This page will be updated regularly.
Visit the Mountain Strong for Business Recovery Page for the latest info.
We are grateful to see the tireless public, private and nonprofit sector at work literally 24/7 on meeting the critical needs of our residents. Amidst the devastation, we understand that the work of recovery begins today. Continuity of businesses translates to household income and the stability needed to repair and restore our communities. To support Asheville and Buncombe County businesses, please make a donation to the Mountain Strong Fund for Business Recovery through the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce Community Betterment Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. All donations are tax-deductible and you will receive an email confirming the value of your donation. DONATE HERE.
The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering disaster assistance for homeowners, renters, nonprofits, and businesses of all sizes affected by Hurricane Helene. The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce has set up a Business Recovery Center with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) at our Visitor Center (36 Montford Ave) to assist local businesses recovering from Hurricane Helene. Open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the center offers support with SBA disaster loan applications and provides valuable recovery resources. In addition, we’ve installed five portable toilets and handwashing stations to accommodate those affected by the storm. You can make an appointment, and walk-ins are welcome as we work together to rebuild our community. Download an SBA Loan factsheet. Learn more and apply online here. See press release.
Local businesses, please share your needs and resources through this form.
The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering disaster assistance for homeowners, renters, nonprofits, and businesses of all sizes affected by Hurricane Helene.
FEMA is actively supporting Hurricane Helene response efforts. Apply for FEMA assistance here or by calling 800-621-3362.
Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund: Click here for the application link and eligibility requirements for the Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund (RDRF). A partnership between DoorDash and Hello Alice, restaurants, gastropubs and bakeries with brick & mortar locations that have lost revenue from a disaster may apply for $10,000 grant awards from the RDRF program. The program is accepting entries for this round until December 2, 2024, at 6PM EST. To read complete terms and conditions of program, click here.
Arts AVL has created a page of emergency support resources, including relief grants for artists, musicians, and cultural institutions and pro bono legal support.
View the master list of resources courtesy of Asheville Relief here.
NC Works Disaster Unemployment (DUA): Temporary payments for people whose employment has been impacted as a direct result of a disaster.
Assistance for Food Service Employees: Giving Kitchen and Southern Smoke Foundation offer assistance for food and beverage workers.
Sign up for AVL Alerts: AVL Alert is an emergency and non-emergency notification system. This system enables the City of Asheville to provide you with the information that you want to receive via the communication methods that you choose. By enrolling in the system, you are automatically subscribed to emergency alerts such as flooding alerts. Sign up here.
Tip: If you work in City of Asheville but live outside the city, sign up for alerts for your work address.
Follow City of Asheville and Asheville Fire Department on social media:
Asheville Fire Department: Facebook • Twitter
During storm-related emergencies, the City of Asheville’s Fire Department is the lead agency in the city to coordinate and manage the action plan and operations during the incident. As always, Dial 9-1-1 for emergencies.
City of Asheville: Facebook • Twitter • Instagram
Sign up for Buncombe Alerts: Sign up for BC Alerts by texting “BCAlert” (not case sensitive) to 99411. Learn more
Follow Buncombe County on social Media: Facebook (regular live updates from emergency management) • Instagram
Numbers you need to know in bad weather
Emergency Contact Information:
Info on Road Closures: DO NOT drive through standing water or around barricades.
Duke Energy Storm Center: To report an outage, sign up for alerts, access outage maps or download the mobile app
Restoration Services: Check our directory for contractors specializing in restoration services such as water or mold damage.