{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Republican\", 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://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/12/21/budd-votes-to-support-wnc-disaster-aid/", "Budd Votes to Support WNC Disaster Aid", "2024-12-21", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) released a statement after voting to support government funding legislation that provides tens of billions of dollars in disaster relief for the people of Western North Carolina.\n\nSenator Budd said:\n\n\u201cAt long last, the people of Western North Carolina will begin to receive the disaster aid they so desperately need and deserve. It is going to take years to fully recover after the devastation of Hurricane Helene. I will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the resilient citizens of the western mountains as they undertake the difficult job of rebuilding. They will never be forgotten as long as I have anything to say about it.\u201d\n\nBackground on Senator Budd\u2019s efforts:\n\nOn September 28, 2024, Senator Ted Budd received his first operational briefing from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), North Carolina Emergency Management, National Weather Service, and the American Red Cross.\n\nOn September 30, 2024, Senator Budd took an air tour of the storm damage alongside Commissioner of Agriculture Steve Troxler and received an in-person operational review of the recovery effort.\n\nOn October 1, 2024, Senator Budd joined a letter to Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senate Appropriations Chair Patty Murray, and Senate Appropriations Vice Chair Susan Collins on the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene and the urgent need to pass an appropriations package to support the millions of Americans affected by the storm.\n\nOn October 8, 2024, Senator Budd joined a letter to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell urging that the Greensboro Influx Care Facility (ICF) be operationalized to assist in Western North Carolina\u2019s recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene.\n\nOn October 29, 2024, Senators Budd, Thom Tillis, alongside Senators Tim Scott, Bill Cassidy, M.D., and Rick Scott, announced plans to introduce legislation that would replenish the Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Program. On October 15th, the SBA announced the Disaster Loan Fund had run out of money.\n\nOn November 18, 2024, Senators Budd and Tillis, and Congressman Chuck Edwards led a bipartisan group of members of the Senate and House to send a letter to President Biden requesting that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), \u201cimmediately send a supplemental appropriation request to Congress to support the communities we represent, which were devastated after Hurricanes Helene and Milton.\u201d\n\nOn November 20, 2024, Senators Budd and Tillis led a coalition of 18 U.S. Senators to send an oversight letter to FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell demanding answers over recent reports that a FEMA employee advised disaster assistance teams in Florida responding to Hurricane Milton to avoid homes that had yard signs supporting President-Elect Donald Trump.\n\nOn November 20, 2024, Senator Budd spoke passionately on the Senate floor to honor the heroic individuals in Western North Carolina who helped others during Hurricane Helene. Senator Budd also renewed his call for Congress to act on the supplemental funding bill for long-term recovery for the region.\n\nOn November 20, 2024, Senators Ted Budd, Tim Scott, Thom Tillis, and Marsha Blackburn introduced the SBA Disaster Transparency Act, which requires the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make its monthly reporting requirements for the Disaster Loan Account available to the public.\n\nOn November 22, 2024, Senator Ted Budd, Senator Thom Tillis, Rep. Virginia Foxx and Rep. Chuck Edwards sent a letter to President Biden urging him to \u201c immediately direct the FEMA to deploy FEMA temporary housing resources \u2013 including travel trailers and manufactured homes\u201d to Western North Carolina. As temperatures drop in the region, \u201cthis would give homeowners the ability to remain on their own property while repairs and reconstruction continue.\u201d\n\nOn November 27, 2024, Senators Ted Budd, Thom Tillis, Jon Ossoff, Raphael Warnock, Mark Warner, and Tim Kaine sent a letter to Senate leadership urging both the Senate and House \u201cto bring a robust supplemental appropriations bill to the floor\u201d.\n\nOn December 10, 2024, Senators Budd and Tillis published an opinion piece for the Carolina Journal laying out the road ahead for Western North Carolina as they rebuild and recover from Hurricane Helene.\n\nOn December 10, 2024, Senators Budd and Tillis hosted N.C. Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger, N.C. House of Representatives Speaker-elect Destin Hall, State Senators Bill Rabon and Ralph Hise, and State Representative Dudley Greene to discuss efforts to provide immediate assistance to North Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene\u2019s devastation.\n\nOn December 13, 2024, Senator Budd introduced two bills to cut government regulation and deliver relief to North Carolinians impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.\n\nThe Disaster Assistance Fairness Act would provide relief to North Carolina homeowners who are still desperately trying to dig out from the storms by making it clear that debris removal from private roads is in the public interest and therefore eligible for reimbursement under the Stafford Act.\n\nThe Flexible Compliance for Emergencies and Natural Disasters (FinCEN) Act would help businesses in North Carolina who are currently facing operational challenges and have limited resources in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.\n\nOn December 19, 2024, Senator Budd spoke at a press conference and laid out his demand that he would not support any continuing resolution to fund the government unless disaster aid for Western North Carolina is passed.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/12/tillis-votes-to-pass-helene-recovery-funding-for-north-carolina", "Tillis Votes to Pass Helene Recovery Funding For North Carolina", "2024-12-21", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, the Senate passed a bipartisan government funding bill that includes more than $100 billion in disaster relief for states and communities hit by natural disasters, including North Carolina during Hurricane Helene.\n\n\u201cI'm proud to have worked alongside my Senate colleagues to secure this critical funding for Western North Carolina,\u201d said Senator Tillis. \u201cI remain committed to working with the outgoing Biden Administration and the incoming Trump Administration to ensure these resources reach Western North Carolina as expeditiously as possible. This is a significant downpayment to help make Western North Carolina whole again.\u201d\n\nFor months, Senator Tillis has worked with Congressional leaders and appropriators to deliver on the $100 billion appropriation. Senator Tillis also successfully secured a number of key provisions in the legislation, including mandates to deliver federal assistance to Western North Carolina sooner.\n\nProvisions secured by Senator Tillis include:\n\nRequiring the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to issue a Federal Register notice by January 15, 2025, of enactment for Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) so funding can flow to North Carolina more quickly. Federal Register notices have often taken 12-24 months after previous authorizations.\n\nReplenishing funding for the SBA\u2019s disaster loan program to help homeowners and small business owners rebuild, which Tillis has been pushing since funding expired. There are currently 2,338 applicants waiting for their application to be processed, totaling $172 million.\n\nNorth Carolina is expected to receive at least $9 billion in assistance, and that does not include FEMA assistance, which is likely to be an additional billions of dollars. Assistance coming to North Carolina will include:\n\nCDBG-DR funding to help local communities recover and rebuild.\n\nEconomic assistance and disaster payments and economic assistance for farmers affected by Helene.\n\nA significant investment to repair and rebuild the roads, highways, bridges, and other infrastructure damaged by Helene.\n\nMajor investments in North Carolina\u2019s drinking water infrastructure.\n\nWhile specific funding levels for states will be based on need, the legislation provides the following funding at the national level:\n\nDepartment of Agriculture \u2013 $33.5 billion, including:\n\n$21 billion for disaster assistance to farmers and producers.\n\n$10 billion for economic assistance to farmers and producers.\n\n$7.5 million for the Office of the Inspector General to provide funding oversight.\n\n$42.5 million for the Agriculture Research Service to repair or replace facilities damaged by hurricanes.\n\n$828 million for the Emergency Conservation Program to provide financial and technical assistance to address farmland impacted by natural disasters.\n\n$920 million for the Emergency Watershed Protection Program to provide financial and technical assistance to address impaired watersheds posing a risk to life or property.\n\n$356.5 million for the Emergency Forest Restoration Program to assist private forest owners restore forests damaged by natural disasters.\n\n$362.5 million for the Rural Development Disaster Assistance Fund to provide assistance to rural communities affected by natural disasters.\n\n$25 million for the Commodity Assistance Program to address facilities damaged by natural disasters.\n\nDepartment of Commerce, Economic Development Administration\n\n$1.5 billion for economic development assistance for areas impacted by natural disasters in 2023 and 2024.\n\nDepartment of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration \u2013 $1.04 billion, including:\n\n$244 million for repair and replacement of observing assets, real property, and equipment, including rebuilding the Beaufort, NC laboratory.\n\n$399 million for hurricane hunter aircraft and related expenses.\n\nDepartment of Homeland Security \u2013 $30.83 billion, including:\n\n$29 billion for the Disaster Relief Fund, including $4 million for the Office of Inspector General to carry out oversight.\n\nDepartment of the Interior \u2013 $3 billion, for expenses related to the consequences of disasters occurring in and prior to calendar year 2024, including:\n\n$2.3 billion for the National Park Service, which includes $50 million for the Historic Preservation Fund and $1.7 billion to rebuild the Blue Ridge Parkway.\n\nEnvironmental Protection Agency \u2013 $3.3 billion, for expenses related to the consequences of Hurricanes Helene, Hilary, and Milton, and Hawaii wildfires, including:\n\n$3.25 billion for State and Tribal Assistance Grants, of which $1.2 billion for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund program, $1.8 billion for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program, $85 million for decentralized water systems, $60 million to address water emergencies, $10 million for Clean Air Act Section 103 grants, and $95 million for hazardous waste financial assistance grants.\n\nForest Service\n\n$6.4 billion, for expenses related to the consequences of disasters occurring in calendar years 2022, 2023, and 2024, including $208 million for State, Private, and Tribal Forestry.\n\nDepartment of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families \u2013 $500 million for Child Care, including:\n\n$250 million for renovation and repairs of child care facilities that were damaged by natural disasters, as well as temporary services for children in affected areas.\n\nDepartment of Transportation\n\n$8 billion for Federal Highways Administration emergency relief to reimburse states and territories for damage from natural disasters to roads and bridges in the National Highway System.\n\nDepartment of Housing and Urban Development\n\n$12 billion for Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery to assist with the long-term housing, infrastructure and economic recovery needs for areas most impacted and distressed by a natural disaster.\n\nBackground\n\nSenator Tillis has been pushing for federal assistance for Western North Carolina since the moment Helene made landfall.\n\nOn October 1, 2024, Senator Tillis led a bipartisan letter to Senate Appropriations Chair Patty Murray (D-WA) and Vice Chair Susan Collins (R-ME) on the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene and the urgent need to pass an appropriations package to support the millions of Americans affected by the storm.\n\nOn October 16, 2024, Senator Tillis led a bipartisan group of senators in urging the White House to rapidly submit a government funding request to Congress that will fully cover costs associated with clean-up and recovery following Hurricanes Helene and Milton so that affected communities could begin to heal. The Senators called for Congress to return to Washington from the October in-state work period to approve federal disaster relief legislation.\n\nOn October 23, 2024, The Hill published an op-ed by Senator Tillis addressed to members of Congress to step up and be proactive with long-term disaster recovery assistance.\n\nOn October 29, 2024, Senator Tillis and his colleagues announced plans to introduce legislation that would replenish the Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Program with families and small businesses across WNC unable to get loans approved until then. The Senators outlined their plan to seek passage of the legislation when Congress returned to session.\n\nOn November 14, 2024, Senator Tillis attempted to pass legislation to replenish the SBA Disaster Loan Program through a unanimous consent request on the Senate floor, but was blocked by another Senator.\n\nOn November 15, 2024, Senator Tillis led a bipartisan letter to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) immediately send a supplemental appropriation request to Congress to support the communities we represent, which were devastated after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The OMB sent the request to Congress a few days later.\n\nOn November 18, 2024, Senator Tillis introduced the standalone RELIEF Act to provide Hurricane relief to small businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene.\n\nOn November 20, 2024, Senator Tillis called on Congress to quickly pass Hurricane Helene relief during his testimony to the Senate Appropriations Committee.\n\nOn November 21, 2024, Senator Tillis met with Governor Cooper, Governor-Elect Stein, members of the North Carolina Congressional Delegation and the North Carolina General Assembly, and local leaders from Western North Carolina to discuss efforts to provide federal assistance to North Carolinians affected by the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.\n\nOn December 5, 2024, Senator Tillis joined Fox News\u2019 Your World with Neil Cavuto where he discussed the urgent need for Congress to provide federal assistance to North Carolinians affected by the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.\n\nOn December 10, 2024, Senator Tillis hosted N.C. Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger, N.C. House of Representatives Speaker-elect Destin Hall, State Senators Bill Rabon and Ralph Hise, and State Representative Dudley Greene to discuss efforts to provide immediate assistance to North Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene\u2019s devastation.\n\nOn December 18, 2024, Senator Tillis committed to filibustering any continuing resolution that did not include disaster aid for Western North Carolina.\n\nIn addition to Senator Tillis\u2019 legislative efforts the Senator has met with local leaders, residents, and elected officials across Western North Carolina including in: Asheville, Black Mountain, Boone, Burnsville, Canton, Clyde, Fairview, Flat Rock, Hendersonville, Hot Springs, Marshall, Morganton, Spruce Pine, Swannanoa, Waynesville and Wilkesboro.\n\n###", 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://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://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/12/tillis-helps-secure-helene-recovery-funding-for-north-carolina", "Tillis Helps Secure Helene Recovery Funding For North Carolina", "2024-12-20", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Senator Tillis issued the following statement on the bipartisan government funding bill that includes more than $100 billion in disaster relief for states and communities hit by natural disasters, including North Carolina during Hurricane Helene:\n\n\u201cWestern North Carolina will need significant resources to be made whole again, and I'm proud to have worked alongside my colleagues in both parties to secure this critical funding. As soon as Congress passes this legislation, the long-term rebuilding process can begin.\u201d\n\nFor months, Senator Tillis has worked with Congressional leaders and appropriators to deliver on the $100 billion appropriation. Senator Tillis also successfully secured a number of key provisions in the legislation, including mandates to deliver federal assistance to Western North Carolina sooner.\n\nProvisions secured by Senator Tillis include:\n\nRequiring the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to issue a Federal Register notice by January 15, 2025, of enactment for Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) so funding can flow to North Carolina more quickly. Federal Register notices have often taken 12-24 months after previous authorizations.\n\nReplenishing funding for the SBA\u2019s disaster loan program to help homeowners and small business owners rebuild, which Tillis has been pushing since funding expired. There are currently 2,338 North Carolina applicants waiting for their application to be processed, totaling $172 million.\n\nNorth Carolina is expected to receive at least $9 billion in assistance, and that does not include FEMA assistance, which is likely to be billion of dollars. Assistance coming to North Carolina will include:\n\nCDBG-DR funding to help local communities recover and rebuild.\n\nEconomic assistance payments and disaster payments for farmers affected by Helene.\n\nA significant investment to repair and rebuild the roads, highways, bridges, and other infrastructure damaged by Helene.\n\nMajor investments in North Carolina\u2019s drinking water infrastructure.\n\nWhile specific funding levels for states will be based on need, the legislation provides the following funding at the national level:\n\nDepartment of Agriculture \u2013 $33.5 billion, including:\n\n$21 billion for disaster assistance to farmers and producers.\n\n$10 billion for economic assistance to farmers and producers.\n\n$7.5 million for the Office of the Inspector General to provide funding oversight.\n\n$42.5 million for the Agriculture Research Service to repair or replace facilities damaged by hurricanes.\n\n$828 million for the Emergency Conservation Program to provide financial and technical assistance to address farmland impacted by natural disasters.\n\n$920 million for the Emergency Watershed Protection Program to provide financial and technical assistance to address impaired watersheds posing a risk to life or property.\n\n$356.5 million for the Emergency Forest Restoration Program to assist private forest owners restore forests damaged by natural disasters.\n\n$362.5 million for the Rural Development Disaster Assistance Fund to provide assistance to rural communities affected by natural disasters.\n\n$25 million for the Commodity Assistance Program to address facilities damaged by natural disasters.\n\nDepartment of Commerce, Economic Development Administration\n\n$1.5 billion for economic development assistance for areas impacted by natural disasters in 2023 and 2024.\n\nDepartment of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration \u2013 $1.04 billion, including:\n\n$244 million for repair and replacement of observing assets, real property, and equipment, including rebuilding the Beaufort, NC laboratory.\n\n$399 million for hurricane hunter aircraft and related expenses.\n\nDepartment of Homeland Security \u2013 $30.83 billion, including:\n\n$29 billion for the Disaster Relief Fund, including $4 million for the Office of Inspector General to carry out oversight.\n\nDepartment of the Interior \u2013 $3 billion, for expenses related to the consequences of disasters occurring in and prior to calendar year 2024, including:\n\n$2.3 billion for the National Park Service, which includes $50 million for the Historic Preservation Fund and $1.7 billion to rebuild the Blue Ridge Parkway.\n\nEnvironmental Protection Agency \u2013 $3.3 billion, for expenses related to the consequences of Hurricanes Helene, Hilary, and Milton, and Hawaii wildfires, including:\n\n$3.25 billion for State and Tribal Assistance Grants, of which $1.2 billion for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund program, $1.8 billion for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program, $85 million for decentralized water systems, $60 million to address water emergencies, $10 million for Clean Air Act Section 103 grants, and $95 million for hazardous waste financial assistance grants.\n\nForest Service\n\n$6.4 billion, for expenses related to the consequences of disasters occurring in calendar years 2022, 2023, and 2024, including $208 million for State, Private, and Tribal Forestry.\n\nDepartment of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families \u2013 $500 million for Child Care, including:\n\n$250 million for renovation and repairs of child care facilities that were damaged by natural disasters, as well as temporary services for children in affected areas.\n\nDepartment of Transportation\n\n$8 billion for Federal Highways Administration emergency relief to reimburse states and territories for damage from natural disasters to roads and bridges in the National Highway System.\n\nDepartment of Housing and Urban Development\n\n$12 billion for Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery to assist with the long-term housing, infrastructure and economic recovery needs for areas most impacted and distressed by a natural disaster.\n\nBackground:\n\nSenator Tillis has been pushing for federal assistance for Western North Carolina since the moment Helene made landfall.\n\nOn October 1, 2024, Senator Tillis led a bipartisan letter to Senate Appropriations Chair Patty Murray (D-WA) and Vice Chair Susan Collins (R-ME) on the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene and the urgent need to pass an appropriations package to support the millions of Americans affected by the storm.\n\nOn October 16, 2024, Senator Tillis led a bipartisan group of senators in urging the White House to rapidly submit a government funding request to Congress that will fully cover costs associated with clean-up and recovery following Hurricanes Helene and Milton so that affected communities could begin to heal. The Senators called for Congress to return to Washington from the October in-state work period to approve federal disaster relief legislation.\n\nOn October 23, 2024, The Hill published an op-ed by Senator Tillis addressed to members of Congress to step up and be proactive with long-term disaster recovery assistance.\n\nOn October 29, 2024, Senator Tillis and his colleagues announced plans to introduce legislation that would replenish the Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Program with families and small businesses across WNC unable to get loans approved until then. The Senators outlined their plan to seek passage of the legislation when Congress returned to session.\n\nOn November 14, 2024, Senator Tillis attempted to pass legislation to replenish the SBA Disaster Loan Program through a unanimous consent request on the Senate floor, but was blocked by another Senator.\n\nOn November 15, 2024, Senator Tillis led a bipartisan letter to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) immediately send a supplemental appropriation request to Congress to support the communities we represent, which were devastated after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The OMB sent the request to Congress a few days later.\n\nOn November 18, 2024, Senator Tillis introduced the standalone RELIEF Act to provide Hurricane relief to small businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene.\n\nOn November 20, 2024, Senator Tillis called on Congress to quickly pass Hurricane Helene relief during his testimony to the Senate Appropriations Committee.\n\nOn November 21, 2024, Senator Tillis met with Governor Cooper, Governor-Elect Stein, members of the North Carolina Congressional Delegation and the North Carolina General Assembly, and local leaders from Western North Carolina to discuss efforts to provide federal assistance to North Carolinians affected by the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.\n\nOn December 5, 2024, Senator Tillis joined Fox News\u2019 Your World with Neil Cavuto where he discussed the urgent need for Congress to provide federal assistance to North Carolinians affected by the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.\n\nOn December 10, 2024, Senator Tillis hosted N.C. Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger, N.C. House of Representatives Speaker-elect Destin Hall, State Senators Bill Rabon and Ralph Hise, and State Representative Dudley Greene to discuss efforts to provide immediate assistance to North Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene\u2019s devastation.\n\nOn December 18, 2024, Senator Tillis committed to filibustering any continuing resolution that did not include disaster aid for Western North Carolina.\n\nIn addition to Senator Tillis\u2019 legislative efforts the Senator has met with local leaders, residents, and elected officials across Western North Carolina including in: Asheville, Black Mountain, Boone, Burnsville, Canton, Clyde, Fairview, Flat Rock, Hendersonville, Hot Springs, Marshall, Morganton, Spruce Pine, Swannanoa, Waynesville and Wilkesboro.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["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://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/12/19/budd-demands-wnc-disaster-relief-before-congress-leaves-for-christmas/", "Video: Budd Demands WNC Disaster Relief Before Congress Leaves for Christmas", "2024-12-19", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) spoke at a press conference and laid out his demand that he would not support any continuing resolution to fund the government unless disaster aid for Western North Carolina is passed.\n\nWATCH:\n\nKEY QUOTES:\n\n\u201cThe fact that WNC has had to wait 83 days for disaster aid is just ridiculous and it\u2019s a disgrace.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe\u2019ve got people living in tents. We have delayed FEMA trailers. It\u2019s time to get beyond these political games.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe initial CR \u2013 which is now dead \u2013 was a mess. It was a 1,500 page insult to taxpayers.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor anything to pass, it has to have disaster aid for Western North Carolina to get my support.\u201d\n\n###", 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://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/12/18/budd-protects-f-15es-at-seymour-johnson-and-prohibits-dangerous-transgender-procedures-in-defense-bill/", "Budd Protects F-15Es at Seymour Johnson and Prohibits Dangerous Transgender Procedures in Defense Bill", "2024-12-18", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Ted Budd (R-NC), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, voted to pass the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25 NDAA).\n\nSenator Budd secured a provision that prohibits the Air Force from divesting F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base through 2027.\n\nThe Air Force planned to divest 26 Strike Eagles from Seymour Johnson next year, even though aircraft from North Carolina\u2019s 335th Fighter Squadron helped defend Israel by shooting down dozens of drones and missiles from Iran in April. Additionally, these Strike Eagles have more than half their service life remaining and recently received multi-million dollar upgrades.\n\nSeveral top military officials have praised the F-15E after being questioned by Senator Budd in committee hearings. Strike Eagles were called phenomenal, very capable, and critical for scenarios in the Indo-Pacific and Europe.\n\nSenator Budd also secured a provision to prohibit TRICARE from covering dangerous transgender medical procedures that could sterilize children.\n\nIn addition, Senator Budd secured several other significant wins for North Carolina, including a 4.5% pay raise for North Carolina servicemembers and their families, more than $296 million in military construction projects, accelerating production of Infantry Squad Vehicles, and investing in research and development at North Carolina companies and educational institutions.\n\nSenator Budd said in a statement:\n\n\u201cNorth Carolina represents the core of what makes our nation strong. The Air Force\u2019s plan to divest F-15E Strike Eagles from Seymour Johnson would harm our national security and make us weaker. The F-15Es are supremely capable aircraft with unmatched capability in the fleet. I am thrilled that my colleagues agreed with me and prohibited divestment. I will continue to fight to make sure that the future for Seymour Johnson and the Goldsboro community is bright and our military remains strong.\n\n\u201cI was proud to secure nearly $300 million for military installations across North Carolina. These investments support our men and women in uniform by improving their quality of life and ensuring they have the facilities, equipment, and tools necessary to keep our Armed Forces ready and lethal.\u201d\n\nBudd-Secured Wins for North Carolina:\n\nAuthorizes $296 million in military construction, planning, and design funding for North Carolina\u2019s military installations including:\n\nMarine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point ($123.5 million total):\n\nAuthorizes a $114 million Composite Repair Facility, including $20 million in incremental funding for FY 2025.\n\nAuthorizes $50 million for a F-35 Aircraft Sustainment Center at MCAS Cherry Point.\n\nAuthorizes a $213 million Aircraft Maintenance Hangars for MCAS Cherry Point, including $53.5 million in incremental funding for FY 2025.\n\nCamp Lejeune ($84.5 million total):\n\nAuthorizes $27.5 million for a Special Operations Forces (SOF) Armory.\n\nAuthorizes $57 million for Information Maneuver Facilities for Marine Forces Special Operations Command.\n\nFort Liberty, formerly Fort Bragg ($47 million total):\n\nAuthorizes $13 million for a SOF Arms Room Addition.\n\nAuthorizes $34 million for SOF Camp Mackall Company Operations Facilities\n\nSeymour Johnson Air Force Base ($41 million total):\n\nAuthorizes $41 million to construct a Combat Arms Training and Maintenance Complex at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.\n\nAuthorizes $46.6 million, a $12.2 million increase from the President\u2019s budget request, to accelerate procurement of the Infantry Squad Vehicle, manufactured in Charlotte, for the Army.\n\nAuthorizes $5 million for Airborne Pathfinder, a program at Fort Liberty, to improve soldier readiness and effectiveness.\n\nAuthorizes $4 million for procurement of Army Load Carrying Technology advancements (STEED) to improve the mobility of dismounted forces, STEED is manufactured in Charlotte.\n\nAuthorizes $5 million to research and develop a 360 Helmet Mounted Display for Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV).\n\nAuthorizes $15 million for Heavy Dump Trucks for the Army supporting work in Greensboro, North Carolina.\n\nBudd-Secured Wins for National Security:\n\nProtecting the Homeland:\n\nRequires DOD to provide a briefing on the number of service member deaths attributable to drug overdoses caused by fentanyl.\n\nDeterring China:\n\nRequires a plan for the establishment of a joint force headquarters subordinate to U.S. Indo-Pacific Command in Japan.\n\nUpdates the 1260H list to modify public reporting of Chinese Military Companies operating in the United States.\n\nProhibits DOD from operating, procuring, or contracting for the use of Chinese light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology.\n\nProhibits DOD from contracting with companies that retain lobbying firms that also lobby for Chinese military companies on the 1260H list.\n\nSupport for U.S.-Israel Bilateral Relationship and Countering Terrorism in the Middle East:\n\nCondemns the horrific terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023, and supports DOD assistance to Israel including:\n\nAuthorizes $110 million for U.S.-Israel Missile Defense Cooperation\n\nAuthorizes $30 million for U.S. Israel Anti-Tunneling Cooperation and expands cooperation with Israel to improve anti-tunneling technologies, increases the limit on amount authorized for such activities and directs the Secretary of Defense to provide a briefing on planned training exercises relating to subterranean and tunnel warfare.\n\nAuthorizes an increase of $47.5 million for U.S.-Israel cooperation on emerging technology.\n\nRequires DOD to brief Congress on efforts to secure the release of United States citizens being held hostage by Hamas and other terrorist organizations around the world.\n\nRequires an assessment and plan of defense equipment provided to Kurdish Peshmerga Forces.\n\nSenator Budd championed the following additional provisions:\n\nAuthorizes funding to support a 4.5 percent pay raise for military members.\n\nIncreases monthly basic pay for junior enlisted service members in the grades of E-1 through E-4, in addition to the force-wide pay raise.\n\nEstablishes a cross-functional team to plan and oversee the implementation of the recommendations of the Commission on Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE), working to improve the DOD\u2019s budgeting process and make it easier for small businesses to work with the DOD.\n\nEstablishes pilot program to commercially produce munitions.\n\nStrengthens munitions supply chain secondary sources and solid rocket motor production.\n\nAuthorizes a hiring manager of a military medical treatment facility or other health care facility of the Department of Defense to waiver any General Schedule qualification standards related to work experience for certain nurse or practical nurse applications for a position in Department of Defense medical treatment facilities.\n\nExtends the Pacific Deterrence Initiative (PDI).\n\nProvides funding for the Defense Innovation Unit OnRamp Hubs, supporting the defense innovation ecosystem.\n\nAuthorizes an additional $10 million to support DOD-Wide Internet Operations Management Capability to support expansion of security orchestration and automation capability within the existing program.\n\nRequires DOD to brief Congress on how it will maximize the success of the Thunderdome program.\n\nRequires the Secretary of Defense to implement a policy of reciprocal software accrediting.\n\nSupports $10 million for the Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration program to prevent encroachment and reduce threats to military installation resilience.\n\nReduces the minimum number of students required to establish a unit of the Junior Reserve Officers\u2019 Training Corps (JROTC) to 50 students to prevent closure of at risk JROTC units in North Carolina and across the country.\n\nRequires the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretaries of the military departments, to brief Congress on all national security waivers granted by DOD.\n\nHalts hiring at DOD for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) for one year.\n\nBans DOD personnel from promoting critical race theory (CRT).\n\n###", 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://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/12/17/budd-tillis-applaud-house-passage-of-lumbee-fairness-act/", "Budd, Tillis Applaud House Passage of Lumbee Fairness Act", "2024-12-17", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senators Ted Budd and Thom Tillis applauded the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the Lumbee Fairness Act, bipartisan legislation to grant the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina long-overdue federal benefits that every other federally recognized tribe receives.\n\nSenator Budd said:\n\n\u201cI am pleased that the House has taken an important step to address decades of unfair treatment from the federal government towards the Lumbee people. I am thankful for Senator Tillis\u2019 leadership on the Lumbee Fairness Act and President Trump\u2019s critical support for Lumbee recognition. We will continue to do everything we can to get the Lumbee the full federal recognition they deserve.\u201d\n\nSenator Tillis said:\n\n\u201cI am dedicated to ensuring that Congress fulfills its six-decade-old promise to grant full federal recognition to the Lumbee people. We are now closer than ever to finally fulfilling that promise. There is clearly strong bipartisan support for this effort in Congress, and both President Biden and President-elect Trump firmly back recognition. I commend the House for passing the Lumbee Fairness Act, and I will continue to pursue all options to finally achieve full federal recognition for the Lumbee Tribe.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Lumbee Tribe is the largest American-Indian tribe in the Eastern United States. In 1885, North Carolina formally recognized the Lumbee Tribe. Three years later, the Tribe began to seek federal recognition. On June 7, 1956, Congress enacted the Lumbee Act at the height of the Indian termination policy era, which provided the Lumbee with federal recognition but included an unfair caveat that terminated their recognition.\n\nThe Lumbee Tribe has received support from over 230 federally recognized tribes, President-elect Trump, Vice President-elect Vance, President Biden, Vice President Harris, the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Governor, and various Native American scholars and organizations.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/12/tillis-budd-applaud-house-passage-of-the-lumbee-fairness-act", "Tillis, Budd Applaud House Passage of the Lumbee Fairness Act", "2024-12-17", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd applauded the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the Lumbee Fairness Act, bipartisan legislation to grant the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina long-overdue federal benefits that every other federally recognized tribe receives.\n\n\u201cI am dedicated to ensuring that Congress fulfills its six-decade-old promise to grant full federal recognition to the Lumbee people. We are now closer than ever to finally fulfilling that promise,\u201d said Senator Tillis. \u201cThere is clearly strong bipartisan support for this effort in Congress, and both President Biden and President-elect Trump firmly back recognition. I commend the House for passing the Lumbee Fairness Act, and I will continue to pursue all options to finally achieve full federal recognition for the Lumbee Tribe.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am pleased that the House has taken an important step to address decades of unfair treatment from the federal government towards the Lumbee people,\u201d said Senator Budd. \u201cI am thankful for Senator Tillis\u2019 leadership on the Lumbee Fairness Act and President Trump\u2019s critical support for Lumbee recognition. We will continue to do everything we can to get the Lumbee the full federal recognition they deserve.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Lumbee Tribe is the largest American-Indian tribe in the Eastern United States. In 1885, North Carolina formally recognized the Lumbee Tribe. Three years later, the Tribe began to seek federal recognition. On June 7, 1956, Congress enacted the Lumbee Act at the height of the Indian termination policy era, which provided the Lumbee with federal recognition but included an unfair caveat that terminated their recognition.\n\nThe Lumbee Tribe has received support from over 230 federally recognized tribes, President-elect Trump, Vice President-elect Vance, President Biden, Vice President Harris, the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Governor, and various Native American scholars and organizations.\n\nFull text of the Lumbee Fairness Act is available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/12/in-case-you-missed-it-judge-wynn-honored-following-his-retirement-announcement/de37e518-383e-49c5-8b3f-36335d38619e", "IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Judge Wynn Honored Following His Retirement Announcement", "2024-12-16", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 In January 2024, Fourth Circuit Judge James Wynn announced his retirement, setting off a nomination process for his successor and a series of honors for Wynn, including a retirement party and awards like the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. However, in a blatantly partisan political move, Wynn shockingly reversed his decision because of the election of Donald Trump, violating many decades of precedent and likely igniting a stream of ethics complaints and recusal demands.\n\nJudge Wynn Announces Retirement: \u201cWhite House officials confirmed to McClatchy Tuesday morning that Wynn announced he is taking senior status, meaning he will semi-retire, after 14 years of serving in the 4th Circuit\u2026\u201d [SOURCE: McClatchy]\n\nA Retirement Celebration to Remember: \u201cWhen Judge James A. Wynn Jr. of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit announced his semi-retirement, he had no idea that his hometown community had a surprise celebration in store for him. More than 100 people gathered at Providence Baptist Church in Robersonville on March 10 to honor Wynn for his accomplishments and contributions \u2014 and to celebrate his 70th birthday.\u201d[SOURCE: Greenville Daily Reflector]\n\nAwarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine: \u201cThe top secret of the day was the Brown\u2019s presentation of The Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award to Wynn, being presented on behalf of Governor Roy Cooper. The award is the highest honor awarded to civilians in North Carolina.\u201d [SOURCE: Rocky Mountain Telegram]\n\nCommunity Proclaims \u201cJim Wynn Day\u201d: \u201cOne of Robersonville\u2019s commissioners read a proclamation declaring March 10 as Jim Wynn Day. The Rocky Mount chapter of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity presented Wynn with an award as well.\u201d [SOURCE: Greenville Daily Reflector]\n\nCongressman Don Davis: \u201cOn behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives, 1st District, [Congressman Don] Davis bestowed a special Congressional Recognition to Wynn in honor and celebration of his senior status on the federal bench.\u201d [SOURCE: Rocky Mountain Telegram]\n\nPresident Barack Obama: \u201cI hope today is full of warm memories from your friends and loved ones. And I\u2019m sending you and Jaqueline my very best for all that lies ahead.\u201d\n\nGovernor Roy Cooper: \u201cI am grateful for the work you have done, my best wishes for your very happy birthday and much-deserved semi-retirement.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/12/tillis-statement-on-judge-wynn-s-partisan-and-unprecedented-decision-to-rescind-his-retirement", "Tillis Statement on Judge Wynn\u2019s Partisan and Unprecedented Decision to Rescind His Retirement", "2024-12-14", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement on U.S. Fourth Circuit Judge James Wynn\u2019s stunning decision to rescind his retirement for political reasons:\n\n\u201cJudge Wynn's brazenly partisan decision to rescind his retirement is an unprecedented move that demonstrates some judges are nothing more than politicians in robes. Judge Wynn clearly takes issue with the fact that Donald Trump was just elected President, and this decision is a slap in the face to the U.S. Senate, which came to a bipartisan agreement to hold off on confirming his replacement until the next Congress is sworn-in in January. The Senate Judiciary Committee should hold a hearing on his blatant attempt to turn the judicial retirement system into a partisan game, and he deserves the ethics complaints and recusal demands from the Department of Justice heading his way.\u201d\n\nIn case you were wondering: Judge Wynn even had his retirement party nine months ago.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/12/13/budd-pushes-legislation-to-cut-government-red-tape-and-speed-up-relief-for-western-north-carolina/", "Budd Pushes Legislation to Cut Government Red Tape and Speed up Relief for Western North Carolina", "2024-12-13", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) introduced two bills to cut government regulation and deliver relief to North Carolinians impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.\n\nThe Disaster Assistance Fairness Act would provide relief to North Carolina homeowners who are still desperately trying to dig out from the storms by making it clear that debris removal from private roads is in the public interest and therefore eligible for reimbursement under the Stafford Act. Congressman David Rouzer (R-NC) introduced the House companion bill, H.R. 3777, which has 12 bipartisan cosponsors.\n\nThe Flexible Compliance for Emergencies and Natural Disasters (FinCEN) Act would help businesses in North Carolina who are currently facing operational challenges and have limited resources in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.\n\nSenator Budd said in a statement:\n\n\u201cThe scope of the devastation in Western North Carolina is unlike anything I have ever seen before. Folks from the mountains are resilient and tough, but they need their government to work quickly for them in their time of need. These two pieces of legislation will cut through red tape and get needed aid out the door. I will continue to work with my colleagues to get Congress to pass robust assistance that meets the moment.\u201d\n\nStatement from Dawn Bauman, Chief Strategy Officer, Community Associations Institute:\n\n\u201cCommunity associations are vital to the fabric of our communities, and ensuring they have access to federal disaster relief is critical. CAI applauds Senator Budd for his leadership in introducing the Senate companion to H.R. 3777. His commitment to supporting homeowners and strengthening disaster recovery efforts will make a meaningful difference for millions of Americans living in community associations nationwide.\u201d\n\nAdditional background on Senator Budd\u2019s Legislation:\n\nDisaster Assistance Fairness Act\n\nThe bill would require the President to direct FEMA to remove debris from real estate owned by homeowners\u2019 associations and condominiums when a state or local government determines the debris and wreckage constitute a threat to life, public health, or safety, or the economic recovery of the community. The bill would also clarify that FEMA should provide homeowners with financial assistance for the repair of \u201cessential common elements,\u201d such as roofs, heating and cooling equipment, stairwells, and plumbing or electricity.\n\nFinCen Act\n\nThe U.S. Treasury\u2019s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) requires businesses to submit Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reports to combat illicit financial activity. However, natural disasters like Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton have significantly disrupted the ability of businesses in affected areas to meet these deadlines. The FinCEN Act would address these challenges by providing an extension for businesses affected by federally declared disasters. Specifically, businesses in disaster-affected areas will not be required to submit BOI reports until January 1, 2026. The Treasury Secretary will determine eligibility based on location in a disaster-affected area, as declared under the Stafford Disaster Act.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["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://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://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/12/tillis-budd-meet-with-nc-general-assembly-leaders-on-hurricane-helene-recovery-efforts", "Tillis, Budd Meet with NC General Assembly Leaders on Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts", "2024-12-11", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd hosted N.C. Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger, N.C. House of Representatives Speaker-elect Destin Hall, State Senators Bill Rabon and Ralph Hise, and State Representative Dudley Greene to discuss efforts to provide immediate assistance to North Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene\u2019s devastation.\n\n\u201cWe are fully committed to doing everything in our power to ensure that Congress passes disaster relief as quickly as possible so Western North Carolina can begin the long-term recovery process,\u201d said Senators Tillis and Budd. \u201cNorth Carolina\u2019s Congressional and NCGA leaders have worked closely together since the beginning, and we are all on the same page on the need to pass legislation at the state and federal levels to cut red tape and deliver much-needed assistance to Western North Carolina.\u201d\n\nBackground\n\nSenator Tillis has been pushing for federal assistance for Western North Carolina since the moment Helene made landfall.\n\nOn October 1, 2024, Senator Tillis led a bipartisan letter to Senate Appropriations Chair Patty Murray (D-WA) and Vice Chair Susan Collins (R-ME) on the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene and the urgent need to pass an appropriations package to support the millions of Americans affected by the storm.\n\nOn October 16, 2024, Senator Tillis led a bipartisan group of senators in urging the White House to rapidly submit a government funding request to Congress that will fully cover costs associated with clean-up and recovery following Hurricanes Helene and Milton so that affected communities could begin to heal. The Senators called for Congress to return to Washington from the October in-state work period to approve federal disaster relief legislation.\n\nOn October 23, 2024, The Hill published an op-ed by Senator Tillis addressed to members of Congress to step up and be proactive with long-term disaster recovery assistance.\n\nOn October 29, 2024, Senator Tillis and his colleagues announced plans to introduce legislation that would replenish the Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Program with families and small businesses across WNC unable to get loans approved until then. The Senators outlined their plan to seek passage of the legislation when Congress returned to session.\n\nOn November 14, 2024, Senator Tillis attempted to pass legislation to replenish the SBA Disaster Loan Program through a unanimous consent request on the Senate floor, but was blocked by another Senator.\n\nOn November 15, 2024, Senator Tillis led a bipartisan letter to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) immediately send a supplemental appropriation request to Congress to support the communities we represent, which were devastated after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The OMB sent the request to Congress a few days later.\n\nOn November 18, 2024, Senator Tillis introduced the standalone RELIEF Act to provide Hurricane relief to small businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene.\n\nOn November 20, 2024, Senator Tillis called on Congress to quickly pass Hurricane Helene relief during his testimony to the Senate Appropriations Committee.\n\nOn November 21, 2024 Senator Tillis met with Governor Cooper, Governor-Elect Stein, members of the North Carolina Congressional Delegation and the North Carolina General Assembly, and local leaders from Western North Carolina to discuss efforts to provide federal assistance to North Carolinians affected by the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.\n\nOn December 5, 2024 Senator Tillis joined Fox News\u2019 Your World with Neil Cavuto where he discussed the urgent need for Congress to provide federal assistance to North Carolinians affected by the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.\n\nIn addition to Senator Tillis\u2019 legislative efforts the Senator has met with local leaders, residents, and elected officials across Western North Carolina including in: Asheville, Black Mountain, Boone, Burnsville, Canton, Clyde, Fairview, Flat Rock, Hendersonville, Hot Springs, Marshall, Morganton, Spruce Pine, Swannanoa, Waynesville and Wilkesboro.\n\n###", 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://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/12/10/tillis-budd-meet-with-nc-general-assembly-leaders-on-hurricane-helene-recovery-efforts/", "Budd, Tillis Meet with NC General Assembly Leaders on Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts", "2024-12-10", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Senators Ted Budd and Thom Tillis hosted N.C. Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger, N.C. House of Representatives Speaker-elect Destin Hall, State Senators Bill Rabon and Ralph Hise, and State Representative Dudley Greene to discuss efforts to provide immediate assistance to North Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene\u2019s devastation.\n\n\u201cWe are fully committed to doing everything in our power to ensure that Congress passes disaster relief as quickly as possible so Western North Carolina can begin the long-term recovery process,\u201d said Senators Tillis and Budd. \u201cNorth Carolina\u2019s Congressional and NCGA leaders have worked closely together since the beginning, and we are all on the same page on the need to pass legislation at the state and federal levels to cut red tape and deliver much-needed assistance to Western North Carolina.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["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://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/12/tillis-demands-answers-on-leaked-info-regarding-iranian-cyberattack-on-fbi-director-nominee-kash-patel", "Tillis Demands Answers on Leaked Info Regarding Iranian Cyberattack on FBI Director Nominee Kash Patel", "2024-12-09", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Senator Thom Tillis sent a letter to Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Deputy Director Paul Abbate demanding answers from the FBI concerning leaks about a recent Iranian-backed cyberattack against Kash Patel, President-elect Donald Trump\u2019s nominee for FBI Director.\n\n\u201cI write to express concern about reports that Kash Patel was targeted in an Iranian-backed cyberattack. For an Iranian-backed group to have targeted the potential next Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is extremely alarming. Also alarming is the speed at which sensitive and potentially classified information about this attack spread to the news media,\u201dSenator Tillis wrote.\n\n\u201cNBC News specifically reported that two senior law enforcement officials confirmed information about the cyberattack to their news outlet. Two sources also relayed the information to CNN and CBS who communicated that information to British broadcaster BBC. As you know, it is imperative that the FBI and other intelligence agencies maintain confidentiality to ensure the American people are safe from enemies at home and abroad,\u201d Senator Tillis concluded.\n\nFull text of the letter is available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/12/tillis-van-hollen-lead-bipartisan-push-on-tax-relief-for-taiwan", "Tillis, Van Hollen Lead Bipartisan Push on Tax Relief for Taiwan", "2024-12-06", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) led 27 of their Senate colleagues in sending a letter to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) highlighting the importance of passing U.S.-Taiwan double taxation relief measures this year.\n\n\u201cAs you are aware, Taiwan is a significant economic partner to the United States and yet Taiwan is the only one of the United States\u2019 top 10 trading partners without a formal double taxation agreement. Taiwan has also become an increasing source of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the U.S., with TSMC\u2019s investment in Arizona being the largest greenfield FDI project in U.S. history. However, existing tax barriers\u2014including the double taxation of income, interest, and dividends\u2014add financial burdens for businesses from both nations, making it more expensive for them to expand in each other\u2019s markets,\u201d the senators wrote.\n\n\u201cThe 118th Congress has made significant strides in tackling this issue, with the Finance and Foreign Relations Committees working together with the House on Taiwan tax relief legislation. If enacted, this legislation would provide specific relief from double taxation on U.S.-Taiwan cross-border investments and authorize the President to negotiate a tax agreement with Taiwan. Earlier this year, the House passed Taiwan-related provisions as part of H.R. 7024, the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024 and the Senate Committee on Finance passed Taiwan tax relief legislation out of Committee unanimously,\u201d the senators continued.\n\n\u201cBy passing the U.S.-Taiwan double taxation relief measures this year, we can make significant headway in eliminating tax disincentives on cross-border investments between the U.S. and Taiwan. We believe there is strong support for these measures with Taiwan in the Senate, just as there was in the House. We are eager to work with you to see Taiwan tax relief legislation enacted before the 118th Congress comes to a close. U.S. and Taiwanese investors should not have to wait until the next Congress for action,\u201d the senators concluded.\n\nIn addition to Senators Tillis and Van Hollen, the letter was signed by Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), George Helmy (D-NJ), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Ted Budd (R-NC), Gary Peters (D-MI), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jackie Rosen (D-NV), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-NV), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Brian Schatz (D-HI).\n\nText of the full letter is available HERE.", 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://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/12/tillis-calls-on-congress-to-cast-politics-aside-to-support-helene-relief", "Tillis Calls On Congress To Cast Politics Aside To Support Helene Relief", "2024-12-05", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Senator Thom Tillis joined Fox News\u2019 Your World with Neil Cavuto where he discussed the urgent need for Congress to provide federal assistance to North Carolinians affected by the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.\n\nWatch the full clip HERE.\n\nSenator Tillis on the Urgent Need for Federal Disaster Assistance:\n\n\u201cI believe that we need that disaster supplemental at about $100 billion there's nearly an estimate of $50 billion in North Carolina alone. Neil, think about that $50 billion in North Carolina alone, the people here in Congress who are opposing getting this out the door and doing the right thing, and conflating what we should be doing on reducing the debt with providing aid to people who are displaced.\u201d\n\nSenator Tillis on Putting Politics Aside to Help Western North Carolina:\n\n\u201cAsheville went 52 days without drinkable water. They just got it back two and a half weeks ago. It is a dire situation. It's going to take years to recover, and we shouldn't be playing games with people's lives in western North Carolina, in Tennessee, Virginia, Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, all who were hit by Helene, they were hit by Milton and they were hit by Debbie. We've got to do right by them and put politics aside. And if you enter politics into the room, you'll spend some quality time with me on the floor.\u201d\n\n###", 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://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/12/04/budd-kaine-introduce-bill-to-incentivize-landowners-to-participate-in-military-land-use-program/", "Budd, Kaine Introduce Bill to Incentivize Landowners to Participate in Military Land Use Program", "2024-12-04", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Senators Ted Budd (R-NC) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) have introduced the Incentivizing REPI Sales Act. The bipartisan bill provides financial incentives for landowners to sell land for inclusion in a program to maintain military readiness and promote environmental conservation.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Department of Defense\u2019s (DOD) Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) Program supports cost-sharing agreements between the Military Services, other federal agencies, state and local governments, and private conservation organizations to avoid land use conflicts near military installations, address environmental restrictions that limit military activities, and increase resilience to weather events and other environmental concerns.\n\nREPI is a key tool used by DOD and its partners to protect the military\u2019s ability to train, test, and operate. Development of lands and loss of habitat near military installations, ranges, and airspace can lead to restrictions or costly and inadequate training and testing alternatives.\n\nPreserving natural areas is vital for keeping skies dark, which is necessary for night training, protecting habitats off-base for endangered species, and facilitating nature-based approaches to mitigate flooding and severe weather.\n\nREPI successfully protected 27,000 acres around Fort Liberty, NC in order to provide a flight corridor for Grey Eagle drone training and conduct Robin Sage, the final training exercise of Special Forces qualification. This action also helped recover the local population of red-cockaded woodpeckers.\n\nThe Incentivizing REPI Sales Act excludes the appreciated land value from federal capital gains tax for landowners who sell land or easements near military installations specifically for REPI purposes.\n\nSenator Budd said in a statement:\n\n\u201cAs global threats continue to grow and adapt, our military must maintain its readiness and lethality through realistic training at home installations. The REPI program has been used successfully to conserve land around military installations while promoting environmental protection. I\u2019m proud to partner with Senator Kaine to provide financial incentives to landowners so that REPI participation grows and military readiness is strengthened.\u201d\n\nSenator Kaine said:\n\n\u201cBuilding and maintaining resilient bases is crucial to our national security. I\u2019ve long supported the Department of Defense\u2019s Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Program, which helps us do that while also promoting conservation of public lands and critical habitat. I\u2019m proud to work with Senator Budd in introducing this legislation to incentivize participation in the REPI program and will continue to do all that I can as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee to support our military installations.\u201d\n\nJennifer Morris, CEO of the Nature Conservancy:\n\n\u201cFor decades, the Readiness Environmental Protection Integration, or REPI, program has successfully facilitated partnerships to preserve landscapes for both conservation value and their contributions to national security. These land protection projects help support the military community while also preserving off-base habitats for threatened and endangered species. As the demands of development increase and intensify amongst the remaining available landscapes around these installations, these REPI agreements will be a win for both conservation and national security.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/12/04/budd-sponsored-bill-to-stop-online-sexual-exploitation-passes-senate/", "Budd, Cruz, Klobuchar-Sponsored Bill to Stop Online Sexual Exploitation Passes Senate", "2024-12-04", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 The Senate has passed S. 4569, the TAKE IT DOWN Act, which would criminalize the publication of non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII), including AI-generated NCII, and require social media and similar websites to implement procedures to remove such content within 48 hours of notice from a victim.\n\nThe bill now moves to the House for consideration.\n\nThe bill was led by Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Amy Klobachar (D-MN).\n\nSenator Budd said in a statement:\n\n\u201cThe distressing growth in online sexual exploitation requires a robust national response. The Take it Down Act builds on existing federal law and establishes a requirement for websites to respond to victims and take down explicit material. I have been proud to be a part of this bipartisan effort to protect Americans from these crimes and bring the perpetrators to justice. I urge the House to approve this legislation and urge the president to sign it into law.\u201d\n\nSenator Cruz said:\n\n\u201cOver the past several months, courageous victims of AI-deepfake \u2018revenge porn\u2019 have shared their stories to raise awareness and inform lawmakers\u2019 efforts to stop this despicable behavior. Passage of our bipartisan TAKE IT DOWN Act will give innocent victims \u2014 many of whom are teenage girls \u2014the opportunity to seek justice against deviants who publish these abusive images. It will also hold Big Tech accountable by making sure websites remove these disgusting fake videos and pictures immediately.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor young victims and their parents, these deepfakes are a matter requiring urgent attention and protection in law. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Washington to move this common-sense bipartisan legislation quickly through the House and to the President\u2019s desk so it can be signed into law.\u201d\n\nSenator Klobachar said:\n\n\u201cWe must provide victims of online abuse with the legal protections they need when intimate images are shared without their consent, especially now that deepfakes are creating horrifying new opportunities for abuse. This bipartisan legislation builds on my work to ensure that victims can have this material removed from social media platforms and will ensure law enforcement can hold perpetrators accountable.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["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://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/12/02/budd-receives-answers-from-u-s-northern-command-on-helene-response/", "Budd Receives Answers from U.S. Northern Command on Helene Response", "2024-12-02", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Ted Budd (R-NC), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, received answers to his October 8, 2024 oversight letter to General Gregory M. Guillot, Commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command regarding the response to Hurricane Helene.\n\nThe response contains a detailed timeline for requests for active-duty troops from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the state of North Carolina, their mobilization, and deployment to Western North Carolina.\n\nThe full response to Senator Budd\u2019s questions is HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/12/02/budd-statement-on-murder-of-american-hostage-omer-neutra/", "Budd Statement on Murder of American Hostage Omer Neutra", "2024-12-02", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) released a statement after the Israeli Defense Forces confirmed that U.S.-Israeli citizen Omer Neutra was killed by Hamas terrorists during the October 7, 2023 attacks. His body remains in Gaza.\n\nSenator Budd said:\n\n\u201cWe are deeply saddened by the confirmation of Omer Neutra\u2019s death. Since October 7th, we have gotten to know Omer\u2019s parents and are devastated for them. We are praying for God to comfort them and all of Omer\u2019s friends and loved ones. This news is further proof of the true evil of Hamas terrorists. The U.S. government must not relent until all those responsible for Omer\u2019s murder are brought to justice, and until we bring every American hostage home.\u201d\n\nBackground on Senator Budd\u2019s efforts since October 7, 2023:\n\nOn October 25, 2023, Senator Budd first spoke about the hostage situation in Gaza on the Senate floor, where he announced his intention \u201cto hold all humanitarian aid to Gaza until each and every American hostage is home and is safe.\u201d\n\nOn November 6, 2023, Senator Budd met with Qatari Ambassador Meshal Al Thani in Senator Budd\u2019s Washington, D.C. office. In that meeting, he strongly urged the Qatari government to use their leverage on Hamas leaders currently residing in Doha to immediately release all hostages, and hold those same Hamas leaders accountable once the hostage situation is fully resolved.\n\nOn November 26, 2023, Senator Budd reacted to the release of Keith Siegel\u2019s wife, Aviva, saying, \u201cWhile we are encouraged by the government of Qatar\u2019s efforts to mediate the release of some of the hostages, we renew our call to their government to exert pressure on Hamas leadership to release each and every hostage immediately and unconditionally.\u201d\n\nOn November 28, 2023, Senator Budd spoke on the Senate floor and called out Qatar for its continued hosting of Hamas terrorist leaders, saying, \u201cWe need to tell our friends in Doha loudly and clearly: Qatar is accepting a significant liability with its pro-Hamas policy.\u201d\n\nOn December 13, 2023, Senator Budd sent a holiday message of support to the hostages and their families in a speech on the Senate floor, saying, \u201cI want every one of these family members to know that our country is behind them, we support them, and we are praying for them.\u201d\n\nOn January 10, 2024, Senator Budd returned from a congressional delegation (CODEL) to the Middle East, which included stops in Israel, Egypt, Qatar, and Bahrain. The focus of the delegation\u2019s meetings across the region was on securing the release of hostages.\n\nOn the trip, Senator Budd and his colleagues toured one of the communities devastated by the October 7th massacre by Hamas terrorists. He personally spoke with former hostage Aviva Siegel, and met with top Israeli officials including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Mossad Director David Barnea.\n\nSenator Budd then met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and the Prime Minister of Qatar, to whom Senator Budd sent a strong message that Qatar must do more to secure the immediate and safe release of all of the hostages.\n\nOn January 15, 2024, Senators Budd and Joni Ernst (R-IA) published an op-ed marking the 100th day of captivity for the hostages, writing, \u201cAs long as Americans remain captive to these barbaric thugs, the latter is the victor. Allowing Americans to suffer under the yoke of terrorists is a win for evil around the world and a boon for Iran\u2019s proxies.\u201d\n\nOn January 25, 2024, Senator Budd spoke on the Senate floor and delivered a sharp message to the government of Qatar: \u201cOur patience has run out. Time is up. Either pressure Hamas leaders to release the hostages now, or expel them from your land. It\u2019s that simple. The United States of America will be watching.\u201d\n\nOn March 7, 2024, Senators Budd and Tillis invited the family of Keith Siegel to be their guests at the president\u2019s State of the Union Address. Keith\u2019s sister Lucy and niece Hanna have accepted the Senators\u2019 invitation.\n\nOn March 15, 2024, Senator Budd joined a joint statement from Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Jim Risch (R-ID), Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, as well as five other Senators stating, \u201cIf Hamas refuses reasonable negotiations, there is no reason for Qatar to continue hosting Hamas\u2019 political office or any of its members in Doha.\u201d\n\nOn March 26, 2024, Senator Budd and Senator Ernst issued a joint statement calling on the State of Qatar to immediately expel all members of Hamas\u2019 political office currently residing in Doha.\n\nOn April 9, 2024, Senator Budd introduced the \u2018Reviewing Qatar\u2019s Major Non- NATO Ally Status Act\u2019, which would require the Secretary of State to formally certify that Qatar has expelled or agreed to extradite to the United States any individuals bearing responsibility for the terror attack on October 7, 2023. If the Secretary of State cannot make this certification in good faith, then the President is required to immediately terminate the designation of the State of Qatar as a major non-NATO ally.\n\nOn April 10, 2024, Senator Budd attempted to invoke unanimous consent on the Senate floor to pass the \u2018Reviewing Qatar\u2019s Major Non- NATO Ally Status Act\u2019, but was blocked. He said, \u201cThe time for talking is over, and the time for action is now. If we don\u2019t see action, then Qatar must face consequences. At the end of the day, this bill represents another step towards securing the freedom of our fellow Americans.\u201d\n\nOn May 7, 2024, Senators Budd and Ernst returned from a congressional delegation (CODEL) to the Middle East, which included stops in Israel, Iraq, Syria, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).\n\nOn the trip, Senators Budd and Ernst received first-hand updates on the state of the hostage negotiations from top U.S. and Israeli officials including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. They also hosted the families of American hostages, including the family of North Carolina native, Keith Siegel.\n\nOn July 31, 2024, Senator Budd released a statement after Hamas\u2019s political leader was killed, saying that it \u201csends a clear and resounding message to terrorists that those who kill and kidnap Americans will ultimately face justice.\u201d\n\nOn September 1, 2024, Senator Budd released a statement condemning the Hamas murder of American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin along with five other Israeli hostages, saying, \u201cThis is yet another act of cold-blooded barbarism from Hamas terrorists. It must not be excused or downplayed. The U.S. government must leave no stone unturned until all those responsible for Hersh\u2019s kidnapping and murder are brought to justice, and until we bring every American hostage home.\u201d\n\nOn October 7, 2024, Senator Budd disclosed that the Biden administration had ignored a bipartisan request from Senator Budd and 11 other Senators to authorize a reward of up to $25 million for information that brings Hamas leaders to justice.\n\nOn October 17, 2024, Senator Budd released a statement after Israeli Defense Forces killed Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas and the mastermind behind the October 7, 2023 attacks, saying, \u201c[Sinwar] was a terrorist leader who had American blood on his hands. To the remaining Hamas leaders: release the hostages, renounce terrorism, and recognize Israel\u2019s right to exist. There is no future for Hamas or its ideology.\u201d\n\nOn November 8, 2024, Senator Budd joined a letter to the Department of Justice and Department of State requesting an immediate freeze on the assets of Hamas officials living in Qatar, the extradition of several senior Hamas officials currently residing in Qatar, and that Qatar end its hospitality of Hamas\u2019 senior leadership.\n\nOn November 8, 2024, Senator Budd released a statement after the State of Qatar decided to expel the remaining Hamas terrorist leadership from Doha, calling the move, \u201cwelcome, but long overdue.\u201d\n\nOn November 22, 2024, Senator Budd, along with Senate Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Roger Wicker and Senator Joni Ernst, released a statement calling on Turkey to extradite the Hamas terrorist leaders who fled there after being expelled from Qatar.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/12/02/senator-budd-presents-service-medals-to-nc-veterans-families/", "Senator Budd Presents Service Medals to NC Veterans\u2019 Families", "2024-12-02", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Advance, N.C. \u2014 Today, Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) presented service medals to the families of two deceased North Carolina veterans whose families live in Kernersville and Graham.\n\nSenator Budd said in a statement:\n\n\u201cThe men and women of our Armed Forces are the best of America and served with valor and distinction. It was my honor to help their families receive the overdue recognition that they deserve for their meritorious service to our great nation.\u201d\n\nPercy Warren Jr. (family pictured above) enlisted in the U.S. Army in October 1939, fought in World War II, and served for over 22 years. Today, his family received the following medals:\n\nSilver Star\n\nPurple Heart\n\nMid-level United States military decoration presented for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service.\n\nGood Conduct Medal & Clasp Bronze 4 Loops\n\nAmerican Defense Service Medal\n\nEuropean-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal & Bronze Star Attachment & Arrowhead\n\nWorld War II Victory Medal\n\nArmy of Occupation Medal & Germany Clasp\n\nNational Defense Service Medal\n\nExpert Badge & Carbine Bar & Rifle Bar\n\nParachutist Badge \u2013 Senior\n\nPresidential Unit Citation\n\nBelgian Fourragere\n\nHonorable Service Lapel Button WWII\n\nGlider Badge & Bronze Star Attachment & Arrowhead\n\nLinwood Barrett (family pictured above) enlisted in the U.S. Army at age 17, fought in Vietnam, and served from October 1969 \u2013 July 1973. Today, his family received the following medals:\n\nBronze Star Medal\n\nArmy Commendation Medal\n\nGood Conduct Medal\n\nNational Defense Service Medal\n\nVietnam Service Medal & Bronze Star Attachment\n\nRepublic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon w/ Device\n\nSharpshooter Badge & Pistol Bar & Rifle Bar\n\nParachutist Badge\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["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://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/11/08/budd-joins-wicker-risch-letter-calling-on-biden-administration-to-change-policy-towards-qatar/", "Budd Joins Wicker/Risch Letter Calling on Biden Administration to Change Policy Towards Qatar", "2024-11-08", "2024", "2024-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) has joined a letter to the Department of Justice and Department of State requesting a series of actions, including:\n\nImmediately freeze the assets of Hamas officials living in Qatar.\n\nExtradite several senior Hamas officials currently residing in Qatar and elsewhere, including Khaled Meshal whom the Department of Justice has already indicted, and Khalil Al-Hayya.\n\nAsk Qatar to end its hospitality of Hamas\u2019 senior leadership, as Hamas has exploited its safe haven in Qatar to confer with Iranian officials and reject reasonable negotiations in international media.\n\nThe letter was led by Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS), the highest-ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Jim Risch (R-ID), the highest-ranking Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.\n\nIt was co-signed by Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Tim Scott (R-SC), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), and Pete Ricketts (R-NE).\n\nFull text of the letter:\n\nThe Israel Defense Forces\u2019 killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar presents a critical opportunity for the United States to compel Hamas\u2019 surrender. This would end the war that Hamas started with its brutal terrorist massacre on October 7, 2023, in which it killed nearly 1200 people, including 46 Americans, and took 250 hostages, including twelve Americans. We therefore urge you to act quickly against Hamas\u2019 remaining leadership, so that the organization is destroyed and defeated.\n\nFirst, we urge you to reverse the Biden-Harris administration\u2019s policy toward the State of Qatar, whereby the administration has permitted Qatar to facilitate negotiations by hosting Hamas\u2019 leadership. Hamas\u2019 Doha-based leaders have exploited this arrangement, and used the relative freedom that Qatar has afforded them to oppose ceasefire negotiations in international media, host Iranian officials at Hamas\u2019 Doha headquarters, and travel abroad. Qatari officials have said repeatedly that they would change their policy towards Hamas if the Biden-Harris administration asked it to do so, and we believe that it is long past time the administration ask Qatar to freeze Hamas leaders\u2019 assets, shut their access to international media, end their ability to host foreign visitors, and prevent them from traveling abroad.\n\nSecond, we urge you to seek the extradition to the United States of Hamas leader Khaled Meshal, who currently resides in Qatar. The Department of Justice unsealed indictments pertaining to multiple Hamas leaders, including Mr. Meshal, on September 3, 2024, and he should face justice for his leadership of a terrorist group that has American blood and hostages on its hands.\n\nThird, we urge you to seek indictments for Hamas\u2019 other senior officials abroad, foremost among them Khalil Al-Hayya, who resides in Qatar. According to The New York Times, during the year prior to Hamas\u2019 October 7, 2023 terrorist massacre, Mr. Al-Hayya sought Iranian and Hezbollah support for Hamas\u2019 brutal attack, with the goal of assaulting Israel on multiple fronts.2 Mr. Al-Hayya should no longer be permitted to live risk-free in Doha. He should be indicted immediately for his role in killing Americans and taking Americans hostage, and then extradited to the United States to face justice.\n\nThe defeat of Hamas is within reach, and ending the safe haven that its leadership enjoys abroad is vital to defeating it. We urge you to act expediently so this Iranian-backed terrorist organization is finally held responsible for the horrific terrorist massacre of October 7, 2023 and the war that it deliberately unleashed across the region.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:02:12Z"], ["https://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/11/08/budd-statement-after-qatar-moves-to-expel-hamas-leadership/", "Budd Statement After Qatar Moves to Expel Hamas Leadership", "2024-11-08", "2024", "2024-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) released a statement regarding the State of Qatar\u2019s decision to expel the remaining Hamas terrorist leadership from Doha after pressure from the United States. Senator Budd has been calling for this expulsion or extradition since January 15, 2024.\n\nSenator Budd said:\n\n\u201cThis news is welcome, but long overdue. For months, I led a bipartisan group of Senators to state unequivocally that Qatar should expel Hamas leaders from Doha after refusing reasonable negotiations to release hostages. More than 400 days since October 7th, the Qatari government has finally changed course and done so. I look forward to working with the incoming Trump administration to institute a new policy that projects strength and exerts maximum pressure on Hamas, and any nation or organization that supports them, until they release each and every hostage, including North Carolinian, Keith Siegel.\u201d\n\nBackground on Senator Budd\u2019s efforts since October 7, 2023:\n\nOn October 25, 2023, Senator Budd first spoke about the hostage situation in Gaza on the Senate floor, where he announced his intention \u201cto hold all humanitarian aid to Gaza until each and every American hostage is home and is safe.\u201d\n\nOn November 6, 2023, Senator Budd met with Qatari Ambassador Meshal Al Thani in Senator Budd\u2019s Washington, D.C. office. In that meeting, he strongly urged the Qatari government to use their leverage on Hamas leaders currently residing in Doha to immediately release all hostages, and hold those same Hamas leaders accountable once the hostage situation is fully resolved.\n\nOn November 26, 2023, Senator Budd reacted to the release of Keith Siegel\u2019s wife, Aviva, saying, \u201cWhile we are encouraged by the government of Qatar\u2019s efforts to mediate the release of some of the hostages, we renew our call to their government to exert pressure on Hamas leadership to release each and every hostage immediately and unconditionally.\u201d\n\nOn November 28, 2023, Senator Budd spoke on the Senate floor and called out Qatar for its continued hosting of Hamas terrorist leaders, saying, \u201cWe need to tell our friends in Doha loudly and clearly: Qatar is accepting a significant liability with its pro-Hamas policy.\u201d\n\nOn December 13, 2023, Senator Budd sent a holiday message of support to the hostages and their families in a speech on the Senate floor, saying, \u201cI want every one of these family members to know that our country is behind them, we support them, and we are praying for them.\u201d\n\nOn January 10, 2024, Senator Budd returned from a congressional delegation (CODEL) to the Middle East, which included stops in Israel, Egypt, Qatar, and Bahrain. The focus of the delegation\u2019s meetings across the region was on securing the release of hostages.\n\nOn the trip, Senator Budd and his colleagues toured one of the communities devastated by the October 7th massacre by Hamas terrorists. He personally spoke with former hostage Aviva Siegel, and met with top Israeli officials including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Mossad Director David Barnea.\n\nSenator Budd then met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and the Prime Minister of Qatar, to whom Senator Budd sent a strong message that Qatar must do more to secure the immediate and safe release of all of the hostages.\n\nOn January 15, 2024, Senators Budd and Joni Ernst (R-IA) published an op-ed marking the 100th day of captivity for the hostages, writing, \u201cAs long as Americans remain captive to these barbaric thugs, the latter is the victor. Allowing Americans to suffer under the yoke of terrorists is a win for evil around the world and a boon for Iran\u2019s proxies.\u201d\n\nOn January 25, 2024, Senator Budd spoke on the Senate floor and delivered a sharp message to the government of Qatar: \u201cOur patience has run out. Time is up. Either pressure Hamas leaders to release the hostages now, or expel them from your land. It\u2019s that simple. The United States of America will be watching.\u201d\n\nOn March 7, 2024, Senators Budd and Tillis invited the family of Keith Siegel to be their guests at the president\u2019s State of the Union Address. Keith\u2019s sister Lucy and niece Hanna have accepted the Senators\u2019 invitation.\n\nOn March 15, 2024, Senator Budd joined a joint statement from Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Jim Risch (R-ID), Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, as well as five other Senators stating, \u201cIf Hamas refuses reasonable negotiations, there is no reason for Qatar to continue hosting Hamas\u2019 political office or any of its members in Doha.\u201d\n\nOn March 26, 2024, Senator Budd and Senator Ernst issued a joint statement calling on the State of Qatar to immediately expel all members of Hamas\u2019 political office currently residing in Doha.\n\nOn April 9, 2024, Senator Budd introduced the \u2018Reviewing Qatar\u2019s Major Non- NATO Ally Status Act\u2019, which would require the Secretary of State to formally certify that Qatar has expelled or agreed to extradite to the United States any individuals bearing responsibility for the terror attack on October 7, 2023. If the Secretary of State cannot make this certification in good faith, then the President is required to immediately terminate the designation of the State of Qatar as a major non-NATO ally.\n\nOn April 10, 2024, Senator Budd attempted to invoke unanimous consent on the Senate floor to pass the \u2018Reviewing Qatar\u2019s Major Non- NATO Ally Status Act\u2019, but was blocked. He said, \u201cThe time for talking is over, and the time for action is now. If we don\u2019t see action, then Qatar must face consequences. At the end of the day, this bill represents another step towards securing the freedom of our fellow Americans.\u201d\n\nOn May 7, 2024, Senators Budd and Ernst returned from a congressional delegation (CODEL) to the Middle East, which included stops in Israel, Iraq, Syria, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).\n\nOn the trip, Senators Budd and Ernst received first-hand updates on the state of the hostage negotiations from top U.S. and Israeli officials including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. They also hosted the families of American hostages, including the family of North Carolina native, Keith Siegel.\n\nOn July 31, 2024, Senator Budd released a statement after Hamas\u2019s political leader was killed, saying that it \u201csends a clear and resounding message to terrorists that those who kill and kidnap Americans will ultimately face justice.\u201d\n\nOn September 1, 2024, Senator Budd released a statement condemning the Hamas murder of American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin along with five other Israeli hostages, saying, \u201cThis is yet another act of cold-blooded barbarism from Hamas terrorists. It must not be excused or downplayed. The U.S. government must leave no stone unturned until all those responsible for Hersh\u2019s kidnapping and murder are brought to justice, and until we bring every American hostage home.\u201d\n\nOn October 7, 2024, Senator Budd disclosed that the Biden administration had ignored a bipartisan request from Senator Budd and 11 other Senators to authorize a reward of up to $25 million for information that brings Hamas leaders to justice.\n\nOn October 17, 2024, Senator Budd released a statement after Israeli Defense Forces killed Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas and the mastermind behind the October 7, 2023 attacks, saying, \u201c[Sinwar] was a terrorist leader who had American blood on his hands. To the remaining Hamas leaders: release the hostages, renounce terrorism, and recognize Israel\u2019s right to exist. There is no future for Hamas or its ideology.\u201d\n\nOn November 8, 2024, Senator Budd joined a letter to the Department of Justice and Department of State requesting an immediate freeze on the assets of Hamas officials living in Qatar, the extradition of several senior Hamas officials currently residing in Qatar, and that Qatar end its hospitality of Hamas\u2019 senior leadership.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:02:12Z"], ["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://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://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://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://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/10/29/budd-tillis-colleagues-to-propose-bill-to-replenish-sba-disaster-loan-program-following-hurricanes-helene-and-milton/", "Budd, Tillis, Colleagues to Propose Bill to Replenish SBA Disaster Loan Program", "2024-10-29", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Senators Ted Budd (R-NC) and Thom Tillis (R-NC), alongside Senators Tim Scott (R-SC), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), and Rick Scott (R-FL), announced plans to introduce legislation that would replenish the Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Program.\n\nOn October 15th, the SBA announced the Disaster Loan Fund had run out of money.\n\nSenator Budd said in a statement:\n\n\u201cThe citizens of Western North Carolina are some of the toughest and most resilient people in this country. As they recover and rebuild their communities, they must be able to access disaster loans from SBA. This recovery will take many years, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to cut through the delays and provide WNC with the resources they need as quickly as possible.\u201d\n\nSenator Tillis said:\n\n\u201cThe SBA Disaster Loan Program running out of funds risks delays in processing the loans of those affected by Helene and Milton and their ability to get their lives back on track. That is why I am leading legislation to replenish this fund when Congress returns to Washington, and I look forward to working across the aisle to pass a long-term disaster aid package that will provide additional resources to help make the victims of these hurricanes whole again.\u201d\n\nSenator Cassidy said:\n\n\u201cHurricanes Francine, Helene, and Milton hit us hard, but Louisianans and Americans are resilient. This funding is essential to help small businesses recover from these storms and support our local economies.\u201d\n\nSenator Rick Scott said:\n\n\u201cWe cannot allow frontline federal agencies, like the SBA, to run out of disaster relief funds. This is especially important in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton which devastated Florida, North Carolina and communities across the Southeast U.S. I continue to call on Leader Schumer to immediately reconvene the Senate so we can fund disaster relief functions at FEMA, the SBA, USDA and other agencies to get folks what they need and deserve. I won\u2019t stop fighting to get this done and am proud to join my colleagues to introduce a bill that funds SBA disaster loans and makes sure the federal government is a reliable partner as families continue their recovery.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/10/29/budd-wicker-visit-fort-liberty-seymour-johnson-air-force-base/", "Budd & Wicker Visit Fort Liberty, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base", "2024-10-29", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) member Ted Budd (R-NC) and Ranking Member Roger Wicker (R-MS) have completed visits to Fort Liberty in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro, North Carolina.\n\nDuring the visits, they received updates on U.S. Air Force programs, special operations work, and Hurricane Helene response efforts.\n\nSenator Budd said in a statement:\n\n\u201cI want to thank Ranking Member Wicker for taking time to visit Fort Liberty and Seymour Johnson Air Force Base this week. During our visit, we thanked troops from the 18th Airborne Corps for their rescue and relief efforts in Western North Carolina following Hurricane Helene, met with leaders from USASOC and JSOC, and dined with servicemembers from North Carolina and Mississippi. At Seymour Johnson, it was my honor to showcase F-15E Strike Eagles and their importance to America\u2019s national security. The Old North State has a proud tradition of supporting our military. That\u2019s why my top priority will always be to make sure the men and women and their families at North Carolina\u2019s military bases have the resources necessary to keep our nation strong and safe.\u201d\n\nSenator Wicker said:\n\n\u201cSome of the most important national defense work is happening in North Carolina. It was an honor to meet with some of our country\u2019s best and brightest who are helping their fellow citizens in the wake of Hurricane Helene. During our work on this year\u2019s NDAA, Senator Budd has been a vital legislative contributor by directing the right investments to deter China\u2019s growing aerospace threat. He has used the bill to keep his state\u2019s role central in advancing our country\u2019s fighting force. I am excited to continue collaborating with Senator Budd on our shared goal of restoring America\u2019s military might and defense industrial base.\u201d\n\nPhoto:\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/10/tillis-to-lead-legislation-to-replenish-the-sba-disaster-loan-program-following-hurricanes-helene-and-milton", "Tillis to Lead Legislation to Replenish the SBA Disaster Loan Program Following Hurricanes Helene and Milton", "2024-10-29", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), along with Senators Ted Budd (R-NC), Tim Scott (R-SC), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), and Rick Scott (R-FL), announced plans to introduce legislation that would replenish the Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Program. The Senators plan to seek passage of the legislation when Congress returns to session.\n\nOn October 15th, the SBA announced the Disaster Loan Fund had run out of money. Senator Tillis previously wrote an op-ed in The Hill urging Congress to return and quickly pass a disaster recovery package to replenish the fund, writing in part: \u201c\u2026Few Helene victims have flood insurance, so the SBA\u2019s various disaster recovery programs are key to long-term recovery. By utilizing these programs, victims can access low-interest loans to replace lost property or repair or rebuild their homes or small businesses. The loans can also be used to provide a financial cushion for small businesses that face an economic loss in the months ahead due to the storm.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe SBA Disaster Loan Program running out of funds risks delays in processing the loans of those affected by Helene and Milton and their ability to get their lives back on track,\u201d said Senator Tillis. \u201cThat is why I am leading legislation to replenish this fund when Congress returns to Washington, and I look forward to working across the aisle to pass a long-term disaster aid package that will provide additional resources to help make the victims of these hurricanes whole again.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe citizens of Western North Carolina are some of the toughest and most resilient people in this country,\u201d said Senator Budd. \u201cAs they recover and rebuild their communities, they must be able to access disaster loans from SBA. This recovery will take many years, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to cut through the delays and provide WNC with the resources they need as quickly as possible.\u201d\n\n\u201cHurricane Helene brought a level of devastation to South Carolina we haven\u2019t seen since Hugo. With a natural disaster of this magnitude, Congress should take the opportunity to show leadership and help ease the pain of those who have lost everything,\u201d said Senator Tim Scott. \u201cCommunities back home and in surrounding states have come together to recover, but it will take every possible effort to get us back to where we were.\u201d\n\n\u201cHurricanes Francine, Helene, and Milton hit us hard, but Louisianans and Americans are resilient,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cThis funding is essential to help small businesses recover from these storms and support our local economies.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe cannot allow frontline federal agencies, like the SBA, to run out of disaster relief funds. This is especially important in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton which devastated Florida, North Carolina and communities across the Southeast U.S.,\u201d said Senator Rick Scott. \u201cI continue to call on Leader Schumer to immediately reconvene the Senate so we can fund disaster relief functions at FEMA, the SBA, USDA and other agencies to get folks what they need and deserve. I won\u2019t stop fighting to get this done and am proud to join my colleagues to introduce a bill that funds SBA disaster loans and makes sure the federal government is a reliable partner as families continue their recovery.\u201d\n\nThe Restoring an Economic Lifeline with Immediate Emergency Funding (Relief) Act would appropriate $550 million to fund the SBA Disaster Loan Program Account, which would provide $2.475B in lending capacity projected to last until the end of 2024.\n\nRead text of the bill 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://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://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/10/tillis-colleagues-call-out-doj-for-failing-to-investigate-and-prosecute-illegal-immigrants-registering-to-vote", "Tillis, Colleagues Call Out DOJ for Failing to Investigate and Prosecute Illegal Immigrants Registering to Vote", "2024-10-25", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues recently sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland on the Department of Justice\u2019s (DOJ) demanding answers about the DOJ\u2019s apparent failure to investigate and prosecute cases of illegal immigrants registering to vote in American elections despite state-level evidence of illegal immigrants unlawfully registering to vote.\n\n\u201cWe are deeply concerned by reports of non-citizens registering to vote and voting in federal elections. As of today, there has been no response from you or your Department regarding the inquiry on July 12, 2024, seeking information on efforts undertaken by your Department to enforce laws prohibiting non-citizen voting,\u201d the senators wrote.\n\n\u201cSince the initial letter, several more concerning reports have been released by state officials indicating that a large number of non-citizens appear on their voter rolls. For example, the Virginia Attorney General recently announced that 6,303 non-citizens were identified on and removed from Virginia\u2019s voter rolls in 2022 and 2023. In another troubling report released in August, over 6,500 non-citizens registered to vote in Texas were identified and removed from voter rolls. Of the 6,500 non-citizens identified, 1,930 had a voter history,\u201dthe senators continued.\n\n\u201cClearly, there is a non-negligible amount of voter participation by non-citizens in federal elections, which is not only a serious threat to the integrity of our elections and the democratic process they represent, but also has the potential to reduce Americans\u2019 trust and confidence in election results. Accordingly, we respectfully reiterate the July 12 request for information on your Department\u2019s enforcement efforts,\u201d the senators concluded.\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-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://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/10/tillis-statement-on-cooper-s-mishandling-of-disaster-recovery-funding", "Tillis Statement On Cooper\u2019s Mishandling of Disaster Recovery Funding", "2024-10-24", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Senator Thom Tillis responded to Governor Roy Cooper\u2019s request for the N.C. General Assembly to cover a $175 million shortfall in the budget of the North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resiliency (NCORR) on recovery efforts for Hurricane Matthew (2016) and Hurricane Florence (2018). These funds were originally provided to the State of North Carolina by the federal government as part of disaster assistance packages funded and passed by Congress.\n\nFor the last six years, Tillis has pressed the Cooper Administration on the slow pace of spending on recovery and rebuilding efforts for Matthew and Florence. As recently as May of this year, Senator Tillis once again pressed NCORR Director Laura Hogshead for answers on the rebuilding process.\n\nNowhere in Hogshead\u2019s response from June 2024 did she indicate that NCORR was facing such a massive shortfall of the funding originally allocated by Congress. Instead, she stated: \u201cNCORR stands prepared to complete the homes of its current applicants and to respond quickly to any future disasters.\u201d\n\nIn 2022, the Office of Inspector General released a report finding that NCORR could not provide reasonable assurance that $2.5 million of the $5.4 million of federal assistance reviewed by the Inspector General was spent properly.\n\nIn response to the NCORR\u2019s fiscal mismanagement, Senator Thom Tillis issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cFor the last six years, I have been warning that Governor Cooper and NCORR were dropping the ball on distributing disaster relief to victims. NCORR's last-second announcement of a staggering $175 million shortfall for Matthew and Florence recovery confirms those concerns were justified. It is scandalous that the Cooper Administration has failed thousands of North Carolina families, many of whom are still living in hotel rooms and still have no relief from storms that hit our state as long as eight years ago. Instead of working to actually fix this problem, it seems the Governor's office has always been more focused on attacking anyone who drops a hint of criticism over their failure to get assistance to disaster victims.\n\n\u201cAll this makes it much more difficult for North Carolina's Congressional leaders to secure needed federal assistance for Helene victims when our colleagues look at the Cooper Administration\u2019s failure to get federal assistance in the hands of Matthew and Florence victims.\n\n\u201cThe next Governor must turn the page on the systemic incompetence and mismanagement of North Carolina's disaster rebuilding efforts: the thousands of families who lost their homes to Helene certainly deserve better. While the NCGA is right to provide NCORR with some funding to keep operations running, state and federal leaders need to hear directly from Director Hogshead and Governor Cooper on how this appalling failure occurred on their watch, and there must be serious systematic changes to ensure North Carolina has a disaster office that is able to properly take care of disaster victims.\u201d\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://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/10/tillis-urges-congress-to-quickly-pass-a-disaster-recovery-package", "Tillis Urges Congress to Quickly Pass a Disaster Recovery Package", "2024-10-23", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, The Hill published an op-ed by Senator Thom Tillis on the importance for elected officials in Congress to step up and be proactive with long-term disaster recovery assistance.\n\nRead the full op-ed HERE.\n\nTillis on North Carolina\u2019s recovery from Helene:\n\n\u201cThe recovery process will be long and difficult and will require years and billions of dollars of assistance. That is why it is so important for elected officials in Congress to step up and be proactive \u2014 not reactive \u2014 with long-term disaster recovery assistance. This is why I have led a bipartisan group of senators in disaster-hit states calling on Congress to end its seven-week recess and come back to Washington to pass a disaster funding package that initiates the long-term recovery process for victims and communities ravaged by Helene and Milton.\u201d\n\nTillis on the need to replenish the SBA Disaster Loan Fund and FEMA Disaster Relief Fund:\n\n\u201cThe most pressing need is to replenish the Small Business Administration\u2019s disaster loan fund, which has already run out of money. Few Helene victims have flood insurance, so the SBA\u2019s various disaster recovery programs are key to long-term recovery. By utilizing these programs, victims can access low-interest loans to replace lost property or repair or rebuild their homes or small businesses. The loans can also be used to provide a financial cushion for small businesses that face an economic loss in the months ahead due to the storm. Now that funding for the SBA disaster loan program has run out, it risks delays in processing storm victims\u2019 loans and their ability to get their lives back together. We cannot let this continue to go on.\n\n\u201cFEMA is also in danger of running out of money in its Disaster Relief Fund. The hurricane season isn\u2019t over until November and the National Hurricane Center is already monitoring tropical disturbances that could turn into more full-blown storms. It may only get worse.\u201d\n\nTillis on the broken disaster response and recovery process:\n\n\u201cThe fact is, the federal disaster response and recovery process is broken and many Americans understandably have concerns. First, there are questions about prioritization. It was telling that in a 24-hour period in the wake of Helene, the Biden-Harris administration bragged about sending $100 million in transportation funding to rebuild roads in Western North Carolina as it also pledged $157 million in assistance to Lebanon. That is reflective of an administration that can\u2019t read a room and doesn\u2019t have its priorities in order. Wrong message, wrong time. Additionally, there has been a big political dust-up over FEMA money being used for illegal immigrants. This confusion could have been avoided if FEMA had been laser-focused on its mission to respond to natural disasters. FEMA should never have become a funding conduit for responding to the Biden-Harris administration\u2019s border security crisis.\n\n\u201cSecondly, and most important, is the question about competency. The federal government is already too slow and bureaucratic, but the disaster recovery process takes it to another level. The long-term funding for recovery is, shockingly, neither permanent nor predictable and requires constant reauthorization from Congress. I have worked across the aisle to introduce legislation that would help fix this problem by establishing a permanent and predictable funding process for long-term recovery and getting assistance to families and business owners sooner.\n\n\u201cThere also needs to be a drastic improvement in how FEMA assists victims who suffer property damage. I recently introduced a bipartisan bill to end the \u2018one-size-fits-all\u2019 approach to disaster relief and cut the red tape that prevents many individuals and communities from accessing the relief they desperately need when they need it.\u201d\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://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/10/tillis-announces-27-million-for-improvements-to-clt-and-rdu-airports", "Tillis Announces $27 Million for Improvements to CLT and RDU Airports", "2024-10-22", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Senator Thom Tillis announced $27 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation to go towards improvements at Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) Airport and Raleigh-Durham International (RDU) Airport.\n\nCLT will receive $15 million for the replacement of up to 16 passenger boarding bridges and RDU will receive $12 million to fund a portion of the Terminal 2 Landside Expansion Program, which expands the ticketing check-in/lobby, baggage claim areas, security checkpoint and international arrival processing area.\n\n\u201cCLT and RDU are cornerstones of North Carolina\u2019s transportation system, and we must continue to invest in both to support their growth,\u201d said Senator Tillis. \u201cThis award will improve the experience passengers have at CLT and play an important role in RDU\u2019s expansion, two important projects that I will continue to support.\u201d\n\n###", 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://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/10/tillis-warnock-lead-bipartisan-push-for-president-biden-to-kickstart-disaster-funding-effort", "Tillis, Warnock Lead Bipartisan Push for President Biden to Kickstart Disaster Funding Effort", "2024-10-18", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) led a bipartisan group of senators in urging the White House to rapidly submit a government funding request to Congress that will fully cover costs associated with clean-up and recovery following Hurricanes Helene and Milton so that affected communities can begin to heal. The Senators have previously called for Congress to return to Washington from the October in-state work period to approve federal disaster relief legislation.\n\nIn a new bipartisan letter to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Senators Tillis and Warnock, joined by Senators Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Warner (D-VA), and Ted Budd (R-NC), highlighted the heartbreak facing southern communities recovering from the destruction of these hurricanes, and requested the White House to rapidly submit a detailed supplemental government funding request to Congress that considers the full cost of recovering from these storms so Congress can quickly pass aid for American families.\n\n\u201cWe urgently request the White House\u2019s Office of Management and Budget rapidly submit to Congress a detailed supplemental appropriations request that considers the full cost of recovering from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, as well as other devastating natural disasters, so Congress can quickly consider supplemental appropriations this year, and affected communities can begin to heal,\u201d wrote the senators.\n\n\u201cGiven the immense need, we respectfully ask that the Office of Management and Budget work quickly to determine the costs of recovering from Hurricane Helene and Milton and immediately submit a supplemental appropriations request to Congress that includes this full cost. Congress stands ready to ensure the federal government and our communities have what they need to recover from Hurricanes Helene and Milton and future natural disasters,\u201d the senators concluded.\n\nText of the full 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-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://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/10/17/budd-statement-on-death-of-hamas-leader-sinwar/", "Budd Statement on Death of Hamas Leader Sinwar", "2024-10-17", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) released a statement after the Israeli Defense Forces killed Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas and the mastermind behind the October 7, 2023 attacks.\n\nSenator Budd said:\n\n\u201cIsrael has killed Yahya Sinwar, the mastermind behind the massacre that took place last year on October 7th. He was a terrorist leader who had American blood on his hands. To the remaining Hamas leaders: release the hostages, renounce terrorism, and recognize Israel\u2019s right to exist. There is no future for Hamas or its ideology.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["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://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/10/sens-tillis-peters-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-reform-fema-individual-assistance-programs", "Sens. Tillis, Peters Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Reform FEMA Individual Assistance Programs", "2024-10-14", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013?Today, Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Gary Peters (D-MI)?introduced bipartisan legislation to reform the Federal Emergency Management Agency\u2019s (FEMA) Individual Assistance program. This bill would improve how FEMA provides assistance to individuals to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of a disaster. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, there were 28 weather and climate disasters in 2023, surpassing the previous record of 22 in 2020, and with a price tag of at least $92.9 billion in recovery costs.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s past time we end the \u2018one-size-fits-all\u2019 approach to disaster relief and cut the red tape that prevents many communities from accessing the relief they desperately need,\u201d said Senator Tillis.\u201cThis common-sense legislation provides greater flexibility for communities in need, saves tax-payer dollars, and helps communities recover faster.\u201d\n\n\u201cSevere weather and natural disasters are becoming more frequent, more catastrophic and more costly, leaving people across the country in need of swift federal resources to help assist their recovery,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cMy commonsense bipartisan legislation would reform the FEMA disaster assistance process and improve how the agency provides assistance to individuals for home repairs, disaster housing, and mitigation activities.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nThe bipartisan Disaster Survivors Fairness Act would reform individual federal disaster assistance programs to best support survivors. The bill would provide FEMA with new authorities to increase its ability to fund disaster mitigation projects and expand support to homeowners. The bill would also enable FEMA to reimburse states that implement their own innovative post-disaster housing solutions and bolster development of post-disaster solutions for renters. The bill requires FEMA and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to complete a series of reports and studies that would identify additional challenges regarding the administration of post-disaster assistance for survivors and boost transparency.\n\n###", 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://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://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://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/10/08/budd-joins-tillis-hudson-letter-urging-hhs-fema-to-operationalize-greensboro-migrant-facility-to-support-wnc-recovery/", "Budd Joins Tillis, Hudson Letter Urging HHS & FEMA to Operationalize Greensboro Migrant Facility to Support WNC Recovery", "2024-10-08", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) has joined a letter to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell urging that the Greensboro Influx Care Facility (ICF) be operationalized to assist in Western North Carolina\u2019s recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene.\n\nThe letter was led by Senator Thom Tillis and Rep. Richard Hudson and co-signed by Reps. Virginia Foxx, Chuck Edwards, David Rouzer, Dan Bishop, Greg Murphy, and Patrick McHenry.\n\nThe letter reads, in part:\n\n\u201cAs 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\u201cBased 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. 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.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur 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.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/10/08/budd-sends-oversight-letter-on-helene-response-to-u-s-northern-command/", "Budd Sends Oversight Letter on Helene Response to U.S. Northern Command", "2024-10-08", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Senator Ted Budd (R-NC), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, sent an oversight letter on the response to Hurricane Helene to General Gregory M. Guillot, Commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command.\n\nThe letter asks why active duty forces were deployed and operationalized so slowly in response to Hurricane Helene. These responses will inform Senator Budd\u2019s priorities on the Armed Services Committee to improve homeland defense and domestic disaster response.\n\nFull text of the letter:\n\nWestern North Carolina is facing unprecedented devastation due to the high winds and flooding caused by Hurricane Helene. North Carolinians are grateful for the active-duty forces that have deployed from the XVIII Airborne Corps and others to provide search and rescue, route clearance, commodity distribution, and other vital support necessary to the recovery of our state. Understandably, there are questions about the speed that forces assigned to U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) were deployed and operationalized in support of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and under the command and control (C2) of the North Carolina National Guard (NCNG) Dual Status Commander (DSC).\n\nHurricane Helene made landfall in Florida on Thursday, September 26th and dumped rain in North Carolina through Friday, September 27th, causing massive flooding. On Wednesday, October 2nd, President Biden approved a Major Disaster Declaration and \u201cdirected the Department of Defense [DoD] to deploy up to 1,000 active-duty soldiers to support the delivery of food, water, and other critical commodities to communities impacted by Hurricane Helene.\u201d\n\nMy staff was made aware that units from XVIII Airborne Corps may have been issued \u201cprepare to deploy orders\u201d (PTDO) as early as the day prior, Tuesday, October 1st. By the evening of Friday, October 4th, however, less than half of the 1,000 troops were deployed to Western North Carolina and conducting operations. On Sunday, October 6th, the remainder of the 1,000 troops were finally operationalized and President Biden ordered an additional 500 active-duty troops to deploy to impacted areas.\n\nWhile these deployments are very much necessary and welcome, they were far too slow. That\u2019s why Senator Tillis and I made the difficult decision on the evening of Friday, October 4th to issue a joint statement calling for \u201can active-duty military leader who has extensive experience with operations of this magnitude to lead moving forward.\u201d3 Given the \u201cunprecedented extent of the devastation and complexity of search and rescue operations,\u201d we were concerned that the DSC required additional active-duty support including planning staff, information collection analysts, and advanced technological assets to provide greater situational awareness and improve C2 of operations. Many of these assets and resources are not normally available to the NCNG or other state Joint Force Headquarters day-to-day. Such resources have now been provided and the pace and scale of rescue and recovery operations seems to have drastically improved.\n\nNORTHCOM\u2019s responsibility to provide C2 of DoD homeland defense efforts and to coordinate defense support of civil authorities (DSCA) will increasingly become important as severe weather events are becoming more frequent, and we can no longer assume the continental United States is safe from conventional attack from adversaries such as China.\n\nAs a member of the Armed Services Committee, it is my duty to conduct oversight and ensure that NORTHCOM has the authorities and resources necessary to respond to threats to the homeland\u2014whether natural or manmade\u2014and to capture lessons learned that may require congressional action, including passage of new policies or reporting requirements in the National Defense Authorization Act. To better assess NORTHCOM\u2019s ability to successfully fulfill its missions of homeland defense and DSCA moving forward, please provide detailed responses to the following questions not later than December 1, 2024:\n\nWhat dates and times were requests for assistance (RFAs) made by FEMA, the Governor of North Carolina, and/or NCNG and what were the specific requests?\n\nWhat dates and times were PTDOs issued to XVIII Airborne Corps, or any other active-duty units or personnel, assigned for Hurricane Helene response? Please provide a copy of such orders or official correspondence related to such PTDOs.\n\nWhat military services have provided active-duty forces to NORTHCOM for Hurricane Helene response and what types of units or personnel were activated?\n\nWhat dates and times were such forces assigned to NORTHCOM for Hurricane Helene response?\n\nWhat time on October 2nd was Brigadier General Charles Morrison officially assigned as the DSC for North Carolina?\n\nWhat dates and times were active-duty forces assigned by NORTHCOM to the DSC and/or in support of FEMA?\n\nWhat date and time was the advanced echelon of ground forces ordered to initiate movement from Fort Liberty and conduct operations, by who, to where, and what for?\n\nWhat date and time was Task Force Castle ordered to initiate movement from Fort Liberty and conduct operations, by who, to where, and what for?\n\nWhat dates and times were the remainder of the previously authorized 1,000 active- duty forces ordered to initiate movement and conduct operations, by who, to where, and what for?\n\nWhat dates and times were additional active-duty planning staff, information collection analysts, and advanced technological assets provided by NORTHCOM or assigned forces to improve the DSC\u2019s situational awareness and C2 capabilities? What specific advanced technological assets were provided?\n\nPlease provide a copy of all mission assignments issued for active-duty forces to support FEMA and/or the NCNG.\n\nWhat authorities does NORTHCOM have to immediately provide disaster response when civilian authorities are unavailable or incapable of providing RFAs?\n\nIn the event a Governor or Dual Status Commander is unavailable, incapable, or slow to provide command and control (C2) of assigned active-duty forces following an RFA, what legal authorities does the NORTHCOM Commander have to deploy or provide C2 of active-duty forces in the continental United States for disaster response?\n\nIn the event of a conventional attack on the United States by a nation state, what legal authorities and capabilities does the NORTHCOM Commander have to deploy aerial and ground forces and provide C2 of those forces in homeland defense efforts, including the protection of military installations and critical infrastructure?\n\nWhat legal, policy, or practical limitations exist on the assignment, mobilization, deployment, and/or employment of forces by NORTHCOM, whether for homeland defense or DSCA?\n\nIn the event any of your responses, particularly those that may implicate homeland defense, require classified responses, I request that those responses be sent separately so that as much information as possible can be made available for the public record.\n\nThank you for your prompt attention to this critical matter.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["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://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/10/07/biden-harris-administration-ignores-bipartisan-budd-request-to-establish-bounty-for-hamas-leaders/", "Biden-Harris Administration Ignores Bipartisan Budd Request to Establish Bounty for Hamas Leaders", "2024-10-07", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 The Biden administration has ignored a bipartisan request from Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) and 11 other Senators to authorize a reward of up to $25 million for information that brings Hamas leaders to justice.\n\nOn September 26, 2024, Senator Budd led a dozen Senators to request that the State Department establish \u201ca reward of up to $25 million under the State Department\u2019s Rewards for Justice (RFJ) program for information that leads to the arrest of, locates, or disrupts the financial support for Yahya Sinwar and other Hamas leaders or operatives responsible for the murder and kidnapping of Americans on October 7, 2023.\u201d\n\nThe deadline to respond was today, the one year anniversary of the October 7th attacks, and the senators have not received a response and no reward has been issued, as of this release.\n\nThe letter was co-signed by Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Kevin Cramer (R-NC), Katie Britt (R-AL), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Deb Fischer (R-NE), and Lindsey Graham (R-SC).\n\nSenator Budd said in a statement:\n\n\u201cOne year ago, Hamas terrorists murdered and kidnapped dozens of American citizens. After 365 days, the State Department has failed to issue a bounty that would help bring these terrorists to justice. The fact that the Biden-Harris administration continues to leave tools unused shows a complete disregard for the safety and security of American citizens around the world.\u201d\n\nSenate Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Roger Wicker said:\n\n\u201cThe Biden-Harris administration should have posted the reward for these monsters\u2019 capture months ago. They are not using every tool at their disposal to defeat Hamas.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter:\n\nDear Secretary Blinken:\n\nWe write requesting the immediate authorization of a reward of up to $25 million under the State Department\u2019s Rewards for Justice (RFJ) program for information that leads to the arrest of, locates, or disrupts the financial support for Yahya Sinwar and other Hamas leaders or operatives responsible for the murder and kidnapping of Americans on October 7, 2023. The United States must use every tool and resource at its disposal as leverage to secure the release of hostages, including seven Americans, still being held in Gaza and to bring those terrorists responsible to justice.\n\nAs you know, Congress established the RFJ program when it passed the 1984 Act to Combat International Terrorism. We can think of no better way to fulfill congressional intent than to offer rewards for those Hamas leaders identified in the recently unsealed federal criminal complaint charging Yahya Sinwar, Mohammad Al-Masri, Khaled Meshaal, Ali Baraka, and others with terrorism, murder conspiracy, and sanctions-evasion charges related to October 7th.\n\nWe respectfully request a response to this letter no later than October 7, 2024.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/10/07/budd-senate-gop-condemn-hamas-terrorists-on-october-7th-anniversary/", "Budd, Senate GOP Condemn Hamas Terrorists on October 7th Anniversary", "2024-10-07", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) joined all 48 of his Senate Republican colleagues to condemn Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel, including the October 7th massacre that killed over 1,200 people, including more than 40 Americans. The resolution also demands immediate release of the hostages currently held by Hamas.\n\nThe statement was led by Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA).\n\nRead the full text of the resolution HERE\n\nSenator Budd said in a statement:\n\n\u201cOne year ago today, Hamas terrorists launched an unprovoked and deceitful series of terrorist acts inside Israel. The level of barbarism that we saw was nothing short of evil. These crimes against humanity were also visited upon American citizens as well. More than 40 were murdered by Hamas, and dozens were taken hostage. One year later, seven American citizens remain held by terrorists. We must continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the State of Israel. We must provide them with everything they need to secure the safety of their nation, eliminate the threat of terrorism, and apply maximum pressure on Hamas to release the remaining hostages.\u201d\n\nSenator Ernst said:\n\n\u201cThis time last year, I woke up in the Middle East to the unbearable news that Israel was under attack by Iran-backed terrorists and Americans were being killed and taken hostage. I immediately traveled into Israel to show that our nation\u2019s friendship is unwavering, in good times and bad. Regardless of whether I have been in Jerusalem, Washington, or Iowa, I have worked around the clock to hold the White House accountable to its \u2018ironclad\u2019 commitment, bring our hostages home, and cut off the source of terrorism in Tehran. One year since that day, as Israel remains under attack on all fronts, Senate Republicans stand united with our greatest ally in the Middle East.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["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://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/10/tillis-discusses-helene-recovery-efforts-on-face-the-nation", "Tillis Discusses Helene Recovery Efforts on Face the Nation", "2024-10-06", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "CHARLOTTE, N.C. \u2013 Today, Senator Thom Tillis appeared on CBS\u2019 Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan to discuss North Carolina\u2019s recovery efforts from Helene.\n\nWatch the full interview HERE.\n\nSenator Tillis on the state and federal disaster response:\n\n\u201cResources are beginning to move. I think they're moving a little bit more slowly than I hoped, but that is why we're working on the ground. I want to thank all of the local, state, federal responders out there. They're doing extraordinary work, but we've got to plus up the resources out there into some of the hardest hit areas, areas that we haven't reached yet. I think that could be done through the leadership of active-duty DOD personnel working with the state and with the National Guard. We just need to surge more resources.\u201d\n\nSenator Tillis on calling for a military leader to take charge of recovery efforts:\n\n\u201cWe've got to clear roads, most roads are closed in Western North Carolina. I've been out there twice last week and [will be out] every day this week. Just the basics of debris removal, rescue operations, things that the Department of Defense, the 82nd Airborne, the 101st Airborne are accustomed to doing in battle situations are exactly what we need in Western North Carolina\u2026It has to be a coordinated response and FEMA knows how to do this well. They've done it in other major disaster events. The American people and people in North Carolina need to understand the scope of this storm is more like Katrina. It may look like a flood to the observer, but again, this is a land mass roughly the size of the state of Massachusetts with damage distributed throughout. We have to get the maximum resources on the ground immediately to finish rescue operations and then sadly be there for recovery and rebuilding.\u201d\n\nSenator Tillis on the spread of misinformation during recovery efforts:\n\n\u201cI've been involved in a number of storm responses and this is when I believe discipline is absolutely essential\u2026Many of the observations are not even from people on the ground. I believe that we have to stay focused on rescue operations, recovery operations, clearing operations, and we don't need any of these distractions on the ground. It is at the expense of the hard-working first responders and people that are just trying to recover their lives\u2026If there are any challenges, call my office and we'll track them down if there are real issues, but most of what I\u2019ve seen is a distraction and not helping the core of the effort right here which is to save lives and start rebuilding.\u201d\n\nSenator Tillis on North Carolina protecting voting access for residents affected by Helene:\n\n\u201cNorth Carolina is doing a great job. I've spoken with state leaders and they're coming back and taking lessons from Louisiana and a number of other states that have had to provide ballot and voting access in difficult situations like this. They'll be passing legislative matters this week to address it and I think that North Carolina will be prepared to make sure that everybody who wants to vote will have access to the ballot and vote before election day or on election day.\u201d\n\n###", 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://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://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/10/04/budd-tillis-joint-statement-on-helene-response-operations/", "Budd & Tillis Joint Statement on Helene Response Operations", "2024-10-04", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Senators Ted Budd (R-NC) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) issued the following statement on Helene Response Operations:\n\n\u201cOur National Guard and local, state, and federal first responders on the ground have been working tirelessly to respond to this disaster with the resources they have. Given the unprecedented extent of the devastation and complexity of search and rescue operations, it would be helpful to assign an active-duty military leader who has extensive experience with operations of this magnitude to lead moving forward.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/10/tillis-and-budd-issue-joint-statement-on-helene-response-operations", "Tillis and Budd Issue Joint Statement on Helene Response Operations", "2024-10-04", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, North Carolina Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd issued the following joint statement:\n\nOur National Guard and local, state, and federal first responders on the ground have been working tirelessly to respond to this disaster with the resources they have. Given the unprecedented extent of the devastation and complexity of search and rescue operations, it would be helpful to assign an active-duty military leader who has extensive experience with operations of this magnitude to lead moving forward.", 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://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/hurricane-helene-update-5-congressman-edwards", "Hurricane Helene update #5 from Congressman Edwards", "2024-10-02", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Chuck Edwards", "E000246", "edwards.house.gov", "edwards", "https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Dear Friend,\n\nAs we embark on day five post-disaster, I can sense a building anxiety amongst the people of Western North Carolina. We\u2019re all trying to adapt to the new normal - or whatever \u201cnormal\u201d is supposed to look like when our entire world gets turned upside down - and it\u2019s been difficult.\n\nToday, I have a simple message for you: Stay calm. Help is here, and it is only a matter of time before our beautiful mountains will return to that state of calm serenity that we are all so used to and familiar with.\n\nWhile it is true that we have a long road ahead of us, we are in this together and will make it through. Over the next few months and years as we try to rebuild what once was, we have a unique opportunity to mould our mountains into the future we want for our children and grandchildren who will live here after us.\n\nWhen times are getting tough and it\u2019s hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, just remember that your community is here for you, your state is here for you, your country is here for you, and I am here for you. Mountain people are strong, and we are resilient.\n\nIt will take time, but I truly believe that our mountains will rebuild better than ever before.\n\nToday is update number five, with more information to follow in the coming days. This update is more expansive than ever before, with additional information on debris removal, where to get your prescriptions and where you might be able to find cell service. 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\n155 water systems are on a boil advisory, 54 plants have reported having no power and 26 systems are out of water.\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 truck loads a day of food and water with no specified end date.\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 location offers a daily meal at 2:00 p.m. The center also has power, water, shovels, charging stations, trash bags and pet food available:\n\nPigeon Community Center\n\n450 Pigeon St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nThere will be food, clothing and shower access from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at the following location:\n\nFirst United Methodist Church\n\n566 S. Haywood St., Waynesville, NC 28786\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\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. - 12:30 p.m.\n\nDinner is available from 4:00-5:30 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\nDebris Removal\n\nIf your home has damages and you need assistance with cleanup, 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\nAll mail delivery operations in the following three-digit ZIP code areas (any ZIP code beginning with these numbers) continue to be suspended:\n\n287\n\nUSPS still has many facilities in the 287 area that remain unable to resume regular operations.\n\nDespite this, delivery operations are being attempted in the 287 three-digit ZIP code area - including from facilities that currently lack power - where it is possible and safe to do so.\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 - are total losses and will not reopen.\n\nCVS is actively working with USPS to better understand the plan and request mobile post offices in the blacked-out ZIP codes starting with 287, 288 and 289 to ensure mail delivery of medication can take place for customers that rely on it.\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\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\nPower and Gas\n\n284,000 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\nSo far, 82% of substations have been restored and significant substation work is continuing today.\n\nGenerators, mutual aid crews and additional power restoration assets are being moved into the hardest hit areas as debris removal allows.\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 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\nThousands of linemen are working day and night to clear debris, reopen roadways and repair major portions of the power grid.\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 Western North Carolina.\n\nUnless it is an emergency, please do not travel.\n\nYesterday, NCDOT announced that communication and access issues skewed their ability to collect information on road closures.\n\nAn updated approximate of 400 roads are closed with more than 700 damage sites and over 100 impacted bridges.\n\nCrews are working both day and night to clear debris and repair roadways.\n\nBat Cave and Gerton communities on US 64/74 in Henderson County have been isolated since the beginning of the storm with no access out.\n\nNCDOT is working to reach them from both Buncombe and Henderson County sides.\n\nNCDOT has reopened I-40 East at the location of the landslide near Old Fort.\n\nIndividuals evacuating the Asheville area are able to use I-40 East or I-26 East.\n\nCell Service\n\nYesterday was frustrating for many as we saw a severe decrease in cell service compared to previous days.\n\nService providers are continuing to deploy additional temporary cell sites to mitigate overwhelming the temporary network in locations where sites have already been deployed.\n\nSpaceX and local and federal partners have deployed dozens of Starlink dishes to areas in WNC that have lost cell and internet access with more on the way.\n\nThe technology uses orbiting satellites instead of ground-based networks to deliver high-speed broadband in disaster zones.\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\nMore T-Mobile satellite cell on trucks are also 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\n\nAlmost 800 North Carolina National Guard soldiers and airmen have been deployed to provide support to Western North Carolina so far.\n\nFurther, more than 275 vehicles, including 88 High-Water Vehicles and 19 Helicopters, have been deployed to western NC.\n\nAir missions are continuing in support of search and rescue, damage assessments and supply delivery.\n\nSo far, NCNG has:\n\nProvided 135,000 lbs. of supplies by air transport\n\nConducted 60 hoist rescues\n\nRescued 422 Western North Carolinians - 42 were critically injured, four were infants and 64 were animals.\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 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\nFor NC-11 Medical Practices\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\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 a.m. and 10 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 1:\n\nBuncombe\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\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\nMcDowell County Senior Center\n\n100 Spaulding Rd., Marion, NC 28752\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 Highway E., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nRutherford\n\nRutherfordton/Spindale Central High School\n\n641 US 221 Hwy. N., Rutherfordton, NC 28139\n\nTransylvania\n\nPisgah Forest Baptist Church\n\n494 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\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://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/hurricane-helene-update-4-congressman-edwards", "Hurricane Helene update #4 from Congressman Edwards", "2024-10-01", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Chuck Edwards", "E000246", "edwards.house.gov", "edwards", "https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "October 1, 2024\n\nDear Friend,\n\nA few days ago, I shared that the people of the United States are showing up for us, and today I\u2019m hoping to bring a slight smile to your face by sharing that even the animals are too.\n\nWestern North Carolina was ravaged by Hurricane Helene, making many areas of this mountainous region inaccessible by car. Our hardest hit communities have been relying on aerial deliveries for supplies, but a rancher from east of Charlotte decided to offer another route for resources, leading his dozen mules into hard-to-reach areas to deliver food, water and diapers.\n\nGetting to these hard-to-reach areas is imperative, as hundreds of Western North Carolinians are still unaccounted for. The cell service outages and power blackouts are making it infinitely more difficult to locate missing people, but I know there are folks working around the clock to bring our friends and family safely home. So far, the National Guard has rescued over 400 residents, and they\u2019re not going to stop searching anytime soon.\n\nReminder: If you are trying to connect with a friend or family member, you can 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\nBefore I get to the update, I wanted to share one last resource for individuals with significant home damage. If 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\nToday is update number four, 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\n158 water systems are on a boil advisory, 46 plants have reported having no power, and 13 systems are out of water.\n\nLast night, Duke Energy reported they were able to return power to the Marion water supply.\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\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\nThere are two major feeding sites in NC-11 where citizens can access food, water and basic necessities:\n\nBuncombe County\n\nBiltmore Baptist Church\n\n35 Clayton Rd, Arden, NC 28704\n\nMcDowell County\n\nGrace Community Church\n\n5182 Hwy. 70 W., Marion, NC 28752\n\nCounties are beginning to stand up Resource Hub locations for water distribution and other supplies as they become available.\n\nDistribution began at 9:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 1, 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\nAs I learn of additional hubs, I will continue to update this list.\n\nUnited States Postal Service\n\nAs of late Monday, September 30, all mail delivery operations in the following three-digit ZIP code areas (any ZIP code beginning with these numbers) have been suspended:\n\n287\n\n288\n\n289\n\nAdditionally, operations at the facility below have been suspended:\n\nRutherfordton: 130 E. Court St., Rutherfordton, NC 28139\n\nPower and Gas\n\n301,000 customers remain without power in Western North Carolina.\n\n73 percent of all customers across the state have had their power restored and the citizens of WNC will be next.\n\nDuke Energy has restored power for 16 of the 17 hospitals that experienced outages as of 10:00 p.m. last night.\n\nPower to the Marion water supply has also been restored.\n\nIn Asheville, damage assessments indicate 1,000 broken poles and 2,200 spans of primary are damaged.\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 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\nThousands of linemen are working day and night to clear debris, reopen roadways and repair major portions of the power grid.\n\nRoads\n\nA \u201cDO NOT DRIVE\u201d message remains in place from the North Carolina Department of Transportation for Western North Carolina.\n\nUnless it is an emergency, please do not travel.\n\nYesterday, NCDOT reported 220 roads remain closed in Western North Carolina.\n\nThis morning, NCDOT announced that communication and access issues skewed their ability to collect information on road closures and an updated estimate of 300-400 roads are closed.\n\nSeveral crews from Florida are assisting in the repairs by bringing 7,500 feet of temporary bridge to NC.\n\nNorth Carolina is working with other states to determine additionally needed assets to mitigate compromised crossings and open more roads.\n\nNCDOT has reopened I-40 East at the location of the landslide near Old Fort.\n\nIndividuals evacuating the Asheville area are able to use I-40 East or I-26 East.\n\nCell Service\n\nI have heard multiple reports of service weakening over the past 48 areas.\n\nThis is expected, as more individuals are traveling to find cell service and temporary cellular assets are beginning to achieve maximum capacity.\n\nService providers are continuing to deploy additional temporary cell sites to mitigate overwhelming the temporary network in locations where sites have already been deployed.\n\nNorth Carolina National Guard\n\n706 North Carolina National Guard soldiers and airmen have been deployed to provide support to Western North Carolina so far.\n\nThis includes the deployment of 250 vehicles, such as High-Water Vehicles, Palletized Load Systems for commodity distribution and Forestry Support Teams for debris clearance, and 19 helicopters.\n\nAir missions are continuing in support of search and rescue, damage assessments and supply delivery.\n\nA bulk transport of supplies will be flown into Asheville via NC Air National Guard C-17 transport.\n\nSo far, NCNG has:\n\nProvided 97,200 lbs of supplies by air transport\n\nDelivered 306 pallets of water and 230 pallets of food\n\nConducted 60 hoist rescues\n\nRescued 422 Western North Carolinians - 42 were critically injured, four were infants and 64 were animals.\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\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\nFor NC-11 Medical Practices\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\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\nIf you reside in one of the above-listed counties and had damage to private property due to Hurricane Helene, you may be eligible for Individual Assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.\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 a.m. and 10 p.m. EST.\n\nTo date, over 10,000 survivors have registered with FEMA for Individual Assistance.\n\nFEMA has also approved two new programs for use in NC:\n\nDisplacement Assistance - Provides immediate housing for up to 14 days\n\nSerious Needs Assistance - Provides immediate financial assistance to replace and recover financial needs.\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\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 1:\n\nBuncombe\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\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\nMcDowell County Senior Center\n\n100 Spaulding Rd., Marion, NC 28752\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 Highway E., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nRutherford\n\nRutherfordton/Spindale Central High School\n\n641 US 221 Hwy. N., Rutherfordton, NC 28139\n\nTransylvania\n\nPisgah Forest Baptist Church\n\n494 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\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://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/murphy-visit-western-north-carolina-alongside-tillis-budd-rouzer-troxler", "Murphy to Visit Western North Carolina Alongside Tillis, Budd, Rouzer, Troxler", "2024-10-01", "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 Today, Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. issued the following statement in anticipation of his visit to Asheville, NC and surrounding areas to survey Hurricane Helene damage and recovery efforts:\n\n\"Eastern North Carolina has a history of devastating natural disasters,\" said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D.\"In those situations, Western North Carolina has been there to support us and we will do the same for them. Over the course of my life, I have served in many recovery efforts as a physician, including after Hurricane Katrina. Further, I host an annual summit focused on flood mitigation. I understand the complexities of these situations and hope to helpful in dealing with this catastrophe.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/10/01/budd-tillis-colleagues-make-bipartisan-push-for-quick-passage-of-disaster-relief-legislation/", "Budd, Tillis, Colleagues Make Bipartisan Push for Quick Passage of Disaster Relief Legislation", "2024-10-01", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) has joined a letter to Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Senate Appropriations Chair Patty Murray (D-WA), and Senate Appropriations Vice Chair Susan Collins (R-ME) on the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene and the urgent need to pass an appropriations package to support the millions of Americans affected by the storm.\n\nThe letter was led by Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) and co-signed by Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Tim Scott (R-SC), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Rick Scott (R-FL), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Mark Warner (D-VA), and Tim Kaine (D-VA).\n\nThe Senators said:\n\n\u201cThe devastation from Hurricane Helene across the southeastern United States is simply inconceivable\u2026Because of a lack of cell service, we anticipate even greater tragedy to unfold in the days and weeks ahead as communications and power are restored and we can understand the full scope of this disaster.\u201d\n\n\u201cEven preliminary damage assessments indicate that, at a minimum, the total damage and economic loss will be in the tens of billions of dollars. This amount will likely soar as recovery efforts continue and the full picture of this ruinous disaster becomes clear.\u201d\n\n\u201cAlthough the true level of devastation is still unfolding, it is clear that Congress must act to meet the unmet needs in our states and address the scope and scale of destruction experienced by our constituents. This may even require Congress to come back in October to ensure we have enough time to enact legislation before the end of this calendar year. Tens of millions of Americans were impacted by Hurricane Helene, and we look forward to working with you to provide relief to those impacted by this horrific storm.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/10/senators-make-bipartisan-push-for-quick-passage-of-disaster-relief-legislation", "Senators Make Bipartisan Push for Quick Passage of Disaster Relief Legislation", "2024-10-01", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Ted Budd (R-NC), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Tim Scott (R-SC), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Rick Scott (R-FL), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Mark Warner (D-VA), and Tim Kaine (D-VA) sent a letter to Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Senate Appropriations Chair Patty Murray (D-WA), and Senate Appropriations Vice Chair Susan Collins (R-ME) on the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene and the urgent need to pass an appropriations package to support the millions of Americans affected by the storm.\n\n\u201cThe devastation from Hurricane Helene across the southeastern United States is simply inconceivable\u2026Because of a lack of cell service, we anticipate even greater tragedy to unfold in the days and weeks ahead as communications and power are restored and we can understand the full scope of this disaster,\u201d the senators wrote.\n\n\u201cEven preliminary damage assessments indicate that, at a minimum, the total damage and economic loss will be in the tens of billions of dollars. This amount will likely soar as recovery efforts continue and the full picture of this ruinous disaster becomes clear,\u201d the senators continued.\n\n\u201cAlthough the true level of devastation is still unfolding, it is clear that Congress must act to meet the unmet needs in our states and address the scope and scale of destruction experienced by our constituents. This may even require Congress to come back in October to ensure we have enough time to enact legislation before the end of this calendar year. Tens of millions of Americans were impacted by Hurricane Helene, and we look forward to working with you to provide relief to those impacted by this horrific storm,\u201d the senators concluded.\n\nText of the full 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-helene-update-3-congressman-edwards", "Hurricane Helene update #3 from Congressman Edwards", "2024-09-30", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Chuck Edwards", "E000246", "edwards.house.gov", "edwards", "https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "September 30, 2024\n\nDear Friend,\n\nToday is especially hard hitting in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. We\u2019re back to the work week and most of you likely should\u2019ve been on your way into the office this morning, if not for the damage caused by the storm.\n\nInstead, Western North Carolina is still on a DO NOT TRAVEL advisory from the North Carolina Department of Transportation. Unless it is absolutely necessary, please stay off the roads and stay home.\n\nMajor updates today include a timeline for the restoration of service for most NC-11 Duke Energy customers by Friday, October 4, over 150 more roads have been cleared, and more resources are en route to western NC to ensure we will continue to have access to food and water over the coming days.\n\nToday is update number three, 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\n100 water systems are on a boil advisory and 38 plants have reported having no power.\n\nMy office has worked with private stakeholders to address potable water needs.\n\nJust this morning, an additional 12,000 cases of water were secured from our friends at Pepsi Bottling Co. and will be distributed to western NC through Red Cross and United Way.\n\nHenderson County worked with my office to secure an industrial-sized generator to power the Ingles Distribution Plant in Black Mountain, NC.\n\nIngles staff slept on site last night waiting for the generator to arrive.\n\nThis will allow the distribution facility to begin emptying its shelves to restock empty stores.\n\nWe are currently working on solutions to restock the distribution center.\n\nAs of the evening of September 29, 301 pallets of water (81,270 gallons) and 200 pallets of MREs (115,200 meals) have been deployed throughout our western counties.\n\nThe state has been unable to supply me with a location for where these meals and water have been dropped off but check your local shelters and stay tuned. As I learn more, so will you.\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\nCounties are beginning to stand up Resource Hub locations for water distribution and other supplies as they become available.\n\nDistribution will begin at noon today, Monday, September 30, 2024, 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., Milles River, NC 28759\n\nFletcher Town Hall: 300 Old Cane Creek Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nAs we learn of additional hubs, we will continue to update this list.\n\nPower and Gas\n\n396,000 customers remain without power in North Carolina.\n\nNearly all these outages are in Western North Carolina.\n\nDamage assessments show many areas in NC-11 where the power system will need to be completely rebuilt before service is restored.\n\nNonetheless, Duke Energy has stated that restoration of service for the majority of customers in Western North Carolina is expected by Friday, October 4, 2024.\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\nAn additional 7,000 linemen have made their way to the Carolinas to help restore power, meaning a total of over 18,000 linemen are here to serve WNC, including crews from 19 states and Canada.\n\nRoads\n\nA \u201cDO NOT DRIVE\u201d message remains in place from the North Carolina Department of Transportation for Western North Carolina.\n\nUnless it is an emergency, please do not travel.\n\n220 roads remain closed in Western North Carolina, a significant reduction from the 385 roads that were closed as of yesterday morning.\n\nI-40 remains closed from Exit 66 to Exit 72.\n\nNCDOT has established a base camp in Flat Rock with 250 people to assist with clearing roads.\n\nTransylvania County\u2019s roads have been some of the hardest hit:\n\n4 acres of Becky Mountain is gone.\n\n70 percent of U.S. 276 is gone near Connestee Falls.\n\n1,200 feet of East Fork is gone into the river.\n\nSevere damage on N.C. 215 due to multiple mud/landslides and parts of the road being completely gone.\n\nAsheville Regional Airport\n\nAsheville Regional Airport closed mid-day on Friday, September 27, due to risk of flooding.\n\nAs of TODAY, September 30, commercial air service is resuming.\n\nTwo American Airlines flights have already landed this morning.\n\nDelta and United are also resuming limited flights today.\n\nIf you parked your car in an Asheville Regional Airport lot and could not retrieve the vehicle due to the storm, great news \u2013 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\nCell Service\n\nWhile significant limitations still exist, communications capabilities are beginning to increase.\n\nService providers have brought 24 more temporary cell sites online since yesterday\u2019s update, including temporary deployables in the following areas:\n\nDillsboro\n\nSylva\n\nWestern Carolina University\n\nCashiers\n\nHighlands\n\nCherokee\n\nFranklin\n\nBryson City\n\nLake Toxaway\n\nNorth Carolina National Guard\n\n650 North Carolina National Guard soldiers and airmen have been deployed to provide support to Western North Carolina so far.\n\nThis includes the deployment of 250 vehicles, such as High-Water Vehicles, Palletized Load Systems for commodity distribution, and Forestry Support Teams for debris clearance.\n\nAir missions continue today in support of search and rescue, damage assessments, and supply delivery.\n\nAdditional National Guard personnel, vehicles, and air assets will be arriving today, Monday, September 30.\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\nIf you reside in one of the above-listed counties and had damage to private property due to Hurricane Helene, you may be eligible for Individual Assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.\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 a.m. and 10 p.m. EST.\n\nTo date, over 2,000 survivors have registered with FEMA for Individual Assistance.\n\nFEMA has also approved two new programs for use in NC:\n\nDisplacement Assistance - Provides immediate housing for up to 14 days\n\nSerious Needs Assistance - Provides immediate financial assistance to replace and recover financial needs.\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\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 September 29:\n\nBuncombe\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nFirst Baptist Church Swannanoa\n\n503 Park St., Swannanoa, NC 28778\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\nJackson\n\nCashiers Recreation Center\n\n355 Frank Allen Rd., Cashiers, NC 28717\n\nJackson County Department of Aging\n\n100 County Services Pk., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nMadison\n\nMadison County Wellness Center\n\n5734 US 25-70 Hwy., Marshall, NC 28752\n\nMcDowell\n\nFirst Baptist Church of Old Fort\n\n203 E. Main St., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nGlenwood Baptist Church\n\n1550 Old US 221 S., Marion, NC 28752\n\nMcDowell County Senior Center\n\n100 Spaulding Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nPolk\n\nPolk County High School\n\n1681 NC 108 Highway E., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nRutherford\n\nRutherfordton/Spindale Central High School\n\n641 US 221 Hwy. N., Rutherfordton, NC 28139\n\nSwain\n\nSwain Community College\n\n125 Brendle St., Bryson City, NC 28713\n\nTransylvania\n\nPisgah Forest Baptist Church\n\n494 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nYancey\n\nBurnsville Fire Department\n\n305 Pineola St, Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nSouth Toe Elementary School\n\n139 South Toe School Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nWest Yancey Volunteer Fire Department\n\n6557 US Hwy. 19, Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nWith my warmest regards,\n\nChuck Edwards\n\nMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 503, "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 \"party\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Republican", "p1": "NC", "p2": "2024"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=NC&year=2024", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 503, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=NC&year=2024", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=NC&year=2024", "results": [{"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 289, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=NC&year=2024&chamber=Senate", "selected": false}, {"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 214, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=NC&year=2024&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=NC&year=2024", "results": [{"value": "NC", "label": "NC", "count": 503, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&year=2024", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=NC&year=2024", "results": [{"value": "2024", "label": "2024", "count": 503, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=NC", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2024-09-30,https~3A~2F~2Fedwards~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia~2Fpress-releases~2Fhurricane-helene-update-3-congressman-edwards", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=NC&year=2024&_next=2024-09-30%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fedwards~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia~2Fpress-releases~2Fhurricane-helene-update-3-congressman-edwards&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 282.97976311296225, "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"}