Evictions in Buncombe County Rise as Hurricane Helene’s Impact Lingers
The aftermath of Hurricane Helene continues to pose significant challenges for Buncombe County, as evidenced by the recent county commission meeting. The storm, which struck in late September, has left a trail of economic hardship, with unemployment rates soaring and eviction filings increasing.
According to reports, thousands have lost their jobs, leading to a spike in evictions. The county saw 160 eviction filings in November, a notable rise from the monthly average of 133 in 2022, as per court data.
In response, the county commissioners approved receiving $200,000 from the state for rental assistance. This funding is expected to help approximately 112 households through one-time payments. However, Commissioner Terri Wells expressed concerns, stating, “Clearly, we have more need than that.” She questioned if more funds would be forthcoming, to which Budget Director John Hudson indicated uncertainty.
Efforts to alleviate the financial burdens continue, with public and private entities working to support affected renters. Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church has been instrumental, issuing over $2 million in rent relief checks. Despite these efforts, a recent relief bill passed by the state provides no additional rental support.
County Manager Avril Pinder highlighted the ongoing economic challenges, noting that the full impact of Hurricane Helene has yet to be realized. Damage assessments show over 9,000 residential units affected, with significant destruction noted in many areas.
Federal aid has been partially deployed, with 1,403 households using FEMA’s hotel program, which offers temporary accommodations through January 11. Of the families approved for temporary housing units, only 16 have been installed so far.
The county is also addressing the needs of those living in makeshift shelters. Pinder reported that some community members are residing in heated tents, which are equipped with essential amenities. However, some individuals have opted out of assistance.
Debris removal continues, with half a million cubic yards cleared, yet a significant amount remains. The ongoing cleanup efforts are detailed in the storm recovery report.
Additional Updates
- Lacy Hoyle, Homelessness Program Manager, provided an update on the Asheville-Buncombe Continuum of Care’s efforts. The emergency shelter at Gold’s Gym will close on December 31, with solutions being sought for the remaining 22 residents.
- The county’s school consolidation study is progressing unaffected by the hurricane, with results expected by the end of the year.
- Commissioners reallocated $656,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act to address storm-related personnel needs, as detailed here.
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners holds meetings at 200 College St., Room 326, in Asheville, on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. Due to the holidays, the next meeting will be on January 7. For more details, view the full recording and the agenda of the December 17 meeting.
