HEALTH + SOCIAL SERVICES

Resources for individuals

Everyone who experienced Helene needs some kind of help. Here is our growing list of resources for our residents that prioritize whole-person health while supporting recovery from disaster. 

NC Disaster Case Management program

The North Carolina Disaster Case Management program (NC-DCM) is available to guide individuals and households in Buncombe County through the Helene recovery process. After you complete an initial needs assessment, a case manager will work with you to make a personalized recovery plan and connect you with available resources. To get started, call 844-746-2326 or fill out the NC-DCM intake survey at www.ncdps.gov/helene/dcm.

ePASS benefits and services

You may be eligible to receive benefits through State of North Carolina ePASS programs, including Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), medical assistance, energy assistance (LIEAP/CIP), or TANF-Work First. CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION.

Legal assistance

Pisgah Legal Services offers free legal assistance with FEMA and Disaster Benefits applications, housing and evictions issues, consumer protections, and domestic violence and custody issues. Apply at pisgahlegal.org or call 828-253-0406.

Help filing an insurance claim

The North Carolina Department of Insurance can provide you guidance in filing an insurance claim. They can also provide legal resources in the case of an insurance dispute. Call 855-408-1212 or CLICK HERE for more information. If you are an agent, call 919-807-6800 for Agent Services.

Veterans services

Are you a U.S. Veteran or V.A. staff member in need of support in the aftermath of Helene? The Department of Veterans Affairs has created AN ONLINE HUB for disseminating information and updates to veterans and VA staff.

United Way of North Carolina

Call 2-1-1 or 888-892-1162
nc211.org

NC 211 is a free, confidential, and multilingual health and human services information and referral system that helps connect people to the resources they need. NC 211 is available 24 hours a day. When you call, ask about available United Way grants for organizations, individuals and families.

Utility bill payment assistance

Are you having trouble paying your utility bills?

The Disaster Energy Assistance program through Buncombe County provides funds to help with a variety of home heating costs, from electricity bills to insulation replacement costs and more. Apply online BY FILLING OUT THIS FORM., call 828-250-5500, or get help in person at 40 Coxe Ave. during regular business hours.

The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) provides for a one-time payment to help eligible, low-income families pay their heating bills. Low-income households including a person aged 60+ or disabled persons receiving services apply through the NC Division of Aging and Adult Services. All other households may apply from Jan. 1 – March 31, 2025. Apply online at epass.nc.gov , call 828-250-5500, or get help in person at 40 Coxe Ave. Households can apply for both the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program and the Disaster Energy Assistance funding.

Even if you were not impacted by Helene but still need energy assistance, you may be eligible for energy assistance programs. Call 828-250-5500 for information.

To receive financial assistance through the Duke Energy: Share the Light Fund, you must be a Duke Energy Progress residential customer and have a past due balance, unpaid deposit for utility service, or unpaid reconnection charge. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE or call 800-662-7020.

Dominion Energy/Enbridge Gas may also offer energy assistance. Call 877-776-2427 for information.

Mental Health Resources

  • 988 Crisis Line

    Call, text, or chat 988 for immediate support from trained counselors.

  • Peer Warmline

    1-855-PEERS NC (1-855-733-7762) for 24/7 non-clinical support from peer support specialists.

  • Hope4NC Helpline

    First responders and volunteers can call 1-855-587-3463 anytime for free, confidential mental health support.

  • Somethings for Teens

    Connect with certified peer support specialists or get therapy referrals at somethings.com/northcarolina.

  • EAP

    Some employers provide Employee Assistance Programs that offer free, short-term counseling. Check with your benefits advisor for availability.

  • Disaster Distress Helpline

    This free, confidential helpline is available in English, Spanish and ASL. Call or text 1-800-985-5990.

  • 2-1-1

    NC 211 is a free, confidential, and multilingual information referral line that helps connect people to resources.

  • Community Care Station

    Owen Pool, 117 Stone Dr, Swannanoa. 7am-7pm. Available services: showers, self-service laundry, cell phone charging, food, WiFi, and water

Additional Resources

Buncombe County Helene Recovery Hub

As all of Buncombe County recovers from the impacts of Hurricane Helene, this site will provide timely updates on the work done to support our community in a number of key areas and offer a place for residents to ask questions, provide input, and have a voice in the rebuilding process. VISIT THE RECOVERY HUB.

North Carolina Resilient Communities Planning Guide

The State of North Carolina offers a comprehensive, online resource to help local leaders across the state build community resilience to climate hazards such as extreme heat, wildfires and flooding. VISIT REBUILD.NC.GOV.

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