{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where state = \"NC\" and year = 2024 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-chuck-edwards-leads-hurricane-relief-aid-historic-disaster", "Congressman Chuck Edwards Leads Hurricane Relief Aid in Historic Disaster Supplemental Bill", "2024-12-31", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Chuck Edwards", "E000246", "edwards.house.gov", "edwards", "https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "On December 20, the House passed H.R. 10545, the American Relief Act of 2024, which included $110 billion in disaster supplemental funding to help states rebuild from Hurricanes Helene and Milton and other disasters that have occurred since the end of 2022.\n\nCongressman Chuck Edwards was the only co-sponsor of this legislation and crafted the bill as a member of the House Appropriations Committee. Given that supplemental disaster funding falls under that committee\u2019s jurisdiction, it is customary that the chairman of the committee be the lead sponsor. The committee only rarely names a co-sponsor for such bills.\n\nSpeaker Mike Johnson (LA-04) said, \u201cFrom the moment Hurricane Helene made landfall, Representative Chuck Edwards has been hard at work ensuring that Western North Carolinians are not forgotten. When Chuck invited me to tour the site of the devastation with him in October, we made a promise that the federal government would do its part to help the families and businesses devastated by the storm, and with the passage of the American Relief Act, we have delivered on that promise. Rep. Edwards was key to getting that critical disaster relief aid across the finish line, and few Members of Congress have ever championed the cause of their constituents as effectively as he has.\u201d\n\n\u201cCongressman Chuck Edwards set a precedent of being the singular cosponsor on a disaster relief package that aids multiple states. He used his role as a member of the House Appropriations Committee and experience he gained from nine weeks on the front line of the disaster response to take a lead role in drafting the disaster supplemental package for the American Relief Act,\u201d said House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (OK-04). \u201cI walked alongside Congressman Edwards in North Carolina and saw the wreckage that decimated communities and left families overwhelmed by loss. His leadership and steadfast advocacy secured critical disaster aid for his constituents and Americans across this nation.\u201d\n\nAs a lifelong resident of Western North Carolina, Edwards brought a unique understanding of the challenges residents there are facing in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.\n\n\u201cWhile the legislative process was one with many twists and turns, I am proud that in the end, members from both parties were able to come together and keep the funding package fully intact,\u201dstated Congressman Edwards.\n\nThe American Relief Act of 2024 will bring several billions of dollars of funding from various federal agencies to Western North Carolina. This includes the resumption of Small Business Administration disaster loans, repair funds for damaged federal highways, Economic Adjustment Assistance funding for economic recovery, and funding for agriculture assistance and the U.S. Forest Service.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-adams-remembers-president-jimmy-carter", "Rep. Adams Remembers President Jimmy Carter", "2024-12-29", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Alma S. Adams", "A000370", "adams.house.gov", "adams", "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "###\n\nCongresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. represents North Carolina's 12th Congressional District (Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, Cabarrus County) and serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Education & the Workforce, where she serves as ranking member of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-foushee-announces-nominees-to-us-military-service-academies", "Congresswoman Foushee Announces Nominees to U.S. Military Service Academies", "2024-12-27", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Valerie P. Foushee", "F000477", "foushee.house.gov", "foushee", "https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "DURHAM, NC (December 27, 2024) \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04), announced eight students from the Fourth District received nominations for admission into our nation's four service academies: the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.\n\n\u201cIt is an honor each year to nominate students in my district to our nation\u2019s prestigious service academies,\u201d said Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04). \u201cThese next generation of military leaders have demonstrated academic excellence, service to our community, strong leadership, and success in their extracurriculars. I have been impressed by the many accomplishments of these exceptional students, and I wish them the best as they move forward in the military academy appointment process.\u201d\n\nCongresswoman Valerie Foushee named the following nominees to the nation\u2019s four service academies:\n\nLuke Eward \u2014 U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy (Ocen Cove Academy)\n\nEvan Gerringer \u2014 U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy (Southern Alamance High School)\n\nBenjamin Hornstein \u2014 U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy (Durham Academy)\n\nWright Kross \u2014 U.S. Air Force Academy (Chapel Hill High School)\n\nYikuan Sun \u2014 U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy (Chapel Hill High School)\n\nJacob Sullivan Robins \u2014 U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (Jones Senior High School)\n\nK'Naya Williams \u2014 U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy (Vance County High School)\n\nTyler Wilson \u2014 U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy (Camden Military Academy)\n\nReceiving a nomination does not guarantee admission to an academy. However, a nomination from an approved nomination source is a requirement to receive an appointment. An academy appointment acceptance comes with a 5-year service obligation after the completion of 4 years at an academy. For further information on eligibility requirements and how to pursue an appointment to a military service academy please visit the website of the academy of choice.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://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://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-foushee-votes-to-keep-government-open-deliver-critical-disaster-relief-and-extend-farm-bill", "Congresswoman Foushee Votes to Keep Government Open, Deliver Critical Disaster Relief, and Extend Farm Bill", "2024-12-20", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Valerie P. Foushee", "F000477", "foushee.house.gov", "foushee", "https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC (December 20, 2024) \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04) released the following statement after voting to pass the updated version of H.R. 10545, the American Relief Act, 2025. This legislation provides a stopgap measure to fund the federal government at current discretionary spending levels through March 14, 2025, averting a federal government shutdown.\n\n\u201cDespite attempts by Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and the Republican conference to push us to the brink of a government shutdown, I\u2019m glad that House Democrats prevailed and prevented a reckless shutdown that would harm hardworking families across the country,\u201d said Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04). \u201cAlthough this stopgap funding bill is not perfect, I was proud to join my colleagues in standing firm on our commitment to the American people and pass critical legislation that will keep our government open, provide urgent relief to our neighbors in Western North Carolina impacted by Hurricane Helene, extend key agricultural programs, and provide economic assistance to farmers dealing with crop loss. Moving forward, Congress must work to promptly pass full-year appropriations bills that supports the needs of our government and the people we represent.\u201d\n\nSpecifically, H.R. 10545, the American Relief Act, 2025, would include:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://hudson.house.gov/press-releases/congressman-richard-hudson-named-chair-of-energy-and-commerce-subcommittee-on", "Congressman Richard Hudson Named Chair of Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology", "2024-12-20", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Richard Hudson", "H001067", "hudson.house.gov", "hudson", "https://hudson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Richard Hudson (R-NC) was named Chairman of the Energy and Commerce (E&C) Subcommittee on Communications and Technology for the 119th Congress by E&C Committee Chairman-Elect, Congressman Brett Guthrie (R-KY).\n\n\"I am honored to lead the Communications and Technology Subcommittee,\" said Congressman Hudson. \"As chairman, I look forward to working with President Donald Trump, Chairman-Elect Brett Guthrie, and members of the committee to advance strong, commonsense policies that promote innovation, streamline federal regulations, and bridge the digital divide. Together, we will deliver real results for the American people.\"\n\n\"I look forward to working with Congressman Hudson in his role as Chair of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology. Richard's expertise will help propel our country into the next generation economy. Under Congressman Hudson's leadership, the Communications and Technology Subcommittee will close the digital divide for rural America, affirm U.S. leadership in next generation telecommunication networks, and protect our critical communications infrastructure from adversarial attacks,\" said Chairman-Elect Guthrie.\n\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/murphy-statement-passage-government-funding-package", "Murphy Statement on Passage of Government Funding Package", "2024-12-20", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Gregory F. Murphy", "M001210", "murphy.house.gov", "murphy", "https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. issued the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 10545, the American Relief Act to fund the federal government through March 14th, 2025.\n\n\"As I have made clear, I generally do not support continuing resolutions to keep our country running,\" said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D.\"However, the House is unable to pass funding for our federal government through regular order. Under the present circumstances we face, perfect cannot be the enemy of good. I voted in favor because this package includes critical aid for hurricane recovery efforts in Western North Carolina and our farmers, unnecessary spending has been removed, and there is broad consensus that spending cuts are in order. Further, I have been assured that physicians who see Medicare patients and have had their reimbursements cut by nearly 30% in the last 23 years will be taken care of in March. President Trump deserves to start in a strong position when he takes office, and I look forward to passing a conservative budget under his leadership.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2024/12/congresswoman-ross-votes-to-pass-the-continuing-resolution-to-support-hurricane-recovery-in-nc", "Congresswoman Ross Votes to Pass the Continuing Resolution to Support Hurricane Recovery in NC", "2024-12-20", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) voted to pass a continuing resolution to keep the federal government open until March 14, 2025. This package includes $100 billion in critical disaster relief funding for the Southeast, including North Carolina. Congresswoman Ross has been pushing for this funding since Western North Carolina was devastated by Hurricane Helene.\n\nClick here to download Congresswoman Ross\u2019 floor speech from November calling for disaster relief funding\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s shameful that House Republicans pushed us to the brink of a government shutdown and played politics with desperately needed disaster aid,\u201d said Congresswoman Ross. \u201cThis legislation is far from perfect, and many crucial, bipartisan provisions that I support were removed from the final bill. However, Western North Carolina has been waiting for federal assistance to rebuild after the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, and this package will deliver the aid that families, small businesses, childcare centers, seniors, and so many more need. The road to recovery will be long, but this package is a crucial first step. I urge my Senate colleagues to pass this legislation immediately \u2013 Western North Carolina cannot afford to wait.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://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://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-adams-statement-consequences-failure-pass-continuing-resolution", "Rep. Adams\u2019 Statement on Consequences of Failure to Pass Continuing Resolution", "2024-12-19", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Alma S. Adams", "A000370", "adams.house.gov", "adams", "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "\"Good afternoon, everyone.\n\nThank you for being here on short notice. I wanted to share with you what we\u2019re facing here in Washington as Congress closes out this year and this session and acts on the bipartisan spending bill.\n\nThe Congress has an opportunity to vote on a \u201ccontinuing resolution\u201d bill (CR) that would keep the government funded for another three months and prevent a shutdown that would have dire consequences for the economy, federal employees, veterans, and families, and anyone who would like to travel safely as we go into the holidays. This is an extension of the common sense, bipartisan budget bills we passed earlier this year in March. The CR would also include disaster relief funding and extend the most recent Farm Bill which has expired.\n\nOur state is recovering from the most devastating natural disaster in modern history- Hurricane Helene. Almost $9 billion \u2013 that's billion, with a \u201cB\u201d \u2013 in disaster relief funding for North Carolina is in this bill, which we need desperately for rebuilding in the wake of Helene.\n\nA few of the items that we stand to lose out on if we don\u2019t pass this bill are:\n\nOver $1.6 billion for disaster recovery through Housing and Urban Development to assist with long-term housing, infrastructure, and economic recovery needs for hardest-hit communities\n\n$674 million in disaster payments and economic assistance for the farmers who feed us from across the state\n\nOver $1 billion for the National Park Service to rebuild and preserve the Blue Ridge Parkway, and $429 million more for other NC parks projects\n\n$2.2 billion dollars for the Small Business Administration to help fund the $172 million in requested loans from over 2,000 North Carolina small businesses\n\nMillions of dollars in defense repairs to North Carolina military installations affected by Helene\n\nMillions of dollars for rebuilding destroyed and damaged child care facilities and services affected by Helene \u2013 because child care is infrastructure\n\nThat\u2019s just a fraction of what is at stake for North Carolina with this bill.\n\nThis CR includes an extension of the Farm Bill, which supports our farmers and keeps folks fed \u2013 including more than 1.5 million people in North Carolina who utilize SNAP benefits. This bill would keep families fed. If we don\u2019t pass it, we lose out on these investments and the government will shut down at 12:01 am on Saturday morning.\n\nWe all remember the horrific scenes of entire towns wiped out. Aid organizations and the U.S. government have been working around the clock to assess and address the damage. Since then \u2013 for over two months \u2013 Congressional leadership in both parties have worked in good faith on how to keep our government running while caring for those who have suffered worst from Helene and other disasters.\n\nAs we head into the holiday travel season, our TSA agents should not be working without pay as a result of the shutdown. North Carolina deserves better, and that is why I am ready to vote for this Continuing Resolution and disaster relief funding today.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-foushee-rejects-inadequate-gop-continuing-resolution-urges-passage-of-bipartisan-agreement", "Congresswoman Foushee Rejects Inadequate GOP Continuing Resolution, Urges Passage of Bipartisan Agreement", "2024-12-19", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Valerie P. Foushee", "F000477", "foushee.house.gov", "foushee", "https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC (December 19, 2024) \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04) released the following statement after voting against H.R. 10515, the American Relief Act, 2025.\n\n\u201cHouse Republicans made the reckless decision to abandon the previously agreed-upon bipartisan funding bill and are following President-Elect Trump and Elon Musk\u2019s orders to shut down the federal government. Instead of standing up for the American people, my Republican colleagues are intent on aiding billionaires, creating instability, undermining communities in need, and putting partisan agendas over the well-being of everyday Americans. This is an unsettling glimpse of how Trump and the Republican majority plan on governing in the next term, with irresponsible policies and political games that will further fracture our country and leave vulnerable communities behind.\n\n\u201cToday, I chose to stand with families, farmers, veterans, seniors, children and communities across the country in voting against this inadequate funding bill. I cannot support a last-minute funding measure that puts the priorities of unelected billionaires ahead of childcare for working families, funding for child cancer research, or economic assistance for farmers dealing with crop loss. Our communities deserve better \u2013 Congress must pass a comprehensive funding bill that includes both critical disaster relief and provisions that fully serve the needs of the American people. Should this legislation come up again under rule, I will vote against it once again.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/murphy-statement-government-funding-package", "Murphy Statement on Government Funding Package", "2024-12-19", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Gregory F. Murphy", "M001210", "murphy.house.gov", "murphy", "https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. issued the following statement after voting in favor of the American Relief Act to fund the federal government through March 14th, 2025.\n\n\"As a matter of principle, I generally do not support continuing resolutions to keep our country running,\" said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. \"Unfortunately, despite great efforts to fund the federal government through regular order in a narrowly divided Congress, we cannot do so. I am terribly disappointed physicians who see Medicare patients will receive yet another ridiculous pay cut, jeopardizing access to high-quality, affordable care for millions, especially those in rural areas. However, I have been assured that the incoming Trump Administration will address this issue in March as well as retroactively rectify it. This package delivers critical aid to fund hurricane recovery efforts in Western North Carolina, keeps our farmers solvent and it ensures President Trump can sign into law a conservative budget that reflects his agenda after he takes office.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2024/12/congresswoman-ross-slams-house-republicans-for-abandoning-western-north-carolina", "Congresswoman Ross Slams House Republicans for Abandoning Western North Carolina", "2024-12-19", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u00ad\u00ad\u2014 Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) released the following statement on House Republicans abandoning a bipartisan agreement to keep the federal government open and deliver desperately needed disaster aid for North Carolina:\n\n\u201cAt the last minute request of Donald Trump and Elon Musk, House Republicans have gone back on their word to keep the government open \u2013 putting in jeopardy the paychecks of millions of hardworking Americans right before the holidays.\n\n\u201cMost tragically of all, they are abandoning communities in Western North Carolina who are counting on the federal government to deliver support for families, seniors, small businesses, childcare centers, community health centers, and so many more. Nearly $9 billion for North Carolina is in jeopardy because House Republicans care more about politics and appeasing billionaires than the people they serve.\n\n\u201cAn agreement is an agreement. If the government shuts down, Republicans will only have themselves to blame.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://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://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-adams-leads-fourth-quarterly-adams-hunger-initiative", "Rep. Adams Leads Fourth Quarterly Adams Hunger Initiative", "2024-12-17", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Alma S. Adams", "A000370", "adams.house.gov", "adams", "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Image\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), a member of the House Agriculture Committee, hosted partner organizations in the fight against hunger for her Congressional district during her quarterly Adams Hunger Initiative yesterday, held virtually while she works in Washington.\n\nThe Membership discussed the ongoing efforts in Washington to extend the Farm Bill by one year, the 118th Congress in review, opportunities in the next Congress, and community needs and resources in Greater Charlotte.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m so grateful for the individuals and organizations who\u2019ve joined the Adams Hunger Initiative for the essential work they do in keeping people fed,\u201d said Rep. Adams. \u201cThey reassure us that we are not alone in the fight to end hunger.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor such a time as this, the District looks to Congresswoman Adams for leadership,\u201d said Jason Blanton, North Carolina State Organizer at Bread for the World. \u201cThe Adams Hunger Initiative demonstrates her commitment to fight on behalf of those who are most in need. Bread for the World looks forward to partnering with her on defending and expanding WIC, fighting campus hunger, and other critical issues.\u201d\n\n\"As a national organization serving justice-impacted people as they navigate reentry, we often hear from our participants about challenges to finding quality employment that puts food on the table for themselves and their family,\" said Center for Employment Opportunities North Carolina Site Director, Tiffany Miller. \"The Training and Nutrition Stability Act (TNSA) fixes a critical oversight that excludes people in workforce development programs, such as CEO's, from enrolling in SNAP benefits. We are grateful to Congresswoman Alma S. Adams (NC-12) for being a co-sponsor and champion of TNSA and for prioritizing anti-hunger initiatives that address the needs of diverse communities.\"\n\n\u201cThrough my work with The Charlotte Mecklenburg Food Policy Council, where we innovate to increase local food access and Hearts and Hands Food Pantry, where we directly serve families experiencing food insecurity, I\u2019ve seen both the systemic challenges and the immediate needs our communities face,\u201d said Kenya Joseph, Board Chair of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Food Policy Council. \u201cThe Adams Hunger Initiative, led by Congresswoman Alma Adams, is a vital platform to elevate solutions that combine policy, resources, and collaboration. I\u2019m proud to bring these perspectives to the table as we push for sustainable, equitable change for those most impacted by hunger.\u201d\n\n\"The West Boulevard Neighborhood Coalition is excited to be part of the Adams Hunger Initiative, which aligns perfectly with our mission to address food insecurity in Charlotte's West Boulevard corridor,\u201d said Elliott Royal, Executive Director of the West Boulevard Neighborhood Coalition. \u201cOur upcoming Three Sisters Market represents a critical step in providing fresh, quality food to over 19,000 residents who have been underserved by traditional grocery options. We are grateful for Congresswoman Adams' leadership and commitment to creating meaningful opportunities like the Adams Hunger Initiative for us to connect and learn from peer organizations that are transforming our community's access to nutritious food.\u201d\n\nAt tonight\u2019s meeting, Rep. Adams provided an update on her work on the House Committee on Agriculture to protect and expand funding for programs that reduce and eliminate food insecurity in the district, amid debates over extending the usually five-year Farm Bill.\n\nRep. Adams\u2019 next Adams Hunger Initiative meeting will take place in March.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-foushee-and-members-of-the-bipartisan-house-task-force-on-artificial-intelligence-release-policy-recommendation-report", "Rep. Foushee and Members of the Bipartisan House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence Release Policy Recommendation Report", "2024-12-17", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Valerie P. Foushee", "F000477", "foushee.house.gov", "foushee", "https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC (December 17, 2024) \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04), a member of the Bipartisan House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence, issued the following statement after the release of the Task Force\u2019s report on guiding principles, forward-looking recommendations, and policy proposals to ensure America continues to lead the world in responsible AI innovation.\n\n\u201cThis report is a critical first step towards ensuring that Congress can properly address advances in emerging AI technologies and maintain a thoughtful long-term vision for AI that betters our society. During my time with the Task Force, I have been proud to champion several key priorities outlined in this report, including broadening participation in AI research, development, and education, protecting civil rights and liberties, and assessing and understanding AI\u2019s rising environmental and energy impacts,\u201d said Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04). \u201cI would like to thank our task force Co-Chairs Obernolte and Lieu for their leadership over the last year as we discussed a variety of issues across the AI ecosystem, and I look forward to continuing our efforts as we work to implement these recommendations and adapt to new challenges to come.\u201d\n\nThe Bipartisan House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence was created by House Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries on February 20, 2024. The Task Force is led by Co-Chairs Jay Obernolte (R-CA) and Ted Lieu (D-CA), and comprises twenty-four House Members, twelve Republicans and twelve Democrats. The AI Task Force Members are drawn from twenty committees to ensure comprehensive jurisdictional responsibilities over the numerous AI issues, and to benefit from a range of different insights and perspectives.\n\nThroughout 2024, the Bipartisan House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence convened a plethora of hearings, numerous roundtables, and engaged with over one hundred experts, including business leaders, government officials, technical experts, academics, civil society, legal scholars, and other domain specialists to investigate dozens of issues at the heart of how AI intersects with numerous policy areas.\n\nThe Task Force\u2019s report articulates guiding principles, 66 key findings, and 89 recommendations organized into 15 chapters. The report is intended to serve as a blueprint for future actions that Congress can take to address advances in AI technologies.\n\nPriorities championed by Congresswoman Foushee in the report include:\n\nAn entire chapter on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties which includes key findings that \u201cimproper use of AI can violate laws and deprive Americans of their civil rights\u201d and a core consideration for Congress must be \u201cmitigating harmful outcomes that impact Americans\u2019 civil rights and civil liberties.\u201d The chapter\u2019s recommendations include having humans in the loop to identify and remedy potential flaws in AI, ensuring agencies protect against the use of AI in discriminatory decision-making, and empowering sectoral regulators to address AI-related risks.\n\nKey recommendations on promoting equity of access to research and capital, noting \u201cinstitutions that serve rural areas and minority-serving institutions face even deeper challenges in accessing [AI] resources,\u201d and \u201cinvest in K-12 STEM and AI Education and Broaden Participation\u201d as the top Education and Workforce recommendation, which includes initiatives to ensure a diverse and robust AI workforce such as \u201cimprove STEM education in rural and underserved communities.\u201d\n\nCalls for codifying the National AI Research Resource, or NAIRR, to connect capable but under-resourced researchers and educators to the computational data, software, and training models needed to advance AI research. The report also points to NAIRR as a potential solution to bolster U.S. AI skills by providing needed AI resources.\n\nEmphasis on the energy and environmental impacts of AI, noting \u201cthe carbon emissions of technology companies are soaring,\u201d and recommending the U.S. plan now to achieve \u201cclimate and emissions goals,\u201d including through \u201cstrengthen[ing] efforts to track and project AI data center power usage.\u201d\n\n15 Chapters relating to Government Use, Federal Preemption of State Law, Data Privacy, National Security, Research & Development and Standards, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, Education and Workforce, Intellectual Property, Content Authenticity, Open and Closed Systems, Energy Usage and Data Centers, Small Business, Agriculture, Healthcare, and Financial Services.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://hudson.house.gov/press-releases/rep-richard-hudson-secures-house-passage-of-bill-to-formally-recognize-lumbee-tribe", "Rep. Richard Hudson Secures House Passage of Bill to Formally Recognize Lumbee Tribe", "2024-12-17", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Richard Hudson", "H001067", "hudson.house.gov", "hudson", "https://hudson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-09) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed his Lumbee Fairness Act, which will provide long-overdue federal recognition and protections for the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina:\n\n\u201cHouse passage of this critical legislation brings us one step closer to securing full federal recognition for the Lumbee Tribe,\" said Rep. Hudson. \"I am proud to have led this effort and will continue to fight until the Lumbee people get the recognition they rightfully deserve.\"\n\nBackground\n\nIn 1885, North Carolina formally recognized the Lumbee Tribe, and the Tribe began to seek full federal recognition in 1888. The Lumbees have deep cultural roots in North Carolina and have contributed to the state through their traditions and ambition for decades.\n\nSince 1988, legislation to federally recognize the Lumbee Tribe has been introduced in Congress over 30 separate times, including introduction by Rep. Hudson. Bipartisan legislation has passed the House of Representatives six times, most recently in November 2020 during the 116th Congress and November 2021 during the 117th Congress.\n\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/murphy-introduces-legislation-eliminate-burdensome-regulations-first", "Murphy Introduces Legislation to Eliminate Burdensome Regulations for First Responders", "2024-12-17", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Gregory F. Murphy", "M001210", "murphy.house.gov", "murphy", "https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. issued the following statement after introducing the Emergency Vehicles Responsiveness Act, to eliminate burdensome and costly EPA regulations impacting first responders.\n\n\"First responders should be solely focused on saving lives and responding to emergencies, not onerous and expensive tailpipe regulations,\" said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. \"The U.S. military is exempt from such requirements in the interest of operational efficiency and first responders should be treated the same. This legislation is a commonsense action that will ensure funding for our first responders, often barely enough to keep the lights on, can be preserved for more critical needs.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://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://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-adams-sens-markey-and-hirono-introduce-legislation-promote", "Rep. Adams, Sens. Markey and Hirono Introduce Legislation to Promote Preservation of Government and Historical Records", "2024-12-12", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Alma S. Adams", "A000370", "adams.house.gov", "adams", "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Image\n\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), a member of the House Education and the Workforce Committee, Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Health, Labor, Education, and Pensions Committee and Environment and Public Works Committee, and Senator Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) today introduced the Public Archives Resiliency Act (H.R. 10383), which would authorize grants to promote preservation, climate resilience, adaption, and continuity of vital government records and protect other records of historical or cultural significance. The legislation would provide funding for public archives, libraries, museums, institutions of higher education, or non-profits that protect these valuable records.\n\nAs the climate crisis worsens, the need to protect vital government records from damage and destruction is more urgent than ever. Government records are generated through birth, death, marriage, taxes, military service, education, immigration, property ownership and much more. Far too many institutions that manage these records are at risk of environmental damage and lack resources to protect themselves and their communities. When records are destroyed or become inaccessible, it can delay an individual\u2019s ability to access key government benefits and services, as well as result in the loss of irreplaceable cultural artifacts.\n\n\u201cEspecially in the wake of Hurricane Helene, which reminded us of the vulnerability of vital records of many North Carolinians to storm damage, we have a duty to ensure that archival records are protected from the elements,\u201d said Congresswoman Adams. \u201cI\u2019m grateful to partner with Senator Markey in introducing legislation that would make new investments in public archives and the records of Tribes, museums, and libraries to bolster their resiliency. From preserving cultural memory to protecting legal and financial rights, the Public Archives Resiliency Act is a modest piece of legislation with wide-ranging, consequential benefits.\u201d\n\n\u201cArchival records impact everyone\u2019s lives, from birth and death certificates, to military service records, to personal property records, to the history of a community. Organized and preserved archives hold our government accountable and provide access to the knowledge and records necessary to secure our rights and benefits.\u201d said Senator Markey. \u201cThe climate crisis demands that we protect public archives from environmental damage and preserve these invaluable glimpses into our past and present.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn the wake of last year\u2019s Lahaina wildfires, eight of the Lahaina Restoration Foundation\u2019s historic sites were burned down or critically damaged, leading to the loss of thousands of artifacts and records,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cPublic archives are essential to the preservation of our history and culture. The Public Archives Resiliency Act will help to better protect them from the effects of climate change, including natural disasters like wildfires or floods.\u201d\n\n\u201cAmerica's archives have a unique role in underpinning legal and civic life and preserving cultural memory. Archives are part of the foundational infrastructure of our democracy. The growing frequency and severity of climate change-related disasters is having serious consequences on America's archives and the archivists who steward these vital records. This legislation is critically important for providing support to address this increasingly urgent issue,\u201d said Eira Tansey, internationally recognized expert on climate change and archives, and author of A Green New Deal for Archives.\n\n\u201cThe importance of creating resilient archival institutions cannot be understated. Especially related to government archives and records, individuals often rely on the creation and preservation of records - censuses, taxes, military service, education, legal proceedings, property ownership, among others - to protect their rights and property, to secure benefits, and to recover from disaster. We must do the work now to preserve these records and make sure they are accessible for the future,\u201d said Joy Banks, Executive Director, Council of State Archivists (CoSA).\n\n\u201cSAA is excited to see the Senator\u2019s office taking action to support archives impacted by climate change. Providing such support to the profession will ensure that archivists have the resources they need to maintain their collections under changing conditions. We are grateful to Senator Markey\u2019s office for their commitment to the archives and records profession,\u201d said Tomaro Taylor, President of the Society of American Archivists.\n\n\u201cOur historical records are essential to our understanding of America's past. They provide facts for decision-makers and fuel for our imaginations, whether in the hands of scholars, educators, or family members. Our archival institutions deserve the necessary resources to continue to serve as cornerstones of our democracy. This bill protects these priceless documents as we continue to adapt to the challenges of climate change,\u201d said Brian Boyles, Executive Director of Mass Humanities.\n\n\u201cThis opportunity is vital in protecting our nation\u2019s shared cultural heritage from the impacts of climate change. The Museum of Science is grateful to contribute to this critical effort, which holds significant meaning for the public and future generations. It is essential that museums, archives, and libraries have access to these funding opportunities to improve access to both physical and digital archival records. These records play a crucial role in informing the decisions we make today, which will impact and shape our future,\u201d saidTim Ritchie, President of the Museum of Science, Boston.\n\n\u201cAs a historic site in a seaside location, The House of the Seven Gables has already started to see impacts of climate change on our archival collections. Increased humidity promotes mold growth and decomposition, larger and more dangerous storms threaten our storage facilities, and the growing risk of flooding from sea level rise could cause catastrophic damage. Our organization has been entrusted with documents and records that tell the story of early Massachusetts and America. Support such as this bill would be transformational not just for us, but for many other archives, libraries, and museums across the nation\u201d said Dakota Russell, Executive Director of the House of the Seven Gables.\n\n\u201cThe importance of this bill cannot be overstated. This bill provides crucial support to libraries, archives and museums that care for historic and cultural materials endangered by the impacts of climate change. Infrastructure support would allow for critical improvements to aging HVAC systems, especially in Hawai\u2018i and other tropical climates where high temperature and humidity pose major challenges to maintaining a safe long term preservation environment for archival films. Digitization support would allow for the preservation, access and sharing of our cultural heritage documented on films and videos that are increasingly susceptible to loss from climate disasters,\u201d said Janel Quirante, Head Archivist, at \u2018Ulu\u2018ulu: The Henry Ku\u2018ualoha Giugni Moving Image Archive of Hawai\u2018i.\n\n\u201cHistoric records and artifacts left by our k\u016bpuna (ancestors) serve as foundational blueprints, offering invaluable guidance for addressing present-day challenges and shaping our future. The Public Archives Resiliency Act, which allocates additional funding to repositories, greatly strengthens the capacity of Hawai\u2018i\u2019s archives to preserve and access essential historical records. This support is particularly critical as we confront the challenges of climate change, as recently underscored by the devastating wildfires on Maui in 2023,\u201d said Kai Kahele, Chairman of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees.\n\n\u201cThe Public Archives Resiliency Act will provide essential support to Hawai\u2018i\u2019s repositories dedicated to the preservation and accessibility of historic documents and artifacts. These institutions serve as vital stewards, empowering and educating the communities they support. OHA\u2019s partnership with the Lahaina Restoration Foundation serves as a timely example of the importance of digitizing historic documents for the purpose of preserving Hawai\u02bbi\u2019s history and provides a foundational framework upon which we build our future,\u201d said Kale Hannahs, Research Systems Administrator at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.\n\n\u201cArchival records, by their very nature, deteriorate over time. An archivist\u2019s job is to slow this process and preserve the vital information documenting our society. The changing climate adds undue stress, expense, and pressure to this role\u2014national, state, and local governments must prioritize supporting the strengthening of archival resiliency as a preventative measure, or recovery of destroyed records will come at a much higher fiscal and social burden,\u201d said Edward Benoit III, Associate Director and Associate Professor, School of Information Studies, at Louisiana State University.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/murphy-applauds-passage-fy25-national-defense-authorization-act-0", "Murphy Applauds Passage of FY25 National Defense Authorization Act", "2024-12-12", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Gregory F. Murphy", "M001210", "murphy.house.gov", "murphy", "https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "December 12, 2024\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. applauds the passage of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025. This legislation authorizes $883.7 billion for fiscal year 2025, including $849.9 billion for Department of Defense programs. It will save taxpayers $31 billion by cutting out inefficient programs and government agency bureaucracy by 4%.\n\n\"I am pleased that Congress has passed a National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 that empowers our military to safeguard the United States and takes care of our troops,\" said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D.\"This package robustly funds and modernizes our armed forces to prepare us against threats abroad, improves the quality of life for service members and their families and refocuses the Pentagon\u2019s mission on our national security and away from political distractions. It is an honor to represent some of our nation\u2019s greatest warfighters at Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Stations Cherry Point and New River. North Carolina\u2019s 3rd District will benefit greatly from the $208 million in funding secured for military construction projects on our bases and $50 million in Impact Aid that will help our military community.\"\n\nVictories | By the Numbers:\n\n$53.52 million for the aircraft maintenance hangar at Cherry Point\n\n$20.02 million for the composite repair facility at Cherry Point\n\n$50 million for the F-35 Sustainment Center at Cherry Point\n\n$27.5 million for the SOF Armory at Camp Lejeune\n\n$57 million for the SOF Information Maneuver Facility at Camp Lejeune\n\nTotal for NC-03 Military Construction Initiatives in FY2025: $208.04 MILLION\n\n$50 million in Impact Aid and $20 million to local schools teaching children with severe disabilities\n\n$41 million for the SJAFB Combat Arms Training and Maintenance Complex\n\n$13 million for the SOF Arms Room Addition at Fort Liberty\n\n$34 million for the SOF Cam MacKall Company Operations Facilities at Fort Liberty\n\nBackground\n\nImproves quality of life for service members and families\n\nIncludes a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted service members and supports a 4.5% pay raise for all other service members.\n\nRequires the Department of Defense and Department of Education to streamline the process for educational assistance so America\u2019s service members do not have to worry about student debt after service.\n\nSupports the Army\u2019s Future Soldier Preparatory Course and encourages the other Services to establish a similar course to improve recruitment.\n\nOffers competitive pay for Child Development Center staff.\n\nProvides service members with direct access to specialty medical providers by waiving the TRICARE referral requirement.\n\nAuthorizes $176 million for the design and construction of new childcare centers.\n\nEstablishes a pilot program to prevent and treat maternal mental health conditions for service members and their spouses.\n\nRequires the Defense Health Agency to report on provider shortages at maternal health clinics in rural areas.\n\nEliminates woke ideology and restores focus on lethality\n\nPermanently bans DoD from funding transgender medical treatments for children.\n\nProhibits funding for the teaching, training, or promotion of Critical Race Theory in the military, including at service academies and DoD schools.\n\nGuts DEI bureaucracy by extending the DEI hiring freeze, prohibiting DoD from contracting with advertising firms like NewsGuard that blacklist conservative news sources, and banning funding for DoD\u2019s politically biased Countering Extremism Working Group.\n\nDeters Chinese Communist Party (CCP) aggression\n\nPrevents Chinese espionage by prohibiting contracting with the subsidiaries of any Chinese civil-military companies to include any subsidiaries, the sharing of sensitive missile defense information with China, and Chinese nationals from being admitted to nuclear facilities.\n\nMandates the DoD do a full teardown of Communist Chinese drones to ensure no U.S. technology is advancing their capabilities.\n\nProhibits the DoD from utilizing a Communist Chinese-owned tutoring service for service members and their families.\n\nRequires the DoD to report on the proliferation and risks of Communist Chinese routers and modems in their systems.\n\nProhibits the DoD from operating or procuring light detection and ranging technology manufactured in Communist China.\n\nRequires CCP-drone manufacturers DJI, Autel Robotics, and their subsidiaries and affiliates to be placed on FCC's Covered List within a year of the passage of the act unless a national security agency determines they do not pose an unacceptable national security risk.\n\nImproves military readiness and strengthens our industrial base\n\nRequires the DoD to establish a strategy to build out the domestic drone industry and to work with industry to lower the cost of secure unmanned aircraft systems.\n\nEnsures the DoD is examining the threat of artificial intelligence voice replication to trusted military communications and is identifying efforts to protect against these threats.\n\nRequires the DoD to define \u201cattritable unmanned aircraft system\u201d to enable the DoD to acquire attritable systems at scale.\n\nRequires the Chief Digital and AI Officer to develop a plan to scale Combined Joint All Domain Command and Control Mission Applications to enable global integration for early warning and detection.\n\nSupports the Air Force\u2019s Acquisition Instructor Course and examines how this program can be expanded across the DoD.\n\nEnsures that the Army is considering soldier feedback when making a production decision on IVAS 1.2.\n\nProvides support for Israel and resources necessary to counter our adversaries\n\nAuthorizes robust funding for U.S-Israel anti-tunnel cooperation.\n\nAuthorizes $47.5 million for U.S.-Israel collaboration on emerging technologies like AI, c-UAS, and electronic warfare.\n\nAuthorizes full funding for U.S.-Israel missile defense cooperation.\n\nProhibits DoD from using or citing casualty data from Hamas and other terrorist organizations.\n\nProhibits the sale of goods at DoD commissaries and exchanges from any entities that have or are engaged in antisemitic BDS efforts.\n\nStrengthens our nuclear posture, improves missile defense, and accelerates delivery of space capabilities.\n\nRequires the establishment of a third continental missile defense site by 2030 to bolster defense of the homeland from long-range missile threats.\n\nRequires the Department to designate a senior official responsible for establishing a national integrated air and missile defense architecture for the United States.\n\nContinues support for investments in innovative commercial space solutions that would increase our capacity and resilience in space.\n\nEstablishes a pilot program to demonstrate the ability to connect commercial and government systems in a hybrid space architecture.\n\nEstablishes the Commerical Augmentation Space Reserve (CASR) to allow the Space Force to contract with private sector to rapidly acquire space capabilities on an as-needed basis.\n\nContinues DoD support of law enforcement operations along our borders.\n\nFully funds deployment of National Guard troops at the southwest border.\n\nAuthorizes $90 million for construction of a new Joint Inter-Agency Task Force South (JIATF-S) Command and Control Facility to detect and interdict illegal migrants and narcotics.\n\nIncreases funding by $10 million for DoD counternarcotics activities.\n\nExpands DoD\u2019s authority to assist law enforcement in the interdiction of narcotics traffickers.\n\nRequires DoD to brief an independent review of ways to improve DoD\u2019s ability to carry out its counternarcotics and counter-transitional organized crime mission.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2024/12/ross-kean-lead-bipartisan-effort-to-fully-fund-noaa-hurricane-hunter-fleet-in-disaster-funding-legislation", "Ross, Kean Lead Bipartisan Effort to Fully Fund NOAA Hurricane Hunter Fleet in Disaster Funding Legislation", "2024-12-12", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington D.C. \u2014 Today, Representatives Deborah Ross (NC-02) and Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) led 14 bipartisan colleagues in urging House Leadership to include President Biden\u2019s full funding request for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration\u2019s (NOAA) three next-generation Hurricane Hunter aircraft in upcoming disaster funding legislation.\n\nThe lawmakers wrote, \u201cNOAA currently has two WP-3D aircraft capable of flying directly into hurricanes to collect critical data necessary for National Weather Service meteorologists to better measure and understand tropical systems. The data collected from these aircraft are essential to improving the accuracy of a hurricane\u2019s track forecast and intensity. When hurricane hunter aircraft are deployed in a storm system in the Atlantic basin, the critical data that is obtained leads to improvements in forecasts of storm intensity by 15 - 20% and of storm track by 10 - 15%, which is on the order of 20 - 25 miles. This refined information can make a substantial difference for coastal cities regarding evacuation orders and other emergency measures. These improved forecasts allow emergency managers to make well-informed, actionable decisions that protect lives and livelihoods and mitigate economic losses.\u201d\n\nThey continued, \u201cThe need for new aircraft is more urgent than ever as the rapid intensification of tropical storms and hurricanes becomes more common, and hurricane activity impacts a greater area of the U.S. coast.3 Atlantic storm activity in 2024 has been above normal, with 19 named storms and 5 major hurricanes leading to what is likely to be the second-costliest U.S. hurricane season on record (following the 2017 season). This fall, Hurricanes Helene and Milton devastated the U.S. southeast region. Notably, both storms underwent dramatic rapid intensification as they approached landfall, and the forecasts for both storms were aided by NOAA hurricane hunter missions.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://dondavis.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-don-davis-votes-ndaa-stop-job-cuts-seymour-johnson-air-force-base", "Congressman Don Davis Votes for NDAA to Stop Job Cuts at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base and Pay Our Troops", "2024-12-11", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Donald G. Davis", "D000230", "dondavis.house.gov", "dondavis", "https://dondavis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) issued the following statement after voting for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which the U.S. House of Representatives passed by a margin of 281 to 140. H.R. 5009, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Authorization Act of 2025 includes a provision prohibiting the Air Force from divesting F-15E Strike Eagles. The legislation would prevent the eliminating of 520 jobs at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Wayne County, one of North Carolina\u2019s most economically distressed areas.\n\n\u201cThe NDAA saves Seymour Johnson Air Force Base from hundreds of job cuts and puts more money into the hands of our junior enlisted, helping many who are experiencing food insecurity and relying on food stamps while safeguarding the American people,\u201d said Congressman Don Davis. \u201cThe fight isn\u2019t over. By pushing off the retirement of F-15E aircraft until 2027, we have more time to achieve a long-term solution and continue prioritizing economic stability for Wayne County and eastern North Carolina.\u201d\n\nThe NDAA also contains an authorizing provision supporting $41 million to construct a Combat Arms Training & Maintenance Complex that Congressman Davis requested after visiting the base. \u201cTo the 4th Fighter Wing and Wayne County: I see you, hear you, and will stay in this fight with you,\u201d Davis added.\n\n\u201cAs a member of the House Armed Services Quality of Life Panel, I am glad to see that we are taking care of our junior enlisted and their families by passing a 14.5% pay raise. Moving forward, Congress must take every step necessary to address the cost of living challenges our troops face every day,\u201d Davis concluded.\n\nOther Key Provisions of the NDAA for FY 2025 include:\n\n$1.8 billion for procurement of an additional 18 F-15EX aircraft\n\n$500 million for the Israeli Cooperative Missile Defense Programs, including Iron Dome, David\u2019s Sling, and Arrow missile defense systems, and $200 million for international security cooperation with Taiwan\n\nA 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted service members (E-4 and below) and a 4.5% basic pay increase for all other servicemembers\n\nRequires reevaluation of the current calculation methods for Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) to a realistic allowance for service members\u2019 meals\n\nRaises the Basic Needs Allowance (BNA) threshold to 200% of federal poverty guidelines\n\nCongressman Don Davis secured 16 amendments to the NDAA for FY 2025:\n\nProhibits F-15E divestment through at least FY 2027, with minimal exceptions for the retirement of aircraft that are no longer operable\n\nAuthorizes funding for a Combat Arms Training & Maintenance (CATM) Complex at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base\n\nAllows up to nine Service Academy graduates per year to fulfill their Active-Duty Service Obligation (ADSO) in the selected reserves as a recruiting officer if they are drafted as a professional athlete\n\nAuthorizes additional funding for Longshot Munitions Technology Development\n\nAuthorizes a pilot program for studying AI in Marine Corps supply chain logistics operations\n\nAuthorizes a pilot program for combat training centers\n\nRequires a report on Implications of Continuing Resolutions and Government Shutdowns on Shipbuilding Efforts\n\nRequires a report on human performance policies to optimize the readiness of military personnel\n\nRequires a study of the utility of new army-load-carrying technology for U.S. Army personnel\n\nRequires a report on National Influenza Vaccine Modernization Strategy Implementation\n\nRequires a report on the effectiveness of emerging weapons systems like the conventional extensible warhead\n\nRequires a report on strategies to identify, develop, and procure ground robotic autonomous systems, including at Camp Lejeune\n\nRequires regular reporting on the Postsecondary Education Complaint System (PECS)\n\nRequires a report on innovative treatments for acute and chronic vascular trauma\n\nRequires a report on Military Base Flood Mapping to mitigate flood damage at military installations\n\nAuthorizes an additional $5 million for advanced military base security to guard against cyber and perimeter security breaches\n\nTimeline of Action on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base:\n\nOn November 20, 2023, Congressman Davis toured Seymour Johnson Air Force Base (SJAFB) during an official Congressional Delegation visit to deepen his understanding of the operations and challenges of SJAFB and to express unwavering support for the brave men and women in uniform.\n\nOn March 13, 2024, Congressman Davis delivered remarks on the House Floor regarding plans by the Air Force to divest a combat squadron and strip away 520 jobs at SJAFB. A Full Video of Congressman Davis\u2019 speech on the House Floor is here.\n\nOn April 2, 2024, Congressman Davis sent a letter to President Joe Biden urging the Administration not to divest an F-15E aircraft fighter squadron at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base (SJAFB) in Goldsboro, North Carolina. Read the full letter here.\n\nOn April 17, 2024, Congressman Davis questioned the Secretary of the Air Force on what communication he or his team had had with the local community, what the economic impact of divestment would be, and whether the Air Force planned to deliver the late report on force structure decisions.\n\nOn May 13, 2024, Congressman Davis announced a provision prohibiting the retirement of F-15E aircraft, including the combat squadron at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, targeted for divestment.\n\nMilitary installations in eastern North Carolina include Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, the United States Coast Guard\u2014Elizabeth City, Camp Lejeune, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, and Fort Liberty.\n\nCongressman Don Davis is a 1994 U.S. Air Force Academy graduate and a U.S. Air Force Veteran. He serves on the House Armed Services Committee and is the Vice Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Readiness.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-foushee-votes-against-national-defense-authorization-act-for-fiscal-year-2025", "Congresswoman Foushee Votes Against National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025", "2024-12-11", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Valerie P. Foushee", "F000477", "foushee.house.gov", "foushee", "https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC (December 11, 2024) \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04), released the following statement after voting against the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025.\n\n\u201cThe federal government has the solemn responsibility to support our servicemembers who make immense sacrifices to defend our nation. Still, House Republicans have decided to prioritize political interests and agendas ahead of the millions in our military who protect us every day,\u201d said Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04). \u201cThis bill attacks diversity, limits equity and inclusion, undermines essential climate measures, and restricts servicemember\u2019s families from making their own health care decisions. Although this was a difficult decision, I cannot in good conscience support legislation that takes a step back in promoting inclusivity within our military and may force servicemembers to choose between continuing their service or ensuring proper health care for their families.\u201d\n\nSpecifically, the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act would:\n\nBan gender-affirming care to military dependents under the age of 18.\n\nImpose a hiring freeze on personnel to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion in the military.\n\nProhibit funding for the working group which investigates and screens for white nationalist and other discriminatory ideologies in the military.\n\nDefund Pentagon efforts to minimize the risk of climate-change impacts from major federal procurements.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://hudson.house.gov/press-releases/hudson-celebrates-ndaa-passage-big-wins-for-troops-military-families", "Hudson Celebrates NDAA Passage, Big Wins for Troops, Military Families", "2024-12-11", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Richard Hudson", "H001067", "hudson.house.gov", "hudson", "https://hudson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-09) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (FY 25 NDAA) with bipartisan support:\n\n\u201cAs the representative of the largest military base in the world, I fought hard for a pay increase for our troops and more money for housing and quality of life investments for our servicemembers and their families,\" said Rep. Hudson. \"I am proud of the big wins we secured to give our military community the support they deserve.\"\n\nRep. Hudson fought for and secured several measures in the FY 2025 NDAA, including:\n\n$47 million in military construction projects at Fort Bragg, including a SOF Arms Room Addition and SOF Operations Facilities;\n\nPrevents the U.S. Army's proposed cuts to its SOF troops;\n\nA 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers and a 4.5% raise for all other servicemembers;\n\n$1.2 billion to renovate and build new barracks;\n\n$569 million to build new family housing units;\n\n$954 million for additional housing and facility maintenance accounts;\n\nProvides servicemembers with direct access to specialty medial providers by waiving the TRICARE referral requirement;\n\nEnables the Department of Defense to recruit and employ additional mental health providers;\n\nCodifies the Military Spouses Career Accelerator which provides employment support for military spouses; and\n\nExpands access to childcare for military spouses when they are seeking employment.\n\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/murphy-hosts-4th-annual-campus-free-speech-roundtable", "Murphy Hosts 4th Annual Campus Free Speech Roundtable", "2024-12-11", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Gregory F. Murphy", "M001210", "murphy.house.gov", "murphy", "https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 This morning, Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. hosted his 4th Annual Campus Free Speech Roundtable, alongside Education & the Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx and Congressman Burgess Owens, to convene lawmakers, stakeholders, and students to discuss challenges to free expression on college campuses and solutions to support First Amendment protections.\n\nRepresentatives from the Young America's Foundation (YAF), Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), Alumni Free Speech Alliance (AFSA), American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA), Speech First, Davidsonians for Freedom of Thought and Discourse, Princetonians for Free Speech and The Jefferson Council for the University of Virginia were in attendance.\n\nThe live stream for the event can be viewed here.\n\n\"Free speech on campuses across the country has been under attack for decades,\" said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. \"Progressive political ideologues have infiltrated and overtaken college administrations and faculties. Rampant anti-Semitism and egregious DEI programs have replaced the principles of civility, freedom of expression, and equality on which institutions of higher education were founded. Students, in record numbers, self-censor in classrooms. Faculty force their own political ideologies on students. Administrators abuse their position of authority to push a political agenda. Congress plays a role in oversight of public universities and must protect students' First Amendment rights. I appreciate the ongoing commitment of groups who fight for free speech so that we ensure our nation's colleges remain robust learning environments that cultivate tolerant, well-rounded individuals capable of contributing to our dynamic society.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2024/12/congresswoman-ross-votes-against-ndaa-calls-for-passage-of-camp-lejeune-justice-corrections-act", "Congresswoman Ross Votes Against NDAA, Calls for Passage of Camp Lejeune Justice Corrections Act", "2024-12-11", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) voted against the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025. Congresswoman Ross has been fighting for the inclusion of her bipartisan legislation, The Camp Lejeune Justice Corrections Act, in the NDAA. However, the final text passed by the House did not incorporate her bill.\n\n\u201cThe annual defense authorization presents an important opportunity to invest in our national security and in North Carolina service members, veterans, and their families,\u201d said Congresswoman Ross. \u201cWhile I strongly support much of the bill, including pay increases for our men and women in uniform, I\u2019m extremely disappointed that the final version of the NDAA did not include the bipartisan Camp Lejeune Justice Corrections Act. This critical legislation will remove legal barriers that are preventing veterans who were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune from accessing the remedies they deserve. Our North Carolina veterans and their families deserve justice. We must pass this urgently needed legislation without delay.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://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://ross.house.gov/2024/12/house-passes-congresswoman-ross-request-to-increase-north-carolina-environmental-infrastructure-program-funding-in-the-water-resources-development-act", "House Passes Congresswoman Ross\u2019 Request to Increase North Carolina Environmental Infrastructure Program Funding in the Water Resources Development Act", "2024-12-10", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington D.C. \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) announced that $50 million in authorized federal funding for the North Carolina Environmental Infrastructure Program passed the U.S. House of Representatives in the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act. This funding provides a significant $37 million increase from the current $13 million allocation and will support environmental assistance projects across North Carolina. The legislation now heads to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law. Congresswoman Ross submitted a request for this funding in January 2024.\n\nAdministered in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, these funds will assist non-federal entities in addressing critical assistance needs, including water infrastructure development and resource protection. This investment comes as water quality concerns grow nationwide. In November, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported that over 11 million more Americans are exposed to PFAS in their drinking water, bringing the total number at risk to more than 143 million. Additionally, in March 2024, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality added 70 bodies of water to the proposed list of impaired waters.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m extremely excited to see an historic $50 million authorized for North Carolina through the North Carolina Environmental Infrastructure Program,\u201d said Congresswoman Ross. \u201cThis funding marks a critical step in ensuring cleaner, safer water for communities across North Carolina. I am committed to working across party lines to safeguard public health and protect North Carolina\u2019s precious environment for future generations.\u201d\n\nProgram funds will go to:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://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://dondavis.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-don-davis-delivers-thanksgiving-pies-first-responders-and-911", "Congressman Don Davis Delivers Thanksgiving Pies to First Responders and 911 Telecommunicators", "2024-12-06", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Donald G. Davis", "D000230", "dondavis.house.gov", "dondavis", "https://dondavis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) delivered pies to first responders and 911 telecommunicators working over Thanksgiving and extended Thanksgiving greetings across all 19 counties in North Carolina\u2019s First Congressional District during his second annual \u201cPies of Thanks\u201d Thanksgiving Tour.\n\n\u201cPies of Thanks is about showing appreciation for the unsung heroes of our communities \u2014 our first responders and 911 telecommunicators. Law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency services personnel stand unwaveringly on the front lines of our security and healthcare systems, especially during the holidays, ensuring safety for all,\u201d said Congressman Davis.\n\nThe second annual \"Pies of Thanks\" Thanksgiving tour is a gesture of appreciation on behalf of eastern North Carolinians for the unwavering dedication and service exhibited by those on the front lines. Congressman Davis personally delivered pies as tokens of appreciation, symbolizing the community's gratitude towards these essential personnel.\n\nThe Tour kicked off at 7:45 AM at the Greene County Operations Center in Snow Hill, NC. From there, it continued through Wilson, Pitt, Martin, Bertie, Washington, Tyrrell, Chowan, Perquimans, Pasquotank, Gates, Hertford, Northampton, Halifax, Warren, Vance, Franklin, Nash, and Edgecombe counties.\n\nThe journey's final stop was at the Edgecombe County Sheriff\u2019s Office in Tarboro, NC, concluding the second annual \"Pies of Thanks\" Thanksgiving Tour. The tour became a symbol of recognition for those who tirelessly safeguard our communities 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://dondavis.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-don-davis-marks-one-year-medicaid-expansion-north-carolina", "Congressman Don Davis Marks One Year of Medicaid Expansion In North Carolina", "2024-12-06", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Donald G. Davis", "D000230", "dondavis.house.gov", "dondavis", "https://dondavis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Don Davis (NC-01), Co-Chair of the State Medicaid Expansion Caucus, marked the first anniversary of Medicaid expansion in North Carolina on the U.S. House of Representatives floor. The milestone comes after more than a decade of advocacy from patients, providers, and elected officials.\n\n\u201cAfter a decade of waiting, in some cases, dying, we must now celebrate that over 95,000 eastern North Carolinians once trapped in the Medicaid coverage gap now have access to healthcare,\u201d said Congressman Don Davis. \u201cMedicaid expansion and the new Center for Medical Education at East Carolina University will address health disparities and help to create thousands of jobs in our most economically distressed communities. As Co-Chair of the State Medicaid Expansion Caucus, I am glad to have been part of the effort in the NC General Assembly and US Congress to ensure a brighter future for families across eastern North Carolina.\u201d\n\nAfter Governor Roy Cooper signed House Bill 76, Access to Healthcare Options, into law, more than 95,000 residents of eastern North Carolina and nearly 600,000 North Carolinians statewide gained access to healthcare through Medicaid. Governor Cooper marked this milestone at ECU Health in Greenville.\n\nDuring his 12 years in the NC General Assembly, Congressman Davis worked to ensure approval of both the new Center for Medical Education building and Medicaid expansion, which work hand in hand to create more than 3,000 jobs across eastern North Carolina and save countless lives. As hospitals and other healthcare facilities face financial obstacles because their payer mix skews towards Medicare and Medicaid, the expansion will and already is providing an economic lifeline. Since the closure of Martin General Hospital and the efforts by Washington Regional Medical Center to fill some of the void, Congressman Davis has fought to ensure critical infrastructure funding and continued support for Rural Emergency Hospitals at the federal level.\n\nJanuary 12, 2023 - Congressman Davis delivers his first floor remarksadvocating for Medicaid expansion at the federal level.\n\nFebruary 9, 2023 - Congressman Davis introduces H.Res. 122, a resolution expressing support for a federal alternative to statewide Medicaid expansion.\n\nFebruary 10, 2023 - Congressmen Davis (NC-01), Cohen (TN-09), and Johnson (GA-04), then representing three non-expansion states, re-launched the State Medicaid Expansion Caucus to voice support at the federal level for Medicaid expansion across all fifty states.\n\nDecember 1, 2023 - The State Medicaid Expansion Caucus applauds North Carolina expanding Medicaid after more than a decade of negotiations in the North Carolina General Assembly.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2024/12/reps-ross-joyce-castor-bacon-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-help-end-abuse-and-sexual-violence-in-sports", "Reps. Ross, Joyce, Castor, Bacon Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Help End Abuse and Sexual Violence in Sports", "2024-12-06", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington D.C. \u2014 Today, Representatives Deborah Ross (NC-02), Dave Joyce (OH-14), Kathy Castor (FL-14), and Don Bacon (NE-02) hosted a virtual press conference to announce the introduction of their Safer Sports for Athletes Act. Alongside survivors and advocates, the lawmakers introduced their bipartisan legislation to strengthen the U.S. Center for SafeSport (SafeSport) and help end sexual, physical, and emotional abuse in sports.\n\nVIDEO: Click here to download a recording of the press conference\n\nCongress established SafeSport in 2017 to conduct investigations into cases of abuse in sports, control a centralized disciplinary database, and provide training designed to prevent abuse in sports to coaches, athletes, and sports organizations. SafeSport receives thousands of reports of abuse and misconduct per year, but it needs stronger guidelines and greater resources to fulfill the intent of Congress and better prevent and address sexual, physical, and emotional abuse of athletes.\n\nCongresswoman Ross represents the Carolina Courage, whose players experienced sexual abuse and coercion while Paul Riley was the head coach. Since news broke of his abuse, Congresswoman Ross has led efforts in Congress to help reform the culture of abuse and harassment that has permeated women\u2019s soccer and other sports for too long.\n\n\u201cFor too long, athletes in different sports and across all levels of athletics have endured devastating abuse and have not felt served by the institutions charged with protecting them,\u201d said Congresswoman Ross. \u201cNo athlete \u2013 whether they play sports for fun or for a living \u2013 should be forced to experience the level of abuse, harassment, and violence that has become unacceptably common in sports today. The time for change is now, and I am proud to lead a bipartisan group of colleagues in introducing the Safer Sports for Athletes Act. This comprehensive legislation will help SafeSport live up to its promise of protecting athletes and preventing abuse and sexual violence in sports.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur nation\u2019s athletes at all ages go through extensive training and work overtime to achieve their athletic goals. Unfortunately, the prevalence of sexual abuse by some of their most trusted mentors and coaches is all too common,\u201d said Congressman Joyce. \u201cAfter extensive conversations with athletes who have used the effective SafeSport program since 2018, my colleagues and I put together the Safer Sports for Athletes Act to make necessary improvements. These revisions will ensure athlete survivors get the care they deserve and the criminals are apprehended.\u201d\n\n\"Every athlete at every level deserves to participate in sports in a safe, harm-free environment,\u201d said Rep. Kathy Castor. \u201cCongress created the U.S. Center for SafeSport to protect athletes and hold abusers accountable, but it\u2019s clear that gaps in transparency and accountability must be addressed to serve athletes better. That\u2019s why I\u2019m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation with my colleagues to restore trust, strengthen safeguards and ensure every athlete can thrive in a supportive environment.\u201d\n\n\"Athletes who have been sexually abused should be taken seriously, and abusers must be swiftly brought to justice,\" said Rep. Bacon, co-chair of the Congressional Soccer Caucus. \u201cWhen I became Commander of Ramstein Air Force Base, I inherited a base with the highest sexual assault allegations in the U.S. Air Force and established a three-point program to address it. The program was later ranked by the Air Force as the number one sexual assault response program. I am honored to cosponsor the Safer Sports for Athletes Act of 2024, which will increase transparency in investigations and ensure more resources are invested in training individuals to address sexual abuse.\u201d\n\nCongresswoman Ross\u2019 Safer Sports for Athletes Act would strengthen SafeSport through key revisions that would improve the investigative process for athlete survivors, promote communication with national governing bodies, and revise training guidelines, all while providing SafeSport with enhanced funding. Specifically, the legislation would:\n\nImprove SafeSport\u2019s investigative process by:\n\nProviding fair notice and opportunity to be heard to complainants;\n\nProtecting complainant privacy and safety and allowing for complainants to have a confidential victim advocate present in any proceedings;\n\nSetting a timeline for SafeSport to conclude cases or notify parties of necessary extensions; and\n\nEstablishing preponderance of evidence as the burden of proof for SafeSport proceedings.\n\nEnsure the investigation process is trauma-informed by:\n\nReplacing SafeSport\u2019s arbitration process with an expert panel, which would consist of experts with training in trauma-informed care and an understanding of the sport dynamics relevant to the case; and\n\nAllowing SafeSport to pursue investigations and sanctions without testimony from victims of sexual misconduct in extraordinary circumstances.\n\nEnsure national governing bodies (NGBs) have information to keep predators out of sports by:\n\nEnhancing the information that SafeSport provides to NGBs about reports of abuse while ensuring confidentiality of survivors; and\n\nEnsuring that NGBs can prevent individuals accused of sexual misconduct from participating in a sport prior to the conclusion of a SafeSport investigation without that action being considered interference in such investigation.\n\nChange sports culture and prioritize prevention by:\n\nImproving training materials by requiring them to be regularly updated, developed with experts in sexual abuse prevention and athlete survivors, and be trauma-informed using best practices; and\n\nRequiring for the first time an investment in prevention by creating a floor of no less than 20% of SafeSport\u2019s funding to be used for prevention efforts and strategies in amateur athletics, including training, oversight practices, and policies to help create a lasting culture change.\n\nThe Safer Sports for Athletes Act has been endorsed by 47 organizations and individuals dedicated to preventing and addressing abuse in sports, along with the 54 Member State Associations of U.S. Youth Soccer. It has also been endorsed by U.S. Soccer and CHILDUSA.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://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://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-adams-statement-passing-yvonne-johnson", "Rep. Adams\u2019 Statement on the Passing of Yvonne Johnson", "2024-12-05", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Alma S. Adams", "A000370", "adams.house.gov", "adams", "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "\u201cLike me, Yvonne Johnson lived by the old Shirley Chisholm quote, \u201cService is the rent we pay for living on God\u2019s Earth.\u201d She was more than the first Black Mayor of Greensboro. My friend led a life of change and justice-making, from the March on Washington to the Greensboro Sit-ins while she was a student at Bennet College, where I taught for forty years. She took my seat on the Greensboro City Council and led our city with grace and conviction. Her rent is fully paid and then some. Rest in peace, my friend.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/edwards-launches-223-fix-fema-dedicated-fema-help-line", "Edwards launches 223-FIX-FEMA as dedicated FEMA help line", "2024-12-05", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Chuck Edwards", "E000246", "edwards.house.gov", "edwards", "https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) announced that his office launched a dedicated phone number, 223-FIX-FEMA, to help Western North Carolinians with issues regarding the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) following Hurricane Helene.\n\nEdwards said, \u201cWestern North Carolinians who need help with or are having issues with FEMA should call 223-FIX-FEMA, and my office can engage with the agency directly on behalf of your application. Likewise, if you know of anyone living in a tent, needing shelter, or are otherwise unhoused from Hurricane Helene, please call 223-FIX-FEMA and let us know where they are so we can help.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2024/12/video-congresswoman-ross-bill-to-name-raleigh-post-office-after-wwii-veteran-and-civil-rights-leader-millie-dunn-veasey-passes-house", "VIDEO: Congresswoman Ross Bill to Name Raleigh Post Office After WWII Veteran and Civil Rights Leader Millie Dunn Veasey Passes House", "2024-12-05", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "ICYMI \u2014 Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives about her bipartisan bill to rename the post office located at 2777 Brentwood Road in Raleigh, North Carolina as the \u201cMillie Dunn Veasey Post Office.\u201d Honoring a WWII veteran and civil rights leader, the legislation has now passed the House and moves to the Senate for final approval before being signed into law.\n\nTo access the full floor speech, click here. A full transcript can be found below:\n\n--\n\nThank you, Mr. Speaker.\n\nIt's an honor to speak in support of my bill naming the United States Postal Service facility at 2777 Brentwood Road in Raleigh after Staff Sergeant Millie Dunn Veasey.\n\nThis legislation pays tribute to the life and legacy of Millie Dunn Veasey, a remarkable woman whose contributions profoundly shape not only our local community, but our nation.\n\nMs. Dunn Veasey's legacy began when the U.S. Army assigned her to the 6888 Central Postal Directory Battalion as a typist.\n\nThe 6888 was the only African American Women's Army Corps Unit to operate overseas during the war. This group of pioneering women sorted and delivered mail to soldiers, ensuring that they received vital letters from home. The unit adopted the phrase, \"No mail, low morale.\"\n\nThese courageous women knew the power that these letters held for the soldiers who received them. The women worked tirelessly to develop a new mailing system and began successfully processing up to 195,000 pieces of mail each day.\n\nMs. Dunn Veasey's courage and determination during this time was instrumental in the success of this mission, and the story of her service is one of trailblazing leadership in the face of adversity.\n\nAfter the war, Ms. Dunn Veasey returned to Raleigh and took advantage of the GI Bill, enrolling in Saint Augustine\u2019s University. She became active in the Civil Rights Movement, working as an organizer in Raleigh to push for integrated public spaces.\n\nAfter serving our country honorably overseas, she came home and recommitted herself to the pursuit of justice and equality for all.\n\nIn 2018, Millie Dunn Veasey passed away at the age of 100 in her hometown of Raleigh and was buried with distinct honor at the Raleigh VA National Cemetery.\n\nToday, we can ensure that her legacy to the Postal Service lives on and celebrate her place in history as a figure who changed our community and country for the better.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://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://ross.house.gov/2024/12/congresswoman-ross-announces-winner-of-2024-congressional-app-challenge", "Congresswoman Ross Announces Winner of 2024 Congressional App Challenge", "2024-12-03", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Raleigh, N.C. \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) announced Kenna Zhang, a junior at Cary Academy, as the winner of the 2024 Congressional App Challenge for North Carolina\u2019s 2nd Congressional District. Kenna created the app AIPowered-Hope, which stood out among a record number of submissions in this year's competition, showcasing the incredible talent and creativity of students across Wake County.\n\n\u201cEvery year, I am inspired by the talent, ingenuity, and passion for creating positive change that I see from Wake County\u2019s students during the Congressional App Challenge,\u201d said Congresswoman Ross. \u201cI am amazed by how these young minds use technology to tackle real-world issues and imagine bold solutions to some of our most pressing challenges \u2013 from climate change to devastating diseases. I especially want to congratulate Kenna Zhang, this year\u2019s winner, for her innovative app designed to improve early detection of Parkinson\u2019s Disease. Kenna\u2019s app and the submissions of every student exemplify the kind of forward-thinking ideas that will propel our state and country to new heights.\u201d\n\nKenna developed AIPowered-Hope, an app that uses AI and machine learning to assist with the early diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease. She personally coded the app\u2019s machine learning algorithms, enabling it to analyze drawing samples and voice recordings to identify early signs of the disease. Inspired by the potential to improve early diagnosis and enable timely interventions, Kenna created AIPowered-Hope to enhance the quality of life for individuals at risk of Parkinson\u2019s. She also embraced the challenge as an opportunity to deepen her skills and knowledge in app development.\n\nThe competition was judged by a panel of three leading STEM educators and employers from North Carolina\u2019s 2nd District:\n\nDr. Nehemiah Mabry, PE, Founder and CEO, STEMedia Incorporated\n\nAngela Martin, Software User Experience Designer, Lenovo\n\nMallory Schultz, Advisory Software User Experience Designer, Lenovo\n\nEstablished by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2013, the Congressional App Challenge is a nationwide competition for middle school and high school students designed to expose students to the world of app development without requiring prior coding experience. Each participating congressional district selects a local winner who then competes with winners from other participating districts for further awards.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2024/12/house-passes-congresswoman-ross-legislation-to-provide-technical-corrections-to-national-and-commercial-space-programs-in-united-states-code", "House Passes Congresswoman Ross Legislation to Provide Technical Corrections to National and Commercial Space Programs in United States Code", "2024-12-03", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Raleigh, NC \u2013 Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation introduced by Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) to revise title 51 of United States Code on National and Commercial Space Programs as necessary to keep the title current, and to make technical amendments to improve the code. Specifically, this legislation, H.R. 7339, fixes cross references and heading names, removes obsolete language, and clarifies some phrases. Congresswoman Ross spoke in support of the legislation on the House floor earlier today.\n\n\u201cUpdating the US Code periodically to make these technical and conforming changes helps ensure the law is accessible to everyday Americans,\u201d Congresswoman Ross said in her floor speech. \u201cThe American people deserve a code that is comprehensible without specialized knowledge, and making the updates in this bill will help make that goal a reality.\u201d\n\nAs a member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, Congresswoman Ross has been a champion of legislation to bolster the nation\u2019s space programs. The bill was referred to the House Judiciary Committee, on which Congresswoman Ross also serves, and was passed unanimously out of committee by voice vote.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2024/12/ross-carter-krishnamoorthi-bentz-lead-letter-calling-on-doj-to-investigate-pbms-role-in-opioid-crisis", "Ross, Carter, Krishnamoorthi, Bentz Lead Letter Calling on DOJ to Investigate PBMs\u2019 Role in Opioid Crisis", "2024-12-02", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (D-NC) joined Representatives Earl L. \u201cBuddy\u201d Carter (R-GA), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), and Cliff Bentz (R-OR) in sending a bipartisan letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland, calling on the Department of Justice to investigate the role pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) may have played in the opioid crisis.\n\n\u201cRecent reports, including confidential files and information from CVS Caremark, Express Scripts, and OptumRx, suggests the three largest PBMs colluded and conspired to steer patients towards Oxycontin in exchange for $400 million\u2026 [and] at the expense of innocent American lives.\u201d wrote the lawmakers.\n\nThey continued, \u201cThe lack of transparency surrounding PBM\u2019s rebate agreements and formulary decisions has allowed them to operate with little to no oversight, posing a significant threat to America\u2019s public health. That is why we strongly urge the Department of Justice to investigate the role PBMs may have played in the opioid crisis and hold them accountable.\u201d\n\nThe letter was prompted by the findings of recent investigations:\n\nCVS Caremark\u2019s agreement with Purdue Pharma: Internal documents revealed that CVS Caremark agreed to double rebates for health plans that authorized four or more OxyContin pills per day, incentivizing higher doses.\n\nExpress Script\u2019s 2017 practices: Confidential files showed that Express Scripts awarded Purdue Pharma favorable placement on formularies in exchange for a 40% rebate on OxyContin prescriptions.\n\nThe impact of these practices: These systems fostered a culture of excessive prescribing and dispensing of OxyContin, further fueling the devastating opioid epidemic.\n\nFull text of the letter is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://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://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-adams-statement-us-presidential-election", "Rep. Adams\u2019 Statement on the U.S. Presidential Election", "2024-11-12", "2024", "2024-11", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Alma S. Adams", "A000370", "adams.house.gov", "adams", "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Image\n\nCHARLOTTE \u2013 Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12) released the following statement on last week\u2019s election results in North Carolina and nationwide.\n\n\"I would like to thank the people of North Carolina\u2019s 12th Congressional District for entrusting me to another term in Congress, as well as the volunteers who worked so hard on our campaign, knocking on doors, making phone calls, and talking to their neighbors.\n\nLike many of you, I am heartbroken by last week\u2019s election results. However, the American people have spoken. Former President Trump will be the next President of the United States and I intend to hold him to his word in supporting funding initiatives for our HBCUs, as well as to supporting policies that benefit the working people of America.\n\nService is indeed the rent we pay for living on God\u2019s earth. Vice President Kamala Harris ran a brilliant campaign in a difficult environment. She has been a dedicated public servant and a shining beacon for our daughters and granddaughters to aspire to.\n\nThe campaign is over, and our job now is to get back to the work of serving the American people. I intend to continue doing so with the grace, determination, and goodness they expect from me.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:07:06Z"], ["https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/hurricane-recovery-update-31", "Hurricane recovery update #31", "2024-11-11", "2024", "2024-11", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Chuck Edwards", "E000246", "edwards.house.gov", "edwards", "https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "November 11, 2024\n\nDear Friend,\n\nHappy Veterans Day!\n\nI cannot put into words the gratitude that I have for our nation\u2019s heroes, but on a day like today, it\u2019s my duty to try.\n\nWe live in a country where we have the freedom to speak our minds and stand up for what we believe in, where we don\u2019t have to live in fear, and where we wake up every day with the ability to build the life we dream for our families. Without the sacrifice that has been made by the brave men and women who serve these United States of America, none of that would be possible; and without their defense of our liberties, we would not be the country or the Americans that we are today.\n\nI can\u2019t help but think that this year's Veterans Day hits even closer to home for the people of Western North Carolina. At its peak, nearly 4,000 active-duty military and National Guardsmen were in our mountains protecting the life and liberties of every single one of us following Hurricane Helene. They were searching for missing loved ones, helping to clear debris, and making sure every man, woman, and child was fed and had water every single day.\n\nOur service members and veterans have always been my heroes but witnessing the sacrifices these individuals made to stand beside our community took my gratitude and appreciation to another level. We will never be able to adequately repay the service members who were in our mountains over the past month and a half for what they have helped us to reclaim, nor will we ever be able to adequately repay our veterans for the sacrifices they made to give us the life we have.\n\nThe least we can do is remind them of our appreciation every single day, especially today.\n\nPlease make sure you thank a veteran today.\n\nThis week\u2019s update includes more information on the FEMA assistance deadlines (November 27 for Serious Needs Assistance, the initial $750 direct payment for food, water, baby formula etc. and January 7 for Individual Assistance), reopening of the Yancey County DMV, Blue Ridge Health locations and hours, where you can pick up mail from your post office box in Barnardsville, a new Disaster Recovery Center in Macon County, and a change in location for the Buncombe County Disaster Recovery Center.\n\nIf you need help navigating FEMA, the SBA, or another federal agency, please call my office\u2019s helpline: 865-EDWARDS; (865) 339-2737. My team would be happy to help you get a case started.\n\nThis is update number 31, with more information to come next Monday. Please make sure to read everything and share it with your friends and family.\n\nIndex\n\nClick the title to be taken to the correlating information in the update.\n\nFEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Sites\n\nLegislative Support\n\nHousing/Individual Assistance Updates\n\nFood and Water\n\nBuncombe County\n\nHaywood County\n\nHenderson County\n\nJackson County\n\nMadison County\n\nMcDowell County\n\nPolk County\n\nRutherford County\n\nTransylvania County\n\nYancey County\n\nTrash Services and Debris Removal\n\nBuncombe\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nMadison\n\nMcDowell\n\nPolk\n\nRutherford\n\nTransylvania\n\nYancey\n\nUnited States Postal Service/Mail Services\n\nPharmacy Access\n\nOpen Urgent Cares/ Health Care Services\n\nResources for Veterans\n\nResources for Farmers\n\nPower\n\nRoads\n\nInternet Access\n\nNorth Carolina National Guard & Department of Defense\n\nAsheville Regional Airport\n\nFederal Nutrition Programs\n\nFor NC-11 Medical Providers\n\nFor Local Government Resource Requests\n\nFor Individual Assistance through FEMA\n\nTo Connect with a Loved One\n\nResources for Utility & Other Status Updates\n\nFree Legal Assistance\n\nIRS Guidance for Taxpayers Impacted by Hurricane Helene\n\nShelters\n\nBuncombe County\n\nHaywood County\n\nHenderson County\n\nMadison County\n\nMcDowell County\n\nRutherford County\n\nTransylvania County\n\nYancey County\n\nCarolina Cruiser Mobile Office Hours\n\nFEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Sites\n\nThe following FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers are open seven days a week to assist North Carolina survivors who have experienced losses from Hurricane Helene.\n\nBuncombe County - TEMPORARY LOCATIONS\n\nSwannanoa Fire Rescue - Bee Tree Fire Sub Station\n\n510 Bee Tree Rd., Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nOpen November 11-14, 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nBuncombe County Sports Park (Parking Lot)\n\n58 Apac Dr., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nOpen November 15-18, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nBuncombe County - PERMANENT LOCATION\n\nAsheville Mall (former Gap store)\n\n3 S. Tunnel Rd., Asheville, NC 28805\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nHaywood County\n\nRegional High Technical Center\n\n112 Industrial Park Dr., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nHenderson County\n\n2111 Asheville Hwy., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nJackson County\n\nJackson County Annex Building\n\n198 WBI Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nMacon County\n\nMacon County Public Health Center\n\n1830 Lakeside Dr., Franklin, NC 28734\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nMadison County\n\nMadison County Public Library - Marshall Branch\n\n1335 N. Main St., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nMcDowell County\n\nA.C. \u201cBud\u201d Hogan Community Center\n\n909 E. Main St., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nCounty Senior Center\n\n100 Spaulding Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nPolk County\n\nPolk County Recreation Complex (Parking Lot)\n\n235 Wolverine Trl., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nRutherford County\n\nMountains Branch Library\n\n150 Bills Creek Rd., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nSwain County\n\nSwain County Technology & Training Center\n\n45 East Ridge Dr., Bryson City, NC 28713\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nTransylvania County: Community Services Building\n\n106 E. Morgan St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nYancey County\n\nCounty Annex Facility\n\n677 W. U.S. Highway 19E Bypass, Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nA Disaster Recovery Center is a one-stop shop where survivors can meet face-to-face with FEMA representatives, apply for FEMA assistance, receive referrals to local assistance in their area, apply with the U.S. Small Business Administration for disaster loans, etc.\n\nAdditional recovery centers will be opening soon, and I will keep you posted as I learn about them.\n\nDisaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams are also stationed across NC-11 to help survivors apply for FEMA assistance and connect them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources.\n\nLegislative Support\n\nThe U.S. House of Representatives is gearing up to pass a disaster relief package when we return to session in November.\n\nI have begun conversations with leadership about how to best meet Western North Carolina\u2019s needs in any supplemental relief package passed by Congress in the coming months.\n\nThe North Carolina General Assembly unanimously passed a second round of disaster relief on October 24, known as the Disaster Recovery Act of 2024 Part II.\n\nState legislators have stated that this package is still preliminary support, and more will be on the way in another session on November 19, 2024.\n\nThis bill adds another $604 million from the state\u2019s Savings Reserve Fund to the Hurricane Helene Fund. Below lays out where the funds are going and shares a summary of what some of the funds will be used for.\n\n$16.7 million for the North Carolina Community College System\n\n$5 million for a grant program to cover tuition and fees for eligible students at impacted community colleges in WNC for the spring semester.\n\n$10.5 million for an emergency grant program to support students who have suffered financial hardship due to damage and destruction by Helene.\n\nStudents will be eligible for up to $2,500 and schools must start taking applications by November 15.\n\nThe funds must be used on expenses that support a student\u2019s continued enrollment.\n\n$65 million for the Department of Public Instruction\n\n$5 million to increase mental health services to students, families, and school personnel in WNC.\n\nExpands school flexibility by excusing an additional 20 days of missed instruction time due to school closures from Hurricane Helene.\n\n$20 million for the University of North Carolina\n\n$5.5 million to establish a grant program to cover tuition for eligible in-state students at UNC Asheville in the spring semester.\n\n$5 million for an emergency grant program to support students in the UNC system who have suffered financial hardship due to damage and destruction by Helene.\n\nStudents will be eligible for up to $2,500 and schools must start taking applications by November 15.\n\nThe funds must be used on expenses that support a student\u2019s continued enrollment.\n\n$1 million for the same emergency grant program for students at private universities in WNC who have suffered financial hardship due to damage and destruction by Helene.\n\nStudents will be eligible for up to $2,500 and the UNC system must start taking applications by November 15.\n\nThe funds must be used on expenses that support a student\u2019s continued enrollment.\n\n$71.4 million to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services\n\n$1 million to local social services offices for rental assistance.\n\n$56 million to the Department of Commerce\n\n$50 million to Golden LEAF to administer a bridge loan program to qualifying businesses suffering economic distress due to Helene.\n\n$139 million to the Department of Environmental Quality\n\n$100 million to establish an emergency bridge loan program for water infrastructure.\n\n$22 million to establish an emergency infrastructure bridge loan program for commercial underground storage tanks.\n\n$130 million to the Department of Public Safety\n\n$106 million to general government, including the Office of State Budget and Management and the Treasurer.\n\n$100 million to the Local Government Commission to provide cash flow loans to local governments in affected areas.\n\nThe North Carolina General Assembly unanimously passed the Disaster Recovery Act of 2024 on Oct. 9, 2024.\n\nThis bill creates a new Hurricane Helene fund with $273 million from the state\u2019s Savings Reserve Fund.\n\n$250 million will go to the Department of Public Safety's Division of Emergency Management to provide the state\u2019s match to federal disaster relief funds.\n\nAnother portion of the funds will be used to establish a revolving loan program to help local government and state agencies with cash flow while they are waiting for reimbursement from the federal government.\n\n$16 million will go to the Department of Public Instruction for \u201clost compensation of school nutrition employees due to school closures resulting from Hurricane Helene\u201d\n\n$2 million to provide local governments technical assistance with local recovery funds.\n\n$5 million to the State Board of Elections, alongside a variety of temporary election law changes such as changing polling sites that were rendered unusable by the storm and establishing a voter hotline, to make it easier for residents of Western North Carolina to vote.\n\nThe bill also:\n\nGrants school calendar flexibility to public schools by allowing them to make up or mark as completed any number of the days or hours missed.\n\nIt also allows the schools to use up to 30 days of remote instruction toward required instructional days.\n\nWaives DMV fees for things like obtaining a duplicate driver\u2019s license, ID card, etc.\n\nWaives certain environmental requirements for state highway repairs.\n\nThis provision will not reduce the safety of repairs conducted by NCDOT or negatively impact the environment.\n\nHousing/Individual Assistance Updates\n\nMore than 254,000 Western North Carolinians have registered for Individual Assistance with FEMA.\n\nThe Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program through FEMA is currently providing temporary hotel stays to more than 9,500 individuals\n\nFEMA has distributed more than $225 million in housing assistance to more than 123,000 Western North Carolina households.\n\nHow to avoid scams during the assistance application process:\n\nHomeowners and renters who applied for FEMA disaster assistance in WNC should be aware that FEMA representatives may call from unfamiliar area codes and phone numbers that could show as SPAM or no caller ID.\n\nIt is important to answer the call, but always be alert to these illegitimate practices:\n\nA FEMA inspector calls, and you did not submit a FEMA application.\n\nA FEMA inspector asks for your banking information.\n\nFEMA inspectors are NEVER authorized to collect your personal financial information.\n\nA payment is requested from someone who says they are from FEMA.\n\nFEMA will never request payment.\n\nA FEMA inspector calls and asks for your personally identifiable information such as your social security number.\n\nIf any of these things happen to you, or you receive a call from someone saying they are a FEMA representative and you aren\u2019t sure, call the FEMA Helpline to report the incident.\n\nFEMA Helpline: (800) 621-3362\n\nIf you believe you are the victim of a scam related to the Helene response, you should file a complaint with the North Carolina Department of Justice by:\n\nVisiting ncdoj.gov/complaint; or,\n\nCalling toll-free at 877-566-7226.\n\nFood and Water\n\nFree drinking water testing is available by request through the Buncombe County Public Health Department.\n\nJust contact the Buncombe County Public Health Department to request a test kit.\n\nThe department will provide you with an empty bottle along with instructions to collect a drinking water sample and where to drop it off for analysis.\n\nIf you have a private well that flooded, the well should be disinfected and tested to ensure the safety of yourself and your family.\n\nThe Division of Public Health is providing free, well-testing kits through local health departments.\n\nContact your local health department (find your local department via this link) to obtain a free well testing and disinfection kit.\n\nNCDEQ has provided the following resources to help community members track progress on water supply restoration efforts:\n\nPublic Water Supply Situation Report Tracking - ArcGIS map with filters for system status, county, etc. linked here.\n\nDEQ Dashboard - links to additional maps, including mobile view of water system status, and environmental guidance linked here.\n\nBuncombe County\n\nBuncombe County has water distribution at multiple sites. Each will be available daily from 12:00-4:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Please bring your own container.\n\nBuncombe County Sports Park Complex\n\n58 Apac Dr., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nBlack Mountain Ingles\n\n550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nLinwood Crump Shiloh Community Center\n\n121 Shiloh Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nPack Square Park\n\n80 Court Plz., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nSky Lanes Bowling Alley\n\n1477 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nSwannanoa Ingles\n\n2299 US-70, Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nFairview Ingles\n\n225 Charlotte Hwy., Fairview, NC 28803\n\nThe following resources sites are available in Buncombe County, where citizens can access food, water and other basic necessities:\n\nBiltmore Baptist Church\n\n35 Clayton Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nDistribution and bulk pickup for volunteers looking to take bulk loads of supplies to in-need community members\n\nSaturday hours: 10:00 a.m. \u2013 1:00 p.m.\n\nCommunity drive-thru for anyone in the community needing supplies\n\nSaturday hours: 3:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church \u2013 Weaverville\n\n63 N. Main St., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nHot showers available from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nUnlimited clean drinking water is available, bring your own container.\n\nSupplies and bottled water.\n\nHot lunch served at 1:30 p.m.\n\nFellowship Asheville\n\n756 Fairview Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 1:00-4:00 p.m., Monday-Thursday\n\nWest Asheville Baptist Church\n\n926 Haywood Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 2:30-5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays\n\nSaint Mary Margaret Catholic Church\n\n102 Andrews Pl., Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nSaturday hours: 3:00-4:30 p.m.\n\nPlease note: This location is not open during mass.\n\nA Community Care Station is available at the following location:\n\n2319 Hwy. 70, Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nHot meals served daily: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCommunity Care Stations offer showers, laundry, bathrooms, access to cell towers, wi-fi, potable and non-potable water, and counseling.\n\nHaywood County\n\nThe following locations are providing community members with essential resources such as but not limited to, food, water, cleaning products, baby formula, and pet food, Monday through Fridays:\n\nFines Creek Community Center\n\n190 Fines Creek Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nOpen every day until 6:00 p.m.\n\nPigeon Community Center\n\n450 Pigeon St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nAlso offering hot meals every day at 2:00 p.m.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCruso Community Center\n\n13186 Cruso Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.\n\nFirst United Methodist Church\n\n566 S. Haywood St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nIncludes shower access.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.\n\nMaggie Valley Pavilion\n\n3935 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Saturday)\n\nWoodland Baptist Church\n\n545 Crabtree Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nNew Covenant Church\n\n767 Lee Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nIP Sportsplex\n\n305 Silkwood Dr., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nBethel Elementary School\n\n4700 Old River Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nJonathan Valley Elementary School\n\n410 Hall Dr., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nMonday through Friday\n\nSt. Barnabas Catholic Church\n\n109 Crescent Hill Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nDaily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.\n\nReynolds Baptist Church - Family Life Center\n\n520 Rose Hill Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.\n\nThis location also has potable water available to residents who bring their own vessels to fill.\n\nMountain Projects\n\n2177 Asheville Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nThe Community Kitchen\n\n288 Crabtree Mountain Rd., Canton, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.\n\nHaywood Christian Ministry\n\n150 Branner St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nThe following location offers showers daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.:\n\nCalvary Baptist Church\n\n2701 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nThe following location is offering supplies for horses and livestock:\n\nWNC Regional Livestock Center\n\n474 Stock Dr., Canton, NC 28716\n\nHenderson County\n\nHenderson County has stood up one Resource Hub location for water distribution and other supplies as they become available.\n\n118 McAbee Ct., Flat Rock, NC 28731\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nEach family unit will be provided supplies for one day\u2019s meal and water as available.\n\nIndividuals are asked to enter the drive-through and remain in your car unless otherwise instructed by volunteers to ensure an efficient process.\n\nJackson County\n\nIn partnership with the Red Cross, the following is available for citizens of Jackson County:\n\nThe Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau are providing shelf-stable meals at the following location:\n\n558 Frank Allen Rd., Cashiers, NC 28717\n\nThe Canada Fire Department is distributing emergency supplies at the following location:\n\n149 Charleys Creek Rd., Tuckasegee, NC 28783\n\nThe following locations are providing resources to displaced families and individuals in need:\n\nMountain Projects\n\n154-B Medical Park Loop, Sylva, NC 28779\n\nUnited Christian Ministries\n\n191 Skyland Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nSt. Mary\u2019s Roman Catholic Church of Sylva\n\n22 Bartlett St., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.\n\nCornbread and Roses\n\n1294 Savannah Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours:\n\nWednesday, 6:00-8:00 p.m.\n\nThursday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nSunday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nMadison County\n\nThe following locations are offering food, water, and some supply distribution in Madison County:\n\nBeech Glen Community Center\n\n2936 Beech Glen Rd., Mars Hill, 28754\n\nDaily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.\n\nCenter Community Center\n\n1300 Grapevine Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nEbbs Chapel Community Center\n\n281 Laurel Valley Rd., Mars Hill, NC 28754\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nEnon Baptist Church\n\n174 Ammons Branch Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nOpen Sunday 12:00-4:00 p.m.\n\nFreedom Christian Church\n\n7350 US 25/70 Bypass, Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThis location offers additional resources such as hygiene products, blankets, clothes, cleaning supplies, diapers, pet food, etc.\n\nLaurel Community Center - also has supplies\n\n4100 NC 212 Hwy., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily Hours: 8:00 a.m. \u2013 8:00 p.m.\n\nRevere-Rice Community Center\n\n3980 Revere Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (Mon-Sat)\n\nSpring Creek Community Center\n\n13075 NC 209 Hwy., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThis location also has additional resources such as pet food, livestock feed and hay.\n\nWalnut Community Center - also has supplies\n\n46 School Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.\n\nN.C. Cooperative Extension - Madison County Center\n\n258 Carolina Ln., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nThis location is offering drive-thru food distribution only.\n\nLittle Ivy Baptist Church\n\n1053 Crossroads Pkwy., Mars Hill, NC 28754\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMcDowell County has established multiple points of distribution that are open daily.\n\nDistribution takes place daily at the following locations:\n\nTom Johnson\u2019s Camping Center\n\n348 Resistoflex Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nWeekend hours: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCherry Springs\n\n6 Bull Walker Rd., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: Wednesdays 4:00-7:00 p.m., Sundays 2:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nCamp Grier\n\n985 Camp Grier Rd., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and 4:00-7:00 p.m.\n\nRestoration Church\n\n2344 Ashworth Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nCentro Unido Latino Americano\n\n79 Academy St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church of Old Fort\n\n203 E. Main St., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: 4:00-7:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nNew Manna Baptist Church\n\n225 E. Court St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 4:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church of Marion is offering hot showers, air conditioning, and areas to charge devices.\n\nCurrent hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 2:00-5:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday.\n\nPolk County\n\nThe following locations are offering food and water distribution for residents in need from 1:00-5:00 p.m.:\n\nMill Spring/Green Creek Community\n\n25 International Blvd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nColumbus Community\n\n95 Walker St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nSaluda Community Bus Parking Lot\n\n214 E. Main St., Saluda, NC 28773\n\nTryon Community\n\n301 N. Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782\n\nSunny View\n\n86 Sunny View School Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nRutherford County\n\nThe following two centralized distribution center locations are open from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. for citizens to get food and emergency supplies:\n\nThe Green Space\n\n658 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nWarehouse #7\n\n214 Vance St., Warehouse 7, Forest City, NC 28043\n\nTransylvania County\n\nThe following location is providing hot meals to county residents:\n\nBalsam Grove Community Center - daily until power is fully restored\n\n8732 Parkway Rd., Balsam Grove, NC 28708\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nBottled water is available daily at local fire departments and 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Anchor Baptist Church located at:\n\n3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nWater filling stations can be found at the following locations:\n\nCity Sports Complex\n\n824 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.\n\nRocky\u2019s Grill & Soda Shop\n\n50 S. Broad St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours\n\nCedar Mountain Outpost\n\n8431 Greenville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nDD Bullwinkles\n\n60 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nFirst United Methodist Church\n\n325 N. Broad St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nPisgah Forest Baptist Church\n\n494 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nFood, water, and other supplies such as hygiene products are being distributed at the following locations:\n\nAnchor Baptist Church\n\n3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nZion Baptist Church\n\n423 Main St., Rosman, NC 28772\n\nNo daily hours posted\n\nGrace Brevard\n\n55 E. Jordan St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2;00 p.m.\n\nMary C. Jenkins Community Center\n\n221 Mills Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nYancey County\n\nYancey County has one centralized distribution site for water, food and ice located at the following address:\n\nFormer Fred\u2019s Store\n\n677 W. U.S. Highway 19E, Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nMobile laundry facilities are available in the GO Grocery parking lot located at the following address:\n\n631 W Hwy. 19E Bypass, Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nTrash Services and Debris Removal\n\nAll counties are actively working with NCDEQ to determine where mud, silt and sediment can be safely dropped off without risk of contamination.\n\nRecycling services are available through Curbside Management for the following counties:\n\nBuncombe\n\nClay\n\nGraham\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nJackson\n\nMacon\n\nMadison\n\nPolk\n\nRutherford\n\nYancey\n\nSome communities have halted recycling services to prioritize trash collection.\n\nIf that is the case for your community, Curbside Management has a drop-off site available for residents who wish to bring their recycling to the following location:\n\n116 N. Woodfin Ave., Asheville, NC 28804\n\nIf your home has damage and you need assistance with clean up, please call Crisis Cleanup for access to volunteer organizations that can assist you at 844-965-1386.\n\nIf Hurricane Helene caused damage to your home or belongings, make sure to document it.\n\nThis is critically important in getting reimbursed.\n\nTake photos before you begin cleaning up.\n\nMake a list of damaged or lost items and gather receipts.\n\nDoing this helps speed up the process with insurance and other assistance programs, and ensures you get properly compensated.\n\nBefore you start the clean-up process, remember:\n\nWear PPE such as long pants, goggles, gloves and sturdy shoes.\n\nStay off damaged structures.\n\nBe aware that snakes or other hazardous animals could be present.\n\nCall your local fire department to inspect or removal chemicals, propane tanks, and other hazardous materials.\n\nIf you suspect debris contains toxic substances, seal them in plastic bags to prevent them from becoming airborne.\n\nTo reduce the risk of accidental fires, please DO NOT burn your storm debris.\n\nEmergency personnel are continuing to work on other storm recovery and response efforts, limiting resources to respond to accidental fires.\n\nPlease discard storm debris at a local transfer site or via curbside debris pickup.\n\nDebris should be placed curbside and not block the roadway or access to the property.\n\nPlease place debris away from trees, poles or other structures (e.g., fire hydrants, meters, etc.) to make removal work easier.\n\nContact your local municipality for curbside storm debris removal collection schedules or see below for additional information on debris waste removal by county.\n\nAdditionally, the following counties have resources for where to take household trash and debris waste.\n\nBuncombe\n\nCurbside collection will begin Monday for City of Asheville sanitation customers.\n\nStorm debris collection has begun in Buncombe County.\n\nSeparate storm-related debris at the curb in the right of way according to material type:\n\nAppliances, construction debris, household hazardous waste such as pesticides and automotive fluid, vegetative debris, and electronics.\n\nDebris collection will require multiple passes and will be a long process.\n\nResidents do not have to set out all debris at one time or worry if there is debris left; another pass can collect additional debris.\n\nTrash pickup has resumed on the regular schedule for customers in Black Mountain.\n\nWaste Pro collection service has resumed for regular Monday route customers.\n\nHaywood\n\nHousehold waste will be accepted at the Materials Recovery Facility at 247 Recycle Rd., Clyde and at Convenience Centers at Jonathan Creek, Beaverdam, Bethel, Hazelwood, Mauney Cove, Jones Cove and Highway 110.\n\nWhite Oak Landfill has reopened.\n\nHenderson\n\nHenderson County Transfer Station is open and accepting storm debris with normal fees.\n\nHenderson County has begun curbside storm debris removal to county residents as a free service.\n\nThe county will pick up storm debris for free if it is pushed to the right of way of a property.\n\nStorm debris includes tree branches, leaves, logs, building materials, furniture, paint etc.\n\nPlease be patient.\n\nThe county will pick up storm debris for free as quickly as possible.\n\nMadison\n\nThe Hot Springs collection center is operating on normal hours for household trash ONLY:\n\nMonday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nWednesday: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.\n\nFriday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nSaturday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nHot Springs trash pickup is returning to Mondays like usual.\n\nPlease only use this pickup service if you cannot bring it to the collection center yourself.\n\nThe pickup service is being led by volunteers at this time.\n\nMcDowell\n\nMcDowell County has hired private contractors to facilitate storm debris pickup from public right of ways in the Town of Old Fort, City of Marion, and along state secondary roads in the county.\n\nResidents are asked to separate debris into the following categories:\n\nLarge appliances\n\nConstruction debris\n\nVegetative debris\n\nHazardous waste\n\nElectronics\n\nHousehold waste\n\nPolk\n\nThe Polk County landfill is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\n322 Landfill Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nDrop-off of residential trash is $10.\n\nGFL trash services will continue the regular schedule.\n\nThe County has partnered with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to support residents with storm-related debris removal.\n\nCleanup crews are actively collecting debris across the county and transporting it to an approved temporary site on Wolverine Trial in Mill Spring, on Polk County-owned property.\n\nTo ensure smooth and efficient removal:\n\nDebris should be placed within 10 feet of the road.\n\nVegetative debris must be in manageable piles.\n\nLogs can have a maximum length of 15 feet.\n\nDebris should be separated into five categories:\n\nVegetative - Tree branches, leaves, log, branches.\n\nConstruction - Building materials, drywall, lumber, carpet, furniture, plumbing.\n\nLarge Appliances - Refrigerators, washer/dryers, air conditioners, stoves, water heaters, and dishwashers.\n\nPlease DO NOT leave doors unsealed or unsecured.\n\nElectronics - Television, computer, stereo, phones, DVD players, etc.\n\nHazardous Waste - Oil, batteries, pesticides, paint, cleaning supplies, compressed gas.\n\nDocument the clean-up process with photos before and after debris removal.\n\nRutherford\n\nThe county has begun storm debris removal along state-maintained and municipally-controlled roads.\n\nResidents are asked to place storm-related vegetative debris, including trees and limbs, within the road\u2019s right-of-way.\n\nCut large debris into four to six ft. sections.\n\nThe Rutherford County Landfill and all convenience centers have reopened with normal hours.\n\nTransylvania\n\nThe City of Brevard has resumed regular trash pickup.\n\nThe county landfill accepts natural vegetative storm debris, including spoiled hay, trees, brush, etc. for free.\n\nYancey\n\nThe Riverside and East Yancey Recycling Centers have resumed operations.\n\nDaily hours: 7:00 a.m. \u2013 4:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday\n\nThe Yancey-Mitchell Landfill is now open, following repairs from Hurricane Helene.\n\n555 Landfill Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday); 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Saturday)\n\nResidents should sort storm debris from regular household waste.\n\nHazardous materials will not be accepted and construction debris should be separated from household waste.\n\nUnited States Postal Service/Mail Services\n\nMy office has heard concerns related to the Barnardsville Post Office being closed.\n\nThe facility has been deemed unsafe for occupancy until all necessary repairs are completed and the facility has passed the required inspections.\n\nUSPS is dedicated to reopening the facility as soon as possible and I am working with them to make sure there are no unnecessary delays.\n\nRetail services are still being provided via a Mobile Retail Unit that is located on-site.\n\nDelivery operations remain temporarily transferred to the Weaverville Post Office and reliable mail delivery is continuing as it would if delivery were taking place through the Barnardsville location.\n\nAll Post Office Box mail and packages can be picked up from the mobile retail unit located in Barnardsville until further notice.\n\nSocial Security and FEMA checks are being routed to all units for delivery and/or are available for customer pick up.\n\nFor impacted residents who have relocated due to the storm, please be sure to complete a change of address request at moversguide.usps.com.\n\nMost USPS offices have reopened under normal operations.\n\nSunday delivery is being made in some of the affected communities to ensure delayed mail is delivered as soon as possible.\n\nOnly 21 offices, or 10 percent of all USPS offices in Western NC remain closed.\n\nOnly one facility was fully destroyed, the Micaville PO box office in ZIP code 28755.\n\nUSPS is utilizing Mobile Operations Units where residents can send or receive mail and packages in many of the areas with closed offices.\n\nThe mobile units are located in the following communities:\n\nAlexander - 28701\n\nBarnardsville - 28709\n\nCedar Mountain - 28718\n\nEdneyville - 28727\n\nHot Springs - 28743\n\nMarshall - 28753\n\nMicaville - 28755\n\nMontreat - 28757\n\nRosman - 28772\n\nSwannanoa - 28778\n\nPharmacy Access\n\nPharmacy Locator\n\nHundreds of pharmacies never closed or have reopened across Western North Carolina.\n\nUse this link to locate pharmacy locations open to the public by county.\n\nThe Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response under the Department of Health and Human Services has activated the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) for North Carolinians.\n\nThe EPAP program helps uninsured residents replace prescription medication or certain medical equipment lost or damaged during Hurricane Helene.\n\nThrough the program, uninsured residents can:\n\nRequest a free 30-day supply of certain prescription medications at any EPAP-participating pharmacy which can be renewed every 30 days while the EPAP is active.\n\nReplace certain medical equipment and supplies such as canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, blood sugar meters and blood sugar test strips for diabetics.\n\nUninsured North Carolina residents affected by the recent hurricane can call the EPAP hotline, 855-793-7470, or visit the EPAP website to check their eligibility, determine if their medications or medical equipment are covered, or locate a participating pharmacy.\n\nOpen Urgent Cares/ Health Care Services\n\nThe following urgent cares are open and accessible for community members with non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries:\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Weaverville\n\n61 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nMercy Urgent Care West Asheville\n\n1201 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nMercy Urgent Care Waynesville\n\n120 Frazier St., Ste. 6, Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nLocations open between 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Brevard\n\n22 Trust Ln., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Columbus\n\n140 West Mills St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nLocations open between 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.:\n\nMobile Urgent Care Clinic\n\n12 Florida Ave., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nMental Health & Basic Medical Support Center\n\n130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nPardee Urgent Care\n\n45 Hendersonville Hwy., Ste. A, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nLocations open between 8:00 a.m.5:00 p.m (closed one hour for lunch, check this link for exact lunch hours at your nearest location):\n\nBlue Ridge Health - 7th Ave Health Center Clinic\n\n628 7th Ave. E., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nClinic hours: Mon/Tues/Thurs, 1:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nBlue Ridge Health - Buncombe\n\n303 Airport Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nBlue Ridge Health - Chimney Rock Rd.\n\n2579 Chimney Rock Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nOpen until 8:00 p.m., Monday-Thursdays\n\nBlue Ridge Health - Haywood\n\n490 Hospital Dr., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nBlue Ridge Health - Highlands Cashiers\n\n209 Hospital Dr. #301, Highlands, NC 28741\n\nBlue Ridge Health - Jackson\n\n293 Hospital Rd., Ste. C, Sylva, NC 28779\n\nBlue Ridge Health - Justice Street\n\n709 North Justice St., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nBlue Ridge Health - Lake Lure\n\n146 Nesbitt Ridge, Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nBlue Ridge Health - Polk\n\n161 Walker St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nBlue Ridge Health - Rutherford\n\n187 W. Main St., Spindale, NC 28160\n\nClosed on Wednesdays\n\nBlue Ridge Health - Swain\n\n264 Hwy. 19 S., Ste. 4, Bryson City, NC 28713\n\nBlue Ridge Health - Transylvania\n\n29 W. French Broad St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nOpen until 8:00 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays.\n\nOther locations available:\n\nHeart to Heart International - in Haywood Department of Health Parking Lot\n\n157 Paragon Pkwy., Ste. 800, Clyde, NC 28721\n\nDaily hours: Not available at this time.\n\nFree mental health services - All available for drop-in\n\nIf you have been impacted by the storm and need someone to talk to, call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1 (800) 985-5990.\n\nHelp is also available to anyone, anytime in English or Spanish through a call, text or chat to 988.\n\nLearn more at 988Lifeline.org.\n\nCare Collaborative for Western North Carolina Clinicians is a partnership among more than 200 mental health professionals volunteering to provide free mental health services for Hurricane Helene survivors.\n\nServices are provided virtually, and you can follow this link to find a professional that fits your needs and their contact information to schedule a session.\n\nHot Springs Elementary School - Art Room\n\n63 N. Serpentine Ave., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nThe Pearl Institute\n\n55 Academy St., Waynesville, NC\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-6:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nFree telehealth appointments are also available.\n\nTo book a telehealth appointment, you can email info@pearlpsychedelicinstitute.org or call/text (828) 400-7091\n\nCommunity Support Group\n\nRegular group sessions will be occurring through the end of December at the following locations:\n\n221 Mills Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nMary C. Jenkins Community & Cultural Center\n\nHosted by the City of Brevard, AARP, and Blue Ridge Community College\n\n9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on October 28\n\n45 Oak Park Dr., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nBlue Ridge Community College, Brevard Campus, Room 140\n\n9:00-11:00 a.m. on November 4, 18, 25; December 2, 9 ,16\n\nAll University of North Carolina System students have access to free mental health through their university.\n\nPlease monitor your student email for more information on how to access these services.\n\nThe following orthopedic urgent care locations are open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily, physical therapy appointments are also available at each of these locations:\n\nEmergeOrtho Hendersonville\n\n800 Fleming St., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nEmergeOrtho Arden (South Asheville)\n\n2585 Hendersonville Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nEmergeOrtho Waynesville\n\n9 Haywood Office Park, Ste. 102 and 103, Waynesville, NC 28785\n\nEmergeOrtho Brevard\n\n89 Hospital Dr., Ste. A, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nEmergeOrtho Weaverville\n\n159 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nResources for Veterans\n\nOutpatient clinics have rescheduled 66 percent of the appointments that were cancelled due to Hurricane Helene, with more being rescheduled every day.\n\nThe U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs launched a new web page with disaster relief resources, providing a single place for veterans and their caregivers to access VA resources on health care, housing, benefits payments, insurance, and more.\n\nYou can access the web site via this link.\n\nThe VA has established a Veterans Disaster Response Hotline, which is available 24/7 at 1(800) 507-4571.\n\nIf you or a veteran you know needs immediate housing assistance after Hurricane Helene, please call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at (877) 424-3838.\n\nThe call center is open 24/7.\n\nIf you have a VA-backed home loan and are unable to make your mortgage payments, please contact your mortgage servicer.\n\nYou can also call the VA at (877) 827-3702, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nHome loan servicers are allowed to put a 90-day pause on foreclosures and encouraged to waive late charges for VA-guaranteed home loans after a disaster.\n\nLegionnaires, Sons of the American Legion members and Legion Posts that have been displaced from their primary residence due to damage sustained during Hurricane Helene may be eligible for financial assistance through the American Legion.\n\nLegionnaires and Sons of the American Legion members may be eligible for up to $3,000.\n\nLegion Posts may be eligible for up to $10,000.\n\nTo learn more or to request assistance, please use this link.\n\nApplications must be submitted within 90 days of the disaster: Dec. 26, 2024.\n\nThe Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville and Master Sergeant Jerry K. Crump VA Clinic in Forest City are open for essential and emergency services.\n\nVeterans can:\n\nVisit the Asheville VA Hospital pharmacy for medication refills or:\n\nCall the Regional Clinical Contact Center at (855) 679-0074 and press 1 for pharmacy representatives.\n\nLocal pharmacies in the VA\u2019s community care network will also fill written prescriptions, or prescriptions as they appear on an active VA prescription bottle that is not older than six months and has available refills, to provide a 30-day supply.\n\nHickory, Forest City and Franklin outpatient VA clinics are now operating regularly.\n\nDue to the damage and personal losses caused by Hurricane Helene to the staff of the VA, it will take some time to bring staffing to full capacity.\n\nPlease be patient as the VA works to rebuild their workforce.\n\nResources for Farmers\n\nThe United States Department of Agriculture has put together a list of resources for farmers and other agricultural industry members.\n\nIf your agricultural operation has been impacted by Hurricane Helene, you can review this link, farmers.gov, for emergency and disaster assistance programs.\n\nAg supplies can be picked up by farmers in need from any of the following distribution centers (including non-NC-11 locations for farmers who may be closer to an out-of-district distribution center):\n\nAvery County\n\nMitchell-Avery County Center\n\n6880 Linville Falls Hwy., Newland, NC 28657\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday); 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Saturday)\n\nBuncombe County\n\nMills River Station\n\n74 Research Dr., Mills River, NC 28759\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nCaldwell County\n\nCaldwell County Fairgrounds\n\n2461 Fairground Rd., Lenoir, NC 28645\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Wednesday and Saturday only), or by appointment\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMarion - McDowell County\n\n188 Ag Services Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Saturday)\n\nHaywood County\n\nSmokey Mountain Event Center\n\n758 Crabtree Dr., Waynesville, NC 28785\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nWatauga County\n\nWatauga County Extension\n\n5715 U.S. Highway 421 N., Vilas, NC 28692\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) - NO HAY\n\n1:00-6:00 p.m. (Tuesday and Thursday) - HAY ONLY\n\nPower\n\nAlmost 100 percent of all power outages have been restored in impacted areas.\n\nLess than 900 customers remain without power across Western NC.\n\n150 Duke Energy customers.\n\n700 electric cooperative customers.\n\nIf your insurance provider is requesting \u201cproof of outage,\u201d you can contact Duke Energy\u2019s Contact Center to request the letter.\n\n(800) 777-9898\n\nMy office has heard multiple complaints of Duke Energy customers being charged for power on days where there was an outage. Duke Energy provided the following information for how billing was calculated, and what will take place to provide a credit if you were over billed due to being a non-AMI account:\n\nAMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure)\n\nBills for customers with an AMI/Smart Meter will reflect actual usage for the billing cycle if the meter is communicating. (For awareness: Duke is monitoring usage daily)\n\nNon-AMI\n\nCustomers without an AMI/Smart Meter may see estimated usage if Duke was unable to obtain a reading prior to invoicing.\n\nOnce Duke Energy can obtain a reading from the meter, your next bill will be adjusted to reflect actual usage and a credit will be applied for anyone who\u2019s usage was overestimated.\n\nDuke Energy also provided the following information for auto-pay and budget billing customers:\n\nAuto-Pay\n\nPayments will automatically draft on the due date for customers signed up for auto-pay.\n\nCustomers have the option to temporarily pause their automatic payment by contacting Duke at 800-777-9898 (DEC) | 800-452-2777 (DEP) or by logging into their account to unenroll from Auto Pay.\n\nIf a customer chooses to unenroll via logging into their online account, they are encouraged to re-enroll when their situation allows to avoid any future missed payments.\n\nBudget Billing\n\nCustomers enrolled in Budget Billing will still be invoiced their set monthly amount.\n\nFor more information on Duke Energy\u2019s power restoration efforts, you can review the following links:\n\nComplex Repair & Disaster Rebuild Zones Map: duke-energy.com/info/carolinas-restoration\n\nOutage Map: duke-energy.com/outages\n\nOutage Alerts: duke-energy.com/outages/alerts\n\nGenerator safety: duke-energy.com/outages/generators\n\nPower restoration process: duke-energy.com/outages/restoring-your-power\n\nRoads\n\nWestern North Carolina is FULLY OPEN to visitors!\n\nPlease come visit!\n\nNCDOT has now reopened 1,042 roads that were previously closed due to Hurricane Helene.\n\nOnly 293 roads remain fully closed.\n\n95 other roads are open with partial access.\n\n37 roads are open to all traffic except truck traffic.\n\nTemporary one-lane vehicle access, including a temporary bridge, has been restored along U.S. 64/U.S. 74A/NC 9 in Chimney Rock.\n\nThe contractor continues to improve the access road as NCDOT works to procure the permanent repair contract.\n\nAmes Construction has been awarded a contract for the permanent repair of I-40 in the Pigeon River Gorge.\n\nNCDOT is targeting New Year\u2019s Day for restoring traffic to one lane in each direction with a reduced speed limit on I-40 in the Gorge.\n\nEmergency roadway repair work continues with the installation of temporary bridges, numerous slide repairs, roadway reconstruction work, and repair of dangerous shoulder washouts.\n\nThe focus continues to be on major corridors and communities with limited access.\n\nOnly ONE community throughout Western NC has limited access.\n\nNCDOT crews are working to restore access to this community by installing a low-water bridge.\n\nIn light of interruptions in service caused by NC DMV closures due to Hurricane Helene, the following DMV fees have been waived from Sept. 26 through Dec. 31, 2024:\n\nDuplicate or corrected vehicle titles.\n\nDuplicate registration cards.\n\nSalvage certificate of title.\n\nReplacement license plates and/or stickers.\n\nDuplicate driver licenses (including CDLs).\n\nDuplicate state ID cards (note: state ID cards are already free for anyone age 17 and up)\n\nThe following late fees have also been waived from Sept. 26 through Dec. 31, 2024:\n\nLate vehicle registration fees for vehicles that expired on or after Aug. 31, 2024.\n\nLate interest payments on vehicle registrations and property taxes that expired on or after Aug. 31, 2024.\n\nTitle fees on or after Aug. 31, 2024.\n\nLate fees and interest on limited registration plates and vehicle registration renewals for limited registrations that expired on or after Sept. 30, 2024.\n\nLate fees for dealer plates that expired on or after Aug. 31, 2024.\n\nIf you paid any of the above listed fees or late fees prior to notice of the fee waivers, you will be automatically refunded.\n\nCitizens do not have to take any action to receive refunds.\n\nPlease allow four to six weeks (until Dec. 6, 2024) for refunds to be processed.\n\nRefunds will NOT be given in-person at NC DMV offices.\n\nNCDOT has established a Road Reopening Dashboard for folks to keep track of progress made by the department.\n\nYou can use this link to access the dashboard.\n\nThe dashboard is also linked on DriveNC.gov.\n\nTo monitor road conditions in and around NC-11, use drivenc.gov.\n\nThe website tracks NCDOT-managed road conditions in real time.\n\nThe following DMV offices are open for walk-in services in or near NC-11, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., closed between 11:30 a.m. through 1:00 p.m. for a lunch break:\n\nBuncombe County\n\n1624 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nCherokee County\n\n1440 Main St., Andrews, NC 28901\n\nHaywood County\n\n290 Lee Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nHenderson County\n\n125 Baystone Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nJackson County\n\n876 Skyland Dr., Ste. 2, Sylva, NC 28779\n\nMacon County\n\n16 Patton Ave., Franklin, NC 28734\n\nMadison County\n\n1685 NC Highway 213, Marshall, NC 28753\n\nMcDowell County\n\n3975 NC 226 S., Marion, NC 28752\n\nRutherford County\n\n596 Withrow Rd., Forest City, NC 28043\n\nSwain County\n\n2650 Governors Island Rd., Bryson City, NC 28713\n\nTransylvania County\n\n50 Commerce St., Ste. 4, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nYancey County\n\n116 N. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nNCDOT has launched a detour map to show motorists how to get around closures on I-26 and I-40 at the Tennessee border.\n\nYou can access the map here.\n\nInternet Access\n\nFrontier Communications has been diligently working to restore service to customers in Western NC.\n\nService is expected to be restored by November 11 for customers in Marshall.\n\nReconstruction and restoration work begins TODAY, November 4, for customers in the Micaville area.\n\nMy office has also heard from numerous customers frustrated that they were billed for a full month of internet through AT&T despite extended outages, and in many cases, service still not being restored:\n\nAT&T Customer Support is providing billing credits and working with customers impacted by Hurricane Helene when they call AT&T customer service, (800) 288-2020.\n\nSpectrum is proactively issuing credit to customers for the time they were without Spectrum service due to the hurricane.\n\nIf you believe your time without service was not correctly identified, please contact Spectrum customer support to identify the correct credit.\n\nThese automatic credits are applied after Spectrum service has been restored.\n\nWaiting until service restoration has taken place to determine the number of days service was out enables Spectrum to calculate an accurate and appropriate credit.\n\nInternet providers are still working with local energy and cell providers to restore service for customers across Western North Carolina.\n\nFiber repair crews are also pairing with electric utility crews in the field to assist with any accidental fiber cuts.\n\nInternet providers including Optimum and Spectrum are working around the clock to restore service for customers. However, part of the network\u2019s infrastructure was destroyed by mudslides and collapsed bridges making restoration a lengthy process.\n\nAs a result, some impacted areas will require a rebuild of the network from scratch.\n\nTo mitigate the lack of service, Optimum, formerly Altice USA, has set up an Optimum Wi-Fi Trailer that is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the following locations:\n\n717 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\n1800 Four Seasons Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nThe following locations are offering free public wi-fi:\n\nFirst Baptist Church - Weaverville\n\n63 N. Main St, Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nDowntown Franklin\n\nThe Town of Franklin has free wi-fi on the town hill area in downtown.\n\nTransylvania County Library - 24/7\n\n212 S. Gaston St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nThe Yard Brevard\n\n284 Railroad Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nBrevard Visitor Center\n\n175 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAvailable daily from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThe Vine Anglican Church - and free coffee\n\n1055 Lee Rd, Clyde, NC 28721\n\nAvailable daily from 12:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nNorth Carolina National Guard & Department of Defense\n\nAs requests from some counties are decreasing, NC National Guard assets are NOT standing down, they are instead being reallocated to other areas.\n\nMore than 1,500 National Guard soldiers and airmen are deployed across Western North Carolina to provide support.\n\nAll active-duty forces have returned to their duty stations, including Ft. Campbell and Ft. Liberty.\n\nThe National Guard has distributed more than 21,000 tons of commodities to Western North Carolina.\n\nHighlights include:\n\nCompleted a culvert project on Locust Cove Road in McDowell County\n\nCompleted road repair missions in Yancey County\n\nMucked out 15 cubic yards and 50 tons of debris in Madison County\n\nHere are a few key phone numbers from the NCNG:\n\nHOTLINE: 888-892-1162\n\nEmergency management watch: 919-733-3300\n\nDonated goods: 919-825-2474\n\nThese lines have very high call volumes. If you do not get through the first try, keep calling.\n\nAsheville Regional Airport\n\nAsheville Regional Airport closed mid-day on Friday, September 27, due to risk of flooding.\n\nCommercial flights at Asheville Regional Airport have resumed.\n\nIf you parked your car in an Asheville Regional Airport lot and could not retrieve the vehicle due to the storm, great news - none of the airport\u2019s lots flooded and all cars are fine.\n\nStay safe and pick up your car when you are able.\n\nPLEASE NOTE:\n\nNo general aviation pilots are allowed to land at Asheville Regional Airport without prior clearance from FEMA to ensure the safety of aircraft and personnel.\n\nSupply deliveries by civilian pilots ARE permitted to land at Asheville Regional Airport so long as they have prior clearance from FEMA.\n\nFEMA is not turning away any pilot that has gone through the proper channels to coordinate delivery and ensure the safety of his fellow aircraft and personnel.\n\nFederal Nutrition Programs\n\nThe U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service has approved flexibilities due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene.\n\nSNAP\n\nNorth Carolina was granted a waiver for the 10-day reporting requirement for the replacement of food purchased with SNAP benefits lost because of the hurricane.\n\nThis waiver provides additional time beyond the standard 10-day time frame for households to report food losses and receive replacement benefits for food that was destroyed and previously purchased with SNAP benefits.\n\nChild Nutrition\n\nThe North Carolina Department of Public Instruction was approved for a waiver pertaining to the child nutrition programs.\n\nUnder the waiver approval, NCDPI\u2019s local program operators may:\n\nServe meals in a non-congregate setting\n\nAdjust the time of meal service\n\nAllow parent pick-up\n\nAllow service of meals at school sites\n\nFood and Nutrition Services Program\n\nPeople and families in North Carolina who are enrolled in the Food and Nutrition Services program can now use their EBT card to purchase hot food.\n\nThis flexibility will remain in effect until November 3.\n\nSpecial Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, & Children (WIC)\n\nFamilies participating in WIC who may have relocated to a new area can go to any NC WIC agency to:\n\nHave a new eWIC card issued\n\nRequest replacement breastfeeding supplies or breast pumps\n\nRequest replacement food that was purchased with current WIC benefits and lost due to Hurricane Helene\n\nFor NC-11 Medical Providers\n\nIf you own a medical practice in NC-11 and are experiencing financial hardship due to Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina Medical Society is reactivating its Financial Recovery Program (FRP) to help you recover and open your doors again.\n\nFor more information on the disaster relief fund, you can visit this link.\n\nDetails on how medical practices can qualify and apply for funds will be coming soon.\n\nThe Department of Health and Human Services through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has made available:\n\nAccelerated payments to Medicare Part A providers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nAdvance payments to Medicare Part B suppliers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nFor Local Government Resource Requests\n\nFor county leaders: This is a reminder to make sure your Emergency Operation Center has submitted the request for gasoline, food, water, cell service deployables, etc. with North Carolina Emergency Management to have your request processed and resources delivered.\n\nMy office stands ready to assist with checking the status of your request if the county or municipality has not heard back from NC Emergency Management within 24 hours.\n\nDisaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)\n\nThe deadline to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits is Dec. 2, 2024 for all counties other than Swain, Graham and Cherokee counties.\n\nSwain County\u2019s deadline is Dec. 9, 2024.\n\nDisaster Unemployment Assistance benefits are now available for Western North Carolinians in counties with a major disaster declaration, including:\n\nBuncombe\n\nClay\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nJackson\n\nMacon\n\nMadison\n\nMcDowell\n\nPolk\n\nRutherford\n\nSwain\n\nTransylvania\n\nYancey\n\nIf your employment has been lost or interrupted because of Hurricane Helene, you may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance.\n\nFile an application for DUA:\n\nFile at des.nc.gov, or\n\nCall over the phone at (919) 629-3857\n\nA toll-free legal aid hotline is now available for low-income survivors with disaster-related legal questions: (866) 219-5262.\n\nFor Individual Assistance through FEMA\n\nThe deadline to file for FEMA Serious Needs Assistance is Nov. 27, 2024. Serious Needs Assistance refers to the initial $750 direct payment provided to eligible households to address necessary expenses like food, water, baby formula, etc.\n\nThe deadline to file for FEMA Individual Assistance is Jan. 7, 2025. Please mark your calendars and ensure all applications are submitted on time.\n\nNorth Carolina received a Major Disaster Declaration for the following counties: Buncombe, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania and Yancey counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.\n\nPeople with damage to their homes or personal property who live in one of the above-listed counties should apply for Individual Assistance through FEMA, which may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies.\n\nFunds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay.\n\nIndividual Assistance provides financial aid and services to eligible individuals and households that have been affected by a disaster to assist with the recovery process. Individuals can officially begin applying for Individual Assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling the application phone number at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. EST.\n\nFind steps to help you replace important documents that were lost or damaged in the storm: www.fema.gov/disaster/4827/news-media\n\nIf you were initially denied for Individual Assistance, please see below for useful tips to help you file an appeal with FEMA:\n\nUnderstand why FEMA denied your claim before writing the appeal.\n\nIt could be as simple as a missing document, which you can submit with your appeal.\n\nRead FEMA\u2019s letter from beginning to end to completely understand what the agency needs from you.\n\nMake sure you provide evidence for your appeal. Depending on your situation, documentation may include:\n\nA copy of your flood insurance declaration page.\n\nProof of occupancy, which could be an employer statement, lease, utility bill, credit card statement, or other recent, formal document that states your address.\n\nProof of ownership, which might include your mortgage or insurance documents, tax receipts, deed, etc.\n\nCan\u2019t write the appeal yourself?\n\nI recommend having a trusted friend, family member, or lawyer write it for you.\n\nKnow your deadline.\n\nYou have 60 days from the date of your FEMA determination letter to appeal.\n\nCircle the deadline on your calendar or write yourself a note to keep the date in the forefront.\n\nOnce FEMA reviews your letter, you may receive a phone call or a follow-up letter asking for more documentation.\n\nDon\u2019t forget to sign your appeal letter!\n\nOnce signed, there are three ways to submit your appeal:\n\nFax it to (800) 827-8112\n\nSend it by mail to: FEMA Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782\n\nUpload all appeal documents to your disasterassistance.gov account.\n\nInclude your application number on every page of the documents you submit.\n\nExpect a decision letter to your appeal within 90 days.\n\nTo Connect with a Loved One\n\nResidents trying to connect with family members may call NC 211 (or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from out-of-state) to report missing loved ones or request a welfare check.\n\nPeople in the impacted areas can indicate that they are safe by reporting themselves safe through Red Cross Reunification by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).\n\nPlease only use 911 for life-threatening emergencies so the lines remain open for critical situations.\n\nIf you are still trying to locate a friend or family member, please complete this form, linked here, to notify local officials of their missing status.\n\nThe form was created by Buncombe County but information is being shared amongst all counties.\n\nRegardless of which county your loved one was last known to be in, you can still submit the form.\n\nBuncombe County will share the information with the appropriate officials to initiate search and rescue efforts.\n\nUnited Way is also fielding missing person/welfare check requests.\n\nText PERSON to 40403 to add a loved one to search and rescue efforts or fill out this form.\n\nResources for Utility & Other Status Updates\n\nFor information on the status of utilities, debris sites, etc., we want to share the following resources. As communications are restored and more information becomes available, these sites will continue to be updated.\n\nDrinking Water Systems: Public Water Supply Situation Report Tracking\n\nDebris Disposal Sites: Active Temporary Debris Disposal Sites\n\nNCDEQ Situation Report Tracking System\n\nNCDPS Hurricane Helene - Storm Information\n\nNCDPS County Emergency Management Agencies\n\nHow to Apply for FEMA Assistance After Hurricane Helene\n\nFree Legal Assistance\n\nLegal Aid of North Carolina stands ready to provide free advice and legal counsel regarding natural disaster needs, including legal representation if necessary, including for civil legal issues involving:\n\nFiling FEMA claims and appeals (a process which can be overwhelmingly bureaucratic and burdensome)\n\nReplacement of lost or destroyed legal and government documents, including driver\u2019s licenses and identification cards\n\nMedical and insurance claims\n\nHome repair contracts\n\nUtility disputes related to restoration of services\n\nConsumer protection issues like construction fraud, price-gouging on repairs and identity theft\n\nHousing issues such as unlawful eviction and foreclosures\n\nBankruptcy\n\nProbate and clearing title for survivors living in generational homes without a clear title\n\nFamily law cases and children in need of services (unfortunately, domestic violence tends to rise following a natural disaster)\n\nIf you need civil legal assistance, please contact Legal Aid of North Carolina via the following toll-free hotline:\n\n(866) 219-LANC or (866) 219-5262\n\nThe hotline is available from:\n\n8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; and 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Monday and Thursdays.\n\nConstituents can also apply online at legalaidnc.org/get-help/ between 1:00-4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday.\n\nIRS Guidance for Taxpayers Impacted by Hurricane Helene\n\nExtension of certain tax filing deadlines:\n\nIRS has extended various filing deadlines for taxpayers in impacted areas, including 2024 individual/business returns, certain quarterly estimated income tax payments, and certain payroll/excise taxes.\n\nClick here for the full list of extensions and respective dates\n\nClick here for more information from the IRS on disaster assistance\n\nTax relief for qualified payments, disaster-related losses:\n\nIRS released provided guidance to taxpayers on how to address disaster-related losses in their 2024 tax return, as well as providing guidance on how qualified disaster relief payments - like government assistance payments - are generally excluded from gross income.\n\nClick here for a general walkthrough of these policies (under header \u201cAdditional tax relief\u201d)\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of disaster-related losses\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of qualified disaster relief payments\n\nDisaster payments are usually tax-free:\n\nQualified disaster relief payments are generally excluded from gross income.\n\nIn general, this means that affected taxpayers can exclude the following payments from a government agency from their gross income. Amounts received for:\n\nReasonable and necessary personal, family, living or funeral expenses.\n\nThe repair or rehabilitation of your home.\n\nThe repair or replacement of your home\u2019s contents.\n\nYou may be eligible for a disaster loss deduction:\n\nIn some instances, individuals and businesses in a federally declared disaster area can qualify for a casualty loss tax deduction.\n\nThe deduction is available for damaged or destroyed property not covered by insurance or other reimbursement and can result in a larger refund.\n\nTaxpayers can choose to claim the deduction on either the return for the year the loss occurred (in this instance, the 2024 return normally filed next year), or the return for the prior year (the 2023 return filed this year).\n\nFor individual taxpayers, the deadline for making this election is Oct. 15, 2025.\n\nThe IRS also has a special hotline specifically dedicated to taxpayers with disaster-related tax questions. Disaster victims can call the agency\u2019s disaster hotline at (866) 562-5227.\n\nShelters\n\nFor those unable to evacuate to a safe location or in need of a place to go, the following shelter is currently open and available as of today:\n\nBuncombe County\n\nGold\u2019s Gym\n\n801 Fairview Rd, Asheville, NC 28803\n\nCarolina Cruiser mobile office hours\n\nIn keeping with my office's motto of being \"First in Constituent Services\" and to help constituents post-Hurricane Helene, my office has resumed Carolina Cruiser mobile office hours.\n\nFolks can stop by to share their thoughts on issues that matter to them or ask for assistance with federal agencies.\n\nVisit my website for updated Carolina Cruiser hours and locations, linked here.\n\nWith my warmest regards,\n\nChuck Edwards\n\nMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:07:06Z"], ["https://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://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-adams-statement-passing-quincy-jones", "Rep. Adams\u2019 Statement on the Passing of Quincy Jones", "2024-11-04", "2024", "2024-11", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Alma S. Adams", "A000370", "adams.house.gov", "adams", "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "\u201cThe world has lost an iconic, creative genius whose music was the soundtrack of our lives for multiple generations. Quincy Jones was a legend who reminded us that we are all one. He brought us hits like 'We are the World' and Thriller, the musical score for The Color Purple, and the opening theme for Sanford and Son. His contribution to our society will long be remembered. Thank you for your service Quincy Jones. Your rent is fully paid.\u201d\n\nCongresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. represents North Carolina's 12th Congressional District (Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, Cabarrus County) and serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Education & the Workforce, where she serves as ranking member of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:07:06Z"], ["https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/hurricane-recovery-update-30", "Hurricane recovery update #30", "2024-11-04", "2024", "2024-11", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Chuck Edwards", "E000246", "edwards.house.gov", "edwards", "https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "November 4, 2024\n\nDear Friend,\n\nHurricane Helene has interrupted many things in our communities over the past few weeks: water service, internet access and the ability to work from home, and the school calendar, to name a few; but one thing that is continuing without delay is the 2024 general election.\n\nTomorrow is Election Day and voting is the fundamental basis that makes our country a democracy. Casting your vote gives you an opportunity to make sure your views and concerns are reflected in the representation that you elect. It is often referred to as your civic duty, but in the wake of Hurricane Helene, it is much more than that.\n\nYour vote will directly impact the support our mountains receive in the coming months and years as we recover from Helene\u2019s destruction. I encourage each and every one of you to make sure your voice is heard in this year\u2019s election.\n\nDue to hurricane damage, some voting sites have changed. If you\u2019re unsure where your Election Day polling place is located, you can visit this link and input your address to find where to vote. Please note that voting on Election Day is not the same as early voting. You cannot go to any voting site in your county. You must go to your assigned polling place.\n\nFor the love of democracy, get out and vote.\n\nThis week\u2019s update includes a new Disaster Recovery Center in Polk County, waived NC DMV fees and late fees, the new contract issued for permanent repairs to I-40, information related to the status of the Barnardsville Post Office, how to request proof of power outage for insurance companies, account credits for Spectrum customers, Frontier Communications restoration timelines for customers in Marshall and Micaville, and additional open dates for two temporary Buncombe County Disaster Recovery Centers.\n\nToday is update number 30, with more information to follow in the coming weeks. As always, please make sure to read everything and share it with your friends and family.\n\nIndex\n\nClick the title to be taken to the correlating information in the update.\n\nFEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Sites\n\nLegislative Support\n\nHousing/Individual Assistance Updates\n\nFood and Water\n\nBuncombe County\n\nHaywood County\n\nHenderson County\n\nJackson County\n\nMadison County\n\nMcDowell County\n\nPolk County\n\nRutherford County\n\nTransylvania County\n\nYancey County\n\nTrash Services and Debris Removal\n\nBuncombe\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nMadison\n\nMcDowell\n\nPolk\n\nRutherford\n\nTransylvania\n\nYancey\n\nVoter Information\n\nUnited States Postal Service/Mail Services\n\nPharmacy Access\n\nOpen Urgent Cares/ Health Care Services\n\nDialysis Locations\n\nOxygen Locations\n\nResources for Veterans\n\nResources for Farmers\n\nPower\n\nRoads\n\nInternet Access\n\nCell Service\n\nNorth Carolina National Guard & Department of Defense\n\nAsheville Regional Airport\n\nFederal Nutrition Programs\n\nFor NC-11 Medical Providers\n\nFor Local Government Resource Requests\n\nFor Individual Assistance through FEMA\n\nTo Connect with a Loved One\n\nResources for Utility & Other Status Updates\n\nFree Legal Assistance\n\nIRS Guidance for Taxpayers Impacted by Hurricane Helene\n\nShelters\n\nBuncombe County\n\nHaywood County\n\nHenderson County\n\nMadison County\n\nMcDowell County\n\nRutherford County\n\nTransylvania County\n\nYancey County\n\nCarolina Cruiser Mobile Office Hours\n\nFEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Sites\n\nThe following FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers are open seven days a week to assist North Carolina survivors who have experienced losses from Hurricane Helene.\n\nBuncombe County - TEMPORARY LOCATIONS\n\nSwannanoa Fire Rescue - Bee Tree Fire Sub Station\n\n510 Bee Tree Rd., Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nOpen November 2-5 and 11-14, 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nBuncombe County Sports Park (Parking Lot)\n\n58 Apac Dr., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nOpen November 6-9 and 15-18, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nBuncombe County - PERMANENT LOCATION\n\nCane Creek Pool\n\n590 Lower Brush Creek Rd., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nHaywood County\n\nRegional High Technical Center\n\n112 Industrial Park Dr., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nHenderson County\n\n2111 Asheville Hwy., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nJackson County Annex Building\n\n198 WBI Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nMadison County\n\nMadison County Public Library - Marshall Branch\n\n1335 N. Main St., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nMcDowell County\n\nA.C. \u201cBud\u201d Hogan Community Center\n\n909 E. Main St., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nCounty Senior Center\n\n100 Spaulding Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nPolk County\n\nPolk County Recreation Complex (Parking Lot)\n\n235 Wolverine Trl., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nRutherford County\n\nMountains Branch Library\n\n150 Bills Creek Rd., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nSwain County\n\nSwain County Technology & Training Center\n\n45 East Ridge Dr., Bryson City, NC 28713\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nTransylvania County: Community Services Building\n\n106 E. Morgan St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nYancey County\n\nCounty Annex Facility\n\n677 W. U.S. Highway 19E Bypass, Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nA Disaster Recovery Center is a one-stop shop where survivors can meet face-to-face with FEMA representatives, apply for FEMA assistance, receive referrals to local assistance in their area, apply with the U.S. Small Business Administration for disaster loans, etc.\n\nAdditional recovery centers will be opening soon, and I will keep you posted as I learn about them.\n\nDisaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams are also stationed across NC-11 to help survivors apply for FEMA assistance and connect them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources.\n\nLegislative Support\n\nThe U.S. House of Representatives is gearing up to pass a disaster relief package when we return to session in November.\n\nI have begun conversations with leadership about how to best meet Western North Carolina\u2019s needs in any supplemental relief package passed by Congress in the coming months.\n\nThe North Carolina General Assembly unanimously passed a second round of disaster relief on October 24, known as the Disaster Recovery Act of 2024 Part II.\n\nState legislators have stated that this package is still preliminary support, and more will be on the way in another session on November 19, 2024.\n\nThis bill adds another $604 million from the state\u2019s Savings Reserve Fund to the Hurricane Helene Fund. Below lays out where the funds are going and shares a summary of what some of the funds will be used for.\n\n$16.7 million for the North Carolina Community College System\n\n$5 million for a grant program to cover tuition and fees for eligible students at impacted community colleges in WNC for the spring semester.\n\n$10.5 million for an emergency grant program to support students who have suffered financial hardship due to damage and destruction by Helene.\n\nStudents will be eligible for up to $2,500 and schools must start taking applications by November 15.\n\nThe funds must be used on expenses that support a student\u2019s continued enrollment.\n\n$65 million for the Department of Public Instruction\n\n$5 million to increase mental health services to students, families, and school personnel in WNC.\n\nExpands school flexibility by excusing an additional 20 days of missed instruction time due to school closures from Hurricane Helene.\n\n$20 million for the University of North Carolina\n\n$5.5 million to establish a grant program to cover tuition for eligible in-state students at UNC Asheville in the spring semester.\n\n$5 million for an emergency grant program to support students in the UNC system who have suffered financial hardship due to damage and destruction by Helene.\n\nStudents will be eligible for up to $2,500 and schools must start taking applications by November 15.\n\nThe funds must be used on expenses that support a student\u2019s continued enrollment.\n\n$1 million for the same emergency grant program for students at private universities in WNC who have suffered financial hardship due to damage and destruction by Helene.\n\nStudents will be eligible for up to $2,500 and the UNC system must start taking applications by November 15.\n\nThe funds must be used on expenses that support a student\u2019s continued enrollment.\n\n$71.4 million to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services\n\n$1 million to local social services offices for rental assistance.\n\n$56 million to the Department of Commerce\n\n$50 million to Golden LEAF to administer a bridge loan program to qualifying businesses suffering economic distress due to Helene.\n\n$139 million to the Department of Environmental Quality\n\n$100 million to establish an emergency bridge loan program for water infrastructure.\n\n$22 million to establish an emergency infrastructure bridge loan program for commercial underground storage tanks.\n\n$130 million to the Department of Public Safety\n\n$106 million to general government, including the Office of State Budget and Management and the Treasurer.\n\n$100 million to the Local Government Commission to provide cash flow loans to local governments in affected areas.\n\nThe North Carolina General Assembly unanimously passed the Disaster Recovery Act of 2024 on Oct. 9, 2024.\n\nThis bill creates a new Hurricane Helene fund with $273 million from the state\u2019s Savings Reserve Fund.\n\n$250 million will go to the Department of Public Safety's Division of Emergency Management to provide the state\u2019s match to federal disaster relief funds.\n\nAnother portion of the funds will be used to establish a revolving loan program to help local government and state agencies with cash flow while they are waiting for reimbursement from the federal government.\n\n$16 million will go to the Department of Public Instruction for \u201clost compensation of school nutrition employees due to school closures resulting from Hurricane Helene\u201d\n\n$2 million to provide local governments technical assistance with local recovery funds.\n\n$5 million to the State Board of Elections, alongside a variety of temporary election law changes such as changing polling sites that were rendered unusable by the storm and establishing a voter hotline, to make it easier for residents of Western North Carolina to vote.\n\nThe bill also:\n\nGrants school calendar flexibility to public schools by allowing them to make up or mark as completed any number of the days or hours missed.\n\nIt also allows the schools to use up to 30 days of remote instruction toward required instructional days.\n\nWaives DMV fees for things like obtaining a duplicate driver\u2019s license, ID card, etc.\n\nWaives certain environmental requirements for state highway repairs.\n\nThis provision will not reduce the safety of repairs conducted by NCDOT or negatively impact the environment.\n\nHousing/Individual Assistance Updates\n\nMore than 243,000 Western North Carolinians have registered for Individual Assistance with FEMA.\n\nThe Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program through FEMA is currently providing temporary hotel stays to more than 8,931 individuals\n\nFEMA has distributed more than $203 million in housing assistance to more than 122,000 Western North Carolina households.\n\nFEMA is seeking residential properties to lease for Helene survivors.\n\nInterested WNC property owner or management companies should reach out to FEMA on or before 5:00 p.m. EST, Nov. 6, 2024, via email to fema-direct_lease_dr4827nc@fema.dhs.gov.\n\nThe email subject line should read: RFI# 70FBR425-DL-DR4827NC\n\nFEMA is also seeking multifamily properties to house disaster survivors\n\nInterested property owner or management companies should reach out to FEMA no later than 5:00 p.m. EST, Nov. 6, 2024, via email to fema-mlr_dr4827nc@fema.dhs.gov.\n\nThe email subject line should read: RFI #70FBR425-MLR-DR4827NC Response: MLR-DR-4827-NC\n\nHow to avoid scams during the assistance application process:\n\nHomeowners and renters who applied for FEMA disaster assistance in WNC should be aware that FEMA representatives may call from unfamiliar area codes and phone numbers that could show as SPAM or no caller ID.\n\nIt is important to answer the call, but always be alert to these illegitimate practices:\n\nA FEMA inspector calls, and you did not submit a FEMA application.\n\nA FEMA inspector asks for your banking information.\n\nFEMA inspectors are NEVER authorized to collect your personal financial information.\n\nA payment is requested from someone who says they are from FEMA.\n\nFEMA will never request payment.\n\nA FEMA inspector calls and asks for your personally identifiable information such as your social security number.\n\nIf any of these things happen to you, or you receive a call from someone saying they are a FEMA representative and you aren\u2019t sure, call the FEMA Helpline to report the incident.\n\nFEMA Helpline: (800) 621-3362\n\nIf you believe you are the victim of a scam related to the Helene response, you should file a complaint with the North Carolina Department of Justice by:\n\nVisiting ncdoj.gov/complaint; or,\n\nCalling toll-free at 877-566-7226.\n\nFood and Water\n\nFree drinking water testing is available by request through the Buncombe County Public Health Department.\n\nJust contact the Buncombe County Public Health Department to request a test kit.\n\nThe department will provide you with an empty bottle along with instructions to collect a drinking water sample and where to drop it off for analysis.\n\nIf you have a private well that flooded, the well should be disinfected and tested to ensure the safety of yourself and your family.\n\nThe Division of Public Health is providing free, well-testing kits through local health departments.\n\nContact your local health department (find your local department via this link) to obtain a free well testing and disinfection kit.\n\nNCDEQ has provided the following resources to help community members track progress on water supply restoration efforts:\n\nPublic Water Supply Situation Report Tracking - ArcGIS map with filters for system status, county, etc. linked here.\n\nDEQ Dashboard - links to additional maps, including mobile view of water system status, and environmental guidance linked here.\n\nBuncombe County\n\nBuncombe County has water distribution at multiple sites. Each will be available daily from 12:00-4:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Please bring your own container.\n\nBuncombe County Sports Park Complex\n\n58 Apac Dr., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nBlack Mountain Ingles\n\n550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nLinwood Crump Shiloh Community Center\n\n121 Shiloh Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nPack Square Park\n\n80 Court Plz., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nSky Lanes Bowling Alley\n\n1477 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nSwannanoa Ingles\n\n2299 US-70, Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nFairview Ingles\n\n225 Charlotte Hwy., Fairview, NC 28803\n\nThe following resources sites are available in Buncombe County, where citizens can access food, water and other basic necessities:\n\nBiltmore Baptist Church\n\n35 Clayton Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nDistribution and bulk pickup for volunteers looking to take bulk loads of supplies to in-need community members\n\nSaturday hours: 10:00 a.m. \u2013 1:00 p.m.\n\nCommunity drive-thru for anyone in the community needing supplies\n\nSaturday hours: 3:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church \u2013 Weaverville\n\n63 N. Main St., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nHot showers available from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nUnlimited clean drinking water is available, bring your own container.\n\nSupplies and bottled water.\n\nHot lunch served at 1:30 p.m.\n\nFellowship Asheville\n\n756 Fairview Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 1:00-4:00 p.m., Monday-Thursday\n\nWest Asheville Baptist Church\n\n926 Haywood Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-4:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday\n\nSaint Mary Margaret Catholic Church\n\n102 Andrews Pl., Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nSaturday hours: 3:00-4:30 p.m.\n\nPlease note: This location is not open during mass.\n\nHot meals are available at the following locations:\n\nWorld Central Kitchen at Ben's Tune Up\n\n195 Hilliard Ave, Asheville, NC 28801\n\nServes 25,000 hot meals a day.\n\nDaily hours: 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.\n\nShiloh Community Center\n\n121 Shiloh Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nGrovemont Park\n\n251 Stonewall Ave., Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nWesley Grant Community Center\n\n285 Livingston St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nWest Asheville Ingles\n\n669 Haywood Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 3:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nNesbitt Chapel\n\n12 Nesbitt Chapel Rd., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nDaily hours: 3:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nGroce United Methodist Church \u2013 also distributing essential supplies\n\n954 Tunnel Rd., Asheville, NC 28805\n\nDaily hours M/W/F/Sat, Supplies 12:00-4:00 p.m., meals 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nA Community Care Station is available at the following location:\n\n2319 Hwy. 70, Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nHot meals served daily: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCommunity Care Stations offer showers, laundry, bathrooms, access to cell towers, wi-fi, potable and non-potable water, and counseling.\n\nHaywood County\n\nThe following locations are providing community members with essential resources such as but not limited to, food, water, cleaning products, baby formula, and pet food, Monday through Fridays:\n\nFines Creek Community Center\n\n190 Fines Creek Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nOpen every day until 6:00 p.m.\n\nPigeon Community Center\n\n450 Pigeon St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nAlso offering hot meals every day at 2:00 p.m.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCruso Community Center\n\n13186 Cruso Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.\n\nFirst United Methodist Church\n\n566 S. Haywood St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nIncludes shower access.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.\n\nMaggie Valley Pavilion\n\n3935 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Saturday)\n\nWoodland Baptist Church\n\n545 Crabtree Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nNew Covenant Church\n\n767 Lee Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nIP Sportsplex\n\n305 Silkwood Dr., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nBethel Elementary School\n\n4700 Old River Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nJonathan Valley Elementary School\n\n410 Hall Dr., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nMonday through Friday\n\nSt. Barnabas Catholic Church\n\n109 Crescent Hill Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nDaily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.\n\nReynolds Baptist Church - Family Life Center\n\n520 Rose Hill Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.\n\nThis location also has potable water available to residents who bring their own vessels to fill.\n\nMountain Projects\n\n2177 Asheville Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nThe Community Kitchen\n\n288 Crabtree Mountain Rd., Canton, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.\n\nHaywood Christian Ministry\n\n150 Branner St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nThe following location offers hot meals daily:\n\nMaggie Valley Fire Department\n\n2901 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nJukebox Junction\n\n3606 Pigeon Rd., Canton, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nThe following location offers showers daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.:\n\nCalvary Baptist Church\n\n2701 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nThe following location is offering supplies for horses and livestock:\n\nWNC Regional Livestock Center\n\n474 Stock Dr., Canton, NC 28716\n\nHenderson County\n\nHenderson County has stood up one Resource Hub location for water distribution and other supplies as they become available.\n\n118 McAbee Ct., Flat Rock, NC 28731\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nEach family unit will be provided supplies for one day\u2019s meal and water as available.\n\nIndividuals are asked to enter the drive-through and remain in your car unless otherwise instructed by volunteers to ensure an efficient process.\n\nJackson County\n\nIn partnership with the Red Cross, the following is available for citizens of Jackson County:\n\nThe Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau are providing shelf-stable meals at the following location:\n\n558 Frank Allen Rd., Cashiers, NC 28717\n\nThe Canada Fire Department is distributing emergency supplies at the following location:\n\n149 Charleys Creek Rd., Tuckasegee, NC 28783\n\nThe following locations are providing resources to displaced families and individuals in need:\n\nMountain Projects\n\n154-B Medical Park Loop, Sylva, NC 28779\n\nUnited Christian Ministries\n\n191 Skyland Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nSt. Mary\u2019s Roman Catholic Church of Sylva\n\n22 Bartlett St., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.\n\nCornbread and Roses\n\n1294 Savannah Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours:\n\nWednesday, 6:00-8:00 p.m.\n\nThursday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nSunday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nMadison County\n\nThe following locations are offering food, water, and some supply distribution in Madison County:\n\nBeech Glen Community Center\n\n2936 Beech Glen Rd., Mars Hill, 28754\n\nDaily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.\n\nCenter Community Center\n\n1300 Grapevine Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nEbbs Chapel Community Center\n\n281 Laurel Valley Rd., Mars Hill, NC 28754\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nEnon Baptist Church\n\n174 Ammons Branch Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nOpen Sunday 12:00-4:00 p.m.\n\nFreedom Christian Church\n\n7350 US 25/70 Bypass, Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThis location offers additional resources such as hygiene products, blankets, clothes, cleaning supplies, diapers, pet food, etc.\n\nLaurel Community Center - also has supplies\n\n4100 NC 212 Hwy., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily Hours: 8:00 a.m. \u2013 8:00 p.m.\n\nRevere-Rice Community Center\n\n3980 Revere Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (Mon-Sat)\n\nSpring Creek Community Center\n\n13075 NC 209 Hwy., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThis location also has additional resources such as pet food, livestock feed and hay.\n\nWalnut Community Center - also has supplies\n\n46 School Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.\n\nN.C. Cooperative Extension - Madison County Center\n\n258 Carolina Ln., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nThis location is offering drive-thru food distribution only.\n\nLittle Ivy Baptist Church\n\n1053 Crossroads Pkwy., Mars Hill, NC 28754\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMcDowell County has established multiple points of distribution that are open daily.\n\nDistribution takes place daily at the following locations:\n\nTom Johnson\u2019s Camping Center\n\n348 Resistoflex Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nWeekend hours: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCherry Springs\n\n6 Bull Walker Rd., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: Wednesdays 4:00-7:00 p.m., Sundays 2:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nCamp Grier\n\n985 Camp Grier Rd., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and 4:00-7:00 p.m.\n\nRestoration Church\n\n2344 Ashworth Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nCentro Unido Latino Americano\n\n79 Academy St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church of Old Fort\n\n203 E. Main St., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: 4:00-7:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nNew Manna Baptist Church\n\n225 E. Court St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 4:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nHot meals are also being provided at the following location:\n\nGrace Community Church\n\n5182 US 70 W., Marion, NC 28752\n\nLunch is served every day from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.\n\nDinner is available from 4:00-5:30 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church of Marion is offering hot showers, air conditioning, and areas to charge devices.\n\nCurrent hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 2:00-5:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday.\n\nPolk County\n\nThe following locations are offering food and water distribution for residents in need from 1:00-5:00 p.m.:\n\nMill Spring/Green Creek Community\n\n25 International Blvd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nColumbus Community\n\n95 Walker St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nSaluda Community Bus Parking Lot\n\n214 E. Main St., Saluda, NC 28773\n\nTryon Community\n\n301 N. Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782\n\nSunny View\n\n86 Sunny View School Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nThe following locations are serving hot meals daily:\n\nTryon Equestrian Center\n\n4066 Pea Ridge Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nRoseland Community Center\n\n56 Peake St., Tryon, NC 28782\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nRutherford County\n\nThe following two centralized distribution center locations are open from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. for citizens to get food and emergency supplies:\n\nThe Green Space\n\n658 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nWarehouse #7\n\n214 Vance St., Warehouse 7, Forest City, NC 28043\n\nTransylvania County\n\nThe following location is providing hot meals to county residents:\n\nBalsam Grove Community Center - daily until power is fully restored\n\n8732 Parkway Rd., Balsam Grove, NC 28708\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nBottled water is available daily at local fire departments and 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Anchor Baptist Church located at:\n\n3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nWater filling stations can be found at the following locations:\n\nCity Sports Complex\n\n824 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.\n\nRocky\u2019s Grill & Soda Shop\n\n50 S. Broad St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours\n\nCedar Mountain Outpost\n\n8431 Greenville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nDD Bullwinkles\n\n60 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nFirst United Methodist Church\n\n325 N. Broad St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nPisgah Forest Baptist Church\n\n494 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nFood, water, and other supplies such as hygiene products are being distributed at the following locations:\n\nAnchor Baptist Church\n\n3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nZion Baptist Church\n\n423 Main St., Rosman, NC 28772\n\nNo daily hours posted\n\nGrace Brevard\n\n55 E. Jordan St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2;00 p.m.\n\nMary C. Jenkins Community Center\n\n221 Mills Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nYancey County\n\nYancey County has one centralized distribution site for water, food and ice located at the following address:\n\nFormer Fred\u2019s Store\n\n677 W. U.S. Highway 19E, Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nMobile laundry facilities are available in the GO Grocery parking lot located at the following address:\n\n631 W Hwy. 19E Bypass, Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nTrash Services and Debris Removal\n\nAll counties are actively working with NCDEQ to determine where mud, silt and sediment can be safely dropped off without risk of contamination.\n\nRecycling services are available through Curbside Management for the following counties:\n\nBuncombe\n\nClay\n\nGraham\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nJackson\n\nMacon\n\nMadison\n\nPolk\n\nRutherford\n\nYancey\n\nSome communities have halted recycling services to prioritize trash collection.\n\nIf that is the case for your community, Curbside Management has a drop-off site available for residents who wish to bring their recycling to the following location:\n\n116 N. Woodfin Ave., Asheville, NC 28804\n\nIf your home has damage and you need assistance with clean up, please call Crisis Cleanup for access to volunteer organizations that can assist you at 844-965-1386.\n\nIf Hurricane Helene caused damage to your home or belongings, make sure to document it.\n\nThis is critically important in getting reimbursed.\n\nTake photos before you begin cleaning up.\n\nMake a list of damaged or lost items and gather receipts.\n\nDoing this helps speed up the process with insurance and other assistance programs, and ensures you get properly compensated.\n\nBefore you start the clean-up process, remember:\n\nWear PPE such as long pants, goggles, gloves and sturdy shoes.\n\nStay off damaged structures.\n\nBe aware that snakes or other hazardous animals could be present.\n\nCall your local fire department to inspect or removal chemicals, propane tanks, and other hazardous materials.\n\nIf you suspect debris contains toxic substances, seal them in plastic bags to prevent them from becoming airborne.\n\nTo reduce the risk of accidental fires, please DO NOT burn your storm debris.\n\nEmergency personnel are continuing to work on other storm recovery and response efforts, limiting resources to respond to accidental fires.\n\nPlease discard storm debris at a local transfer site or via curbside debris pickup.\n\nDebris should be placed curbside and not block the roadway or access to the property.\n\nPlease place debris away from trees, poles or other structures (e.g., fire hydrants, meters, etc.) to make removal work easier.\n\nContact your local municipality for curbside storm debris removal collection schedules or see below for additional information on debris waste removal by county.\n\nAdditionally, the following counties have resources for where to take household trash and debris waste.\n\nBuncombe\n\nCurbside collection will begin Monday for City of Asheville sanitation customers.\n\nStorm debris collection has begun in Buncombe County.\n\nSeparate storm-related debris at the curb in the right of way according to material type:\n\nAppliances, construction debris, household hazardous waste such as pesticides and automotive fluid, vegetative debris, and electronics.\n\nDebris collection will require multiple passes and will be a long process.\n\nResidents do not have to set out all debris at one time or worry if there is debris left; another pass can collect additional debris.\n\nTrash pickup has resumed on the regular schedule for customers in Black Mountain.\n\nWaste Pro collection service has resumed for regular Monday route customers.\n\nHaywood\n\nHousehold waste will be accepted at the Materials Recovery Facility at 247 Recycle Rd., Clyde and at Convenience Centers at Jonathan Creek, Beaverdam, Bethel, Hazelwood, Mauney Cove, Jones Cove and Highway 110.\n\nWhite Oak Landfill has reopened.\n\nHenderson\n\nHenderson County Transfer Station is open and accepting storm debris with normal fees.\n\nHenderson County has begun curbside storm debris removal to county residents as a free service.\n\nThe county will pick up storm debris for free if it is pushed to the right of way of a property.\n\nStorm debris includes tree branches, leaves, logs, building materials, furniture, paint etc.\n\nPlease be patient.\n\nThe county will pick up storm debris for free as quickly as possible.\n\nMadison\n\nThe Hot Springs collection center is operating on normal hours for household trash ONLY:\n\nMonday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nWednesday: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.\n\nFriday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nSaturday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nHot Springs trash pickup is returning to Mondays like usual.\n\nPlease only use this pickup service if you cannot bring it to the collection center yourself.\n\nThe pickup service is being led by volunteers at this time.\n\nMcDowell\n\nMcDowell County has hired private contractors to facilitate storm debris pickup from public right of ways in the Town of Old Fort, City of Marion, and along state secondary roads in the county.\n\nResidents are asked to separate debris into the following categories:\n\nLarge appliances\n\nConstruction debris\n\nVegetative debris\n\nHazardous waste\n\nElectronics\n\nHousehold waste\n\nPolk\n\nThe Polk County landfill is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\n322 Landfill Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nDrop-off of residential trash is $10.\n\nGFL trash services will continue the regular schedule.\n\nThe County has partnered with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to support residents with storm-related debris removal.\n\nCleanup crews are actively collecting debris across the county and transporting it to an approved temporary site on Wolverine Trial in Mill Spring, on Polk County-owned property.\n\nTo ensure smooth and efficient removal:\n\nDebris should be placed within 10 feet of the road.\n\nVegetative debris must be in manageable piles.\n\nLogs can have a maximum length of 15 feet.\n\nDebris should be separated into five categories:\n\nVegetative - Tree branches, leaves, log, branches.\n\nConstruction - Building materials, drywall, lumber, carpet, furniture, plumbing.\n\nLarge Appliances - Refrigerators, washer/dryers, air conditioners, stoves, water heaters, and dishwashers.\n\nPlease DO NOT leave doors unsealed or unsecured.\n\nElectronics - Television, computer, stereo, phones, DVD players, etc.\n\nHazardous Waste - Oil, batteries, pesticides, paint, cleaning supplies, compressed gas.\n\nDocument the clean-up process with photos before and after debris removal.\n\nRutherford\n\nThe county has begun storm debris removal along state-maintained and municipally-controlled roads.\n\nResidents are asked to place storm-related vegetative debris, including trees and limbs, within the road\u2019s right-of-way.\n\nCut large debris into four to six ft. sections.\n\nThe Rutherford County Landfill and all convenience centers have reopened with normal hours.\n\nTransylvania\n\nThe City of Brevard has resumed regular trash pickup.\n\nThe county landfill accepts natural vegetative storm debris, including spoiled hay, trees, brush, etc. for free.\n\nYancey\n\nThe Riverside and East Yancey Recycling Centers have resumed operations.\n\nDaily hours: 7:00 a.m. \u2013 4:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday\n\nThe Yancey-Mitchell Landfill is now open, following repairs from Hurricane Helene.\n\n555 Landfill Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday); 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Saturday)\n\nResidents should sort storm debris from regular household waste.\n\nHazardous materials will not be accepted and construction debris should be separated from household waste.\n\nVoter Information\n\nThe Justice Department has launched a website with information to help Western North Carolinians and other communities impacted by recent hurricanes to vote.\n\nThe site identifies and provides links to various state changes made to accommodate displaced voters and information for folks who have lost their ID cards, had polling sites moved or who are unsure where or how they can vote.\n\nYou can access the website via this link.\n\nTomorrow is Election Day.\n\nYou can use this link to find your polling place.\n\nPlease note: You must vote at your assigned polling place on Election Day.\n\nUnited States Postal Service/Mail Services\n\nMy office has heard concerns related to the Barnardsville Post Office being closed.\n\nThe facility has been deemed unsafe for occupancy until all necessary repairs are completed and the facility has passed the required inspections.\n\nUSPS is dedicated to reopening the facility as soon as possible and I am working with them to make sure there are no unnecessary delays.\n\nRetail services are still being provided via a Mobile Retail Unit that is located on-site.\n\nDelivery operations remain temporarily transferred to the Weaverville Post Office and reliable mail delivery is continuing as it would if delivery were taking place through the Barnardsville location.\n\nSocial Security and FEMA checks are being routed to all units for delivery and/or are available for customer pick up.\n\nFor impacted residents who have relocated due to the storm, please be sure to complete a change of address request at moversguide.usps.com.\n\nMost USPS offices have reopened under normal operations.\n\nSunday delivery is being made in some of the affected communities to ensure delayed mail is delivered as soon as possible.\n\nOnly 21 offices, or 10 percent of all USPS offices in Western NC remain closed.\n\nOnly one facility was fully destroyed, the Micaville PO box office in ZIP code 28755.\n\nUSPS is utilizing Mobile Operations Units where residents can send or receive mail and packages in many of the areas with closed offices.\n\nThe mobile units are located in the following communities:\n\nAlexander - 28701\n\nBarnardsville - 28709\n\nCedar Mountain - 28718\n\nEdneyville - 28727\n\nHot Springs - 28743\n\nMarshall - 28753\n\nMicaville - 28755\n\nMontreat - 28757\n\nRosman - 28772\n\nSwannanoa - 28778\n\nPharmacy Access\n\nPharmacy Locator\n\nHundreds of pharmacies never closed or have reopened across Western North Carolina.\n\nUse this link to locate pharmacy locations open to the public by county.\n\nThe Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response under the Department of Health and Human Services has activated the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) for North Carolinians.\n\nThe EPAP program helps uninsured residents replace prescription medication or certain medical equipment lost or damaged during Hurricane Helene.\n\nThrough the program, uninsured residents can:\n\nRequest a free 30-day supply of certain prescription medications at any EPAP-participating pharmacy which can be renewed every 30 days while the EPAP is active.\n\nReplace certain medical equipment and supplies such as canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, blood sugar meters and blood sugar test strips for diabetics.\n\nUninsured North Carolina residents affected by the recent hurricane can call the EPAP hotline, 855-793-7470, or visit the EPAP website to check their eligibility, determine if their medications or medical equipment are covered, or locate a participating pharmacy.\n\nPrescription Pad is open from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and filling prescriptions for Yancey County residents at the following location:\n\n730 E. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nOpen Urgent Cares/ Health Care Services\n\nThere is a field hospital with physicians, nurses and paramedics who can treat patients at the Burnsville Fire Department. The address is as follows:\n\n305 Pineola St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nThe following urgent cares are open and accessible for community members with non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries:\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Weaverville\n\n61 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nMercy Urgent Care West Asheville\n\n1201 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nMercy Urgent Care Waynesville\n\n120 Frazier St., Ste. 6, Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nLocations open between 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Brevard\n\n22 Trust Ln., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Columbus\n\n140 West Mills St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nLocations open between 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.:\n\nMobile Urgent Care Clinic\n\n12 Florida Ave., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nMental Health & Basic Medical Support Center\n\n130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nPardee Urgent Care\n\n45 Hendersonville Hwy., Ste. A, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nOther locations available:\n\nHeart to Heart International - in Haywood Department of Health Parking Lot\n\n157 Paragon Pkwy., Ste. 800, Clyde, NC 28721\n\nDaily hours: Not available at this time.\n\nFree mental health services - All available for drop-in\n\nIf you have been impacted by the storm and need someone to talk to, call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1 (800) 985-5990.\n\nHelp is also available to anyone, anytime in English or Spanish through a call, text or chat to 988.\n\nLearn more at 988Lifeline.org.\n\nCare Collaborative for Western North Carolina Clinicians is a partnership among more than 200 mental health professionals volunteering to provide free mental health services for Hurricane Helene survivors.\n\nServices are provided virtually, and you can follow this link to find a professional that fits your needs and their contact information to schedule a session.\n\nHot Springs Elementary School - Art Room\n\n63 N. Serpentine Ave., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nThe Pearl Institute\n\n55 Academy St., Waynesville, NC\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-6:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nFree telehealth appointments are also available.\n\nTo book a telehealth appointment, you can email info@pearlpsychedelicinstitute.org or call/text (828) 400-7091\n\nCommunity Support Group\n\nRegular group sessions will be occurring through the end of December at the following locations:\n\n221 Mills Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nMary C. Jenkins Community & Cultural Center\n\nHosted by the City of Brevard, AARP, and Blue Ridge Community College\n\n9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on October 28\n\n45 Oak Park Dr., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nBlue Ridge Community College, Brevard Campus, Room 140\n\n9:00-11:00 a.m. on November 4, 18, 25; December 2, 9 ,16\n\nAll University of North Carolina System students have access to free mental health through their university.\n\nPlease monitor your student email for more information on how to access these services.\n\nThe following orthopedic urgent care locations are open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily, physical therapy appointments are also available at each of these locations:\n\nEmergeOrtho Hendersonville\n\n800 Fleming St., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nEmergeOrtho Arden (South Asheville)\n\n2585 Hendersonville Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nEmergeOrtho Waynesville\n\n9 Haywood Office Park, Ste. 102 and 103, Waynesville, NC 28785\n\nEmergeOrtho Brevard\n\n89 Hospital Dr., Ste. A, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nEmergeOrtho Weaverville\n\n159 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nDialysis Locations\n\nThe following location is open and available for dialysis treatments in NC-11:\n\nPardee Hospital\n\n800 N. Justice St., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nThis location can dialyze 30 patients a day.\n\nDaVita Kidney Care nurses are reaching out to their patients to coordinate treatment, but the following DaVita locations are available:\n\nDaVita Greer South Dialysis\n\n3254 Brushy Greek Rd., Greer, SC 29650\n\nContact Number: (864) 801-2065\n\nDaVita Saluda River Dialysis\n\n8080 Augusta Rd., Piedmont, SC 29673\n\nContact Number: (833) 378-2702\n\nDaVita Wofford at Home\n\n8024 White Ave., Spartanburg, SC 29303\n\nContact Number: (864) 583-4788\n\nDaVita Boiling Springs Dialysis\n\n196 Sloane Garden Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316\n\nContact Number: (833) 458-4809\n\nOxygen Locations\n\nHendersonville High School\n\n1 Bearcat Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nMust be assessed through Pardee Hospital.\n\nLincare is only serving established patients.\n\nPatients must bring in empty tanks to one of the following locations:\n\nAsheville Lincare\n\n103 Elk Park Dr., Asheville, NC 28804\n\nFax number: (866) 234-6698\n\nGreenville Lincare\n\n355 Woodruff Rd., Ste. 204 and 205, Greenville, SC 29607\n\nFax Number: (864) 288-0339\n\nThe following locations are available for oxygen refills, but patients must bring their own oxygen equipment - fire departments are available 24/7:\n\nBoiling Springs Fire Department\n\n186 Rainbow Lake Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316\n\nReidville Fire Department\n\n7450 Reidville Rd., Woodruff, SC 29388\n\nInman City Fire Department\n\n6 Humphrey St., Inman, SC 29349\n\nFirst Presbyterian Church\n\n393 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29302\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.\n\nGreer Relief Indigo Hope Neighborhood Impact Center\n\n113C Berry Ave., Greer, SC 29651\n\nDaily hours: 2:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nCroft Fire Department\n\n370 Cedar Springs Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29302\n\nArkwright Fire Department\n\n1070 Southport Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29306\n\nRoebuck Fire Department\n\n2639 Stone Station Rd., Roebuck, SC 29376\\\n\nNorth Spartanburg Fire Department\n\n8767 Asheville Hwy., Spartanburg, SC 29316\n\nResources for Veterans\n\nOutpatient clinics have rescheduled 66 percent of the appointments that were cancelled due to Hurricane Helene, with more being rescheduled every day.\n\nThe U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs launched a new web page with disaster relief resources, providing a single place for veterans and their caregivers to access VA resources on health care, housing, benefits payments, insurance, and more.\n\nYou can access the web site via this link.\n\nThe VA has established a Veterans Disaster Response Hotline, which is available 24/7 at 1(800) 507-4571.\n\nIf you or a veteran you know needs immediate housing assistance after Hurricane Helene, please call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at (877) 424-3838.\n\nThe call center is open 24/7.\n\nIf you have a VA-backed home loan and are unable to make your mortgage payments, please contact your mortgage servicer.\n\nYou can also call the VA at (877) 827-3702, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nHome loan servicers are allowed to put a 90-day pause on foreclosures and encouraged to waive late charges for VA-guaranteed home loans after a disaster.\n\nLegionnaires, Sons of the American Legion members and Legion Posts that have been displaced from their primary residence due to damage sustained during Hurricane Helene may be eligible for financial assistance through the American Legion.\n\nLegionnaires and Sons of the American Legion members may be eligible for up to $3,000.\n\nLegion Posts may be eligible for up to $10,000.\n\nTo learn more or to request assistance, please use this link.\n\nApplications must be submitted within 90 days of the disaster: Dec. 26, 2024.\n\nThe Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville and Master Sergeant Jerry K. Crump VA Clinic in Forest City are open for essential and emergency services.\n\nVeterans can:\n\nVisit the Asheville VA Hospital pharmacy for medication refills or:\n\nCall the Regional Clinical Contact Center at (855) 679-0074 and press 1 for pharmacy representatives.\n\nLocal pharmacies in the VA\u2019s community care network will also fill written prescriptions, or prescriptions as they appear on an active VA prescription bottle that is not older than six months and has available refills, to provide a 30-day supply.\n\nHickory, Forest City and Franklin outpatient VA clinics are now operating regularly.\n\nDue to the damage and personal losses caused by Hurricane Helene to the staff of the VA, it will take some time to bring staffing to full capacity.\n\nPlease be patient as the VA works to rebuild their workforce.\n\nResources for Farmers\n\nThe United States Department of Agriculture has put together a list of resources for farmers and other agricultural industry members.\n\nIf your agricultural operation has been impacted by Hurricane Helene, you can review this link, farmers.gov, for emergency and disaster assistance programs.\n\nAg supplies can be picked up by farmers in need from any of the following distribution centers (including non-NC-11 locations for farmers who may be closer to an out-of-district distribution center):\n\nAvery County\n\nMitchell-Avery County Center\n\n6880 Linville Falls Hwy., Newland, NC 28657\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday); 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Saturday)\n\nBuncombe County\n\nMills River Station\n\n74 Research Dr., Mills River, NC 28759\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nCaldwell County\n\nCaldwell County Fairgrounds\n\n2461 Fairground Rd., Lenoir, NC 28645\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Wednesday and Saturday only), or by appointment\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMarion - McDowell County\n\n188 Ag Services Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Saturday)\n\nHaywood County\n\nSmokey Mountain Event Center\n\n758 Crabtree Dr., Waynesville, NC 28785\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nWatauga County\n\nWatauga County Extension\n\n5715 U.S. Highway 421 N., Vilas, NC 28692\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) - NO HAY\n\n1:00-6:00 p.m. (Tuesday and Thursday) - HAY ONLY\n\nPower\n\nAlmost 100 percent of all power outages have been restored in impacted areas.\n\nLess than 1,500 customers remain without power across Western NC.\n\n200 Duke Energy customers.\n\nJust over 1,200 electric cooperative customers.\n\nFrench Broad EMC has teams throughout Yancey and Rutherford counties to restore remaining customers.\n\nCrews are working down the Cane River in Rutherford County to get the three-phase line re-routed so French Broad can energize homes down to Elk Shoals Road.\n\nYancey County crews have completed the three-phase build in Pensacola and energized most of the homes in that area.\n\nA portion of NC197S and Ewart Wilson Road is back on as well.\n\nFrench Broad EMC is still trying to find a route into little creek and rebuild their circuits in Huntdale.\n\nThe greatest difficulty is finding space to place energy poles.\n\nCollapsing of roadways has eliminated the area where poles were placed before the storm.\n\nIf your insurance provider is requesting \u201cproof of outage,\u201d you can contact Duke Energy\u2019s Contact Center to request the letter.\n\n(800) 777-9898\n\nMy office has heard multiple complaints of Duke Energy customers being charged for power on days where there was an outage. Duke Energy provided the following information for how billing was calculated, and what will take place to provide a credit if you were over billed due to being a non-AMI account:\n\nAMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure)\n\nBills for customers with an AMI/Smart Meter will reflect actual usage for the billing cycle if the meter is communicating. (For awareness: Duke is monitoring usage daily)\n\nNon-AMI\n\nCustomers without an AMI/Smart Meter may see estimated usage if Duke was unable to obtain a reading prior to invoicing.\n\nOnce Duke Energy can obtain a reading from the meter, your next bill will be adjusted to reflect actual usage and a credit will be applied for anyone who\u2019s usage was overestimated.\n\nDuke Energy also provided the following information for auto-pay and budget billing customers:\n\nAuto-Pay\n\nPayments will automatically draft on the due date for customers signed up for auto-pay.\n\nCustomers have the option to temporarily pause their automatic payment by contacting Duke at 800-777-9898 (DEC) | 800-452-2777 (DEP) or by logging into their account to unenroll from Auto Pay.\n\nIf a customer chooses to unenroll via logging into their online account, they are encouraged to re-enroll when their situation allows to avoid any future missed payments.\n\nBudget Billing\n\nCustomers enrolled in Budget Billing will still be invoiced their set monthly amount.\n\nFor more information on Duke Energy\u2019s power restoration efforts, you can review the following links:\n\nComplex Repair & Disaster Rebuild Zones Map: duke-energy.com/info/carolinas-restoration\n\nOutage Map: duke-energy.com/outages\n\nOutage Alerts: duke-energy.com/outages/alerts\n\nGenerator safety: duke-energy.com/outages/generators\n\nPower restoration process: duke-energy.com/outages/restoring-your-power\n\nRoads\n\nWestern North Carolina is FULLY OPEN to visitors!\n\nPlease come visit!\n\nNCDOT has now reopened 1,010 roads that were previously closed due to Hurricane Helene.\n\nOnly 298 roads remain fully closed.\n\n102 other roads are open with partial access.\n\n26 roads are open to all traffic except truck traffic.\n\nAmes Construction has been awarded a contract for the permanent repair of I-40 in the Pigeon River Gorge.\n\nThe Federal Highway Administration and NCDOT are working on a two-lane-traffic temporary repairs timeline and reopening date for I-40.\n\nI will share the information as I receive it.\n\nNew sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway have officially reopened:\n\nMilepost 411.8 to 421, from US 276 to Black Balsam\n\nMilepost 423.2 to 469, from NC 215 to US 441 in Cherokee, N.C.\n\nMilepost 405.5 to 411.8, near NC 151 to NC 276\n\nEmergency roadway repair work continues with the installation of temporary bridges, numerous slide repairs, roadway reconstruction work, and repair of dangerous shoulder washouts.\n\nThe focus continues to be on major corridors and communities with limited access.\n\nNine communities throughout Western NC continue to have limited access.\n\nNCDOT crews are working to restore access in these locations by rebuilding roadways and constructing bridges.\n\nIn light of interruptions in service caused by NC DMV closures due to Hurricane Helene, the following DMV fees have been waived from Sept. 26 through Dec. 31, 2024:\n\nDuplicate or corrected vehicle titles.\n\nDuplicate registration cards.\n\nSalvage certificate of title.\n\nReplacement license plates and/or stickers.\n\nDuplicate driver licenses (including CDLs).\n\nDuplicate state ID cards (note: state ID cards are already free for anyone age 17 and up)\n\nThe following late fees have also been waived from Sept. 26 through Dec. 31, 2024:\n\nLate vehicle registration fees for vehicles that expired on or after Aug. 31, 2024.\n\nLate interest payments on vehicle registrations and property taxes that expired on or after Aug. 31, 2024.\n\nTitle fees on or after Aug. 31, 2024.\n\nLate fees and interest on limited registration plates and vehicle registration renewals for limited registrations that expired on or after Sept. 30, 2024.\n\nLate fees for dealer plates that expired on or after Aug. 31, 2024.\n\nIf you paid any of the above listed fees or late fees prior to notice of the fee waivers, you will be automatically refunded.\n\nCitizens do not have to take any action to receive refunds.\n\nPlease allow four to six weeks (until Dec. 6, 2024) for refunds to be processed.\n\nRefunds will NOT be given in-person at NC DMV offices.\n\nNCDOT has established a Road Reopening Dashboard for folks to keep track of progress made by the department.\n\nYou can use this link to access the dashboard.\n\nThe dashboard is also linked on DriveNC.gov.\n\nTo monitor road conditions in and around NC-11, use drivenc.gov.\n\nThe website tracks NCDOT-managed road conditions in real time.\n\nNC DMV has reopened 14 of the 16 driver license offices that were closed due to Hurricane Helene.\n\nThe following DMV offices are open for walk-in services in or near NC-11, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., closed between 11:30 a.m. through 1:00 p.m. for a lunch break:\n\nBuncombe County\n\n1624 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nCherokee County\n\n1440 Main St., Andrews, NC 28901\n\nHaywood County\n\n290 Lee Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nHenderson County\n\n125 Baystone Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nJackson County\n\n876 Skyland Dr., Ste. 2, Sylva, NC 28779\n\nMacon County\n\n16 Patton Ave., Franklin, NC 28734\n\nMadison County\n\n1685 NC Highway 213, Marshall, NC 28753\n\nMcDowell County\n\n3975 NC 226 S., Marion, NC 28752\n\nRutherford County\n\n596 Withrow Rd., Forest City, NC 28043\n\nSwain County\n\n2650 Governors Island Rd., Bryson City, NC 28713\n\nTransylvania County\n\n50 Commerce St., Ste. 4, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAll but five license plate agencies have reopened.\n\nAir traffic has sustained at 300 percent above pre-hurricane levels in Western NC.\n\nNCDOT\u2019s aviation division continue to work to make sure flight operations are safe coming into and out of airports, including by:\n\nScheduling landing/unloading times and aircraft parking so aircraft are spaced out and to reduce the risk of incidents.\n\nEstablishing a first of its kind \u201ccorridors in the sky\u201d to separate civilian and military aircraft in the air.\n\nHaving search and rescue partners use short, time and location specific restrictions on air operations to enhance safety when multiple helicopters are engaged in search and rescue efforts.\n\nThe state of North Carolina is NOT turning away civil aviation support so long as it has been coordinated through the proper channels with NC Emergency Management.\n\nIf you or someone you know is interested in providing civil aviation support and don\u2019t know where to coordinate your efforts, please call my office and we will help you get in touch with the right folks.\n\nNCDOT has launched a detour map to show motorists how to get around closures on I-26 and I-40 at the Tennessee border.\n\nYou can access the map here.\n\nInternet Access\n\nFrontier Communications has been diligently working to restore service to customers in Western NC.\n\nService is expected to be restored by November 11 for customers in Marshall.\n\nReconstruction and restoration work begins TODAY, November 4, for customers in the Micaville area.\n\nMy office has also heard from numerous customers frustrated that they were billed for a full month of internet through AT&T despite extended outages, and in many cases, service still not being restored:\n\nAT&T Customer Support is providing billing credits and working with customers impacted by Hurricane Helene when they call AT&T customer service, (800) 288-2020.\n\nSpectrum is proactively issuing credit to customers for the time they were without Spectrum service due to the hurricane.\n\nIf you believe your time without service was not correctly identified, please contact Spectrum customer support to identify the correct credit.\n\nThese automatic credits are applied after Spectrum service has been restored.\n\nWaiting until service restoration has taken place to determine the number of days service was out enables Spectrum to calculate an accurate and appropriate credit.\n\nInternet providers are still working with local energy and cell providers to restore service for customers across Western North Carolina.\n\nFiber repair crews are also pairing with electric utility crews in the field to assist with any accidental fiber cuts.\n\nInternet providers including Optimum and Spectrum are working around the clock to restore service for customers. However, part of the network\u2019s infrastructure was destroyed by mudslides and collapsed bridges making restoration a lengthy process.\n\nAs a result, some impacted areas will require a rebuild of the network from scratch.\n\nTo mitigate the lack of service, Optimum, formerly Altice USA, has set up an Optimum Wi-Fi Trailer that is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the following locations:\n\n717 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\n1800 Four Seasons Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nThe following locations are offering free public wi-fi:\n\nFirst Baptist Church - Weaverville\n\n63 N. Main St, Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nDowntown Franklin\n\nThe Town of Franklin has free wi-fi on the town hill area in downtown.\n\nTransylvania County Library - 24/7\n\n212 S. Gaston St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nThe Yard Brevard\n\n284 Railroad Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nBrevard Visitor Center\n\n175 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAvailable daily from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThe Vine Anglican Church - and free coffee\n\n1055 Lee Rd, Clyde, NC 28721\n\nAvailable daily from 12:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nCell Service\n\nNearly 100 percent of all cellular sites in Western North Carolina have been repaired and are now in service.\n\nUpCycle Tech in Transylvania County is offering free computers and phones for use at the following location:\n\n470 Asheville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAT&T has deployed its Mobile Connectivity Center to the following location:\n\nSam\u2019s Club: 645 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nThe Mobile Connectivity Center is an air-conditioned mobile unit open to the public, equipped with laptops, charging stations and wi-fi.\n\nThe public can use the center for various needs including contacting your insurance company, filling out paperwork or connecting with loved ones.\n\nVerizon has deployed Wireless Emergency Communication Centers to help hurricane survivors stay connected to their friends, family and other important contacts.\n\nWireless Emergency Communication Centers are generator-powered mobile units that have device charging and computer workstations, along with wireless phones, tablets, and other devices available for use.\n\nVerizon\u2019s Wireless Emergency Communication Centers have been set up at the following locations:\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nAsheville YMCA\n\n30 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nFamily Justice Center\n\n35 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nVerizon also has charging stations at the following locations:\n\nYMCA of Western North Carolina\n\n348 Grace Corpening Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nTwo charging stations at this location\n\nWNC Agricultural Center\n\n761 Boylston Hwy., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nThree charging stations at this location\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nOne charging station at this location\n\nT-Mobile has set up satellite cellular on light trucks (SatCOLTs), providing cellular voice and data along with wi-fi and charging stations at the following locations:\n\nAsheville Middle School\n\n211 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center\n\n285 Livingston St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nFirst Baptist Church\n\n130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nAdditional T-Mobile satellite cell on trucks are located in Hendersonville and at a Tractor Supply Co. in Asheville, with others planned for Mission Hospital in Asheville, Cherokee County Emergency Operations Center in Murphy, and in Cherokee.\n\nNorth Carolina National Guard & Department of Defense\n\nAs requests from some counties are decreasing, NC National Guard assets are NOT standing down, they are instead being reallocated to other areas.\n\nMore than 1,600 National Guard soldiers and airmen are deployed across Western North Carolina to provide support.\n\nAll active-duty forces have returned to their duty stations, including Ft. Campbell and Ft. Liberty.\n\nThe National Guard has distributed more than 20,000 tons of commodities to Western North Carolina.\n\nHighlights from the last week:\n\nChainsaw crews helped to clear critical areas in Hot Springs, and cleared and hauled 40 tons of concrete and rubble in Marshall Town Park.\n\nSoldiers completed 1,022 humanitarian aid deliveries in Haywood County and are over 82 percent complete with their overall mission.\n\nCrews cleared 200 tons of debris and silt from Rollins Creek, and hauled and spread 52 tons of ABC stone on Duckett Top Tower Road.\n\nDelivered material to support building a bridge on Catawba River Road in McDowell County.\n\nCompleted multiple bulldozer operations in Rutherford County in support of NCDOT.\n\nHere are a few key phone numbers from the NCNG:\n\nHOTLINE: 888-892-1162\n\nEmergency management watch: 919-733-3300\n\nDonated goods: 919-825-2474\n\nThese lines have very high call volumes. If you do not get through the first try, keep calling.\n\nAsheville Regional Airport\n\nAsheville Regional Airport closed mid-day on Friday, September 27, due to risk of flooding.\n\nCommercial flights at Asheville Regional Airport have resumed.\n\nIf you parked your car in an Asheville Regional Airport lot and could not retrieve the vehicle due to the storm, great news - none of the airport\u2019s lots flooded and all cars are fine.\n\nStay safe and pick up your car when you are able.\n\nPLEASE NOTE:\n\nNo general aviation pilots are allowed to land at Asheville Regional Airport without prior clearance from FEMA to ensure the safety of aircraft and personnel.\n\nSupply deliveries by civilian pilots ARE permitted to land at Asheville Regional Airport so long as they have prior clearance from FEMA.\n\nFEMA is not turning away any pilot that has gone through the proper channels to coordinate delivery and ensure the safety of his fellow aircraft and personnel.\n\nFederal Nutrition Programs\n\nThe U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service has approved flexibilities due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene.\n\nSNAP\n\nNorth Carolina was granted a waiver for the 10-day reporting requirement for the replacement of food purchased with SNAP benefits lost because of the hurricane.\n\nThis waiver provides additional time beyond the standard 10-day time frame for households to report food losses and receive replacement benefits for food that was destroyed and previously purchased with SNAP benefits.\n\nChild Nutrition\n\nThe North Carolina Department of Public Instruction was approved for a waiver pertaining to the child nutrition programs.\n\nUnder the waiver approval, NCDPI\u2019s local program operators may:\n\nServe meals in a non-congregate setting\n\nAdjust the time of meal service\n\nAllow parent pick-up\n\nAllow service of meals at school sites\n\nFood and Nutrition Services Program\n\nPeople and families in North Carolina who are enrolled in the Food and Nutrition Services program can now use their EBT card to purchase hot food.\n\nThis flexibility will remain in effect until November 3.\n\nSpecial Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, & Children (WIC)\n\nFamilies participating in WIC who may have relocated to a new area can go to any NC WIC agency to:\n\nHave a new eWIC card issued\n\nRequest replacement breastfeeding supplies or breast pumps\n\nRequest replacement food that was purchased with current WIC benefits and lost due to Hurricane Helene\n\nFor NC-11 Medical Providers\n\nIf you own a medical practice in NC-11 and are experiencing financial hardship due to Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina Medical Society is reactivating its Financial Recovery Program (FRP) to help you recover and open your doors again.\n\nFor more information on the disaster relief fund, you can visit this link.\n\nDetails on how medical practices can qualify and apply for funds will be coming soon.\n\nThe Department of Health and Human Services through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has made available:\n\nAccelerated payments to Medicare Part A providers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nAdvance payments to Medicare Part B suppliers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nFor Local Government Resource Requests\n\nFor county leaders: This is a reminder to make sure your Emergency Operation Center has submitted the request for gasoline, food, water, cell service deployables, etc. with North Carolina Emergency Management to have your request processed and resources delivered.\n\nMy office stands ready to assist with checking the status of your request if the county or municipality has not heard back from NC Emergency Management within 24 hours.\n\nDisaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)\n\nThe deadline to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits is Dec. 2, 2024 for all counties other than Swain, Graham and Cherokee counties.\n\nSwain County\u2019s deadline is Dec. 9, 2024.\n\nDisaster Unemployment Assistance benefits are now available for Western North Carolinians in counties with a major disaster declaration, including:\n\nBuncombe\n\nClay\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nJackson\n\nMacon\n\nMadison\n\nMcDowell\n\nPolk\n\nRutherford\n\nSwain\n\nTransylvania\n\nYancey\n\nIf your employment has been lost or interrupted because of Hurricane Helene, you may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance.\n\nFile an application for DUA:\n\nFile at des.nc.gov, or\n\nCall over the phone at (919) 629-3857\n\nA toll-free legal aid hotline is now available for low-income survivors with disaster-related legal questions: (866) 219-5262.\n\nFor Individual Assistance through FEMA\n\nThe deadline to file for FEMA Individual Assistance is Nov. 27, 2024. Please mark your calendars and ensure all applications are submitted on time.\n\nNorth Carolina received a Major Disaster Declaration for the following counties: Buncombe, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania and Yancey counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.\n\nPeople with damage to their homes or personal property who live in one of the above-listed counties should apply for Individual Assistance through FEMA, which may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies.\n\nFunds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay.\n\nIndividual Assistance provides financial aid and services to eligible individuals and households that have been affected by a disaster to assist with the recovery process. Individuals can officially begin applying for Individual Assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling the application phone number at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. EST.\n\nFind steps to help you replace important documents that were lost or damaged in the storm: www.fema.gov/disaster/4827/news-media\n\nIf you were initially denied for Individual Assistance, please see below for useful tips to help you file an appeal with FEMA:\n\nUnderstand why FEMA denied your claim before writing the appeal.\n\nIt could be as simple as a missing document, which you can submit with your appeal.\n\nRead FEMA\u2019s letter from beginning to end to completely understand what the agency needs from you.\n\nMake sure you provide evidence for your appeal. Depending on your situation, documentation may include:\n\nA copy of your flood insurance declaration page.\n\nProof of occupancy, which could be an employer statement, lease, utility bill, credit card statement, or other recent, formal document that states your address.\n\nProof of ownership, which might include your mortgage or insurance documents, tax receipts, deed, etc.\n\nCan\u2019t write the appeal yourself?\n\nI recommend having a trusted friend, family member, or lawyer write it for you.\n\nKnow your deadline.\n\nYou have 60 days from the date of your FEMA determination letter to appeal.\n\nCircle the deadline on your calendar or write yourself a note to keep the date in the forefront.\n\nOnce FEMA reviews your letter, you may receive a phone call or a follow-up letter asking for more documentation.\n\nDon\u2019t forget to sign your appeal letter!\n\nOnce signed, there are three ways to submit your appeal:\n\nFax it to (800) 827-8112\n\nSend it by mail to: FEMA Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782\n\nUpload all appeal documents to your disasterassistance.gov account.\n\nInclude your application number on every page of the documents you submit.\n\nExpect a decision letter to your appeal within 90 days.\n\nTo Connect with a Loved One\n\nResidents trying to connect with family members may call NC 211 (or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from out-of-state) to report missing loved ones or request a welfare check.\n\nPeople in the impacted areas can indicate that they are safe by reporting themselves safe through Red Cross Reunification by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).\n\nPlease only use 911 for life-threatening emergencies so the lines remain open for critical situations.\n\nIf you are still trying to locate a friend or family member, please complete this form, linked here, to notify local officials of their missing status.\n\nThe form was created by Buncombe County but information is being shared amongst all counties.\n\nRegardless of which county your loved one was last known to be in, you can still submit the form.\n\nBuncombe County will share the information with the appropriate officials to initiate search and rescue efforts.\n\nUnited Way is also fielding missing person/welfare check requests.\n\nText PERSON to 40403 to add a loved one to search and rescue efforts or fill out this form.\n\nResources for Utility & Other Status Updates\n\nFor information on the status of utilities, debris sites, etc., we want to share the following resources. As communications are restored and more information becomes available, these sites will continue to be updated.\n\nDrinking Water Systems: Public Water Supply Situation Report Tracking\n\nDebris Disposal Sites: Active Temporary Debris Disposal Sites\n\nNCDEQ Situation Report Tracking System\n\nNCDPS Hurricane Helene - Storm Information\n\nNCDPS County Emergency Management Agencies\n\nHow to Apply for FEMA Assistance After Hurricane Helene\n\nFree Legal Assistance\n\nLegal Aid of North Carolina stands ready to provide free advice and legal counsel regarding natural disaster needs, including legal representation if necessary, including for civil legal issues involving:\n\nFiling FEMA claims and appeals (a process which can be overwhelmingly bureaucratic and burdensome)\n\nReplacement of lost or destroyed legal and government documents, including driver\u2019s licenses and identification cards\n\nMedical and insurance claims\n\nHome repair contracts\n\nUtility disputes related to restoration of services\n\nConsumer protection issues like construction fraud, price-gouging on repairs and identity theft\n\nHousing issues such as unlawful eviction and foreclosures\n\nBankruptcy\n\nProbate and clearing title for survivors living in generational homes without a clear title\n\nFamily law cases and children in need of services (unfortunately, domestic violence tends to rise following a natural disaster)\n\nIf you need civil legal assistance, please contact Legal Aid of North Carolina via the following toll-free hotline:\n\n(866) 219-LANC or (866) 219-5262\n\nThe hotline is available from:\n\n8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; and 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Monday and Thursdays.\n\nConstituents can also apply online at legalaidnc.org/get-help/ between 1:00-4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday.\n\nIRS Guidance for Taxpayers Impacted by Hurricane Helene\n\nExtension of certain tax filing deadlines:\n\nIRS has extended various filing deadlines for taxpayers in impacted areas, including 2024 individual/business returns, certain quarterly estimated income tax payments, and certain payroll/excise taxes.\n\nClick here for the full list of extensions and respective dates\n\nClick here for more information from the IRS on disaster assistance\n\nTax relief for qualified payments, disaster-related losses:\n\nIRS released provided guidance to taxpayers on how to address disaster-related losses in their 2024 tax return, as well as providing guidance on how qualified disaster relief payments - like government assistance payments - are generally excluded from gross income.\n\nClick here for a general walkthrough of these policies (under header \u201cAdditional tax relief\u201d)\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of disaster-related losses\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of qualified disaster relief payments\n\nDisaster payments are usually tax-free:\n\nQualified disaster relief payments are generally excluded from gross income.\n\nIn general, this means that affected taxpayers can exclude the following payments from a government agency from their gross income. Amounts received for:\n\nReasonable and necessary personal, family, living or funeral expenses.\n\nThe repair or rehabilitation of your home.\n\nThe repair or replacement of your home\u2019s contents.\n\nYou may be eligible for a disaster loss deduction:\n\nIn some instances, individuals and businesses in a federally declared disaster area can qualify for a casualty loss tax deduction.\n\nThe deduction is available for damaged or destroyed property not covered by insurance or other reimbursement and can result in a larger refund.\n\nTaxpayers can choose to claim the deduction on either the return for the year the loss occurred (in this instance, the 2024 return normally filed next year), or the return for the prior year (the 2023 return filed this year).\n\nFor individual taxpayers, the deadline for making this election is Oct. 15, 2025.\n\nThe IRS also has a special hotline specifically dedicated to taxpayers with disaster-related tax questions. Disaster victims can call the agency\u2019s disaster hotline at (866) 562-5227.\n\nShelters\n\nFor those unable to evacuate to a safe location or in need of a place to go, the following shelters are currently open and available as of today:\n\nBuncombe County\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nGold\u2019s Gym\n\n801 Fairview Rd, Asheville, NC 28803\n\nWNC Agricultural Center\n\n1301 Fanning Bridge Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nHaywood County\n\nHaywood County Government Armory\n\n285 Armory Dr., Clyde, NC 28781\n\nHenderson County\n\nHenderson County Recreation Center\n\n708 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMcDowell County Senior Center\n\n100 Spaulding Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nRutherford County\n\nRutherfordton Presbyterian Church\n\n252 N. Washington St., Rutherfordton, NC 28139\n\nTransylvania County\n\nTransylvania Parks & Rec\n\n1078 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nYancey County\n\nBlue Ridge Elementary\n\n910 Cane River School Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nCarolina Cruiser mobile office hours\n\nIn keeping with my office's motto of being \"First in Constituent Services\" and to help constituents post-Hurricane Helene, my office has resumed Carolina Cruiser mobile office hours.\n\nFolks can stop by to share their thoughts on issues that matter to them or ask for assistance with federal agencies.\n\nVisit my website for updated Carolina Cruiser hours and locations, linked here.\n\nWith my warmest regards,\n\nChuck Edwards\n\nMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:07:06Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2024/11/after-years-of-pushing-usps-for-action-congresswoman-ross-announces-mail-delivery-service-has-begun-in-rtp", "After Years of Pushing USPS for Action, Congresswoman Ross Announces Mail Delivery Service has begun in RTP", "2024-11-04", "2024", "2024-11", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) announced that the United States Postal Service (USPS) began centralized mail delivery service in Research Triangle Park (RTP), North Carolina, on November 2. This breakthrough follows years of advocacy by Congresswoman Ross with support from Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Ted Budd (R-NC), Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04) and the RTP business community.\n\nThe Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina and USPS leaders successfully worked together to implement changes necessary to establish centralized mail delivery for the first time since RTP was established 65 years ago. Home to more than 375 companies and 55,000 employees across 7,000 acres, RTP previously relied on a single U.S. Post Office that did not adequately serve this growing area.\n\n\u201cCentralized mail delivery service is a crucial milestone for Research Triangle Park, a hub of innovation and progress that continues to propel our state and country to new heights,\u201d said Congresswoman Ross. \u201cEnsuring RTP has the support it needs is essential for the growth and success of hundreds of companies. It\u2019s unacceptable that businesses in RTP were forced to function without centralized mail delivery. After years of work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, I'm grateful that we have finally implemented centralized mail delivery in RTP. Thank you to our partners at the Research Triangle Foundation and USPS for their cooperation and commitment to resolving this issue.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019m pleased that the United States Postal Service has officially dispatched mail delivery services within Research Triangle Park, addressing a longstanding and urgent need in this rapidly growing region,\u201d said Congresswoman Foushee. \u201cThis vital infrastructure improvement will deliver the reliable postal services businesses and residents in RTP need to succeed and thrive. I am grateful for the ongoing collaboration between congressional offices, USPS officials, and RTP foundation representatives, which has made this essential service possible for our constituents and will support RTP\u2019s continued growth for years to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe are grateful to our Congressional delegation, USPS and RTP companies for coalescing as a team to get this done. Collaborative problem-solving is a regional differentiator for the Triangle,\" said Scott Levitan, President and CEO of the Research Triangle Foundation. \"Direct mail delivery marks an important step forward in enhancing operational efficiency and supporting the growth of the hundreds of companies based here in RTP. Reliable mail service is essential as we build out Hub RTP, our mixed-use downtown development, to welcome new residents and meet the evolving needs of our businesses.\u201d\n\nOver the past year, Research Triangle Foundation Vice President of Planning and Public Policy Travis Crayton and his team have worked closely with USPS officials to prepare for phased mail delivery service in RTP. On November 2, 2024, USPS confirmed the start of street delivery to select addresses within RTP. Delivery routes will continue to expand as additional RTP companies and organizations opt for street address mail service.\n\nCongresswoman Ross began working to bring mail delivery to RTP more than two years ago. In August 2022, Congresswoman Ross and former Congressman David Price initially requested that USPS expand services and establish mail delivery for the RTP campus. Following a lack of action by USPS to address the issue adequately, the members then joined the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Reform in demanding action.\n\nIn September 2023, Congresswoman Ross led Senator Thom Tillis, Senator Ted Budd, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee, and 110 RTP businesses in a letter urging USPS to implement centralized mail delivery service to the entire RTP campus.\n\nIn November 2023, USPS responded to that letter, announcing that USPS leaders and the Research Triangle Foundation had begun working together to implement the necessary changes to begin the process to institute centralized mail delivery.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:07:06Z"], ["https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/edwards-joined-house-leaders-and-members-wnc-ahead-presenting-helene-funding", "Edwards joined by House leaders and Members in WNC ahead of presenting Helene funding bill", "2024-11-01", "2024", "2024-11", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Chuck Edwards", "E000246", "edwards.house.gov", "edwards", "https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Congressman Edwards and congressional delegation hear from volunteers on rebuilding efforts after Hurricane Helene\n\nU.S. Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) today was joined by House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (LA-01), Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08), Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) and Congressman Mike Collins (GA-10) in Western North Carolina to see firsthand the impact of Hurricane Helene.\n\nThe delegation received an on-the-ground tour of the hurricane damage at the Veterans Restoration Quarters and River Arts District.\n\nCongressman Edwards said, \u201cMajority Leader Scalise, Chairman Smith and other Members of Congress\u2019 visit to our mountains was an opportunity for them to see the damage caused by Hurricane Helene for themselves so that they can truly understand the devastation Western North Carolinians are experiencing. I wanted to make sure that House leaders and Members have firsthand knowledge of the hurricane destruction in preparation for when I go to present a supplemental funding bill on the House Floor in November.\u201d\n\nMajority Leader Scalise said, \u201cHurricane Helene had a devastating impact across western North Carolina. But I saw today in Asheville what I saw in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina: resilient people coming together in the face of destruction and tragedy to lend helping hands to their neighbors and rebuild their vibrant community. I\u2019m thankful to have been here to see the challenges firsthand and to meet many of the incredible volunteers, restaurateurs, and business owners already working to restore what was lost. My friend Congressman Chuck Edwards is working tirelessly in the wake of this storm to help these hard-hit areas and aid them on their road to recovery. North Carolina is not alone in this fight.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:07:06Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2024/11/on-first-day-of-open-enrollment-ross-castor-introduce-legislation-to-protect-families-from-rogue-health-insurance-brokers", "On First Day of Open Enrollment, Ross, Castor Introduce Legislation to Protect Families from Rogue Health Insurance Brokers", "2024-11-01", "2024", "2024-11", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congresswomen Deborah Ross (NC-02) and Kathy Castor (FL-14) introduced the bicameral Insurance Fraud Accountability Act, legislation aimed at establishing criminal penalties and enhancing consumer protections against rogue health insurance brokers who are changing Americans\u2019 Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans and disenrolling them from Medicaid without their knowledge or consent. This bill addresses alarming tactics that jeopardize the financial and health security of American families.\n\nIn June, Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Tammy Duckworth, (D-IL), Patty Murray (D-WA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) introduced the Insurance Fraud Accountability Act in the Senate.\n\n\u201cNorth Carolina families deserve to feel secure in their health care choices, but for far too long, rogue brokers have exploited their trust,\u201d said Congresswoman Ross. \u201cThis bill is a necessary reform to protect our communities from deceptive practices that leave families with unexpected medical bills and significant financial strain. By holding these bad actors responsible, we are taking concrete steps to protect consumers and their access to reliable health care.\u201d\n\n\"The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has been a godsend to families in Florida and across America. The ACA has lowered the cost for high quality health care and banned discrimination for preexisting conditions. Unfortunately, a few bad actors are exploiting people and signing them up for health insurance plans without their consent,\u201d said Rep. Castor. \"On the first day of Open Enrollment, I\u2019m proud to introduce the Insurance Fraud Accountability Act with Rep. Ross to bring greater transparency and accountability to the health insurance marketplace by cracking down on predatory health insurance sales, ensuring consumers are notified of plan changes, establishing stronger penalties for fraudulent enrollments and requiring brokers to act in the best interest of the customer. Together, these measures will protect hardworking Americans from predatory practices and keep money in their wallets where it rightfully belongs.\u201d\n\nThis legislation will impose criminal penalties for agents and brokers who engage in fraudulent practices, including enrolling individuals in plans without their consent and using deceptive marketing to target vulnerable groups. To further protect consumers, the legislation will create a consent verification process, ensuring that individuals will be kept informed of any new enrollments or changes to their insurance coverage. This comprehensive approach aims to strengthen accountability and transparency in the health insurance industry.\n\nThe bill is endorsed by AHIP, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Kidney Fund, American Lung Association, Arthritis Foundation, Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, Cambia Health Solutions (Regence BCBS), CancerCare, Centene Corporation (Ambetter), Child Neurology Foundation, Chronic Disease Coalition, Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, eHealth, Epilepsy Foundation, Families USA, Hemophilia Fed of America, Immune Deficiency Foundation, Lupus Foundation of America, Muscular Dystrophy Association, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), National Health Council, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, National Patient Advocate Foundation, QuoteVelocity, Susan G. Komen, The AIDS Institute, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, The Mended Hearts, Inc., UnidosUS, and WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease.\n\nBill text is available here and a one pager is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:07:06Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2024/11/ross-murphy-publish-op-ed-in-roll-call-justice-for-veterans-sickened-at-camp-lejeune-can-t-wait-any-longer-congress-must-act-now", "Ross, Manning, Adams, & Nickel Call on USPS to Take Extraordinary Measures to Process Absentee Ballots", "2024-11-01", "2024", "2024-11", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "ICYMI: Representatives Deborah Ross (NC-02), Kathy Manning (NC-06), Alma Adams (NC-12), and Wiley Nickel (NC-13) sent a letter to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy calling on the United States Postal Service (USPS) to take extraordinary measures to ensure North Carolinians\u2019 absentee ballots reach county boards of elections without delay.\n\nThe lawmakers wrote, \u201cAlthough North Carolina previously counted all ballots postmarked by Election Day, this year, officials only will count the ballots county boards of elections have received by 7:30 PM on Election Day. Given the record number of voters who will vote by mail in the 2024 election and the Postal Service\u2019s critical role in defending election integrity, we request that USPS make public on a daily basis certain key factors regarding election mail processing, as outlined in the September Extraordinary Measures Memo, beginning this week and continuing through November 5th.\u201d\n\nThe lawmakers expressed concerns and requested detailed information on USPS operations to process election mail efficiently, ensuring timely and complete delivery of all absentee ballots.\n\nFull text of the letter is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:07:06Z"], ["https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-adams-visits-charlotte-bilingual-preschool", "Rep. Adams Visits Charlotte Bilingual Preschool", "2024-10-31", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Alma S. Adams", "A000370", "adams.house.gov", "adams", "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "\u201cI have enjoyed myself immensely this morning,\" said Rep. Adams. \u201cI can\u2019t think of a better environment where children have people who care and work with their families.\u201d\n\nAs quality childcare has become harder to find and increasingly expensive in North Carolina, Charlotte Bilingual Preschool helps to ensure that Spanish-speaking families in the Charlotte area have an accessible resource that builds critical language skills and Kindergarten-readiness. Charlotte Bilingual Preschool\u2019s 5-star licensed program has been serving Mecklenburg County Spanish-speaking families since 1999. In addition to preschool, they offer family programs and workforce development programs to focus on removing systemic barriers for those who are learning English.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/edwards-calls-white-house-help-provide-temporary-housing-post-helene", "Edwards calls on White House to help provide temporary housing post-Helene", "2024-10-31", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Chuck Edwards", "E000246", "edwards.house.gov", "edwards", "https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) announced today that his office is calling on the White House to help provide temporary housing in Western North Carolina in a timely manner following reports that it took the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) five months to provide temporary housing in Louisiana and a year in Maui, Hawaii.\n\nThere are currently 2,581 families displaced by Hurricane Helene, and counties in Western North Carolina requested 1,180 FEMA trailers.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases/foushee-ross-call-for-greater-accountability-in-housing-amid-concerns-over-wall-street-influence", "Foushee, Ross Call for Greater Accountability in Housing Amid Concerns Over Wall Street Influence", "2024-10-29", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Valerie P. Foushee", "F000477", "foushee.house.gov", "foushee", "https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "As first-time homeownership rates drop, lawmakers request an investigation into the effects of institutional investors on housing affordability\n\nDURHAM, NC (October 29, 2024) \u2014 Today, Congresswomen Valerie Foushee (NC-04) and Deborah Ross (NC-02) sent a letter urging the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to examine the impact of institutional investment on the housing sector, and whether investors are taking advantage of federal affordable housing programs at the expense of homeowners and renters. The surge of institutional investments has led to rising housing prices and increased rental costs, significantly impacting working families, first-time home buyers, and renters across North Carolina.\n\nIn the Research Triangle area, median home prices surged over 25% from 2020 to 2023. Reports indicate that institutional investors purchased nearly 18% of all homes in Wake County in 2022, outbidding local families and exacerbating the housing crisis.\n\nThe lawmakers wrote, \u201cFederal housing policy should prioritize the housing needs of everyday Americans, not speculative profits. We urge you to act swiftly in probing these programs and practices so that Congress and housing agencies can better understand the role of institutional investors in housing affordability and provide solutions.\u201d\n\nSpecifically, the lawmakers are requesting that the investigation focuses on:\n\nEvaluating federal programs that provide incentives to large real estate investors, with suggestions to make these programs serve their intended purpose of helping families.\n\nHow the rise of large investors owning homes is affecting prices and rent, regardless of what federal housing programs are in place.\n\nWhether practices like raising rents are pushing out middle-and low-income families.\n\nHow the business practices of these investors are harming tenants\u2019 rights, living conditions, and financial well-being.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/murphy-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-protect-medicare-physicians-and", "Murphy Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Medicare for Physicians and Patients", "2024-10-29", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Gregory F. Murphy", "M001210", "murphy.house.gov", "murphy", "https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. issued the following statement after introducing the bipartisan Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act, to support physicians and protect access to care for Medicare beneficiaries.\n\n\"America's physicians are at a breaking point and access to high-quality, affordable care is at risk for millions of Medicare patients,\" said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. \"When a physician sees a Medicare patient, they do so out of the goodness of their heart, not because it makes financial sense. Medical inflation is much higher and the cost of seeing patients continues to rise. Unfortunately, reimbursements continue to decline, putting immense pressure on doctors to retire, close their practices, forgo seeing new Medicare patients, or seek a less efficient employment position. This bipartisan legislation would stop yet another year of reimbursement cuts, give them a slight inflationary adjustment, and protect Medicare for physicians and patients alike.\"\n\n\"Medicare payments to physicians are just not keeping pace with our economic realities and the cost of care,\" said Congressman Jimmy Panetta. \"Our bipartisan legislation would not only prevent harmful cuts but also would adjust provider reimbursements for inflation. Such a law would expand seniors' access to quality healthcare by helping medical providers continue their care for Medicare beneficiaries.\"\n\n\"Access to quality healthcare is a something every senior deserves, but declining Medicare reimbursement is putting that access at risk,\" said Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks. \"The bipartisan Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act is crucial to reversing the damaging trend of cuts that threaten our healthcare providers, especially in underserved communities. We must act now to prevent further burnout and consolidation in our system, ensuring that every Medicare beneficiary receives the care they need and deserve.\"\n\n\"Having an outdated Medicare reimbursement rate for physicians makes it harder for healthcare professionals to provide high-quality care, putting patients at risk,\" said Congressman Ami Bera, M.D. \"Physicians, unlike the rest of the players in health care, have never received an inflationary update and consistently received cuts. This bill ensures a more stable Medicare payment system, allowing providers to focus on delivering care rather than worrying about losing their practice. With this bipartisan effort, we are working toward a system that supports both patients and doctors.\"\n\n\"All patients deserve timely access to healthcare from quality physicians in their communities,\" said Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. \"Inadequate Medicare reimbursement threatens that access. I have long fought to correct the current trend of cutting reimbursement levels year after year, and I am proud to join my bipartisan colleagues to introduce the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act. The current path toward further consolidation, physician burnout, and closure of medical practices must be corrected.\"\n\n\"Over the past 22 years, adjusting for inflation, physicians have essentially taken a 26% pay cut from Medicare,\" said Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. \"Their reimbursement has been flat or declining, while overhead costs have increased by about 47%: rent, labor, equipment, and insurance. I cannot think of another profession whose compensation has dropped by 26% over 2 decades. Physicians have been holding their breath, year after year, hoping that Congress will act to avert these devastating decreases in reimbursement. Without adequate reimbursement, solo and small practice physicians\u2014most often in rural or underserved areas\u2014are already closing their doors. It\u2019s up to Congress to ensure that physicians are fairly compensated and can continue to practice, so that all Medicare patients have access to high-quality, affordable care, and I am proud to co-sponsor legislation that will achieve just that.\"\n\n\"As a physician, I recognize that year after year cuts to Medicare reimbursement jeopardizes access to care for our nation\u2019s seniors,\" said Congressman John Joyce, M.D. \"We must work in Congress to create a more sustainable long-term solution to ensure that Medicare patients continue to receive the high-quality affordable care that they deserve. While we continue this important work, I am proud to co-lead the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act, in order to protect access for Medicare beneficiaries and support Medicare physicians in the face of these proposed cuts.\"\n\n\"As an emergency medicine physician, I know how important it is for families and individuals I serve to have access to the necessary health care services they rely on,\" said Congressman Raul Ruiz M.D. \"I am deeply concerned about the impact the outdated Medicare reimbursement rate has on health care access for my constituents. That is why I am co-leading the 'Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act' that will move us away from a system where every year seniors\u2019 access to essential care is threatened due to potential cuts.\"\n\nBackground\n\nIn July 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed a rule that would decrease Medicare reimbursement for physician services by 2.8% beginning on January 1, 2025. Compounded with CMS\u2019 own estimates of a projected 3.6% increase in practice cost expenses for next year, physicians will be faced with an 6.4% cut unless Congress acts.\n\nAccording to the American Medical Association, when adjusted for inflation, Medicare reimbursement for physician services has declined 29% from 2001 to 2024.\n\nMedicare reimbursement cuts for physicians have significant ripple effects across our health care system, particularly in rural and underserved areas.\n\nThe decline in reimbursement rates, while wages and operational costs continue to rise, is forcing many physician practices to consider layoffs, reduced services, or office closure.\n\nAt a time when we\u2019re facing a physician shortage and a historic number of doctors are nearing retirement age, these cuts risk accelerating physician burnout and reducing access to care for Medicare patients.\n\nSupporting Organizations\n\nAcademy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy, ADVION (formerly National Association for the Support of Long Term Care), Alabama Society for the Rheumatic Diseases, Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy, Alliance for Physical Therapy Quality and Innovation, Alliance of Specialty Medicine, Alliance of Wound Care Stakeholders, Ambulatory Surgery Center Association, American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, American Academy of Audiology, American Academy of Dermatology Association, American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, American Academy of Neurology, American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, American Academy of Otolaryngology\u2013Head and Neck Surgery, American Academy of Pain Medicine, American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American Academy of Sleep Medicine, American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, American Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, American Association of Neurological Surgeons, American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Chiropractic Association, American Clinical Neurophysiology Society, American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, American College of Cardiology, American College of Chest Physicians, American College of Emergency Physicians, American College of Gastroenterology, American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics, American College of Mohs Surgery, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians, American College of Osteopathic Internists, American College of Physicians, American College of Radiation Oncology, American College of Radiology, American College of Rheumatology, American College of Surgeons, American Gastroenterological Association, American Geriatrics Society, American Glaucoma Society, American Health Care Association, American Medical Association, American Medical Group Association, American Medical Rehabilitation Providers Association, American Medical Women's Association, American Occupational Therapy Association, American Optometric Association, American Osteopathic Association, American Physical Therapy Association, American Physical Therapy Association \u2013 Private Practice Section, American Podiatric Medical Association, American Psychiatric Association, American Psychological Association Services, American Society for Clinical Pathology, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, American Society for Radiation Oncology, American Society for Surgery of the Hand, American Society of Breast Surgeons, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons, American Society of Dermatopathology, American Society of Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology, American Society of Echocardiography, American Society of Hand Therapists, American Society of Nuclear Cardiology, American Society of Pediatric Nephrology, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Society of Retina Specialists, American Society of Transplant Surgeons, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, American Urogynecologic Society, American Urological Association, Arkansas Rheumatology Association, Association for Clinical Oncology , Association of American Medical Colleges, Association of Clinicians for the Underserved, Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists, Association of Women in Rheumatology, Brain Injury Association of America, California Medical Association, California Rheumatology Alliance, CardioVascular Coalition, Chicago Rheumatism Society, Clinical Social Work Association, Coalition of State Rheumatology Organizations, College of American Pathologists, Community Oncology Alliance (COA), Congress of Neurological Surgeons, Connecticut Rheumatology Association, Dialysis Vascular Access Coalition, Digestive Health Physicians Association, Digestive Health Physicians Association, Emergency Department Practice Management Association, Endocrine Society, Federation of American Hospitals, Florida Society of Rheumatology, Free2care, Georgia Society of Rheumatology, Healthcare Business Management Association, Heart Failure Society of America, Heart Rhythm Society, Indiana Associations Pathologists, Infectious Diseases Society of America, Infusion Providers Alliance, LUGPA, Maryland Society for the Rheumatic Diseases, Massachusetts Medical Society, Medical Group Management Association, MidWest Rheumatology Association, National Association of ACOs, National Association of Rehabilitation Providers and Agencies, National Association of Spine Specialists, National Infusion Center Association, National Rural Health Association, Nebraska Rheumatology Society, New York State Rheumatology Society, North Carolina Rheumatology Association, Office-Based Facility Organization, Outpatient Endovascular and Interventional Society, Pediatrix Medical Group, Inc., Physician-Led Healthcare for America, Physicians Advocacy Institute, Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medical Association, Practicing Physicians of America, Renal Physicians Association, Rheumatology Alliance of Louisiana, Rheumatology Association of Minnesota and the Dakotas, Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, Society for Vascular Surgery, Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons, Society of General Internal Medicine, Society of Gynecologic Oncology, Society of Hospital Medicine, Society of Interventional Radiology, Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery, Society of Thoracic Surgeons, Tennessee Rheumatology Society, Texas Medical Association, US Oncology Network, Virginia Society of Rheumatology, West Virginia Rheumatology Society, and the Wisconsin Rheumatology Association.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2024/10/ross-foushee-call-for-greater-accountability-in-housing-amid-concerns-over-wall-street-influence", "Ross, Foushee Call for Investigation of Effects of Wall Street Speculation on Housing Market", "2024-10-29", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congresswomen Deborah Ross (NC-02) and Valerie Foushee (NC-04) sent a letter urging the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to examine the impact of institutional investment on the housing sector, and whether investors are taking advantage of federal affordable housing programs at the expense of homeowners and renters. The surge of institutional investments has led to rising housing prices and increased rental costs, significantly impacting working families, first-time home buyers, and renters across North Carolina.\n\nIn the Research Triangle area, median home pricessurged over 25% from 2020 to 2023. Reports indicate that institutional investors purchasednearly 18% of all homes in Wake County in 2022, outbidding local families and exacerbating the housing crisis.\n\nThe lawmakers wrote, \u201cFederal housing policy should prioritize the housing needs of everyday Americans, not speculative profits. We urge you to act swiftly in probing these programs and practices so that Congress and housing agencies can better understand the role of institutional investors in housing affordability and provide solutions.\u201d\n\nSpecifically, the lawmakers are requesting that the investigation focuses on:\n\nEvaluating federal programs that provide incentives to large real estate investors, with suggestions to make these programs serve their intended purpose of helping families.\n\nHow the rise of large investors owning homes is affecting prices and rent, regardless of what federal housing programs are in place.\n\nWhether practices like raising rents are pushing out middle-and low-income families.\n\nHow the business practices of these investors are harming tenants\u2019 rights, living conditions, and financial well-being.\n\nFull text of the letter is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://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://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-adams-honored-stratford-richardson-ymca-after-securing-funds-new", "Rep. Adams Honored at Stratford Richardson YMCA After Securing Funds for New Clinic", "2024-10-25", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Alma S. Adams", "A000370", "adams.house.gov", "adams", "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "CHARLOTTE \u2013 Yesterday, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12) was honored by the YMCA of Greater Charlotte for her years of service to the community and the role she played in securing $2 million for the construction of their new Atrium Health Community Care Primary Care West Boulevard Family Medicine Clinic. This on-campus clinic will help provide quality, affordable care to those in need.\n\n\u201cBy providing minor surgical procedures, women\u2019s care, pediatric care, and other preventive services, the Atrium Health Community Care Primary Care West Boulevard Family Medicine Clinic will be the difference between a family having to pay exorbitant emergency room fees and getting immediate treatment,\u201d said Rep. Adams. \u201cI am deeply honored to be chosen for the YMCA of Greater Charlotte\u2019s inaugural \u2018Champion of Change\u2019 award. This work is personal for me and this clinic is an important step in closing the healthcare gaps that exist in our community. Healthcare is one of my four H\u2019s, so I am proud to have helped support this clinic and the YMCA of Greater Charlotte by securing funding towards its development.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe owe a debt of gratitude not only to Congresswoman Adams but also to our incredible partners\u2014Atrium Health, our YMCA team, the congresswoman\u2019s team, our elected officials, and our community partners,\" said Sue Glass, President & CEO, YMCA of Greater Charlotte. \u201cTogether, through advocacy, commitment, and collaboration, we are transforming the Stratford Richardson YMCA campus into a catalyst for positive impact in Charlotte\u2019s West Boulevard Corridor.\n\nOther appropriations information and community project funding awards are available on Rep. Adams\u2019 website.\n\n###\n\nCongresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. represents North Carolina's 12th Congressional District (Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, Cabarrus County) and serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Education & the Workforce, where she serves as ranking member of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-adams-statement-freedom-caucus-proposal-disenfranchise-nc-voters", "Rep. Adams' Statement on Freedom Caucus Proposal to Disenfranchise NC Voters", "2024-10-25", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Alma S. Adams", "A000370", "adams.house.gov", "adams", "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "CHARLOTTE \u2013 Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), released the following statement after Congressman Andy Harris (R-MD-01), Chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, suggested the North Carolina State Legislature award their state\u2019s Electoral College votes to former president Donald Trump irrespective of the votes of the people of North Carolina:\n\n\u201cThe election is barely underway and the House Freedom Caucus already wants to throw the ballots out. It would be disgraceful to overturn the votes of a free and fair election. Rep. Andy Harris (MD-01) should retract and apologize for his statement that North Carolina's state legislature should unilaterally hand the state's Electoral College votes to his preferred candidate.\n\nFor my part, I joined my colleagues in signing onto letters to both the USPS and the Biden-Harris Administration to ensure our elections remain safe and accessible in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Our constituents are experiencing a disaster. Exploiting them for ill political gain, instead of helping, is shameful. Let\u2019s turn the page on this insanity once and for all.\u201d\n\n###\n\nCongresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. represents North Carolina's 12th Congressional District (Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, Cabarrus County) and serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Education & the Workforce, where she serves as ranking member of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/hurricane-recovery-update-28", "Hurricane recovery update #28", "2024-10-25", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Chuck Edwards", "E000246", "edwards.house.gov", "edwards", "https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "October 25, 2024\n\nDear Friend,\n\nFour weeks. Western North Carolina\u2019s world was rocked by Hurricane Helene four whole weeks ago.\n\nI have always been proud to be from these mountains, but I\u2019ve never been prouder than I am right now. We\u2019ve come so far over the past 28 days, in a way that only salt-of-the-earth mountain folk can.\n\nI could list endless reasons why you should be proud of yourselves, but I don\u2019t think I need to because you see it every day. When chaos struck in the first few days after the storm, you buckled down and powered through.\n\nFolks immediately began to muck and gut flooded buildings regardless of whether it was your building or not. Dozens of churches and non-profits staffed by local community members began distributing food and water, and I have yet to see a single person turn down a neighbor in need.\n\nAfter being knocked down, I\u2019ve watched our mountain communities build back up, brick by brick.\n\nWe still have a long road ahead of us, but I think being four weeks post-disaster only warrants taking a step back and appreciating how we\u2019ve shown up for each other and how far we\u2019ve come. Take a moment to be proud of yourself today, because I\u2019m proud of you too.\n\nThis update includes a one-day extension to apply in-person for D-SNAP benefits if you live in Buncombe, Haywood, Macon, or McDowell counties, the standing down of active duty military who were deployed to Western NC (N.C. National Guard still remains stationed throughout NC-11), and once again highlights a change in location for the Buncombe County Disaster Recovery Center.\n\nToday is update number 28, with more information to follow in the coming weeks. As always, please make sure to read everything and share it with your friends and family.\n\nIndex\n\nClick the title to be taken to the correlating information in the update.\n\nFEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Sites\n\nLegislative Support\n\nHousing/Individual Assistance Updates\n\nFood and Water\n\nBuncombe County\n\nHaywood County\n\nHenderson County\n\nJackson County\n\nMadison County\n\nMcDowell County\n\nPolk County\n\nRutherford County\n\nTransylvania County\n\nYancey County\n\nTrash Services and Debris Removal\n\nBuncombe\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nMadison\n\nMcDowell\n\nPolk\n\nRutherford\n\nTransylvania\n\nYancey\n\nVoter Information\n\nUnited States Postal Service/Mail Services\n\nPharmacy Access\n\nOpen Urgent Cares/ Health Care Services\n\nDialysis Locations\n\nOxygen Locations\n\nResources for Veterans\n\nResources for Farmers\n\nPower\n\nRoads\n\nInternet Access\n\nCell Service\n\nNorth Carolina National Guard & Department of Defense\n\nAsheville Regional Airport\n\nFederal Nutrition Programs\n\nFor NC-11 Medical Providers\n\nFor Local Government Resource Requests\n\nFor Individual Assistance through FEMA\n\nTo Connect with a Loved One\n\nResources for Utility & Other Status Updates\n\nFree Legal Assistance\n\nIRS Guidance for Taxpayers Impacted by Hurricane Helene\n\nShelters\n\nBuncombe County\n\nHaywood County\n\nHenderson County\n\nMadison County\n\nMcDowell County\n\nRutherford County\n\nTransylvania County\n\nYancey County\n\nCarolina Cruiser Mobile Office Hours\n\nFEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Sites\n\nThe following FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers are open seven days a week to assist North Carolina survivors who have experienced losses from Hurricane Helene.\n\nBuncombe County - TEMPORARY LOCATIONS\n\nSwannanoa Fire Rescue - Bee Tree Fire Substation\n\n510 Bee Tree Rd., Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nOpen October 24-27, 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nBuncombe County Sports Park (Parking Lot)\n\n58 Apac Dr., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nOpen October 28-31, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nHaywood County\n\nRegional High Technical Center\n\n112 Industrial Park Dr., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nHenderson County\n\n2111 Asheville Hwy., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nJackson County Annex Building\n\n198 WBI Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nMadison County\n\nMadison County Public Library - Marshall Branch\n\n1335 N. Main St., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nMcDowell County\n\nA.C. \u201cBud\u201d Hogan Community Center\n\n909 E. Main St., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nCounty Senior Center\n\n100 Spaulding Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nRutherford County\n\nMountains Branch Library\n\n150 Bills Creek Rd., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nTransylvania County: Community Services Building\n\n106 E. Morgan St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nYancey County\n\nCounty Annex Facility\n\n677 W. U.S. Highway 19E Bypass, Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nA Disaster Recovery Center is a one-stop shop where survivors can meet face-to-face with FEMA representatives, apply for FEMA assistance, receive referrals to local assistance in their area, apply with the U.S. Small Business Administration for disaster loans, etc.\n\nAdditional recovery centers will be opening soon, and I will keep you posted as I learn about them.\n\nDisaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams are also stationed across NC-11 to help survivors apply for FEMA assistance and connect them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources.\n\nLegislative Support\n\nThe U.S. House of Representatives is gearing up to pass a disaster relief package when we return to session in November.\n\nI have begun conversations with leadership about how to best meet Western North Carolina\u2019s needs in any supplemental relief package passed by Congress in the coming months.\n\nThe North Carolina General Assembly unanimously passed the Disaster Recovery Act of 2024 on Oct. 9, 2024.\n\nThis bill creates a new Hurricane Helene fund with $273 million from the state\u2019s Savings Reserve Fund.\n\n$250 million will go to the Department of Public Safety's Division of Emergency Management to provide the state\u2019s match to federal disaster relief funds.\n\nAnother portion of the funds will be used to establish a revolving loan program to help local government and state agencies with cash flow while they are waiting for reimbursement from the federal government.\n\n$16 million will go to the Department of Public Instruction for \u201clost compensation of school nutrition employees due to school closures resulting from Hurricane Helene\u201d\n\n$2 million to provide local governments technical assistance with local recovery funds.\n\n$5 million to the State Board of Elections, alongside a variety of temporary election law changes such as changing polling sites that were rendered unusable by the storm and establishing a voter hotline, to make it easier for residents of Western North Carolina to vote.\n\nThe bill also:\n\nGrants school calendar flexibility to public schools by allowing them to make up or mark as completed any number of the days or hours missed.\n\nIt also allows the schools to use up to 30 days of remote instruction toward required instructional days.\n\nWaives DMV fees for things like obtaining a duplicate driver\u2019s license, ID card, etc.\n\nWaives certain environmental requirements for state highway repairs.\n\nThis provision will not reduce the safety of repairs conducted by NCDOT or negatively impact the environment.\n\nHousing/Individual Assistance Updates\n\nNearly 223,000 Western North Carolinians have registered for Individual Assistance with FEMA.\n\nThe Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program through FEMA is currently providing temporary hotel stays to roughly 6,300 individuals.\n\nFEMA has distributed more than $138 million in housing assistance to more than 96,000 Western North Carolina households.\n\nInspectors have performed more than 29,000 home inspections for FEMA Individual Assistance evaluations.\n\nFEMA is seeking residential properties to lease for Helene survivors.\n\nInterested WNC property owner or management companies should reach out to FEMA on or before 5:00 p.m. EST, Nov. 6, 2024, via email to fema-direct_lease_dr4827nc@fema.dhs.gov.\n\nThe email subject line should read: RFI# 70FBR425-DL-DR4827NC\n\nFEMA is also seeking multifamily properties to house disaster survivors\n\nInterested property owner or management companies should reach out to FEMA no later than 5:00 p.m. EST, Nov. 6, 2024, via email to fema-mlr_dr4827nc@fema.dhs.gov.\n\nThe email subject line should read: RFI #70FBR425-MLR-DR4827NC Response: MLR-DR-4827-NC\n\nFood and Water\n\nFree drinking water testing is available by request through the Buncombe County Public Health Department.\n\nJust contact the Buncombe County Public Health Department to request a test kit.\n\nThe department will provide you with an empty bottle along with instructions to collect a drinking water sample and where to drop it off for analysis.\n\nIf you have a private well that flooded, the well should be disinfected and tested to ensure the safety of yourself and your family.\n\nThe Division of Public Health is providing free, well-testing kits through local health departments.\n\nContact your local health department (find your local department via this link) to obtain a free well testing and disinfection kit.\n\nWell disinfection and well water collection kits can be picked up from the following locations from October 22-24 and October 28-31, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.:\n\nBuncombe County Health Department - Environmental Health Building\n\n30 Valley St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nCherokee County Health Department\n\n228 Hilton St., Murphy, NC 28906\n\nHaywood County Environmental Health\n\n157 Paragon Pkwy., Ste. 200, Clyde, NC 28721\n\nHenderson County Health Department\n\n1200 Spartanburg Hwy., Ste. 100, Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nMadison - Environmental Health Building\n\n5707 US-25, Marshall, NC 28753\n\nYancey County Health Department\n\n202 Medical Campus Dr., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nSupplying drinkable water remains a top priority for emergency crews.\n\n22 water systems are on a partial or system-wide boil advisory.\n\nOnly one treatment plant has reported having no power, but this system does not serve any residential customers, and two systems remain out of water.\n\nWater restoration trends continue to move in a positive direction.\n\nThere are 234 wastewater treatment plants operating under normal conditions in the affected areas across Western NC.\n\nNCDEQ has provided the following resources to help community members track progress on water supply restoration efforts:\n\nPublic Water Supply Situation Report Tracking - ArcGIS map with filters for system status, county, etc. linked here.\n\nDEQ Dashboard - links to additional maps, including mobile view of water system status, and environmental guidance linked here.\n\nThe Federal Emergency Management Agency has promised 120 truckloads a day of food and water with no specified end date.\n\nFEMA has delivered more than 13 million meals and more than 12.9 million liters of water to Western North Carolina utilizing the $20 billion in funds that I helped to draft and pass for disaster relief just two days before Hurricane Helene hit.\n\nHome Depot will be passing out free disaster relief kits every day starting at 9:00 a.m., while supplies last, at the following locations:\n\nHome Depot Asheville\n\n795 Fairview Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nHome Depot West Asheville\n\n127 Acton Cir., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nHome Depot Hendersonville\n\n401 Linda Vista Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nWalmart is hosting activities at the following locations:\n\nHendersonville, NC Store 1242\n\n250 Highlands Square Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nPortable restrooms\n\nServing hot meals at 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily\n\nArden, NC Store 1179\n\n60 Airport Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nPortable restrooms\n\nLaundry\n\nShowers\n\nWi-fi hotspot and charging stations\n\nBuncombe County\n\nBuncombe County has water distribution at multiple sites. Each will be available daily from 12:00-4:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Please bring your own container.\n\nBuncombe County Sports Park Complex\n\n58 Apac Dr., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nBlack Mountain Ingles\n\n550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nLinwood Crump Shiloh Community Center\n\n121 Shiloh Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nPack Square Park\n\n80 Court Plz., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nSky Lanes Bowling Alley\n\n1477 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nThe following resources sites are available in Buncombe County, where citizens can access food, water and other basic necessities:\n\nBiltmore Baptist Church\n\n35 Clayton Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nDistribution and bulk pickup for volunteers looking to take bulk loads of supplies to in-need community members\n\nSaturday hours: 10:00 a.m. \u2013 1:00 p.m.\n\nCommunity drive-thru for anyone in the community needing supplies\n\nSaturday hours: 3:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church \u2013 Weaverville\n\n63 N. Main St., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nHot showers available from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nUnlimited clean drinking water is available, bring your own container.\n\nSupplies and bottled water.\n\nHot lunch served at 1:30 p.m.\n\nFellowship Asheville\n\n756 Fairview Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 1:00-4:00 p.m., Monday-Thursday\n\nWest Asheville Baptist Church\n\n926 Haywood Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-4:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday\n\nSaint Mary Margaret Catholic Church\n\n102 Andrews Pl., Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nSaturday hours: 3:00-4:30 p.m.\n\nPlease note: This location is not open during mass.\n\nHot meals are available at the following locations:\n\nWorld Central Kitchen at Ben's Tune Up\n\n195 Hilliard Ave, Asheville, NC 28801\n\nServes 25,000 hot meals a day.\n\nDaily hours: 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.\n\nShiloh Community Center\n\n121 Shiloh Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nGrovemont Park\n\n251 Stonewall Ave., Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nManna Food Bank - Farmer\u2019s Market\n\n570 Brevard Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nReopening October 22-24 from 1:00-5:00 p.m. daily for a special event to distribute critical baby items.\n\nWesley Grant Community Center\n\n285 Livingston St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nWest Asheville Ingles\n\n669 Haywood Rd., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 3:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nNesbitt Chapel\n\n12 Nesbitt Chapel Rd., Fairview, NC 28730\n\nDaily hours: 3:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nGroce United Methodist Church \u2013 also distributing essential supplies\n\n954 Tunnel Rd., Asheville, NC 28805\n\nDaily hours starting Wednesday, October 16: Only M/W/F/Sat, Supplies 12:00-4:00 p.m., meals 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nA Community Care Station is available at the following location:\n\n2319 Hwy. 70, Swannanoa, NC 28778\n\nDaily hours: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.\n\nHot meals served daily: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCommunity Care Stations offer showers, laundry, bathrooms, access to cell towers, wi-fi, potable and non-potable water, and counseling.\n\nHaywood County\n\nThe following locations are providing community members with essential resources such as but not limited to, food, water, cleaning products, baby formula, and pet food, Monday through Fridays:\n\nFines Creek Community Center\n\n190 Fines Creek Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nOpen every day until 6:00 p.m.\n\nPigeon Community Center\n\n450 Pigeon St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nAlso offering hot meals every day at 2:00 p.m.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCruso Community Center\n\n13186 Cruso Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.\n\nFirst United Methodist Church\n\n566 S. Haywood St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nIncludes shower access.\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.\n\nMaggie Valley Pavilion\n\n3935 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Saturday)\n\nWoodland Baptist Church\n\n545 Crabtree Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nNew Covenant Church\n\n767 Lee Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nIP Sportsplex\n\n305 Silkwood Dr., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nBethel Elementary School\n\n4700 Old River Rd., Canton, NC 28716\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nJonathan Valley Elementary School\n\n410 Hall Dr., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nMonday through Friday\n\nSt. Barnabas Catholic Church\n\n109 Crescent Hill Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nDaily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.\n\nReynolds Baptist Church - Family Life Center\n\n520 Rose Hill Rd., Asheville, NC 28803\n\nDaily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.\n\nThis location also has potable water available to residents who bring their own vessels to fill.\n\nMountain Projects\n\n2177 Asheville Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nThe Community Kitchen\n\n288 Crabtree Mountain Rd., Canton, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.\n\nHaywood Christian Ministry\n\n150 Branner St., Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nThe following location offers hot meals daily:\n\nMaggie Valley Fire Department\n\n2901 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nJukebox Junction\n\n3606 Pigeon Rd., Canton, NC 28806\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nThe following location offers showers daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.:\n\nCalvary Baptist Church\n\n2701 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751\n\nThe following location is offering supplies for horses and livestock:\n\nWNC Regional Livestock Center\n\n474 Stock Dr., Canton, NC 28716\n\nHenderson County\n\nHenderson County has stood up one Resource Hub location for water distribution and other supplies as they become available.\n\n118 McAbee Ct., Flat Rock, NC 28731\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nEach family unit will be provided supplies for one day\u2019s meal and water as available.\n\nIndividuals are asked to enter the drive-through and remain in your car unless otherwise instructed by volunteers to ensure an efficient process.\n\nJackson County\n\nIn partnership with the Red Cross, the following is available for citizens of Jackson County:\n\nThe Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau are providing shelf-stable meals at the following location:\n\n558 Frank Allen Rd., Cashiers, NC 28717\n\nThe Canada Fire Department is distributing emergency supplies at the following location:\n\n149 Charleys Creek Rd., Tuckasegee, NC 28783\n\nThe following locations are providing resources to displaced families and individuals in need:\n\nMountain Projects\n\n154-B Medical Park Loop, Sylva, NC 28779\n\nUnited Christian Ministries\n\n191 Skyland Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nSt. Mary\u2019s Roman Catholic Church of Sylva\n\n22 Bartlett St., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.\n\nCornbread and Roses\n\n1294 Savannah Dr., Sylva, NC 28779\n\nDaily hours:\n\nWednesday, 6:00-8:00 p.m.\n\nThursday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nSunday, 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nMadison County\n\nThe following locations are offering food, water, and some supply distribution in Madison County:\n\nBeech Glen Community Center\n\n2936 Beech Glen Rd., Mars Hill, 28754\n\nDaily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.\n\nCenter Community Center\n\n1300 Grapevine Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nEbbs Chapel Community Center\n\n281 Laurel Valley Rd., Mars Hill, NC 28754\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nEnon Baptist Church\n\n174 Ammons Branch Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nOpen Sunday 12:00-4:00 p.m.\n\nFreedom Christian Church\n\n7350 US 25/70 Bypass, Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThis location offers additional resources such as hygiene products, blankets, clothes, cleaning supplies, diapers, pet food, etc.\n\nLaurel Community Center - also has supplies\n\n4100 NC 212 Hwy., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily Hours: 8:00 a.m. \u2013 8:00 p.m.\n\nRevere-Rice Community Center\n\n3980 Revere Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (Mon-Sat)\n\nSpring Creek Community Center\n\n13075 NC 209 Hwy., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThis location also has additional resources such as pet food, livestock feed and hay.\n\nWalnut Community Center - also has supplies\n\n46 School Rd., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: Unable to locate daily hours at this time.\n\nN.C. Cooperative Extension - Madison County Center\n\n258 Carolina Ln., Marshall, NC 28753\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nThis location is offering drive-thru food distribution only.\n\nLittle Ivy Baptist Church\n\n1053 Crossroads Pkwy., Mars Hill, NC 28754\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMcDowell County has established multiple points of distribution that are open daily.\n\nDistribution takes place daily at the following locations:\n\nTom Johnson\u2019s Camping Center\n\n348 Resistoflex Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nWeekend hours: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nCherry Springs\n\n6 Bull Walker Rd., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: Wednesdays 4:00-7:00 p.m., Sundays 2:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nCamp Grier\n\n985 Camp Grier Rd., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and 4:00-7:00 p.m.\n\nRestoration Church\n\n2344 Ashworth Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nCentro Unido Latino Americano\n\n79 Academy St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church of Old Fort\n\n203 E. Main St., Old Fort, NC 28762\n\nDaily hours: 4:00-7:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nFirst Baptist Church Marion\n\n99 N Main St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nConcord United Methodist Church\n\n8066 Linville Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 2:00-4:00 p.m.\n\nNew Manna Baptist Church\n\n225 E. Court St., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 4:00-6:00 p.m.\n\nHot meals are also being provided at the following location:\n\nGrace Community Church\n\n5182 US 70 W., Marion, NC 28752\n\nLunch is served every day from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.\n\nDinner is available from 4:00-5:30 p.m.\n\nFirst Baptist Church of Marion is offering hot showers, air conditioning, and areas to charge devices.\n\nCurrent hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 2:00-5:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday.\n\nPolk County\n\nThe following locations are offering food and water distribution for residents in need from 1:00-5:00 p.m.:\n\nMill Spring/Green Creek Community\n\n25 International Blvd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nColumbus Community\n\n95 Walker St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nSaluda Community Bus Parking Lot\n\n214 E. Main St., Saluda, NC 28773\n\nTryon Community\n\n301 N. Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782\n\nSunny View\n\n86 Sunny View School Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nThe following locations are serving hot meals daily:\n\nTryon Equestrian Center\n\n4066 Pea Ridge Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nRoseland Community Center\n\n56 Peake St., Tryon, NC 28782\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2:00 p.m.\n\nRutherford County\n\nThe following two centralized distribution center locations are open from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. for citizens to get food and emergency supplies:\n\nThe Green Space\n\n658 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746\n\nWarehouse #7\n\n214 Vance St., Warehouse 7, Forest City, NC 28043\n\nTransylvania County\n\nThe following location is providing hot meals to county residents:\n\nBalsam Grove Community Center - daily until power is fully restored\n\n8732 Parkway Rd., Balsam Grove, NC 28708\n\nDaily hours: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nBottled water is available daily at local fire departments and 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Anchor Baptist Church located at:\n\n3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nWater filling stations can be found at the following locations:\n\nCity Sports Complex\n\n824 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.\n\nRocky\u2019s Grill & Soda Shop\n\n50 S. Broad St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours\n\nCedar Mountain Outpost\n\n8431 Greenville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nDD Bullwinkles\n\n60 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nNo posted daily hours.\n\nFirst United Methodist Church\n\n325 N. Broad St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\n\nPisgah Forest Baptist Church\n\n494 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.\n\nFood, water, and other supplies such as hygiene products are being distributed at the following locations:\n\nAnchor Baptist Church\n\n3232 Hendersonville Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nZion Baptist Church\n\n423 Main St., Rosman, NC 28772\n\nNo daily hours posted\n\nGrace Brevard\n\n55 E. Jordan St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-2;00 p.m.\n\nMary C. Jenkins Community Center\n\n221 Mills Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday\n\nYancey County\n\nYancey County has transitioned to one centralized distribution site for water, food and ice located at the following address:\n\nFormer Fred\u2019s Store\n\n677 W. U.S. Highway 19E, Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nMobile laundry facilities are available in the GO Grocery parking lot located at the following address:\n\n631 W Hwy. 19E Bypass, Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nTrash Services and Debris Removal\n\nAll counties are actively working with NCDEQ to determine where mud, silt and sediment can be safely dropped off without risk of contamination.\n\nMore information to come.\n\nRecycling services are available through Curbside Management for the following counties:\n\nBuncombe\n\nClay\n\nGraham\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nJackson\n\nMacon\n\nMadison\n\nPolk\n\nRutherford\n\nYancey\n\nSome communities have halted recycling services to prioritize trash collection.\n\nIf that is the case for your community, Curbside Management has a drop-off site available for residents who wish to bring their recycling to the following location:\n\n116 N. Woodfin Ave., Asheville, NC 28804\n\nIf your home has damage and you need assistance with clean up, please call Crisis Cleanup for access to volunteer organizations that can assist you at 844-965-1386.\n\nIf Hurricane Helene caused damage to your home or belongings, make sure to document it.\n\nThis is critically important in getting reimbursed.\n\nTake photos before you begin cleaning up.\n\nMake a list of damaged or lost items and gather receipts.\n\nDoing this helps speed up the process with insurance and other assistance programs, and ensures you get properly compensated.\n\nBefore you start the clean-up process, remember:\n\nWear PPE such as long pants, goggles, gloves and sturdy shoes.\n\nStay off damaged structures.\n\nBe aware that snakes or other hazardous animals could be present.\n\nCall your local fire department to inspect or removal chemicals, propane tanks, and other hazardous materials.\n\nIf you suspect debris contains toxic substances, seal them in plastic bags to prevent them from becoming airborne.\n\nTo reduce the risk of accidental fires, please DO NOT burn your storm debris.\n\nEmergency personnel are continuing to work on other storm recovery and response efforts, limiting resources to respond to accidental fires.\n\nPlease discard storm debris at a local transfer site or via curbside debris pickup.\n\nDebris should be placed curbside and not block the roadway or access to the property.\n\nPlease place debris away from trees, poles or other structures (e.g., fire hydrants, meters, etc.) to make removal work easier.\n\nContact your local municipality for curbside storm debris removal collection schedules or see below for additional information on debris waste removal by county.\n\nAdditionally, the following counties have resources for where to take household trash and debris waste.\n\nBuncombe\n\nCurbside collection will begin Monday for City of Asheville sanitation customers.\n\nStorm debris collection has begun in Buncombe County.\n\nSeparate storm-related debris at the curb in the right of way according to material type:\n\nAppliances, construction debris, household hazardous waste such as pesticides and automotive fluid, vegetative debris, and electronics.\n\nDebris collection will require multiple passes and will be a long process.\n\nResidents do not have to set out all debris at one time or worry if there is debris left; another pass can collect additional debris.\n\nThe Town of Black Mountain Public Works Department has secured four 15-yard dumpsters located in two sites for Black Mountain residents to throw away household trash ONLY:\n\nTractor Supply: 125 Old US Hwy. 70 E., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nIngles: 550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nPlease Note: Yard waste, bulk items, separate recycling and debris collection are not available at this time.\n\nWaste Pro collection service has resumed for regular Monday route customers.\n\nHaywood\n\nHousehold waste will be accepted at the Materials Recovery Facility at 247 Recycle Rd., Clyde and at Convenience Centers at Jonathan Creek, Beaverdam, Bethel, Hazelwood, Mauney Cove, Jones Cove and Highway 110.\n\nWhite Oak Landfill has reopened.\n\nHenderson\n\nHenderson County Transfer Station is open and accepting storm debris with normal fees.\n\nHenderson County has begun curbside storm debris removal to county residents as a free service.\n\nThe county will pick up storm debris for free if it is pushed to the right of way of a property.\n\nStorm debris includes tree branches, leaves, logs, building materials, furniture, paint etc.\n\nPlease be patient.\n\nThe county will pick up storm debris for free as quickly as possible.\n\nMadison\n\nThe Hot Springs collection center is operating on normal hours for household trash ONLY:\n\nMonday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nWednesday: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.\n\nFriday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.\n\nSaturday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nHot Springs trash pickup is returning to Mondays like usual.\n\nPlease only use this pickup service if you cannot bring it to the collection center yourself.\n\nThe pickup service is being led by volunteers at this time.\n\nMcDowell\n\nMcDowell County has hired private contractors to facilitate storm debris pickup from public right of ways in the Town of Old Fort, City of Marion, and along state secondary roads in the county.\n\nResidents are asked to separate debris into the following categories:\n\nLarge appliances\n\nConstruction debris\n\nVegetative debris\n\nHazardous waste\n\nElectronics\n\nHousehold waste\n\nPolk\n\nThe Polk County landfill is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\n\n322 Landfill Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756\n\nDrop-off of residential trash is $10.\n\nGFL trash services will continue the regular schedule. However, certain areas may be inaccessible due to ongoing power outages from Hurricane Helene.\n\nTwo dumpsters are located on Gibson Street for immediate trash disposal due to road inaccessibility.\n\nRutherford\n\nThe county has begun storm debris removal along state-maintained and municipally-controlled roads.\n\nResidents are asked to place storm-related vegetative debris, including trees and limbs, within the road\u2019s right-of-way.\n\nCut large debris into four to six ft. sections.\n\nThe Rutherford County Landfill and all convenience centers have reopened with normal hours.\n\nTransylvania\n\nThe City of Brevard has resumed regular trash pickup.\n\nThe county landfill accepts natural vegetative storm debris, including spoiled hay, trees, brush, etc. for free.\n\nYancey\n\nThe Riverside and East Yancey Recycling Centers have resumed operations.\n\nDaily hours: 7:00 a.m. \u2013 4:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday\n\nThe Yancey-Mitchell Landfill is now open, following repairs from Hurricane Helene.\n\n555 Landfill Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday); 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Saturday)\n\nResidents should sort storm debris from regular household waste.\n\nHazardous materials will not be accepted and construction debris should be separated from household waste.\n\nVoter Information\n\nThe Justice Department has launched a website with information to help Western North Carolinians and other communities impacted by recent hurricanes to vote.\n\nThe site identifies and provides links to various state changes made to accommodate displaced voters and information for folks who have lost their ID cards, had polling sites moved or who are unsure where or how they can vote.\n\nYou can access the website via this link.\n\nReminder: Early voting has started!\n\nVoters may cast a ballot at any early voting site in their county.\n\nOnly four early voting sites were closed due to Hurricane Helene across NC-11, all in Buncombe County.\n\nThe following four sites are NO LONGER eligible early voting sites, as was originally planned prior to Hurricane Helene:\n\nBee Tree Fire Station\n\nFriendship Center\n\nNorth Asheville Library\n\nUpper Hominy Fire & Rescue Department\n\nAll other regular early voting sites are OPEN across NC-11.\n\nCoordination is ongoing to develop messaging in multiple languages to inform shelter residents and guests of how and where to vote.\n\nThe North Carolina State Board of Elections has provided pertinent information and recommendations for voters in the Helene disaster area during the 2024 general election.\n\nTo review information on voting in the 2024 general election after Hurricane Helene, you can follow this link.\n\nThe site provides information on absentee voting, how to change your polling location if you have a new permanent address, county board of elections, office closures and more.\n\nFor any additional questions on voting post-hurricane, please contact your county Board of Elections.\n\nPlease note: Your county Board of Elections is the best place to get any questions answered.\n\nI have been permitted to share the above, nonpartisan information but am prohibited from answering any questions related to the 2024 general election.\n\nUnited States Postal Service/Mail Services\n\nUSPS anticipates continued improvement of mail delivery operations with local recovery efforts, to include power, connectivity, and roads.\n\nSocial Security checks are being routed to all units for delivery and/or are available for customer pick up.\n\nFor impacted residents who have relocated due to the storm, please be sure to complete a change of address request at moversguide.usps.com.\n\nMost USPS offices have reopened under normal operations.\n\nSunday delivery is being made in some of the affected communities to ensure delayed mail is delivered as soon as possible.\n\nOnly 21 offices, or 10 percent of all USPS offices in Western NC remain closed.\n\nOnly one facility was fully destroyed, the Micaville PO box office in ZIP code 28755.\n\nUSPS is utilizing Mobile Operations Units where residents can send or receive mail and packages in many of the areas with closed offices.\n\nThe mobile units are located in the following communities:\n\nAlexander - 28701\n\nBarnardsville - 28709\n\nCedar Mountain - 28718\n\nEdneyville - 28727\n\nHot Springs - 28743\n\nMarshall - 28753\n\nMicaville - 28755\n\nMontreat - 28757\n\nRosman - 28772\n\nSwannanoa - 28778\n\nPharmacy Access\n\nPharmacy Locator\n\nHundreds of pharmacies never closed or have reopened across Western North Carolina.\n\nUse this link to locate pharmacy locations open to the public by county.\n\nThe Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response under the Department of Health and Human Services has activated the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) for North Carolinians.\n\nThe EPAP program helps uninsured residents replace prescription medication or certain medical equipment lost or damaged during Hurricane Helene.\n\nThrough the program, uninsured residents can:\n\nRequest a free 30-day supply of certain prescription medications at any EPAP-participating pharmacy which can be renewed every 30 days while the EPAP is active.\n\nReplace certain medical equipment and supplies such as canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, blood sugar meters and blood sugar test strips for diabetics.\n\nUninsured North Carolina residents affected by the recent hurricane can call the EPAP hotline, 855-793-7470, or visit the EPAP website to check their eligibility, determine if their medications or medical equipment are covered, or locate a participating pharmacy.\n\nPrescription Pad is open from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and filling prescriptions for Yancey County residents at the following location:\n\n730 E. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nOpen Urgent Cares/ Health Care Services\n\nThere is a field hospital with physicians, nurses and paramedics who can treat patients at the Burnsville Fire Department. The address is as follows:\n\n305 Pineola St., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nThe following urgent cares are open and accessible for community members with non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries:\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Weaverville\n\n61 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nMercy Urgent Care West Asheville\n\n1201 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nMercy Urgent Care Waynesville\n\n120 Frazier St., Ste. 6, Waynesville, NC 28786\n\nLocations open between 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Brevard\n\n22 Trust Ln., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nLocations open between 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:\n\nMercy Urgent Care Columbus\n\n140 West Mills St., Columbus, NC 28722\n\nLocations open between 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.:\n\nMobile Urgent Care Clinic\n\n12 Florida Ave., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nMental Health & Basic Medical Support Center\n\n130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nPardee Urgent Care\n\n45 Hendersonville Hwy., Ste. A, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768\n\nOther locations available:\n\nHeart to Heart International - in Haywood Department of Health Parking Lot\n\n157 Paragon Pkwy., Ste. 800, Clyde, NC 28721\n\nDaily hours: Not available at this time.\n\nFree mental health services - All available for drop-in\n\nIf you have been impacted by the storm and need someone to talk to, call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1 (800) 985-5990.\n\nHelp is also available to anyone, anytime in English or Spanish through a call, text or chat to 988.\n\nLearn more at 988Lifeline.org.\n\nCare Collaborative for Western North Carolina Clinicians is a partnership among more than 200 mental health professionals volunteering to provide free mental health services for Hurricane Helene survivors.\n\nServices are provided virtually, and you can follow this link to find a professional that fits your needs and their contact information to schedule a session.\n\nHot Springs Elementary School - Art Room\n\n63 N. Serpentine Ave., Hot Springs, NC 28743\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nThe Pearl Institute\n\n55 Academy St., Waynesville, NC\n\nDaily hours: 12:00-6:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nFree telehealth appointments are also available.\n\nTo book a telehealth appointment, you can email info@pearlpsychedelicinstitute.org or call/text (828) 400-7091\n\nCommunity Support Group\n\nThe first of a series of free support groups occurred on Monday, October 14, to help the community manage the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.\n\nRegular group sessions will be occurring through the end of December at the following locations:\n\n221 Mills Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nMary C. Jenkins Community & Cultural Center\n\nHosted by the City of Brevard, AARP, and Blue Ridge Community College\n\n9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on October 21 and 28\n\n45 Oak Park Dr., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nBlue Ridge Community College, Brevard Campus, Room 140\n\n9:00-11:00 a.m. on November 4, 18, 25; December 2, 9 ,16\n\nAll University of North Carolina System students have access to free mental health through their university.\n\nPlease monitor your student email for more information on how to access these services.\n\nThe following orthopedic urgent care locations are open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily, physical therapy appointments are also available at each of these locations:\n\nEmergeOrtho Hendersonville\n\n800 Fleming St., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nEmergeOrtho Arden (South Asheville)\n\n2585 Hendersonville Rd., Arden, NC 28704\n\nEmergeOrtho Waynesville\n\n9 Haywood Office Park, Ste. 102 and 103, Waynesville, NC 28785\n\nEmergeOrtho Brevard\n\n89 Hospital Dr., Ste. A, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nEmergeOrtho Weaverville\n\n159 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nDialysis Locations\n\nThe following location is open and available for dialysis treatments in NC-11:\n\nPardee Hospital\n\n800 N. Justice St., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nThis location can dialyze 30 patients a day.\n\nDaVita Kidney Care nurses are reaching out to their patients to coordinate treatment, but the following DaVita locations are available:\n\nDaVita Greer South Dialysis\n\n3254 Brushy Greek Rd., Greer, SC 29650\n\nContact Number: (864) 801-2065\n\nDaVita Saluda River Dialysis\n\n8080 Augusta Rd., Piedmont, SC 29673\n\nContact Number: (833) 378-2702\n\nDaVita Wofford at Home\n\n8024 White Ave., Spartanburg, SC 29303\n\nContact Number: (864) 583-4788\n\nDaVita Boiling Springs Dialysis\n\n196 Sloane Garden Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316\n\nContact Number: (833) 458-4809\n\nOxygen Locations\n\nHendersonville High School\n\n1 Bearcat Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nMust be assessed through Pardee Hospital.\n\nLincare is only serving established patients.\n\nPatients must bring in empty tanks to one of the following locations:\n\nAsheville Lincare\n\n103 Elk Park Dr., Asheville, NC 28804\n\nFax number: (866) 234-6698\n\nGreenville Lincare\n\n355 Woodruff Rd., Ste. 204 and 205, Greenville, SC 29607\n\nFax Number: (864) 288-0339\n\nThe following locations are available for oxygen refills, but patients must bring their own oxygen equipment - fire departments are available 24/7:\n\nBoiling Springs Fire Department\n\n186 Rainbow Lake Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316\n\nReidville Fire Department\n\n7450 Reidville Rd., Woodruff, SC 29388\n\nInman City Fire Department\n\n6 Humphrey St., Inman, SC 29349\n\nFirst Presbyterian Church\n\n393 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29302\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.\n\nGreer Relief Indigo Hope Neighborhood Impact Center\n\n113C Berry Ave., Greer, SC 29651\n\nDaily hours: 2:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nCroft Fire Department\n\n370 Cedar Springs Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29302\n\nArkwright Fire Department\n\n1070 Southport Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29306\n\nRoebuck Fire Department\n\n2639 Stone Station Rd., Roebuck, SC 29376\\\n\nNorth Spartanburg Fire Department\n\n8767 Asheville Hwy., Spartanburg, SC 29316\n\nResources for Veterans\n\nOutpatient clinics have rescheduled 66 percent of the appointments that were cancelled due to Hurricane Helene, with more being rescheduled every day.\n\nThe U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs launched a new web page with disaster relief resources, providing a single place for veterans and their caregivers to access VA resources on health care, housing, benefits payments, insurance, and more.\n\nYou can access the web site via this link.\n\nThe VA has established a Veterans Disaster Response Hotline, which is available 24/7 at 1(800) 507-4571.\n\nIf you or a veteran you know needs immediate housing assistance after Hurricane Helene, please call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at (877) 424-3838.\n\nThe call center is open 24/7.\n\nIf you have a VA-backed home loan and are unable to make your mortgage payments, please contact your mortgage servicer.\n\nYou can also call the VA at (877) 827-3702, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.\n\nHome loan servicers are allowed to put a 90-day pause on foreclosures and encouraged to waive late charges for VA-guaranteed home loans after a disaster.\n\nLegionnaires, Sons of the American Legion members and Legion Posts that have been displaced from their primary residence due to damage sustained during Hurricane Helene may be eligible for financial assistance through the American Legion.\n\nLegionnaires and Sons of the American Legion members may be eligible for up to $3,000.\n\nLegion Posts may be eligible for up to $10,000.\n\nTo learn more or to request assistance, please use this link.\n\nApplications must be submitted within 90 days of the disaster: Dec. 26, 2024.\n\nThe Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville and Master Sergeant Jerry K. Crump VA Clinic in Forest City are open for essential and emergency services.\n\nVeterans can:\n\nVisit the Asheville VA Hospital pharmacy for medication refills or:\n\nCall the Regional Clinical Contact Center at (855) 679-0074 and press 1 for pharmacy representatives.\n\nLocal pharmacies in the VA\u2019s community care network will also fill written prescriptions, or prescriptions as they appear on an active VA prescription bottle that is not older than six months and has available refills, to provide a 30-day supply.\n\nHickory, Forest City and Franklin outpatient VA clinics are now operating regularly.\n\nDue to the damage and personal losses caused by Hurricane Helene to the staff of the VA, it will take some time to bring staffing to full capacity.\n\nPlease be patient as the VA works to rebuild their workforce.\n\nResources for Farmers\n\nThe United States Department of Agriculture has put together a list of resources for farmers and other agricultural industry members.\n\nIf your agricultural operation has been impacted by Hurricane Helene, you can review this link, farmers.gov, for emergency and disaster assistance programs.\n\nAg supplies can be picked up by farmers in need from any of the following distribution centers (including non-NC-11 locations for farmers who may be closer to an out-of-district distribution center):\n\nAvery County\n\nMitchell-Avery County Center\n\n6880 Linville Falls Hwy., Newland, NC 28657\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday); 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Saturday)\n\nBuncombe County\n\nMills River Station\n\n74 Research Dr., Mills River, NC 28759\n\nDaily hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nCaldwell County\n\nCaldwell County Fairgrounds\n\n2461 Fairground Rd., Lenoir, NC 28645\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Wednesday and Saturday only), or by appointment\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMarion - McDowell County\n\n188 Ag Services Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Saturday)\n\nHaywood County\n\nSmokey Mountain Event Center\n\n758 Crabtree Dr., Waynesville, NC 28785\n\nDaily hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)\n\nWatauga County\n\nWatauga County Extension\n\n5715 U.S. Highway 421 N., Vilas, NC 28692\n\nDaily hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) - NO HAY\n\n1:00-6:00 p.m. (Tuesday and Thursday) - HAY ONLY\n\nPower\n\nLess than 3,700 customers remain without power in Western North Carolina.\n\nMost remaining power outages are concentrated in Yancey County.\n\nAround 950 Duke Energy customers are without power.\n\nRoughly 2,700 co-op customers remain without power.\n\nLocal co-ops are utilizing their full teams to restore energy and have more than 500 reinforcements from more than 30 electric cooperatives across 11 states.\n\nFrench Broad Electric is focusing restoration efforts in their hardest hit areas in Yancey County, including Crabtree, Little Switzerland, along McKinney Mine Rd., Bakers Creek, Pensacola, and the western side of the county.\n\nOne of the most challenging areas to restore power is along the Cane River from Langford Branch to Huntdale.\n\nSeveral miles of power lines were destroyed and the bank where the lines were once located is no longer an option.\n\nFBE is having to reroute lines and build them from scratch.\n\nNCDOT crews are still coordinating closely with power companies to ensure service is being restored as quickly as possible, including along private roads, keeping in mind that cold months are approaching fast.\n\nFor more information on Duke Energy\u2019s power restoration efforts, you can review the following links:\n\nComplex Repair & Disaster Rebuild Zones Map: duke-energy.com/info/carolinas-restoration\n\nOutage Map: duke-energy.com/outages\n\nOutage Alerts: duke-energy.com/outages/alerts\n\nGenerator safety: duke-energy.com/outages/generators\n\nPower restoration process: duke-energy.com/outages/restoring-your-power\n\nRoads\n\nWestern North Carolina is FULLY OPEN to visitors!\n\nPlease come visit!\n\nEmergency roadway repair work continues with the installation of temporary bridges, numerous slide repairs, roadway reconstruction work, and repair of dangerous shoulder washouts.\n\nThe focus continues to be on major corridors and communities with limited access.\n\nCrews continue to refine estimates, determine what work can be done in-house and work to draw up contracts for site-specific repairs.\n\nNCDOT has established a Road Reopening Dashboard for folks to keep track of progress made by the department.\n\nYou can use this link to access the dashboard.\n\nThe dashboard is also linked on DriveNC.gov.\n\nTo monitor road conditions in and around NC-11, use drivenc.gov.\n\nThe website tracks NCDOT-managed road conditions in real time.\n\nNC DMV has reopened 14 of the 16 driver license offices that were closed due to Hurricane Helene.\n\nThe following DMV offices are open for walk-in services in or near NC-11, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., closed between 11:30 a.m. through 1:00 p.m. for a lunch break:\n\nBuncombe County\n\n1624 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nCherokee County\n\n1440 Main St., Andrews, NC 28901\n\nHaywood County\n\n290 Lee Rd., Clyde, NC 28721\n\nHenderson County\n\n125 Baystone Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28791\n\nJackson County\n\n876 Skyland Dr., Ste. 2, Sylva, NC 28779\n\nMacon County\n\n16 Patton Ave., Franklin, NC 28734\n\nMadison County\n\n1685 NC Highway 213, Marshall, NC 28753\n\nMcDowell County\n\n3975 NC 226 S., Marion, NC 28752\n\nRutherford County\n\n596 Withrow Rd., Forest City, NC 28043\n\nSwain County\n\n2650 Governors Island Rd., Bryson City, NC 28713\n\nTransylvania County\n\n50 Commerce St., Ste. 4, Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAll but five license plate agencies have reopened.\n\nAir traffic has sustained at 300 percent above pre-hurricane levels in Western NC.\n\nNCDOT\u2019s aviation division continue to work to make sure flight operations are safe coming into and out of airports, including by:\n\nScheduling landing/unloading times and aircraft parking so aircraft are spaced out and to reduce the risk of incidents.\n\nEstablishing a first of its kind \u201ccorridors in the sky\u201d to separate civilian and military aircraft in the air.\n\nHaving search and rescue partners use short, time and location specific restrictions on air operations to enhance safety when multiple helicopters are engaged in search and rescue efforts.\n\nThe state of North Carolina is NOT turning away civil aviation support so long as it has been coordinated through the proper channels with NC Emergency Management.\n\nIf you or someone you know is interested in providing civil aviation support and don\u2019t know where to coordinate your efforts, please call my office and we will help you get in touch with the right folks.\n\nNCDOT has launched a detour map to show motorists how to get around closures on I-26 and I-40 at the Tennessee border.\n\nYou can access the map here.\n\nInternet Access\n\nThe fiber line has been restored from Lake Lure to Chimney Rock, restoring communication capabilities to the area for the first time since Hurricane Helene hit our mountains.\n\nInternet providers are working with local energy and cell providers to restore service for customers across Western North Carolina.\n\nFiber repair crews are also pairing with electric utility crews in the field to assist with any accidental fiber cuts.\n\nInternet providers including Optimum and Spectrum are working around the clock to restore service for customers. However, part of the network\u2019s infrastructure was destroyed by mudslides and collapsed bridges making restoration a lengthy process.\n\nAs a result, some impacted areas will require a rebuild of the network from scratch.\n\nTo mitigate the lack of service, Optimum, formerly Altice USA, has set up an Optimum Wi-Fi Trailer that is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the following locations:\n\n717 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\n1800 Four Seasons Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nThe following locations are offering free public wi-fi:\n\nFirst Baptist Church - Weaverville\n\n63 N. Main St, Weaverville, NC 28787\n\nDowntown Franklin\n\nThe Town of Franklin has free wi-fi on the town hill area in downtown.\n\nTransylvania County Library - 24/7\n\n212 S. Gaston St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nThe Yard Brevard\n\n284 Railroad Ave., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nBrevard Visitor Center\n\n175 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAvailable daily from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.\n\nThe Vine Anglican Church - and free coffee\n\n1055 Lee Rd, Clyde, NC 28721\n\nAvailable daily from 12:00-5:00 p.m.\n\nCell Service\n\nRoughly 94 percent of all cellular sites in Western North Carolina have been repaired and are now in service.\n\nThe remaining areas require significant infrastructure reconstruction.\n\nCell service providers have implemented disaster roaming for any phone located in Western North Carolina to maximize phone service for all users.\n\nDisaster roaming allows users to connect to any mobile network during a disaster when other networks are down.\n\nThis allows users to access emergency services, such as 911, even when their own network is out.\n\nIf you have service one moment, but experience a reduction in service the next, try restarting your phone to jumpstart disaster roaming again.\n\nUpCycle Tech in Transylvania County is offering free computers and phones for use at the following location:\n\n470 Asheville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nAT&T has deployed its Mobile Connectivity Center to the following location:\n\nSam\u2019s Club: 645 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806\n\nThe Mobile Connectivity Center is an air-conditioned mobile unit open to the public, equipped with laptops, charging stations and wi-fi.\n\nThe public can use the center for various needs including contacting your insurance company, filling out paperwork or connecting with loved ones.\n\nVerizon has deployed Wireless Emergency Communication Centers to help hurricane survivors stay connected to their friends, family and other important contacts.\n\nWireless Emergency Communication Centers are generator-powered mobile units that have device charging and computer workstations, along with wireless phones, tablets, and other devices available for use.\n\nVerizon\u2019s Wireless Emergency Communication Centers have been set up at the following locations:\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nAsheville YMCA\n\n30 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nFamily Justice Center\n\n35 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nVerizon also has charging stations at the following locations:\n\nYMCA of Western North Carolina\n\n348 Grace Corpening Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nTwo charging stations at this location\n\nWNC Agricultural Center\n\n761 Boylston Hwy., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nThree charging stations at this location\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nOne charging station at this location\n\nT-Mobile has set up satellite cellular on light trucks (SatCOLTs), providing cellular voice and data along with wi-fi and charging stations at the following locations:\n\nAsheville Middle School\n\n211 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nDr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center\n\n285 Livingston St., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nFirst Baptist Church\n\n130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711\n\nAdditional T-Mobile satellite cell on trucks are located in Hendersonville and at a Tractor Supply Co. in Asheville, with others planned for Mission Hospital in Asheville, Cherokee County Emergency Operations Center in Murphy, and in Cherokee.\n\nNorth Carolina National Guard & Department of Defense\n\nAs requests from some counties are decreasing, NC National Guard assets are NOT standing down, they are instead being reallocated to other areas.\n\nMore than 2,000 National Guard soldiers and airmen, active-duty service members, and emergency assistance compact units (National Guard units from 12 different states) are deployed across Western North Carolina to provide support.\n\n1,100 of the 1,500 active duty soldiers from Ft. Liberty and Ft. Campbell are returning to their bases by the end of the week.\n\nCurrently, only 400 active duty soldiers remain in Western North Carolina.\n\nAny remaining tasks have been transitioned over to the N.C. National Guard.\n\nThe National Guard has distributed more than 16,000 tons of commodities to Western North Carolina.\n\nHighlights from the last 24 hours:\n\nLake Lure debris clearance mission completed.\n\nDistributed 445 tons of fill and rock and 400 pallets of material to Yancey County.\n\nCompleted 670 humanitarian aid deliveries in Haywood County.\n\nCompleted culvert debris clean out in Marshall, NC, located in Madison County.\n\nWater is actively flowing through the culvert now.\n\nAlthough airspace is limited due to ongoing missions by the National Guard and Department of Defense, a process has been established for private pilots seeking to fly in humanitarian relief to coordinate with local authorities.\n\nIf you are looking to fly in resources and don\u2019t know where to turn, call my office and we will get you in contact with the right coordinators.\n\nHere are a few key phone numbers from the NCNG:\n\nHOTLINE: 888-892-1162\n\nEmergency management watch: 919-733-3300\n\nDonated goods: 919-825-2474\n\nThese lines have very high call volumes. If you do not get through the first try, keep calling.\n\nAsheville Regional Airport\n\nAsheville Regional Airport closed mid-day on Friday, September 27, due to risk of flooding.\n\nCommercial flights at Asheville Regional Airport have resumed.\n\nIf you parked your car in an Asheville Regional Airport lot and could not retrieve the vehicle due to the storm, great news - none of the airport\u2019s lots flooded and all cars are fine.\n\nStay safe and pick up your car when you are able.\n\nPLEASE NOTE:\n\nNo general aviation pilots are allowed to land at Asheville Regional Airport without prior clearance from FEMA to ensure the safety of aircraft and personnel.\n\nSupply deliveries by civilian pilots ARE permitted to land at Asheville Regional Airport so long as they have prior clearance from FEMA.\n\nFEMA is not turning away any pilot that has gone through the proper channels to coordinate delivery and ensure the safety of his fellow aircraft and personnel.\n\nFederal Nutrition Programs\n\nThe U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service has approved flexibilities due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene.\n\nSNAP\n\nNorth Carolina was granted a waiver for the 10-day reporting requirement for the replacement of food purchased with SNAP benefits lost because of the hurricane.\n\nThis waiver provides additional time beyond the standard 10-day time frame for households to report food losses and receive replacement benefits for food that was destroyed and previously purchased with SNAP benefits.\n\nD-SNAP\n\nPeople living in the 25 major disaster declared Western NC counties and members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians impacted by Hurricane Helene can apply to receive a one-time benefit to help buy food through the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP).\n\nPre-registration is available by using ePASS pre-registration tool.\n\nFor the tool and more information, visit epass.nc.gov/.\n\nTo be eligible, applicants must:\n\nHave suffered losses/damages related to Hurricane Helene, such as damage to property or loss of income.\n\nHave proof of identity and proof of residency.\n\nNot currently receiving benefits through the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS).\n\nPeople receiving FNS can also get extra help to buy food but do not need to fill out a D-SNAP application.\n\nCertain income and resource limits may apply.\n\nYesterday, October 24, was the deadline to apply for D-SNAP benefits for most counties.\n\nUSDA has granted a one-day extension for residents living in Buncombe, Haywood, Macon, and McDowell counties to apply for D-SNAP in person at the listed location in their county:\n\nBuncombe County\n\nBuncombe County Health & Human Services\n\n40 Coxe Ave., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nHaywood County\n\nHaywood County Health and Human Services\n\n157 Paragon Pkwy. #300, Clyde, NC 28721\n\nMacon County\n\nMacon County Department of Social Services\n\n183 Holly Springs Plz., Franklin, NC 28734\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMcDowell County YMCA Gym: Bottom Level\n\n348 Grace Corpening Dr., Marion, NC 28752\n\nChild Nutrition\n\nThe North Carolina Department of Public Instruction was approved for a waiver pertaining to the child nutrition programs.\n\nUnder the waiver approval, NCDPI\u2019s local program operators may:\n\nServe meals in a non-congregate setting\n\nAdjust the time of meal service\n\nAllow parent pick-up\n\nAllow service of meals at school sites\n\nFood and Nutrition Services Program\n\nPeople and families in North Carolina who are enrolled in the Food and Nutrition Services program can now use their EBT card to purchase hot food.\n\nThis flexibility will remain in effect until November 3.\n\nSpecial Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, & Children (WIC)\n\nFamilies participating in WIC who may have relocated to a new area can go to any NC WIC agency to:\n\nHave a new eWIC card issued\n\nRequest replacement breastfeeding supplies or breast pumps\n\nRequest replacement food that was purchased with current WIC benefits and lost due to Hurricane Helene\n\nFor NC-11 Medical Providers\n\nIf you own a medical practice in NC-11 and are experiencing financial hardship due to Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina Medical Society is reactivating its Financial Recovery Program (FRP) to help you recover and open your doors again.\n\nFor more information on the disaster relief fund, you can visit this link.\n\nDetails on how medical practices can qualify and apply for funds will be coming soon.\n\nThe Department of Health and Human Services through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has made available:\n\nAccelerated payments to Medicare Part A providers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nAdvance payments to Medicare Part B suppliers affected by Hurricane Helene\n\nFor Local Government Resource Requests\n\nFor county leaders: This is a reminder to make sure your Emergency Operation Center has submitted the request for gasoline, food, water, cell service deployables, etc. with North Carolina Emergency Management to have your request processed and resources delivered.\n\nMy office stands ready to assist with checking the status of your request if the county or municipality has not heard back from NC Emergency Management within 24 hours.\n\nDisaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)\n\nThe deadline to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits is Dec. 2, 2024 for all counties other than Swain, Graham and Cherokee counties.\n\nSwain County\u2019s deadline is Dec. 9, 2024.\n\nDisaster Unemployment Assistance benefits are now available for Western North Carolinians in counties with a major disaster declaration, including:\n\nBuncombe\n\nClay\n\nHaywood\n\nHenderson\n\nJackson\n\nMacon\n\nMadison\n\nMcDowell\n\nPolk\n\nRutherford\n\nSwain\n\nTransylvania\n\nYancey\n\nIf your employment has been lost or interrupted because of Hurricane Helene, you may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance.\n\nFile an application for DUA:\n\nFile at des.nc.gov, or\n\nCall over the phone at (919) 629-3857\n\nA toll-free legal aid hotline is now available for low-income survivors with disaster-related legal questions: (866) 219-5262.\n\nFor Individual Assistance through FEMA\n\nThe deadline to file for FEMA Individual Assistance is Nov. 27, 2024. Please mark your calendars and ensure all applications are submitted on time.\n\nNorth Carolina received a Major Disaster Declaration for the following counties: Buncombe, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania and Yancey counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.\n\nPeople with damage to their homes or personal property who live in one of the above-listed counties should apply for Individual Assistance through FEMA, which may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies.\n\nFunds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay.\n\nIndividual Assistance provides financial aid and services to eligible individuals and households that have been affected by a disaster to assist with the recovery process. Individuals can officially begin applying for Individual Assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling the application phone number at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. EST.\n\nFind steps to help you replace important documents that were lost or damaged in the storm: www.fema.gov/disaster/4827/news-media\n\nIf you were initially denied for Individual Assistance, please see below for useful tips to help you file an appeal with FEMA:\n\nUnderstand why FEMA denied your claim before writing the appeal.\n\nIt could be as simple as a missing document, which you can submit with your appeal.\n\nRead FEMA\u2019s letter from beginning to end to completely understand what the agency needs from you.\n\nMake sure you provide evidence for your appeal. Depending on your situation, documentation may include:\n\nA copy of your flood insurance declaration page.\n\nProof of occupancy, which could be an employer statement, lease, utility bill, credit card statement, or other recent, formal document that states your address.\n\nProof of ownership, which might include your mortgage or insurance documents, tax receipts, deed, etc.\n\nCan\u2019t write the appeal yourself?\n\nI recommend having a trusted friend, family member, or lawyer write it for you.\n\nKnow your deadline.\n\nYou have 60 days from the date of your FEMA determination letter to appeal.\n\nCircle the deadline on your calendar or write yourself a note to keep the date in the forefront.\n\nOnce FEMA reviews your letter, you may receive a phone call or a follow-up letter asking for more documentation.\n\nDon\u2019t forget to sign your appeal letter!\n\nOnce signed, there are three ways to submit your appeal:\n\nFax it to (800) 827-8112\n\nSend it by mail to: FEMA Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782\n\nUpload all appeal documents to your disasterassistance.gov account.\n\nInclude your application number on every page of the documents you submit.\n\nExpect a decision letter to your appeal within 90 days.\n\nTo Connect with a Loved One\n\nResidents trying to connect with family members may call NC 211 (or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from out-of-state) to report missing loved ones or request a welfare check.\n\nPeople in the impacted areas can indicate that they are safe by reporting themselves safe through Red Cross Reunification by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).\n\nPlease only use 911 for life-threatening emergencies so the lines remain open for critical situations.\n\nIf you are still trying to locate a friend or family member, please complete this form, linked here, to notify local officials of their missing status.\n\nThe form was created by Buncombe County but information is being shared amongst all counties.\n\nRegardless of which county your loved one was last known to be in, you can still submit the form.\n\nBuncombe County will share the information with the appropriate officials to initiate search and rescue efforts.\n\nUnited Way is also fielding missing person/welfare check requests.\n\nText PERSON to 40403 to add a loved one to search and rescue efforts or fill out this form.\n\nResources for Utility & Other Status Updates\n\nFor information on the status of utilities, debris sites, etc., we want to share the following resources. As communications are restored and more information becomes available, these sites will continue to be updated.\n\nDrinking Water Systems: Public Water Supply Situation Report Tracking\n\nDebris Disposal Sites: Active Temporary Debris Disposal Sites\n\nNCDEQ Situation Report Tracking System\n\nNCDPS Hurricane Helene - Storm Information\n\nNCDPS County Emergency Management Agencies\n\nHow to Apply for FEMA Assistance After Hurricane Helene\n\nFree Legal Assistance\n\nLegal Aid of North Carolina stands ready to provide free advice and legal counsel regarding natural disaster needs, including legal representation if necessary, including for civil legal issues involving:\n\nFiling FEMA claims and appeals (a process which can be overwhelmingly bureaucratic and burdensome)\n\nReplacement of lost or destroyed legal and government documents, including driver\u2019s licenses and identification cards\n\nMedical and insurance claims\n\nHome repair contracts\n\nUtility disputes related to restoration of services\n\nConsumer protection issues like construction fraud, price-gouging on repairs and identity theft\n\nHousing issues such as unlawful eviction and foreclosures\n\nBankruptcy\n\nProbate and clearing title for survivors living in generational homes without a clear title\n\nFamily law cases and children in need of services (unfortunately, domestic violence tends to rise following a natural disaster)\n\nIf you need civil legal assistance, please contact Legal Aid of North Carolina via the following toll-free hotline:\n\n(866) 219-LANC or (866) 219-5262\n\nThe hotline is available from:\n\n8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; and 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Monday and Thursdays.\n\nConstituents can also apply online at legalaidnc.org/get-help/ between 1:00-4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday.\n\nIRS Guidance for Taxpayers Impacted by Hurricane Helene\n\nExtension of certain tax filing deadlines:\n\nIRS has extended various filing deadlines for taxpayers in impacted areas, including 2024 individual/business returns, certain quarterly estimated income tax payments, and certain payroll/excise taxes.\n\nClick here for the full list of extensions and respective dates\n\nClick here for more information from the IRS on disaster assistance\n\nTax relief for qualified payments, disaster-related losses:\n\nIRS released provided guidance to taxpayers on how to address disaster-related losses in their 2024 tax return, as well as providing guidance on how qualified disaster relief payments - like government assistance payments - are generally excluded from gross income.\n\nClick here for a general walkthrough of these policies (under header \u201cAdditional tax relief\u201d)\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of disaster-related losses\n\nClick here for more information on tax treatment of qualified disaster relief payments\n\nDisaster payments are usually tax-free:\n\nQualified disaster relief payments are generally excluded from gross income.\n\nIn general, this means that affected taxpayers can exclude the following payments from a government agency from their gross income. Amounts received for:\n\nReasonable and necessary personal, family, living or funeral expenses.\n\nThe repair or rehabilitation of your home.\n\nThe repair or replacement of your home\u2019s contents.\n\nYou may be eligible for a disaster loss deduction:\n\nIn some instances, individuals and businesses in a federally declared disaster area can qualify for a casualty loss tax deduction.\n\nThe deduction is available for damaged or destroyed property not covered by insurance or other reimbursement and can result in a larger refund.\n\nTaxpayers can choose to claim the deduction on either the return for the year the loss occurred (in this instance, the 2024 return normally filed next year), or the return for the prior year (the 2023 return filed this year).\n\nFor individual taxpayers, the deadline for making this election is Oct. 15, 2025.\n\nThe IRS also has a special hotline specifically dedicated to taxpayers with disaster-related tax questions. Disaster victims can call the agency\u2019s disaster hotline at (866) 562-5227.\n\nShelters\n\nFor those unable to evacuate to a safe location or in need of a place to go, the following shelters are currently open and available as of today:\n\nBuncombe County\n\nA-B Technical Community College\n\n340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801\n\nGold\u2019s Gym\n\n801 Fairview Rd, Asheville, NC 28803\n\nWNC Agricultural Center\n\n1301 Fanning Bridge Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732\n\nHaywood County\n\nHaywood County Government Armory\n\n285 Armory Dr., Clyde, NC 28781\n\nHenderson County\n\nHenderson County Recreation Center\n\n708 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792\n\nMcDowell County\n\nMcDowell County Senior Center\n\n100 Spaulding Rd., Marion, NC 28752\n\nRutherford County\n\nRutherfordton Presbyterian Church\n\n252 N. Washington St., Rutherfordton, NC 28139\n\nTransylvania County\n\nTransylvania Parks & Rec\n\n1078 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712\n\nYancey County\n\nBlue Ridge Elementary\n\n910 Cane River School Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714\n\nCarolina Cruiser mobile office hours\n\nIn keeping with my office's motto of being \"First in Constituent Services\" and to help constituents post-Hurricane Helene, my office has resumed Carolina Cruiser mobile office hours.\n\nFolks can stop by to share their thoughts on issues that matter to them or ask for assistance with federal agencies.\n\nVisit my website for updated Carolina Cruiser hours and locations, linked here.\n\nWith my warmest regards,\n\nChuck Edwards\n\nMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2024/10/congresswoman-ross-announces-over-105-million-in-federal-funding-for-the-north-carolina-railroad-company", "Congresswoman Ross Announces Over $105 Million in Federal Funding for the North Carolina Railroad Company", "2024-10-25", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) announced $105,595,000 in federal funding awarded to the North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR) from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). The grant will be used by NCRR in conjunction with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and Norfolk Southern to help complete key components of the freight and passenger rail networks between Greensboro and Raleigh. Already this year, the number of NC By Train passengers has increased by 20% in comparison to 2023.\n\nThis funding will also significantly increase on-time performance for existing Amtrak routes, allow for additional passenger trains along the growing corridor, and help meet growing transportation needs in North Carolina.\n\nIn June 2024, Congresswomen Ross was joined by Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Ted Budd (R-NC), along with other members of the North Carolina delegation, in supporting NCRR\u2019s application for this grant.\n\n\u201cI am thrilled to see this important investment coming to North Carolina that will help connect critical rail lines across our state,\u201d said Congresswoman Ross. \u201cFrom the Triangle to the Triad, North Carolina\u2019s rapid growth demands robust transportation solutions that can meet the needs of our communities. I will continue fighting for federal support that will invest in modern transportation options and strengthen our economy.\u201d\n\nThis grant will fund a majority of the Carolinian and Piedmont Passenger and Freight improvements project to upgrade the capacity of the NC-Line, owned by the NCRR, to meet the growing demands of both freight and passenger traffic in the state. This project will support various improvements, including reconstructing up to 69 miles of rail and adding over five miles of sidings.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://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://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswomen-foushee-ross-announce-12-million-in-federal-funding-for-raleigh-durham-international-airport", "Congresswomen Foushee, Ross Announce $12 Million in Federal Funding for Raleigh-Durham International Airport", "2024-10-24", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Valerie P. Foushee", "F000477", "foushee.house.gov", "foushee", "https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Funding will support the Terminal 2 Landside Expansion project\n\nDURHAM, NC (October 24, 2024) \u2014 Today, Congresswomen Valerie Foushee (NC-04) and Deborah Ross (NC-02) announced $12 million in federal funding awarded to the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority (RDU) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under the FY 2025 Airport Terminal Program. This award will fund a portion of the Terminal 2 ticketing check-in, baggage claim areas, security checkpoint, and international arrival processing area. This funding will also significantly enhance accessibility with new and modernized restroom facilities and reconstructed arrival and departure curbs to comply with current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.\n\nIn September 2024, Congresswomen Foushee and Ross were joined by Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Ted Budd (R-NC) in supporting RDU\u2019s application for this grant.\n\nIn 2023, RDU led the nation in growth with a record 14.5 million passengers and this year, the number of travelers is already 10.5% higher. Last month alone, more than 967,600 travelers flew through the airport.\n\n\u201cI am very pleased Raleigh-Durham International Airport will receive $12 million in federal funding to support its continued growth and expansion efforts,\u201d said Congresswoman Foushee. \u201cAs one of the fastest growing airports in the country, this significant federal grant will expand capacity, modernize infrastructure, and enhance efficiency for the millions of passengers RDU serves. I am proud to help secure this funding alongside my North Carolina Congressional colleagues, and I am grateful for the Biden-Harris Administration\u2019s continued commitment to improving and investing in our nation\u2019s transportation infrastructure.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2024/10/congresswomen-ross-foushee-announce-12-million-in-federal-funding-for-raleigh-durham-international-airport", "Congresswomen Ross, Foushee Announce $12 Million in Federal Funding for Raleigh-Durham International Airport", "2024-10-24", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congresswomen Deborah Ross (NC-02) and Valerie Foushee (NC-04) announced $12 million in federal funding awarded to the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority (RDU) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under the FY 2025 Airport Terminal Program. This award will fund a portion of the Terminal 2 ticketing check-in, baggage claim areas, security checkpoint, and international arrival processing area. This funding will also significantly enhance accessibility with new and modernized restroom facilities and reconstructed arrival and departure curbs to comply with current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.\n\nIn September 2024, Congresswomen Ross and Foushee were joined by Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Ted Budd (R-NC) in supporting RDU\u2019s application for this grant.\n\nIn 2023, RDU led the nation in growth with a record 14.5 million passengers and this year, the number of travelers is already 10.5% higher. Last month alone, more than 967,600 travelers flew through the airport.\n\n\u201cI am excited to see another historic investment coming to RDU,\u201d said Congresswoman Ross. \u201cAs North Carolina continues to grow and attract visitors from all over the country and around the world, this funding will provide residents and travelers with a modern, efficient experience and help boost our local economy. I was proud to support RDU\u2019s application for this critical funding and will continue working across the aisle to bring needed investments like this one back to the Triangle.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am very pleased Raleigh-Durham International Airport will receive $12 million in federal funding to support its continued growth and expansion efforts,\u201d said Congresswoman Foushee. \u201cAs one of the fastest growing airports in the country, this significant federal grant will expand capacity, modernize infrastructure, and enhance efficiency for the millions of passengers RDU serves. I am proud to help secure this funding alongside my North Carolina Congressional colleagues, and I am grateful for the Biden-Harris Administration\u2019s continued commitment to improving and investing in our nation\u2019s transportation infrastructure.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter is available here\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://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://ross.house.gov/2024/10/congresswoman-ross-leads-members-in-urging-congressional-investigation-of-hurricane-misinformation-on-social-media", "Congresswoman Ross Leads Members in Urging Congressional Investigation of Hurricane Misinformation on Social Media", "2024-10-23", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) led members of the North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida delegations in urging the House Judiciary, Oversight, and Energy & Commerce Committees to investigate and hold hearings on the role of social media platforms in the spread of misinformation following Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Representatives Kathy Castor (FL-14), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), Kathy Manning (NC-06), Valerie Foushee (NC-04), and Wiley Nickel (NC-13) joined the letter.\n\nIn North Carolina, misinformation has seriously impeded Hurricane Helene disaster relief. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Director Deanne Criswell called the level of misinformation: \u201cthe worst [she\u2019s] ever seen.\u201d Former President Donald Trump himself has spread harmful lies and outrageous rumors.\n\n\u201cA series of widely circulated posts on Facebook and X falsely claimed that FEMA was offering a new grant for immediate cash assistance to all residents, regardless of impact, resulting in a flood of applications to non-existent programs. These scams took advantage of families who were already in distress, further delaying their ability to access legitimate aid,\u201d the lawmakers wrote. \u201cSimilarly, on Instagram, TikTok, and Discord, conspiracy theories have spread claiming that both storms are the result of government actions. It is gravely concerning to witness these behaviors now escalating into harassment, death threats, and calls for violence against government officials, meteorologists, and aid workers. One post on TikTok stated that FEMA employees should be \u2018arrested or shot or hung on sight.\u2019\u201d\n\nThe lawmakers continued, \u201cMisinformation not only delays the recovery process but also erodes public trust in institutions that are essential to helping our states to rebuild. It is critical that the American people know where to turn for reliable information during these emergencies, and social media platforms play a significant role in shaping those sources of information.\u201d\n\nSpecifically, the lawmakers are urging the committees to investigate:\n\nThe failure of social media companies to adequately address misinformation;\n\nThe role of algorithms in amplifying misinformation and scams;\n\nThe impact of misinformation on public trust and disaster recovery; and\n\nFailures to protect against scams and frauds.\n\nFull text of the letter is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://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://ross.house.gov/2024/10/ross-manning-nickel-request-briefing-on-possible-foreign-involvement-in-rampant-disinformation-following-hurricanes-helene-milton", "Ross, Manning, Nickel Request Briefing on Possible Foreign Involvement in Rampant Disinformation Following Hurricanes Helene, Milton", "2024-10-18", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Representative Deborah Ross (NC-02) joined Representative Kathy Manning (NC-06) and Representative Wiley Nickel (NC-13) in sending a letter to the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), Avril Haines, requesting a briefing on potential foreign involvement in the rampant spread of disinformation following Hurricanes Helene and Milton.\n\nIn North Carolina, widespread disinformation online has seriously impeded Hurricane Helene disaster relief. Some Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) workers have been forced to pause relief efforts due to threats. After the 2023 Maui wildfires, researchers found that foreign adversaries, including China and Russia, used social media to spread disinformation, hindering recovery efforts.\n\n\u201cSpecifically, we are concerned about potential involvement in propagating or amplifying this disinformation from foreign governments or malign influences, with the intent of undermining public trust in our institutions and hampering emergency response efforts. Given the significant impact that such disinformation can have on public safety, morale, and the overall effectiveness of recovery initiatives, it is critical to address these threats in a timely and transparent manner,\u201d wrote the lawmakers.\n\nThey continued, \u201cIn light of these concerns, we respectfully request a briefing from your office on any intelligence assessments or findings related to these disinformation campaigns. Understanding the scope of these challenges and any foreign involvement would be invaluable as we work to ensure that accurate information reaches affected communities and that we can counter harmful narratives with effective measures.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 795, "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 \"state\" = :p0 and \"year\" = :p1 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "NC", "p1": "2024"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?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&party=Republican", "selected": false}, {"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 292, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=NC&year=2024&party=Democrat", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=NC&year=2024", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 506, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=NC&year=2024&chamber=House", "selected": false}, {"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 289, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=NC&year=2024&chamber=Senate", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=NC&year=2024", "results": [{"value": "NC", "label": "NC", "count": 795, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?year=2024", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=NC&year=2024", "results": [{"value": "2024", "label": "2024", "count": 795, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=NC", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2024-10-18,https~3A~2F~2Fross~2Ehouse~2Egov~2F2024~2F10~2Fross-manning-nickel-request-briefing-on-possible-foreign-involvement-in-rampant-disinformation-following-hurricanes-helene-milton", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=NC&year=2024&_next=2024-10-18%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fross~2Ehouse~2Egov~2F2024~2F10~2Fross-manning-nickel-request-briefing-on-possible-foreign-involvement-in-rampant-disinformation-following-hurricanes-helene-milton&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 348.6506249755621, "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"}