In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, a 53-day water crisis left residents struggling with limited access to basic amenities such as showers and laundry facilities. To address this pressing need, Buncombe County established eight community care stations, providing essential services like water, laundry machines, showers, and wi-fi.
The Owen Pool site in Swannanoa, one of the worst-affected areas, was the last of these centers to remain operational, recently shutting down as the demand dwindled. Avril Pinder, Buncombe County Manager, called this closure a significant “milestone,” signaling a shift towards recovery efforts and building community resilience.
Since October, these state and federally funded stations have facilitated 48,713 showers and 61,671 laundry loads at no cost to residents. Initially, operating costs were steep at approximately $180,000 weekly, but as fewer residents used the services, expenses decreased significantly to about $180,000 monthly.
The innovative model of providing centralized disaster relief services, combining laundry and shower facilities, was inspired by practices developed post-Hurricane Ian in Florida. Pinder emphasized, “You might have a shower facility for a community, but laundry and all the other pieces that came with that [community care station] was not something that was pretty common before Hurricane Ian in Florida.”
Despite the closure of the Owen Pool site, efforts to support those still in need continue. A $50,000 grant from United Way is currently funding temporary laundry and shower services. Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministries offers free pre-loaded laundry cards for use at Black Mountain Coin Laundry, available 24/7. Residents can fill out this intake form or visit the ministries from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Moreover, a shower trailer is stationed at Swannanoa First Baptist Church in Beacon Village, offering family shower spaces. This facility operates from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 7-9 p.m. on weeknights, and 1-4 p.m. on Sundays.
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