The Federal Emergency Management Agency has doled out more than $190 million in individual assistance to North Carolina for Tropical Storm Helene with more than one-third going to Buncombe County.
Data provided by FEMA to Asheville Watchdog as of Tuesday morning shows 47,948 applicants in Buncombe have received nearly $67 million.
The aid is broken down into two categories:
- Housing assistance covers lodging reimbursement, rent or temporary housing for those displaced from their homes, home repairs and replacement, rebuilding of privately owned roads and bridges to access homes, and hazard mitigation to rebuild more durable housing.
- Other needs assistance includes $750 per household for essential items like food, water, baby formula and medication. It also covers childcare expenses related to the disaster, money to “clean and sanitize” for health or safety concerns, funeral, medical and dental expenses, and funds to replace furnishings and vehicles damaged by the Sept. 27 storm.
The majority of the assistance paid in Buncombe, nearly $55 million, has been for other needs, with $12 million for housing, the data show.
FEMA pays for losses that are not covered by insurance. Applicants may receive total assistance of up to $42,500 for housing and $42,500 for other needs. To apply, go to DisasterAssistance.gov, the FEMA mobile app or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.
Here’s a breakdown of the types of assistance FEMA has paid to the counties included in the disaster declaration.
Asheville Watchdog is a nonprofit news team producing stories that matter to Asheville and Buncombe County. Sally Kestin is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter. Email skestin@avlwatchdog.org. The Watchdog’s reporting is made possible by donations from the community. To show your support for this vital public service go to avlwatchdog.org/support-our-publication/.
