HOUSING RESOURCES
Restoring our community
Safe, affordable housing is key to community well-being. To date, FEMA has approved $324 million in disaster relief to 146,000+ homeowners, renters, and individuals as a part of their recovery.
Relief and recovery funding
Apply by April 7, 2025 through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Hurricane Helene disaster relief, recovery funds, and information are available to Black Mountain residents through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. FEMA recovery funds are available for a number of assistance categories, including basic home repairs; temporary housing; personal property losses; uninsured losses; disaster-related needs such as childcare, transportation, medical needs, funeral or dental expenses; and repair or replacement of privately owned roads or bridges that are the only access to the property.
THE ONLY WAY TO RECEIVE FEMA INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE IS TO APPLY. THE EXTENDED DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR FEMA ASSISTANCE IS APRIL 7, 2025.
How to apply for FEMA funding
Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov
Download the FEMA App for mobile devices.
Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. TTY: 800-462-7585. Help is available in most languages.
Visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). No appointment necessary.
Disaster Recovery Centers
Disaster Recovery Centers are places where you can apply for FEMA assistance, meet directly with FEMA representatives, get referrals for additional local resources, and apply for Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loans. There are two Disaster Recovery Centers in Buncombe County.
Fairview Public Library
1 Taylor Road
Fairview, NC 28730
Weaverville Town Hall
30 South Main Street
Weaverville, NC 28787
Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For additional DRC locations, visit fema.gov/drc.
Tips on the FEMA application process
Don’t wait to clean up or make repairs: Property owners don’t need to wait for a FEMA home inspection or insurance adjuster before beginning to clean up or make repairs, but before you start any structural work, you must get a permit from the Town of Black Mountain. The Town is waiving permit fees through June 2025.
I do/don’t have insurance. Should I apply for FEMA assistance? Whether or not you have insurance, it is strongly recommended you create an online FEMA Disaster Assistance Center account. If you have insurance, you must file a claim with your insurance company when you apply for FEMA assistance because FEMA can only aid with losses not covered by insurance. If you do not have insurance, there is a process for FEMA to verify your disaster-caused losses.
I applied for FEMA assistance. What's next? CLICK HERE FOR GUIDANCE.
For more information about FEMA assistance, visit our blog or read this FEMA FAQ.
Debris removal and the PPDR program
Debris removal throughout the Town of Black Mountain is being conducted by AshBritt, a contractor for the Army Corps of Engineers. For those who need assistance, the Private Property Debris Removal (PPDR) program is designed to assist qualified property owners who are unable to move Helene disaster debris to the Right of Way for pickup and who lack adequate debris removal insurance. The program also covers the demolition of eligible unsafe structures. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE.
Home repair help
If you need help with home repairs due to Helene damage and are unable to afford them, Habitat or another ARCHR partner organization might be able to help you. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Hazard Mitigation Grant program
Black Mountain residents can receive funding to make their homes more resilient through home projects that reduce the long-term risk and impacts of natural hazards, such as floods, wildfires, and storms. The Hazard Mitigation Grant program is a FEMA-funded initiative administered through Buncombe County which is aimed at reducing or eliminating future damages and losses to your home following a disaster. CLICK HERE to learn more about the free program and how to apply.
Repairing/replacing private road and bridges
CLICK HERE for information about how FEMA can help you repair or replace your private road or bridge.
Temporary Housing
FEMA help for homeowners and renters
The first step in receiving assistance is to apply via the FEMA resources listed above. Eligibility varies, so if you have questions at any point, contact FEMA via the website, phone, app, or visit one of the Disaster Recovery Centers in North Carolina.
Direct Temporary Housing Assistance
Direct Temporary Housing Assistance can provide safe, secure housing to eligible disaster survivors who have no other temporary housing solution and for whom financial assistance is insufficient to meet the need. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE.
Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA)
Through the Transitional Sheltering Assistance program, FEMA pays directly to participating hotels and motels to cover the cost of room, taxes and non-refundable pet fees to provide short term accommodations for eligible disaster survivors. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE.
Displacement Assistance
Displacement Assistance is a one-time payment that can be used to stay in a hotel, stay with family and friends, or other options while you look for temporary housing. If you have used your Displacement Assistance and you still have housing needs, you can request Rental Assistance from FEMA. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE.
Ongoing Rental Assistance
Rental Assistance can help individuals pay for somewhere to live while home repairs are made, or a permanent housing solution is identified. The initial payment for Rental Assistance may be up to two months, and additional help can be requested by submitting a Continued Temporary Housing Assistance form. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE or DOWNLOAD THE FACTSHEET.
Building codes for temporary housing
Town of Black Mountain codes provide for safety, security, and flexibility
The Town of Black Mountain is committed to supporting residents and those displaced by storm-related damage. If your primary residence has been damaged or destroyed, the Town’s codes allow for certain types of temporary housing to be placed on your property while you make repairs or rebuild:
Recreational Vehicles (RVs)
Park Models
Manufactured Homes
These options offer flexibility and security, allowing residents to remain on their property as they restore their homes. To ensure the health and safety of everyone in our community, all temporary housing must meet Town code requirements, including proper placement, utility connections, and safety standards. If you are considering a temporary housing option, please contact the Planning Department for guidance on permit requirements and compliance steps. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Additional Resources
U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance Loan Program
If you’ve experienced Helene-related damage to your home or personal property, you may be eligible for financial assistance from SBA even if you don’t own a business. As a homeowner, renter, or personal property owner, you may apply to SBA for a recovery loan. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
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.
