Storm Recovery: Resources & Help
OFFICIAL STORM RECOVERY HELP & NEWS FROM TOWN OF BANNER ELK – UPDATED DECEMBER 5, 2024
Banner Elk and Avery County took a hard hit from Hurricane Helene on September 27th, but we are making great progress with our recovery! We are now open for visitors and residents to return. While the core of downtown escaped damage, flooding damaged homes, roads and businesses on three sides of town. Flooding also heavily damaged the town’s sewer and water system, washing out many lines with repairs taking seven weeks. Get additional alerts on our Visit Banner Elk Facebook page.
For Small Business Grants, scroll down!
Read Town Manager Rick Owen’s Update from November 10th
Banner Elk Resource Distribution Center: After serving the community for eight weeks, the Resource Center inside the Historic Banner Elk School closed on November 23rd. THANK YOU to 700+ volunteers who served 4,000+ families – read more.
New County Distribution Center
A new Avery County Distribution Center will reopen soon. County residents with needs should call the Avery County Hotline at 828-733-8273.
Feeding Avery Families
This nonprofit Foodbank serves residents in Avery County. They distribute groceries weekly (first three Wednesdays in December) at their center in Newland. Read more.
RAM’s Rack Thrift Shop
Buy donated clothing, bedding, furniture. Emergency assistance also available with free clothing and financial aid for prescriptions, utilities, rent, mortgage, etc. 147 New Vale Road, Newland | 828-733-5095
Donations for Avery County
For current donation needs in the county, call distribution hotline: 828-733-8273. RAM’s Rack and ReStore in Newland are accepting household goods (in great shape) such as furniture, lamps, dishes, cookware, etc.
Donate Online
Financial contributions are needed the most currently (instead of supplies/food), so we can fill in the urgent need gaps. Here are two local non-profits that are getting money out into the community ASAP:
– The Town of Banner Elk has partnered with a local 501(c)3 charitable organization Elk River Helping Hands. 100% of these funds are given directly to individuals and families in greatest needs. Many have received funds already. Make donations at this link. Or mail a check to Elk River Helping Hands, Town of Banner Elk, PO Box 2049, Banner Elk, NC 28604.
– High Country Charitable Foundation gives generous grants to dozens of non-profits that care for people or animals in Avery County. Immediately after the storm hit, they began delivering meals and essential supplies to those hardest hit. They also provide hot meals daily to locals, volunteers and recovery workers at the Party Barn, located across from Elk River community. Read more and donate here.
FEMA
Go to the NC FEMA website to see many options for assistance for residents in North Carolina. See this FACT SHEET from FEMA that addresses some of the misinformation being shared. To apply to FEMA, go to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA App or call 800-621-3362 (7 am-Midnight). See below for local offices – best way to apply. The deadline to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance after Tropical Storm Helene has been extended to Jan. 7, 2025. Homeowners and renters may be eligible for FEMA financial assistance for serious needs, displacement, basic home repairs, personal property losses and other uninsured or underinsured disaster-caused expenses. Note: FEMA is searching for Short Term Rentals for Temporary Housing: Read more.
FEMA In-Person Help 3 Ways
There are hundreds of FEMA workers in Avery County currently, working closely with county and town governments. Here are three places to meet with FEMA representatives:
– Avery FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in Newland: Mayland Community College, 785 Cranberry Street, Newland. The DRC is open Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Closed Sundays and Nov 28-Dec 1 for Thanksgiving Weekend. Other services on site, including the Small Business Administration, county services, and the USDA.
– Watauga Disaster Recovery Center in Boone: Appalachian Enterprise Center, 130 Poplar Grove Connector, Boone.
More info: Go to FEMA Assistance Fact Sheet for NC.
Debris Removal
Avery County has contracted with a team to provide debris removal post Hurricane Helene along state, town and county roads (not private roads). This is a completely FREE service, and simply has a few guidelines. Simply follow the guidelines below, place items by the road but keep safety in mind! Pickups begin soon. Place by the road right away! Sort into categories.
– Regular Trash: Take to Avery County trash sites like normal (open Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat 9 AM-6 PM in Sugar Mountain, Linville, Elk Park (3 Lane).
– Large Appliances: Refrigerator, washer/dryer, air conditioner, stove, water heater, dishwasher. Do not leave doors unsealed or unsecured.
– Electronics. Examples: television, computer, audio equipment, phone, DVD player
– Hazardous Waste: Oil, batteries, pesticides, cleaning supplies, compressed gas, paints.
– Construction Debris: Lumber, roofing, and other structural debris strewn by storm
– Vegetative Debris. Trees, tree branches, logs, plants, leaves
Do not place debris on or near downed power lines or close to utility boxes.
Samaritan’s Purse International Relief
Offering free assistance to homeowners and residents for, removal of personal property & furniture, flood clean-up, driveway repair, sanitizing with shockwave treatment, chainsaw work, temporary roof tarping, etc. This is a free service provided to those with little to no insurance. Requests are handled depending upon need and volunteer availability. Please call: 1-833-747-1234. For Volunteer Opportunities with Samaritan’s Purse: 828-386-8667.
American Red Cross
Volunteers from the Red Cross are working in Avery County. Read more about their resources.
Mortgage & Rent Assistance
Homeowners and renters impacted by Hurricane Helene are eligible for mortgage assistance and disaster relief options. Homeowners may request mortgage assistance by contacting their mortgage servicer. Call Fannie Mae at 855-HERE2HELP (855-437-3243) to access Fannie Mae’s disaster recovery counseling or visit the Fannie Mae website for more information.
United Way’s NC 211
Information and referral service that connects North Carolinians to verified resources for basic needs, such as housing and utility assistance, food, healthcare, transportation, and more. NC 211 is a multilingual and confidential service that provides health and human services information and referrals through a free statewide phone number (2-1-1 or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from an out-of-state area code) and website (www.nc211.org).
Avery County Government Update
Courthouse, Social Services (moved to Library), Health Dept are open. The County Emergency Operations Center is at the Ag Center in Newland (not open to public), working with FEMA, American Red Cross, National Guard and many other organizations. Avery Helene Hotline (9-5 daily): 828-733-8273. See their Facebook page for more updates.
Disaster Distress Helpline
A disaster or tragedy often brings out strong emotions, such as anxiety, worry and anger, and people may want help in dealing with their feelings. The Disaster Distress Helpline (1-800-985-5990) provides confidential counseling, referrals, and other support, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
SMALL BUSINESS HELP
Help for Artists
With the cancellation of festivals and galleries, find resources for artists on the Arts North Carolina site.
Help for Farmers
Avery County has livestock supplies, including hay. Call 828-733-8273 for more information.
Hospitality Workers Help
NC Restaurant & Lodging Association supports the needs of restaurants, hotels, and their employees – including the NC Hospitality Worker Relief Fund. Go to their Website to apply for fund and see other resources.
SBA Disaster Loans
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses and nonprofit organizations to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance and other sources – often with a one year grace period with no payments / interest. DEADLINE to apply Nov 27, 2024. Apply online at SBA.gov/disaster or call 800-659-2955.
Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund
The Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund, created by DoorDash in partnership with Hello Alice, provides grants of up to $10,000 to restaurants impacted by natural disasters. These grants are intended to cover operating expenses, such as rent, utilities, supplies, inventory, and other business costs that are not covered by insurance. Get details.
WNC Small Business Grant
Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative is a non-profit and offering relief grants of up to $25,000 to small businesses in the region that were physically damaged by Hurricane Helene. The grants can be used for expenses such as repairs, environmental cleanup, rent or mortgage payments, and employee retention or hiring. Eligible businesses must apply by November 27, 2024, and the initiative is partnering with local Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) to administer the funds. Get details.
Women’s Entrepreneur
WE ARE—The Women’s Entrepreneur Asheville Recovery Endeavor: This grant is available to woman-owned (at least 51%), small businesses in Western North Carolina that experienced significant loss due to Hurricane Helene. It is our intention to open applications November 15th through December 1st, and awards will be made as of January 15th. Apply here.
Farm Grant
The ASAP grant is intended to support farms with significant losses due to disasters. Farmers may apply for up to $500 to cover immediate needs. Get details.
Small to Medium Business Advice
North Carolina SBTDC (Small Business and Technology Development Center) is a business advisory resource for growing and developing small to mid-sized businesses. Contact them for free consulting and advice on steps to recovery. Go to their website for more.
More Business Resources: EDPNC
The Economic Development Partnership of NC has a great list of resources for businesses for recovery.
Additional Information
Banner Elk Town Hall: 828-898-5398
For town residents: Sign up for Code Red Alerts for emergency notifications from the Town of BE.