an Asheville Regional Airport lot and could not retrieve the vehicle due to the storm, great news - none of the airport\u2019s lots flooded and all cars are fine.\n\nStay safe and pick up your car when you are able.\n\nPLEASE NOTE:\n\nNo general aviation pilots are allowed to land at Asheville Regional Airport without prior clearance from FEMA to ensure the safety of aircraft and personnel.\n\nSupply deliveries by civilian pilots ARE permitted to land at Asheville Regional Airport so long as they have prior clearance from FEMA.\n\nFEMA is not turning away any pilot that has gone through the proper channels to coordinate delivery and ensure the safety of his fellow aircraft and personnel.\n\nFederal Nutrition Programs\n\nThe U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service has approved flexibilities due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene.\n\nSNAP\n\nNorth Carolina was granted a waiver for the 10-day reporting requirement for the replacement of food purchased with SNAP benefits lost because of the hurricane.\n\nThis waiver provides additional time beyond the standard 10-day time frame for households to report food losses and receive replacement benefits for food that was destroyed and previously purchased with SNAP benefits.\n\nChild Nutrition\n\nThe North Carolina Department of Public Instruction was approved for a waiver pertaining to the child nutrition programs.\n\nUnder the waiver approval, NCDPI\u2019s local program operators may:\n\nServe meals in a non-congregate setting\n\nAdjust the time of meal service\n\nAllow parent pick-up\n\nAllow service of meals at school sites\n\nFood and Nutrition Services Program\n\nPeople and families in North Carolina who are enrolled in the Food and Nutrition Services program can now use their EBT card to purchase hot food.\n\nThis flexibility will remain in effect until November 3.\n\nSpecial Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, & Children (WIC)\n\nFamilies participating in WIC who may have relocated to a new area can go to any NC WIC agency to:\n\nHave a new eWIC card issued\n\nRequest replacement breastfeeding supplies or breast pumps\n\nRequest replacement food that was purchased with current WIC benefits and lost due to Hurricane Helene\n\nFor NC-11 Medical Providers\n\nIf you own a medical practice in NC-11 and are experiencing financial hardship due to Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina Medical Society will be reactivating its Financial Recovery Program (FRP) to help you recover and open your doors again.\n\nThe FRP will be back online to provide much needed assistance soon.\n\nMore information to follow.\n\nThe Department of Health and Human Services through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has made available:\n\nAccelerated payments to Medicare Part A providers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nAdvance payments to Medicare Part B suppliers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nFor Local Government Resource Requests\n\nFor county leaders: This is a reminder to make sure your Emergency Operation Center has submitted the request for gasoline, food, water, cell service deployables, etc. with North Carolina Emergency Management to have your request processed and resources delivered.\n\nMy office stands ready to assist with checking the status of your request if the county or municipality has not heard back from NC Emergency Management within 24 hours.\n\nFor Individual Assistance through FEMA\n\nNorth Carolina received a Major Disaster Declaration for the following counties: Buncombe, Clay, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania and Yancey counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.\n\nPeople with damage to their homes or personal property who live in one of the above-listed counties should apply for Individual Assistance through FEMA, which may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies.\n\nFunds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay.\n\nIndividual Assistance provides financial aid and services to eligible individuals and households that have been affected by a disaster to assist with the recovery process. Individuals can officially begin applying for Individual Assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling the application phone number at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. EST.\n\nTo date, FEMA has paid out more than $17 million in housing and other types of assistance to more than 19,000 North Carolina households.\n\nTo Connect with a Loved One\n\nResidents trying to connect with family members may call NC 211 (or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from out-of-state) to report missing loved ones or request a welfare check.\n\nPeople in the impacted areas can indicate that they are safe by reporting themselves safe through Red Cross Reunification by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).\n\nPlease only use 911 for life-threatening emergencies so the lines remain open for critical situations.\n\nIf you are still trying to locate a friend or family member, please complete this form to notify local officials of their missing status.\n\nThe form was created by Buncombe County but information is being shared amongst all counties.\n\nRegardless of which county your loved one was last known to be in, you can still submit the form.\n\nBuncombe County will share the information with the appropriate officials to initiate search and rescue efforts.\n\nResources for Utility & Other Status Updates\n\nFor information on the status of utilities, debris sites, etc., we want to share the following resources. As communications are restored and more information becomes available, these sites will continue to be updated.\n\nDrinking Water Systems: Public Water Supply Situation Report Tracking\n\nDebris Disposal Sites: Active Temporary Debris Disposal Sites\n\nNCDEQ Situation Report Tracking System\n\nNCDPS Hurricane Helene - Storm Information\n\nNCDPS County Emergency Management Agencies\n\nHow to Apply for FEMA Assistance After Hurricane Helene\n\nFree Legal Assistance\n\nLegal Aid of North Carolina stands ready to provide free advice and legal counsel regarding natural disaster needs, including legal representation if necessary, including for civil legal issues involving:\n\nFiling FEMA claims and appeals (a process which can be overwhelmingly bureaucratic and burdensome)\n\nReplacement of lost or destroyed legal and government documents, including driver\u2019s licenses and identification cards\n\nMedical and insurance claims\n\nHome repair contracts\n\nUtility disputes related to restoration of services\n\nConsumer protection issues like construction fraud, price-gouging on repairs and identity theft\n\nHousing issues such as unlawful eviction and foreclosures\n\nBankruptcy\n\nProbate and clearing title for survivors living in generational homes without a clear title\n\nFamily law cases and children in need of services (unfortunately, domestic violence tends to rise following a natural disaster)\n\nIf you need civil legal assistance, please contact Legal Aid of North Carolina via the following toll-free hotline:\n\n(866) 219-LANC or (866) 219-5262\n\nThe hotline is available from:\n\n8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; and 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Monday and Thursdays.\n\nConstituents can also apply online at legalaidnc.org/get-help/ between 1:00-4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday.\n\nIRS Guidance for Taxpayers Impacted by Hurricane Helene\n\nExtension of certain tax filing deadlines:\n\nIRS has extended various filing deadlines for taxpayers in impacted areas, including 2024 individual/business returns, certain quarterly estimated income tax payments, and certain payroll/excise taxes.\n\nClick here for the full list of extensions and respective dates\n\nClick here for more information from the IRS on disaster assistance\n\nTax relief for qualified payments, disaster-related losses:\n\nIRS released provided guidance to taxpayers on how to address disaster-related losses in their 2024 tax return, as well as providing guidance on how qualified disaster relief payments - like government assistance payments - are generally excluded from gross income.\n\nClick here for a general walkthrough of these policies (under header \u201cAdditional tax relief\u201d)\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of disaster-related losses\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of qualified disaster relief payments\n\nShelters\n\nFor those unable to evacuate to a safe location or in need of a place to go, the following shelters are currently open and available as of October 5:\n\nBuncombe\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nGold\u2019s Gym\n\n801 Fairview Rd, Asheville, NC 28803\n\nWNC Agricultural Center\n\n1301 Fanning Bridge Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nHaywood\n\nHaywood County Government Armory\n\n285 Armory Dr., Clyde, NC 28781\n\nHenderson\n\nEdneyville Elementary School\n\n2875 Pace Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nHenderson County Recreation Center\n\n708 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nMadison\n\nMadison Early College High School\n\n5374 US Hwy 25-70, Marshall, NC 28755\n\nMcDowell\n\nGlenwood Baptist Church\n\n1550 Glenwood Baptist Church Rd., Marion, NC 29640\n\nYMCA of Western North Carolina\n\n348 Grace Corpening Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nPolk\n\nPolk County High School\n\n1681 NC 108 Hwy. E., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nRutherford\n\nRutherfordton/Spindale Central High School\n\n641 US 221 Hwy. N., Rutherfordton, NC 28139\n\nTransylvania\n\nTransylvania Parks & Rec\n\n1078 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nYancey\n\nCane River Middle School\n\n1128 Cane River School Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nWith my warmest regards,\n\nChuck Edwards\n\nMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-adams-celebrates-reopening-cw-williams-community-health-center", "Rep. Adams Celebrates Reopening of CW Williams Community Health Center", "2024-10-04", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Alma S. Adams", "A000370", "adams.house.gov", "adams", "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "CHARLOTTE \u2013 Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12) celebrated the reopening of the new CW Williams Community Health Center in her district yesterday. Rep. Adams helped secure a federal grant of over $1.2 million to support the renovations and modernization of the 80-year-old center, a Federally Qualified Community Health Center and safety net primary care provider in an area of Charlotte considered to be a healthcare desert.\n\n\u201cHaving grown up in a family that sometimes used the emergency room as primary care, I am proud to have helped secure the funds for improving CW Williams Community Health Center, an oasis in one of many medical deserts in Mecklenburg County,\u201d said Rep. Adams. \"Residents will benefit from the new facilities and having state-of-the-art medical equipment right in their own backyard.\"\n\nThe funds Rep. Adams helped secure also helped acquire specialized medical equipment such as a portable, point-of-care ultrasound machine and laboratory processing equipment. Last night\u2019s opening celebration for the center was attended by Rep. Adams, Mecklenburg County Commissioner for District 2 Vilma Leakes, County Sheriff Garry McFadden, Williams Foundation CEO Debra Weeks, other community leaders, and attendees from the general public.\n\n###\n\nCongresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. represents North Carolina's 12th Congressional District (Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, Cabarrus County) and serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Education & the Workforce, where she serves as ranking member of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/hurricane-helene-update-7-congressman-edwards", "Hurricane Helene update #7 from Congressman Edwards", "2024-10-04", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Chuck Edwards", "E000246", "edwards.house.gov", "edwards", "https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "October 4, 2024\n\nDear Friend,\n\nOne whole week. It has been one week, seven days, since Hurricane Helene struck and our communities were turned upside down.\n\nThis last week has been trying for everyone involved. More than 1,000 Western North Carolinians have been dislocated to an emergency shelter, as of Thursday evening 107 friends and family members have passed away, and hundreds are still missing. Communities like Chimney Rock have been absolutely decimated and many of our Main Streets don\u2019t look the same. To say the post-hurricane environment has been apocalyptic is an understatement.\n\nNonetheless, we must persist.\n\nOver the last week, I have focused my efforts on securing critical resources for Western North Carolina. The Ingles distribution center is officially back online following my office\u2019s work to get them a temporary generator, internet connection, and a clean-up crew to make way for tractor trailers delivering and disbursing product. Ingles estimates they are now five to six days ahead of where they otherwise would\u2019ve been without the important resources I listed above. This distribution center is responsible for filling grocery stores across the entire 11th congressional district.\n\nDirectly after the storm hit, I was hearing from county after county that FEMA and the state were not filling their food and water needs quick enough and there was barely any cell service. After trying to work through FEMA and NC Emergency Management with little luck, I demanded the White House immediately get three pallets of water and two pallets of meals, ready to eat (MREs) delivered to each of our seven, hardest hit counties, and 20 pallets of MREs and 20 pallets of water for Buncombe County to hold them over until state resources were finally delivered.\n\nAll 75 pallets were delivered same day. I also demanded temporary cell tower assets be deployed to the six counties with the worst-off communication systems. All six locations also received at least one temporary cell service asset same day with some counties, like Haywood County, seeing more than one asset deployed after my request.\n\nI\u2019ve delivered seven box trucks to Buncombe County to disburse resources from their central distribution center, secured an FAA operator to help regulate air traffic at Rutherford County Airport, helped the Murphy Fire Department get their assignment number through NC Emergency Management so they could deploy to Henderson County, delivered dozens of truckloads worth of food and water amongst our hardest hit counties, expedited county requests for critical assets, and more. I will continue to support our community in any way that I can.\n\nWe have made it one week by putting one foot in front of the other and working as a team. That is how we will make it through week two, week three and every week thereafter. Disasters like this are once in a lifetime for most people (or once in 1,000 years for Western NC). We are all operating in unknown territory, but together we will chart a resilient and stronger future for our mountains.\n\nToday is update number seven, with more information to follow in the coming days. Please make sure to read everything and share it with your friends and family.\n\nFood and Water\n\nSupplying drinkable water remains a top priority for emergency crews.\n\n91 water systems are on a boil advisory, a significant reduction from the 142 systems on an advisory as of yesterday, October 3.\n\n49 treatment plants have reported having no power and 43 systems are out of water.\n\nAll water restoration trends are moving in a positive direction.\n\nThe state of North Carolina has promised 40 trailer loads of water and 20 trailer loads of food daily through at least October 6.\n\nThe Federal Emergency Management Agency has promised 120 truckloads a day of food and water with no specified end date.\n\nYesterday, Walmart donated 33 truckloads of food and water to nonprofits across Hendersonville, Arden, Asheville and Weaverville.\n\nWalmart will also be hosting activities at the following locations:\n\nHendersonville, NC Store 1242\n\n250 Highlands Square Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nHosting hot meal donations at this location.\n\nArden, NC Store 1179\n\n60 Airport Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nThis location will host an associate fuel truck, laundry, feeding station, bathrooms and charging station.\n\nThe Home Depot has partnered with Operation Blessing to deliver truckloads of relief supplies including meals, hygiene kits, water and more, to the following location:\n\nAsheville, NC Store 3625\n\n795 Fairview Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nResource pick-up locations are listed below by county. As I learn more, I will keep you posted:\n\nBuncombe County\n\nBuncombe County has begun water distribution at multiple sites. Each will be available daily from 1:00 -7:00 p.m.:\n\nPack Square Park - you MUST bring your own container for this site\n\n80 Court Plz., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nWilliam W. Estes Elementary School\n\n275 Overlook Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nSand Hill-Venable Elementary\n\n154 Sand Hill School Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nNorth Windy Ridge Intermediate School\n\n20 Doan Rd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nFairview Elementary\n\n1355 Charlotte Hwy., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nThe following major feeding site is available in Buncombe County, where citizens can access food, water and other basic necessities:\n\nBiltmore Baptist Church\n\n35 Clayton Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nHaywood County\n\nThe following locations are providing community members with essential resources such as but not limited to, food, water, cleaning products, baby formula, and pet food, Monday through Fridays:\n\nPigeon Community Center\n\n450 Pigeon St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nAlso offering hot meals every day at 2:00 p.m.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCruso Community Center\n\n13186 Cruso Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.\n\nFirst United Methodist Church\n\n566 S. Haywood St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nIncludes shower access.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.\n\nMaggie Valley Pavilion\n\n3935 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nDaily Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.\n\nWoodland Baptist Church\n\n545 Crabtree Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nBethel Elementary School\n\n4700 Old River Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nJonathan Valley Elementary School\n\n410 Hall Dr., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nMonday through Friday\n\nThe following location offers hot meals daily:\n\nMaggie Valley Fire Department\n\n2901 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nThe following location offers showers daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.:\n\nCalvary Baptist Church\n\n2701 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nHenderson County\n\nHenderson County has stood up Resource Hub locations for water distribution and other supplies as they become available.\n\nDistribution takes place daily at the following locations:\n\nEtowah Elementary: 320 Etowah School Rd., Etowah, NC 28729\n\nRugby Middle School: 3345 Haywood Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nEast Henderson High School: 150 Eagle Pride Dr., East Flat Rock, NC 28726\n\nNorth Henderson High School: 35 Fruitland Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nMills River Town Hall: 124 Town Center Dr., Mills River, NC 28759\n\nFletcher Town Hall: 300 Old Cane Creek Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nEach family unit will be provided supplies for one day\u2019s meal and water as available.\n\nIndividuals are asked to enter the drive-through and remain in your car unless otherwise instructed by volunteers to ensure an efficient process.\n\nMadison County\n\nThe following locations are offering food and water distribution in Madison County:\n\n5580 US-25, Marshall, NC 28753\n\n225 Carl Eller Rd., Mars Hill, NC 28754\n\n63 N. Serpentine Ave., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMcDowell County has established multiple points of distribution that are open daily from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 4:00-6:00 p.m., depending on supply levels.\n\nDistribution takes place daily at the following locations:\n\nHicks Chapel Church\n\n6008 US 221 N., Marion, NC 28752\n\nFormer TJ\u2019s Discounts\n\n8153 US 221 N., Marion, NC 28752\n\nOld Fort Town Hall\n\n38 Catawba Ave., Marion, NC 28762\n\nNew Manna Baptist Church\n\n225 E. Court St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nSolid Rock Free Will Baptist Church\n\n7860 NC 226 S., Nebo, NC 28761\n\nHot meals are also being provided at the following location:\n\nGrace Community Church\n\n5182 US 70 W., Marion, NC 28752\n\nLunch is served every day from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.\n\nDinner is available from 4:00-5:30 p.m.\n\nPolk County\n\nThe following locations are offering food and water distribution for residents in need:\n\nMill Spring/Green Creek Community\n\n25 International Blvd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nColumbus Community\n\n95 Walker St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nSaluda Community Bus Parking Lot\n\n214 E. Main St., Saluda, NC 28773\n\nTryon Community\n\n301 N. Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782\n\nSunny View\n\n86 Sunny View School Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nThe Roseland Center\n\n56 Peake St., Tryon, NC 28782\n\nRutherford County\n\nThe following locations are open from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. for citizens to get food and emergency supplies:\n\nThomas Jefferson High School\n\n2527 US-221A Hwy., Mooresboro, NC 28114\n\nFlorence Baptist Church\n\n201 S. Broadway St., Forest City, NC 28043\n\nRutherford County Health Department\n\n221 Callahan Koon Rd., Spindale, NC 28160\n\nGilkey Church of God\n\n255 Oak Springs Rd., Rutherfordton, NC 28139\n\nParks, Recreation, & Lake Office\n\n658 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nLake Lure Baptist Church - also has bathroom and shower stations\n\n6837 US-74 ALT, Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nIngles at Lake Lure - meals only\n\n276 NC-9, Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nOffers hot meals at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., and 6:30 p.m.\n\nFather\u2019s Vineyard - also has shower and charging stations\n\n724 Oakland Rd., Spindale, NC 28160\n\nSpencer Baptist Church - water distribution only\n\n187 N Oak St., Spindale, NC 28160\n\nUnited Way of Rutherford County - water distribution and charging stations only\n\n668 Withrow Rd., Forest City, NC 28043\n\nDebris Removal\n\nIf your home has damages and you need assistance with clean up, please call Crisis Cleanup for access to volunteer organizations that can assist you at 844-965-1386.\n\nAdditionally, the following counties have resources for where to take debris waste.\n\nHaywood\n\nHousehold waste will be accepted at the Materials Recovery Facility at 247 Recycle Rd., Clyde and at Convenience Centers at Jonathan Creek, Beaverdam, Bethel, Hazelwood, Mauney Cove, Jones Cove and Highway 110.\n\nWhite Oak Landfill has reopened, as of noon on Tuesday, October 1\n\nHenderson\n\nHenderson County Transfer Station will be open September 30 at 7:00 a.m. accepting storm debris with normal fees. A free storm debris site is in the works and will be available soon.\n\nUnited States Postal Service\n\nMail delivery operations in the following three-digit ZIP code areas (any ZIP code beginning with these numbers) may experience interruptions:\n\n287\n\nUSPS is attempting to resume delivery operations in the 287 ZIP code area.\n\n288\n\n289\n\nAdditionally, operations at the facility below remain suspended:\n\nRutherfordton: 130 E. Court St., Rutherfordton, NC 28139\n\nPharmacy Access\n\nCVS currently has 16 pharmacies that remain closed, including two locations - 522 S. Main St., Hendersonville, NC and 2351 US 70 Hwy., Swannanoa, NC - that are total losses and will not reopen.\n\nFor individuals able to safely travel to fill a prescription, CVS at the following locations are actively open as of October 2:\n\n324 Long Shoals Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\n505 Smokey Park Hwy., Asheville, NC 28806\n\n371 Asheville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\n3450 Hendersonville Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\n1605 Four Seasons Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\n2001 Spartanburg Hwy., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\n111 S Main St., Rutherfordton, NC 28139\n\n773 Russ Ave., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nYou can also use this link to locate non-CVS pharmacy locations open to the public by county.\n\nHow to Acquire a Prescription:\n\nIf a store is closed, you can still call the number and the pharmacy\u2019s phone lines have been rerouted to a nearby CVS Pharmacy that is open to help patients access their prescriptions.\n\nPatients can visit any CVS Pharmacy for assistance with immediate prescription needs.\n\nOpen Urgent Cares\n\nThe following urgent cares are open and accessible for community members with non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries:\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Weaverville\n\n61 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nMercy Urgent Care West Asheville\n\n1201 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nMercy Urgent Care Waynesville\n\n120 Frazier St., Ste. 6, Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nLocations open between 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Brevard\n\n22 Trust Ln., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Columbus\n\n140 West Mills St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nResources for Veterans\n\nLegionnaires, Sons of the American Legion members and Legion Posts that have been displaced from their primary residence due to damage sustained during Hurricane Helene may be eligible for financial assistance through the American Legion.\n\nLegionnaires and Sons of the American Legion members may be eligible for up to $3,000.\n\nLegion Posts may be eligible for up to $10,000.\n\nTo learn more or to request assistance, please use this link.\n\nApplications must be submitted within 90 days of the disaster: Dec. 26, 2024.\n\nI will update this section as I become aware of additional resources for veterans.\n\nAs of Thursday, October 3, power has been restored at the Asheville VA Hospital.\n\nPower and Gas\n\n201,000 customers remain without power in Western North Carolina.\n\nDuke Energy is on track to restore an additional 27,000 customers by Friday evening, October 4\n\nBy Friday evening, 90 percent of all outages will have been restored.\n\nThe remaining 10 percent of outages are in the hardest-hit areas of Western North Carolina.\n\nAnother 69,000 are on track to be restored in the hardest-hit areas by Sunday, October 6.\n\nIn the areas where catastrophic damage exists, 105,000 customers are without power.\n\nDuke Energy is working closely with the state on plans to address these areas as quickly as possible.\n\nThe number of customers seeing their power turn back on each day is slowing, but that is only because Duke Energy has been conducting significant work to repair and bring back online the 360 substations that were damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Helene.\n\nThe substations are the backbone of our energy grid.\n\nOnce restored, service for private homeowners and businesses will rapidly begin to come back online.\n\nSo far, 95 percent of substations have been restored and significant substation work is continuing today.\n\nPower for the Greenwood Rock Quarry has been restored.\n\nRestoration of the quarry\u2019s power will help NCDOT to address gravel needs for road repairs.\n\nFor more information on Duke Energy\u2019s power restoration efforts, you can review the following links:\n\nOutage Map: duke-energy.com/outages\n\no Outage Alerts: duke-energy.com/outages/alerts\n\no Generator safety: duke-energy.com/outages/generators\n\no Power restoration process: duke-energy.com/outages/restoring-your-power\n\nRoads\n\nA \u201cDO NOT DRIVE\u201d message remains in place from the North Carolina Department of Transportation for most of Western North Carolina.\n\nUnless it is an emergency, please do not travel to the hardest hit communities.\n\nCherokee, Graham, Clay and Swain counties ARE FULLY OPEN to people who can access them through safe routes.\n\nPlease Note: Clay County is a new addition to the list of fully open counties in Western NC.\n\nDon\u2019t forget that Western NC\u2019s economy relies on tourism, so another way to assist with hurricane relief is by visiting the North Carolina mountains, where it is safe to do so.\n\nPlease DO NOT try to visit or travel through the areas hardest hit by the storm such as Henderson and Buncombe counties.\n\nNCDOT has now reopened more than 130 roads.\n\nNCDOT has reopened:\n\nNC 16 between Catawba and Alexander counties\n\nNC 226 between McDowell and Mitchell counties\n\nNC 105 in Watauga and Avery counties\n\nI-40 East near Old Fort\n\nNCDOT is making progress on:\n\nNC 9 between Buncombe and Henderson counties, along with multiple other major routes in NC-11\n\nIn addition to repair and debris removal efforts, NCDOT has provided support and helped coordinate relief efforts for many agencies near or in storm-impacted areas.\n\nAs of Thursday, October 3, there has successfully been:\n\n338 evacuation trips\n\n1,537 people transported to safety\n\n523 trips to shelters\n\n2,076 people transported to the shelters\n\nAll 14 of NCDOT\u2019s Highway Divisions are now helping respond to Hurricane Helene.\n\nAbout 1,600 employees from across the state are working both day and night to clear debris and repair roadways.\n\nThe National Park Service has reopened US 441/Newfound Gap Rd. to allow for access between Tennessee and North Carolina communities.\n\nKuwohi Rd. (formerly Clingmans Dome Rd.) has also reopened.\n\nBat Cave and Gerton communities on US 64/74 in Henderson County were isolated with no access out until October 2.\n\nYesterday, NCDOT was able to open access into the Bat Cave/Gerton area.\n\nFood drops are currently being conducted on a clothesline across the river in Gerton.\n\nNCDOT has launched a detour map to show motorists how to get around closures on I-26 and I-40 at the Tennessee border.\n\nYou can access the map here.\n\nCell Service\n\nCell service restoration is continuing to see significant improvements.\n\nThe total number of deployable assets in NC-11 are continuing to increase, reaching more than 70 assets that are on-air or en route amongst service providers in our hardest hit communities.\n\nThe total number of cell sites that are down has steadily decreased since October 1.\n\nCell service providers have implemented disaster roaming for any phone located in Western North Carolina to maximize phone service for all users.\n\nDisaster roaming allows users to connect to any mobile network during a disaster when other networks are down.\n\nThis allows users to access emergency services, such as 911, even when their own network is out.\n\nIf you have service one moment, but experience a reduction in service the next, try restarting your phone to jumpstart disaster roaming again.\n\nAT&T has deployed its Mobile Connectivity Center to the following location:\n\nSam\u2019s Club: 645 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nThe Mobile Connectivity Center is an air-conditioned mobile unit open to the public, equipped with laptops, charging stations and wi-fi.\n\nThe public can use the center for various needs including contacting your insurance company, filling out paperwork or connecting with loved ones.\n\nAT&T has also donated $100,000 to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund to support Western North Carolinians impacted by Hurricane Helene.\n\nA temporary Verizon satellite trailer is located at the Family Justice Center at 35 Woodfin St., offering an opportunity for limited cellular reception within several city blocks of where it is parked.\n\nT-Mobile has set up satellite cellular on light trucks (SatCOLTs) in Asheville, providing cellular voice and data along with wi-fi and charging stations at the following locations:\n\nAsheville Middle School\n\n211 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center\n\n285 Livingston St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nAdditional T-Mobile satellite cell on trucks are located in Hendersonville and at a Tractor Supply Co. in Asheville, with others planned for Mission Hospital in Asheville, Cherokee County Emergency Operations Center in Murphy, and in Cherokee.\n\nNorth Carolina National Guard & Department of Defense\n\nMore than 1,100 North Carolina National Guard soldiers and airmen have been deployed to provide support to Western North Carolina so far.\n\nThe total number of deployed guardsmen will continue to increase over the coming days.\n\nFurther, more than 400 vehicles, including 90 high-water vehicles, and 19 helicopters have been deployed to Western NC.\n\nGeorgia, Virginia, Kentucky and South Carolina have all sent helicopters to assist with aerial initiatives in NC-11.\n\nAs of the afternoon of October 3, the National Guard has:\n\nRescued more than 1,000 Western North Carolinians, including almost 200 by hoist, and 150 animals.\n\nDelivered nearly 1 million lbs. of resources to impacted communities.\n\nThe National Guard is continuing C-17 transport of supplies to Asheville.\n\nAlthough airspace is limited due to ongoing missions by the National Guard and Department of Defense, a process has been established for private pilots seeking to fly in humanitarian relief to coordinate with local authorities.\n\nIf you are looking to fly in resources and don\u2019t know where to turn, call my office and we will get you in contact with the right coordinators.\n\nOn October 2, the Secretary of Defense authorized the movement of up to 1,000 active-duty soldiers, including soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division from Ft. Liberty (formerly Ft. Bragg).\n\nThese soldiers have arrived in Western North Carolina and are supporting the delivery of food, water and other critical aid to communities impacted by Hurricane Helene.\n\nThe Department of Defense has also committed 22 helicopters to assist with search and rescue operations.\n\nSeven CH-47 Chinook helicopters from Ft. Liberty have already been flying resupply missions for the past two days.\n\nHere are a few key phone numbers from the NCNG:\n\nHOTLINE: 888-892-1162\n\nEmergency management watch: 919-733-3300\n\nDonated goods: 919-825-2474\n\nThese lines have very high call volumes. If you do not get through the first try, keep calling.\n\nAsheville Regional Airport\n\nAsheville Regional Airport closed mid-day on Friday, September 27, due to risk of flooding.\n\nCommercial flights at Asheville Regional Airport have resumed.\n\nIf you parked your car in an Asheville Regional Airport lot and could not retrieve the vehicle due to the storm, great news - none of the airport\u2019s lots flooded and all cars are fine.\n\nStay safe and pick up your car when you are able.\n\nPLEASE NOTE:\n\nNo general aviation pilots are allowed to land at Asheville Regional Airport without prior clearance from FEMA to ensure the safety of aircraft and personnel.\n\nSNAP and Child Nutrition Benefits Flexibility\n\nThe U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service has approved Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Child Nutrition (CN) program flexibilities due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene.\n\nSNAP\n\nNorth Carolina was granted a waiver for the 10-day reporting requirement for the replacement of food purchased with SNAP benefits lost because of the hurricane.\n\nThis waiver provides additional time beyond the standard 10-day time frame for households to report food losses and receive replacement benefits for food that was destroyed and previously purchased with SNAP benefits.\n\nChild Nutrition\n\nThe North Carolina Department of Public Instruction was approved for a waiver pertaining to the child nutrition programs.\n\nUnder the waiver approval, NCDPI\u2019s local program operators may:\n\nServe meals in a non-congregate setting\n\nAdjust the time of meal service\n\nAllow parent pick-up\n\nAllow service of meals at school sites\n\nFor NC-11 Medical Providers\n\nIf you own a medical practice in NC-11 and are experiencing financial hardship due to Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina Medical Society will be reactivating its Financial Recovery Program (FRP) to help you recover and open your doors again.\n\nThe FRP will be back online to provide much needed assistance soon.\n\nMore information to follow.\n\nThe Department of Health and Human Services through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has made available:\n\nAccelerated payments to Medicare Part A providers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nAdvance payments to Medicare Part B suppliers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nFor Local Government Resource Requests\n\nFor county leaders: This is a reminder to make sure your Emergency Operation Center has submitted the request for gasoline, food, water, cell service deployables, etc. with North Carolina Emergency Management to have your request processed and resources delivered.\n\nMy office stands ready to assist with checking the status of your request if the county or municipality has not heard back from NC Emergency Management within 24 hours.\n\nFor Individual Assistance through FEMA\n\nNorth Carolina received a Major Disaster Declaration for the following counties: Buncombe, Clay, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania and Yancey counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.\n\nPeople with damage to their homes or personal property who live in one of the above-listed counties should apply for Individual Assistance through FEMA, which may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies.\n\nFunds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay.\n\nIndividual Assistance provides financial aid and services to eligible individuals and households that have been affected by a disaster to assist with the recovery process. Individuals can officially begin applying for Individual Assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling the application phone number at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. EST.\n\nTo date, more than 10,000 survivors have registered with FEMA for Individual Assistance.\n\nTo Connect with a Loved One\n\nResidents trying to connect with family members may call NC 211 (or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from out-of-state) to report missing loved ones or request a welfare check.\n\nPeople in the impacted areas can indicate that they are safe by reporting themselves safe through Red Cross Reunification by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).\n\nPlease only use 911 for life-threatening emergencies so the lines remain open for critical situations.\n\nIf you are still trying to locate a friend or family member, please complete this form to notify local officials of their missing status.\n\nThe form was created by Buncombe County but information is being shared amongst all counties.\n\nRegardless of which county your loved one was last known to be in, you can still submit the form.\n\nBuncombe County will share the information with the appropriate officials to initiate search and rescue efforts.\n\nResources for Utility & Other Status Updates\n\nFor information on the status of utilities, debris sites, etc., we want to share the following resources. As communications are restored and more information becomes available, these sites will continue to be updated.\n\nDrinking Water Systems: Public Water Supply Situation Report Tracking\n\nDebris Disposal Sites: Active Temporary Debris Disposal Sites\n\nNCDEQ Situation Report Tracking System\n\nNCDPS Hurricane Helene - Storm Information\n\nNCDPS County Emergency Management Agencies\n\nHow to Apply for FEMA Assistance After Hurricane Helene\n\nFree Legal Assistance\n\nLegal Aid of North Carolina stands ready to provide free advice and legal counsel regarding natural disaster needs, including legal representation if necessary, including for civil legal issues involving:\n\nFiling FEMA claims and appeals (a process which can be overwhelmingly bureaucratic and burdensome)\n\nReplacement of lost or destroyed legal and government documents, including driver\u2019s licenses and identification cards\n\nMedical and insurance claims\n\nHome repair contracts\n\nUtility disputes related to restoration of services\n\nConsumer protection issues like construction fraud, price-gouging on repairs and identity theft\n\nHousing issues such as unlawful eviction and foreclosures\n\nBankruptcy\n\nProbate and clearing title for survivors living in generational homes without a clear title\n\nFamily law cases and children in need of services (unfortunately, domestic violence tends to rise following a natural disaster)\n\nIf you need civil legal assistance, please contact Legal Aid of North Carolina via the following toll-free hotline:\n\n(866) 219-LANC or (866) 219-5262\n\nThe hotline is available from:\n\n8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; and 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Monday and Thursdays.\n\nConstituents can also apply online at legalaidnc.org/get-help/ between 1:00-4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday.\n\nIRS Guidance for Taxpayers Impacted by Hurricane Helene\n\nExtension of certain tax filing deadlines:\n\nIRS has extended various filing deadlines for taxpayers in impacted areas, including 2024 individual/business returns, certain quarterly estimated income tax payments, and certain payroll/excise taxes.\n\nClick here for the full list of extensions and respective dates\n\nClick here for more information from the IRS on disaster assistance\n\nTax relief for qualified payments, disaster-related losses:\n\nIRS released provided guidance to taxpayers on how to address disaster-related losses in their 2024 tax return, as well as providing guidance on how qualified disaster relief payments - like government assistance payments - are generally excluded from gross income.\n\nClick here for a general walkthrough of these policies (under header \u201cAdditional tax relief\u201d)\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of disaster-related losses\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of qualified disaster relief payments\n\nShelters\n\nFor those unable to evacuate to a safe location or in need of a place to go, the following shelters are currently open and available as of October 3:\n\nBuncombe\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nGold\u2019s Gym\n\n801 Fairview Rd, Asheville, NC 28803\n\nWNC Agricultural Center\n\n1301 Fanning Bridge Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nHaywood\n\nHaywood County Government Armory\n\n285 Armory Dr., Clyde, NC 28781\n\nHenderson\n\nEdneyville Elementary School\n\n2875 Pace Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nHenderson County Recreation Center\n\n708 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nMcDowell\n\nGlenwood Baptist Church\n\n1550 Glenwood Baptist Church Rd., Marion, NC 29640\n\nYMCA of Western North Carolina\n\n348 Grace Corpening Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nPolk\n\nPolk County High School\n\n1681 NC 108 Hwy. E., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nRutherford\n\nRutherfordton/Spindale Central High School\n\n641 US 221 Hwy. N., Rutherfordton, NC 28139\n\nTransylvania\n\nTransylvania Parks & Rec\n\n1078 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nYancey\n\nCane River Middle School\n\n1128 Cane River School Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nMountain Heritage High School\n\n333 Mountain Heritage High School Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nWith my warmest regards,\n\nChuck Edwards\n\nMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/edwards-launches-webpage-how-help-wnc", "Edwards launches webpage on how to help WNC", "2024-10-03", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Chuck Edwards", "E000246", "edwards.house.gov", "edwards", "https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) launched a page on his website for citizens who are wanting to help residents of Western North Carolina in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.\n\nFor a list of opportunities to help, visit edwards.house.gov/helpWNC.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/hurricane-helene-update-6-congressman-edwards", "Hurricane Helene update #6 from Congressman Edwards", "2024-10-03", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Chuck Edwards", "E000246", "edwards.house.gov", "edwards", "https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "October 3, 2024\n\nDear Friend,\n\nWestern North Carolina has been the focus of many people over the past week. We\u2019ve seen an outpouring of support and I know there are many more out there who are ready to assist, they just need to know how. That is why I have put together a page on my website, edwards.house.gov/helpWNC, that lists where and how you can help the people of the mountains. I highly recommend sharing the information with anyone you know looking to contribute to NC-11\u2019s recovery.\n\nI also want to highlight an additional way you can help Western North Carolina. If you or a loved one wants to help in ways other than donating food or money, the next best way to support our community is to support our economy and visit Western NC.\n\nNow obviously there is currently a DO NOT DRIVE message in place for most of the mountains. Please DO NOT try to visit or travel through the areas hardest hit by the storm such as Henderson and Buncombe counties. However, I\u2019m here to remind you that Cherokee, Graham and Swain counties are open, and they are desperately in need of visitors to support their economy. These counties have been going above and beyond for their neighbors to get supplies into the hardest hit counties, but they need your support too.\n\nSmall business owners in the far western counties rely on tourism to get by each year. With a DO NOT DRIVE message in place for most of the mountains, they have seen an influx of cancellations and are questioning whether they will be able to make it through the season. Even just an overnight or weekend visit will make a difference. If you can safely travel to the western edge of North Carolina, please do so.\n\nAs for the residents of NC-11, I\u2019m hoping this update will be even more informative than the last. I have added information on new resource hubs to access food and water in multiple counties, open urgent cares, SNAP benefit flexibilities, legal assistance, resources for veterans, IRS guidance for taxpayers impacted by Hurricane Helene, and more. I promised that I would keep you updated, and I hope I am not inundating you with too much information, but this is just the beginning.\n\nToday is update number six, with more information to follow in the coming days. Please make sure to read everything and share it with your friends and family.\n\nFood and Water\n\nSupplying drinkable water remains a top priority for emergency crews.\n\n142 water systems are on a boil advisory, 69 plants have reported having no power and 47 systems are out of water.\n\nPower was restored to the City of Asheville\u2019s water maintenance building which will aid in repairs to the damaged system.\n\nThe state of North Carolina has promised 40 trailer loads of water and 20 trailer loads of food daily through at least October 6.\n\nThe Federal Emergency Management Agency has promised 120 truckloads a day of food and water with no specified end date.\n\nWalmart will be donating 33 truckloads of food and water to nonprofits across Hendersonville, Arden, Asheville and Weaverville today, October 2.\n\nWalmart will also be hosting activities at the following locations:\n\nHendersonville, NC Store 1242\n\n250 Highlands Square Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nHosting hot meal donations at this location.\n\nArden, NC Store 1179\n\n60 Airport Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nThis location will host an associate fuel truck, laundry, feeding station, bathrooms and charging station.\n\nThe Home Depot has partnered with Operation Blessing to deliver truckloads of relief supplies including meals, hygiene kits, water and more, to the following location:\n\nAsheville, NC Store 3625\n\n795 Fairview Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nResource pick-up locations are listed below by county. As I learn more, I will keep you posted:\n\nBuncombe County\n\nBuncombe County has begun water distribution at multiple sites. Each will be available daily from 1:00 -7:00 p.m.:\n\nPack Square Park - you MUST bring your own container for this site\n\n80 Court Plz., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nWilliam W. Estes Elementary School\n\n275 Overlook Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nSand Hill-Venable Elementary\n\n154 Sand Hill School Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nNorth Windy Ridge Intermediate School\n\n20 Doan Rd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nFairview Elementary\n\n1355 Charlotte Hwy., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nThe following major feeding site is available in Buncombe County, where citizens can access food, water and other basic necessities:\n\nBiltmore Baptist Church\n\n35 Clayton Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nHaywood County\n\nThe following locations are providing community members with essential resources such as but not limited to, food, water, cleaning products, baby formula, and pet food, Monday through Fridays:\n\nPigeon Community Center\n\n450 Pigeon St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nAlso offering hot meals every day at 2:00 p.m.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCruso Community Center\n\n13186 Cruso Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.\n\nFirst United Methodist Church\n\n566 S. Haywood St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nIncludes shower access.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.\n\nMaggie Valley Pavilion\n\n3935 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nDaily Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.\n\nWoodland Baptist Church\n\n545 Crabtree Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nBethel Elementary School\n\n4700 Old River Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nJonathan Valley Elementary School\n\n410 Hall Dr., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nMonday through Friday\n\nThe following location offers hot meals daily:\n\nMaggie Valley Fire Department\n\n2901 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nThe following location offers showers daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.:\n\nCalvary Baptist Church\n\n2701 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nHenderson County\n\nHenderson County has stood up Resource Hub locations for water distribution and other supplies as they become available.\n\nDistribution takes place daily at the following locations:\n\nEtowah Elementary: 320 Etowah School Rd., Etowah, NC 28729\n\nRugby Middle School: 3345 Haywood Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nEast Henderson High School: 150 Eagle Pride Dr., East Flat Rock, NC 28726\n\nNorth Henderson High School: 35 Fruitland Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nMills River Town Hall: 124 Town Center Dr., Mills River, NC 28759\n\nFletcher Town Hall: 300 Old Cane Creek Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nEach family unit will be provided supplies for one day\u2019s meal and water as available.\n\nIndividuals are asked to enter the drive-through and remain in your car unless otherwise instructed by volunteers to ensure an efficient process.\n\nMadison County\n\nThe following locations are offering food and water distribution in Madison County:\n\n5580 US-25, Marshall, NC 28753\n\n225 Carl Eller Rd., Mars Hill, NC 28754\n\n63 N. Serpentine Ave., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMcDowell County has established multiple points of distribution that are open daily from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 4:00-6:00 p.m., depending on supply levels.\n\nDistribution takes place daily at the following locations:\n\nHicks Chapel Church\n\n6008 US 221 N., Marion, NC 28752\n\nFormer TJ\u2019s Discounts\n\n8153 US 221 N., Marion, NC 28752\n\nOld Fort Town Hall\n\n38 Catawba Ave., Marion, NC 28762\n\nNew Manna Baptist Church\n\n225 E. Court St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nSolid Rock Free Will Baptist Church\n\n7860 NC 226 S., Nebo, NC 28761\n\nHot meals are also being provided at the following location:\n\nGrace Community Church\n\n5182 US 70 W., Marion, NC 28752\n\nLunch is served every day from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.\n\nDinner is available from 4:00-5:30 p.m.\n\nPolk County\n\nThe following locations are offering food and water distribution for residents in need:\n\nMill Spring/Green Creek Community\n\n25 International Blvd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nColumbus Community\n\n95 Walker St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nSaluda Community Bus Parking Lot\n\n214 E. Main St., Saluda, NC 28773\n\nTryon Community\n\n301 N. Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782\n\nSunny View\n\n86 Sunny View School Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nThe Roseland Center\n\n56 Peake St., Tryon, NC 28782\n\nRutherford County\n\nThe following locations are open from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. for citizens to get food and emergency supplies:\n\nThomas Jefferson High School\n\n2527 US-221A Hwy., Mooresboro, NC 28114\n\nFlorence Baptist Church\n\n201 S. Broadway St., Forest City, NC 28043\n\nRutherford County Health Department\n\n221 Callahan Koon Rd., Spindale, NC 28160\n\nGilkey Church of God\n\n255 Oak Springs Rd., Rutherfordton, NC 28139\n\nParks, Recreation, & Lake Office\n\n658 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nLake Lure Baptist Church - also has bathroom and shower stations\n\n6837 US-74 ALT, Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nIngles at Lake Lure - meals only\n\n276 NC-9, Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nOffers hot meals at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., and 6:30 p.m.\n\nFather\u2019s Vineyard - also has shower and charging stations\n\n724 Oakland Rd., Spindale, NC 28160\n\nSpencer Baptist Church - water distribution only\n\n187 N Oak St., Spindale, NC 28160\n\nUnited Way of Rutherford County - water distribution and charging stations only\n\n668 Withrow Rd., Forest City, NC 28043\n\nSNAP and Child Nutrition Benefits Flexibility\n\nThe U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service has approved Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Child Nutrition (CN) program flexibilities due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene.\n\nSNAP\n\nNorth Carolina was granted a waiver for the 10-day reporting requirement for the replacement of food purchased with SNAP benefits lost because of the hurricane.\n\nThis waiver provides additional time beyond the standard 10-day time frame for households to report food losses and receive replacement benefits for food that was destroyed and previously purchased with SNAP benefits.\n\nChild Nutrition\n\nThe North Carolina Department of Public Instruction was approved for a waiver pertaining to the child nutrition programs.\n\nUnder the waiver approval, NCDPI\u2019s local program operators may:\n\nServe meals in a non-congregate setting\n\nAdjust the time of meal service\n\nAllow parent pick-up\n\nAllow service of meals at school sites\n\nDebris Removal\n\nIf your home has damages and you need assistance with clean up, please call Crisis Cleanup for access to volunteer organizations that can assist you at 844-965-1386.\n\nAdditionally, the following counties have resources for where to take debris waste.\n\nHaywood\n\nHousehold waste will be accepted at the Materials Recovery Facility at 247 Recycle Rd., Clyde and at Convenience Centers at Jonathan Creek, Beaverdam, Bethel, Hazelwood, Mauney Cove, Jones Cove and Highway 110.\n\nWhite Oak Landfill has reopened, as of noon on Tuesday, October 1\n\nHenderson\n\nHenderson County Transfer Station will be open September 30 at 7:00 a.m. accepting storm debris with normal fees. A free storm debris site is in the works and will be available soon.\n\nUnited States Postal Service\n\nMail delivery operations in the following three-digit ZIP code areas (any ZIP code beginning with these numbers) may experience interruptions:\n\n287\n\nUSPS is attempting to resume delivery operations in the 287 ZIP code area.\n\n288\n\n289\n\nAdditionally, operations at the facility below remain suspended:\n\nRutherfordton: 130 E. Court St., Rutherfordton, NC 28139\n\nPharmacy Access\n\nCVS currently has 16 pharmacies that remain closed, including two locations - 522 S. Main St., Hendersonville, NC and 2351 US 70 Hwy., Swannanoa, NC - that are total losses and will not reopen.\n\nFor individuals able to safely travel to fill a prescription, CVS at the following locations are actively open as of October 2:\n\n324 Long Shoals Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\n505 Smokey Park Hwy., Asheville, NC 28806\n\n371 Asheville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\n3450 Hendersonville Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\n1605 Four Seasons Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\n2001 Spartanburg Hwy., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\n111 S Main St., Rutherfordton, NC 28139\n\n773 Russ Ave., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nYou can also use this link to locate non-CVS pharmacy locations open to the public by county.\n\nHow to Acquire a Prescription:\n\nIf a store is closed, you can still call the number and the pharmacy\u2019s phone lines have been rerouted to a nearby CVS Pharmacy that is open to help patients access their prescriptions.\n\nPatients can visit any CVS Pharmacy for assistance with immediate prescription needs.\n\nOpen Urgent Cares\n\nThe following urgent cares are open and accessible for community members with non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries:\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Weaverville\n\n61 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nMercy Urgent Care West Asheville\n\n1201 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nMercy Urgent Care Waynesville\n\n120 Frazier St., Ste. 6, Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nLocations open between 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Brevard\n\n22 Trust Ln., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Columbus\n\n140 West Mills St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nResources for Veterans\n\nLegionnaires, Sons of the American Legion members and Legion Posts that have been displaced from their primary residence due to damage sustained during Hurricane Helene may be eligible for financial assistance through the American Legion.\n\nLegionnaires and Sons of the American Legion members may be eligible for up to $3,000.\n\nLegion Posts may be eligible for up to $10,000.\n\nTo learn more or to request assistance, please use this link.\n\nApplications must be submitted within 90 days of the disaster: Dec. 26, 2024.\n\nI will update this section as I become aware of additional resources for veterans.\n\nFree Legal Assistance\n\nLegal Aid of North Carolina stands ready to provide free advice and legal counsel regarding natural disaster needs, including legal representation if necessary, including for civil legal issues involving:\n\nFiling FEMA claims and appeals (a process which can be overwhelmingly bureaucratic and burdensome)\n\nReplacement of lost or destroyed legal and government documents, including driver\u2019s licenses and identification cards\n\nMedical and insurance claims\n\nHome repair contracts\n\nUtility disputes related to restoration of services\n\nConsumer protection issues like construction fraud, price-gouging on repairs and identity theft\n\nHousing issues such as unlawful eviction and foreclosures\n\nBankruptcy\n\nProbate and clearing title for survivors living in generational homes without a clear title\n\nFamily law cases and children in need of services (unfortunately, domestic violence tends to rise following a natural disaster)\n\nIf you need civil legal assistance, please contact Legal Aid of North Carolina via the following toll-free hotline:\n\n(866) 219-LANC or (866) 219-5262\n\nThe hotline is available from:\n\n8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; and 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Monday and Thursdays.\n\nConstituents can also apply online at legalaidnc.org/get-help/ between 1:00-4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday.\n\nIRS Guidance for Taxpayers Impacted by Hurricane Helene\n\nExtension of certain tax filing deadlines:\n\nIRS has extended various filing deadlines for taxpayers in impacted areas, including 2024 individual/business returns, certain quarterly estimated income tax payments, and certain payroll/excise taxes.\n\nClick here for the full list of extensions and respective dates\n\nClick here for more information from the IRS on disaster assistance\n\nTax relief for qualified payments, disaster-related losses:\n\nIRS released provided guidance to taxpayers on how to address disaster-related losses in their 2024 tax return, as well as providing guidance on how qualified disaster relief payments - like government assistance payments - are generally excluded from gross income.\n\nClick here for a general walkthrough of these policies (under header \u201cAdditional tax relief\u201d)\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of disaster-related losses\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of qualified disaster relief payments\n\nPower and Gas\n\n217,000 customers remain without power in Western North Carolina.\n\nThe number of customers seeing their power turn back on each day is slowing, but that is only because Duke Energy has been conducting significant work to repair and bring back online the 360 substations that were damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Helene.\n\nThe substations are the backbone of our energy grid.\n\nOnce restored, service for private homeowners and businesses will rapidly begin to come back online.\n\nSo far, 93 percent of substations have been restored and significant substation work is continuing today.\n\nDuke Energy is beginning to move in mobile substations to areas with substations that sustained significant damage beyond immediate repair to restore power to that portion of the grid while they work on longer rebuilds.\n\nDuke Energy helped to facilitate the installation of a generator with French Broad EMC on a main water pump to support providing the community with water.\n\nThere are 9,200 total crews from 18 states and Canada assisting power restoration efforts in Western NC.\n\nDuke Energy has not changed their anticipated restoration of service date.\n\nMost customers in Western North Carolina can expect the power to be back on by TOMORROW, Friday, October 4.\n\nWARNING: Customers in areas that are inaccessible, dependent on infrastructure that has been destroyed or are unable to receive service may see additional delays.\n\nFor more information on Duke Energy\u2019s power restoration efforts, you can review the following links:\n\nOutage Map: duke-energy.com/outages\n\no Outage Alerts: duke-energy.com/outages/alerts\n\no Generator safety: duke-energy.com/outages/generators\n\no Power restoration process: duke-energy.com/outages/restoring-your-power\n\nRoads\n\nA \u201cDO NOT DRIVE\u201d message remains in place from the North Carolina Department of Transportation for most of Western North Carolina.\n\nUnless it is an emergency, please do not travel to the hardest hit communities.\n\nCherokee, Graham and Swain counties ARE FULLY OPEN to people who can access them through safe routes.\n\nNCDOT has now reopened more than 100 roads.\n\nNCDOT has reopened:\n\nNC 16 between Catawba and Alexander counties\n\nNC 226 between McDowell and Mitchell counties\n\nNCDOT is making progress on:\n\nNC 9 between Buncombe and Henderson counties, along with multiple other major routes in NC-11\n\nCrews are working both day and night to clear debris and repair roadways.\n\nThe National Park Service has reopened US 441/Newfound Gap Rd. to allow for access between Tennessee and North Carolina communities.\n\nKuwohi Rd. (formerly Clingmans Dome Rd.) also reopened today.\n\nBat Cave and Gerton communities on US 64/74 in Henderson County were isolated with no access out until October 2.\n\nYesterday, NCDOT was able to open access into the Bat Cave/Gerton area.\n\nFood drops are currently being conducted on a clothesline across the river in Gerton.\n\nNCDOT has launched a detour map to show motorists how to get around closures on I-26 and I-40 at the Tennessee border.\n\nYou can access the map here.\n\nNCDOT is coordinating on temporary bridge needs with Arkansas and Virginia, and Kentucky and Florida already have crews mobilized in North Carolina.\n\nCell Service\n\nSignificant strides were made towards the restoration of cell service for Western North Carolinians over the past 24 hours.\n\nService providers have been able to confirm that several cell sites sustained damage and engineers are already working through rebuild plans to ensure damaged sites are ready to go back on air once fiber providers have completed their repairs.\n\nVerizon has been able to restore at least 50 percent service for almost every county in NC-11 so far, other than in the following counties:\n\nHaywood County (49 percent restored)\n\nMadison County (31 percent restored)\n\nYancey County (18 percent restored)\n\nAT&T has been able to restore at least 50% service for NC-11 so far, other than in the following counties:\n\nHenderson County (13 percent restored)\n\nJackson County (20 percent restored)\n\nMacon County (0 percent restored)\n\nMcDowell County (35 percent restored)\n\nSwain (16 percent restored)\n\nTransylvania (22 percent restored)\n\nCell service providers have implemented disaster roaming for any phone located in Western North Carolina to maximize phone service for all users.\n\nDisaster roaming allows users to connect to any mobile network during a disaster when other networks are down.\n\nThis allows users to access emergency services, such as 911, even when their own network is out.\n\nIf you have service one moment, but experience a reduction in service the next, try restarting your phone to jumpstart disaster roaming again.\n\nA temporary Verizon satellite trailer is located at the Family Justice Center at 35 Woodfin St., offering an opportunity for limited cellular reception within several city blocks of where it is parked.\n\nT-Mobile has set up satellite cellular on light trucks (SatCOLTs) in Asheville, providing cellular voice and data along with wi-fi and charging stations at the following locations:\n\nAsheville Middle School\n\n211 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center\n\n285 Livingston St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nAdditional T-Mobile satellite cell on trucks are located in Hendersonville and at a Tractor Supply Co. in Asheville, with others planned for Mission Hospital in Asheville, Cherokee County Emergency Operations Center in Murphy, and in Cherokee.\n\nIn addition to working to restore service, Verizon has donated $325,000 to several local organizations in Western NC to assist with recovery efforts.\n\nNorth Carolina National Guard & Department of Defense\n\nMore than 900 North Carolina National Guard soldiers and airmen have been deployed to provide support to Western North Carolina so far.\n\nFurther, over 300 vehicles, including 90 high-water vehicles, and 19 helicopters have been deployed to Western NC.\n\nGeorgia, Virginia, Kentucky and South Carolina have all sent helicopters to assist with aerial initiatives in NC-11.\n\nIn addition to NC National Guard soldiers, the Secretary of Defense has authorized the movement of up to 1,000 active-duty soldiers, including soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division, and other units from Ft. Liberty (formerly Ft. Bragg) over the next 24 hours.\n\nThese soldiers will support the delivery of food, water and other critical aid to communities impacted by Hurricane Helene.\n\nThe Department of Defense will also be delivering 22 helicopters to assist with search and rescue operations.\n\nBy end of day today, October 3, all soldiers and equipment will be in Western North Carolina aiding with response efforts.\n\nHere are a few key phone numbers from the NCNG:\n\nHOTLINE: 888-892-1162\n\nEmergency management watch: 919-733-3300\n\nDonated goods: 919-825-2474\n\nThese lines have very high call volumes. If you do not get through the first try, keep calling.\n\nAsheville Regional Airport\n\nAsheville Regional Airport closed mid-day on Friday, September 27, due to risk of flooding.\n\nCommercial flights at Asheville Regional Airport have resumed.\n\nIf you parked your car in an Asheville Regional Airport lot and could not retrieve the vehicle due to the storm, great news - none of the airport\u2019s lots flooded and all cars are fine.\n\nStay safe and pick up your car when you are able.\n\nPLEASE NOTE:\n\nNo general aviation pilots are allowed to land at Asheville Regional Airport without prior clearance from FEMA to ensure the safety of aircraft and personnel.\n\nFor NC-11 Medical Providers\n\nIf you own a medical practice in NC-11 and are experiencing financial hardship due to Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina Medical Society will be reactivating its Financial Recovery Program (FRP) to help you recover and open your doors again.\n\nThe FRP will be back online to provide much needed assistance soon.\n\nMore information to follow.\n\nThe Department of Health and Human Services through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has made available:\n\nAccelerated payments to Medicare Part A providers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nAdvance payments to Medicare Part B suppliers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nFor Local Government Resource Requests\n\nFor county leaders: This is a reminder to make sure your Emergency Operation Center has submitted the request for gasoline, food, water, cell service deployables, etc. with North Carolina Emergency Management to have your request processed and resources delivered.\n\nMy office stands ready to assist with checking the status of your request if the county or municipality has not heard back from NC Emergency Management within 24 hours.\n\nFor Individual Assistance through FEMA\n\nNorth Carolina received a Major Disaster Declaration for the following counties: Buncombe, Clay, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania and Yancey counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.\n\nPeople with damage to their homes or personal property who live in one of the above-listed counties should apply for Individual Assistance through FEMA, which may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies.\n\nFunds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay.\n\nIndividual Assistance provides financial aid and services to eligible individuals and households that have been affected by a disaster to assist with the recovery process. Individuals can officially begin applying for Individual Assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling the application phone number at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. EST.\n\nTo date, more than 10,000 survivors have registered with FEMA for Individual Assistance.\n\nTo Connect with a Loved One\n\nResidents trying to connect with family members may call NC 211 (or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from out-of-state) to report missing loved ones or request a welfare check.\n\nAdditionally, people in the impacted areas can indicate that they are safe by reporting themselves safe through Red Cross Reunification by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).\n\nPlease only use 911 for life-threatening emergencies so the lines remain open for critical situations.\n\nResources for Utility & Other Status Updates\n\nFor information on the status of utilities, debris sites, etc., we want to share the following resources. As communications are restored and more information becomes available, these sites will continue to be updated.\n\nDrinking Water Systems: Public Water Supply Situation Report Tracking\n\nDebris Disposal Sites: Active Temporary Debris Disposal Sites\n\nNCDEQ Situation Report Tracking System\n\nNCDPS Hurricane Helene - Storm Information\n\nNCDPS County Emergency Management Agencies\n\nHow to Apply for FEMA Assistance After Hurricane Helene\n\nShelters\n\nFor those unable to evacuate to a safe location or in need of a place to go, the following shelters are currently open and available as of October 3:\n\nBuncombe\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nGold\u2019s Gym\n\n801 Fairview Rd, Asheville, NC 28803\n\nWNC Agricultural Center\n\n1301 Fanning Bridge Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nHaywood\n\nHaywood County Government Armory\n\n285 Armory Dr., Clyde, NC 28781\n\nHenderson\n\nEdneyville Elementary School\n\n2875 Pace Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nHenderson County Recreation Center\n\n708 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nMadison\n\nMadison County Wellness Center\n\n5734 US 25-70 Hwy., Marshall, NC 28752\n\nMcDowell\n\nGlenwood Baptist Church\n\n1550 Glenwood Baptist Church Rd., Marion, NC 29640\n\nYMCA of Western North Carolina\n\n348 Grace Corpening Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nPolk\n\nPolk County High School\n\n1681 NC 108 Hwy. E., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nRutherford\n\nRutherfordton/Spindale Central High School\n\n641 US 221 Hwy. N., Rutherfordton, NC 28139\n\nTransylvania\n\nTransylvania Parks & Rec\n\n1078 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nYancey\n\nCane River Middle School\n\n1128 Cane River School Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nMountain Heritage High School\n\n333 Mountain Heritage High School Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nWith my warmest regards,\n\nChuck Edwards\n\nMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-us-rep-foushee-durham-tech-announce-620000-in-federal-funds-for-affordable-housing-initiative", "ICYMI: U.S. Rep. Foushee, Durham Tech Announce $620,000 in Federal Funds for Affordable Housing Initiative", "2024-10-03", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Valerie P. Foushee", "F000477", "foushee.house.gov", "foushee", "https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "DURHAM, NC (October 3, 2024) \u2014 Yesterday, Durham Tech Community College announced that it is moving forward with plans to provide affordable housing for its students and the greater community after securing a key piece of funding from the federal government with the assistance of U.S Representative Valerie Foushee (NC-04).\n\nCongresswoman Foushee on Wednesday announced the College would receive $620,000 in federal funds for the project. That news follows significant funding approved by the Durham County Commissioners and Durham City Council in 2023. This clears the way for Durham Tech and its partners to move forward by applying for a low-income housing tax credit and begin construction in 2025.\n\n\u201cI am very pleased that I could assist with this initiative,\u201d said Congresswoman Valerie Foushee. \u201cWe need more affordable housing in Durham, and I\u2019m very proud of this unique partnership Durham Tech spearheaded that could be a model for other communities in our nation.\u201d\n\nIn 2019, Durham Tech began efforts to address the need for affordable housing among its students and the larger Durham community. A 2019 survey found that more than 50 percent of Durham Tech students had experienced housing insecurity in the past year. In 2022, the College announced its intention to develop 124 units of affordable housing on land it owns at 902 S. Briggs Ave. The College is working with Mosaic Development Group and Banc of America Community Development Corporation, selected as partners through a competitive process.\n\n\u201cWe know that finding affordable housing is a critical issue not just for many of our students, but for the greater community,\u201d Durham Tech President J.B. Buxton said. \u201cLack of affordable housing can be an obstacle for families struggling to make ends meet and for people who want to get an education to pursue careers where they can increase their earnings. Part of the College\u2019s mission is to remove obstacles that impede people in our community from pursuing education, upward mobility and careers.\u201d\n\nFoushee echoed those thoughts.\n\n\u201cWithout the safe, decent, affordable place to live, it\u2019s nearly impossible to thrive in school, succeed in work, raise a family or even stay healthy,\u201d Foushee said.\n\nThe College and its partners expect to begin construction in summer 2025 and move tenants in by early summer 2027. Leasing outreach to prospective tenants will start in the summer of 2026.\n\n\u201cMosaic Development Group is extremely proud to be part of this innovative partnership, which will benefit the community,\u201d Mosaic Development Group Executive Director Bill Bolstad said. \u201cWorking with the College has presented a unique opportunity to meet a housing need that has rarely been done in other places.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 506, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"chamber\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "House", "p1": "NC", "p2": "2024"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=NC&year=2024", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 292, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=NC&year=2024&party=Democrat", "selected": false}, {"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 214, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=NC&year=2024&party=Republican", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=NC&year=2024", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 506, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=NC&year=2024", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=NC&year=2024", "results": [{"value": "NC", "label": "NC", "count": 506, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&year=2024", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=NC&year=2024", "results": [{"value": "2024", "label": "2024", "count": 506, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=NC", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2024-10-03,https~3A~2F~2Ffoushee~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia~2Fpress-releases~2Ficymi-us-rep-foushee-durham-tech-announce-620000-in-federal-funds-for-affordable-housing-initiative", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=NC&year=2024&_next=2024-10-03%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Ffoushee~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia~2Fpress-releases~2Ficymi-us-rep-foushee-durham-tech-announce-620000-in-federal-funds-for-affordable-housing-initiative&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 282.5828450731933, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}