It has been more than a month since Hurricane Helene hit WNC. A lot has changed since those first days of recovery, and while the community has started to rebuild and heal, there are still many among us who are in need of essentials.
So here’s an updated list of where to find food, water, shelter, and other resources in Buncombe County.
Community care stations
From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., these stations offer hot showers, laundry, Wi-Fi, bathrooms, charging stations, water, and meals. All amenities are free to the public, and all locations now have ADA accessible showers and restrooms. If you can, bring your own towels and toiletries for showering.
- At Home parking lot, 980 Brevard Rd.
- Big Lots/Innsbruck Mall, 85 Tunnel Rd.
- Buncombe County Sports Park, 58 Apac Dr.
- Bethel United Methodist, 1056 Riceville Rd.
- Fairview Ingles, 225 Charlotte Hwy.
- Owen Pool, 117 Stone Dr., Swannanoa
- Swannanoa Ingles, 2319 US Hwy 70, Swannanoa
- Morgan Hill Baptist Church, 594 Barnardsville Hwy., Weaverville
Water + food
Buncombe County and the City of Asheville are continuing to operate water + food distribution sites. Nonpotable water is distributed at most sites to help with flushing toilets.
- At Home parking lot, 980 Brevard Rd. | 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Big Lots/Innsbruck Mall, 85 Tunnel Rd. | 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Buncombe County Sports Park, 58 Apac Dr. | 12-4 p.m.
- Fairview Ingles, 225 Charlotte Hwy. | 12-4 p.m.
- Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center, 121 Shiloh Rd. | 9 a.m.-7 p.m. (No bulk water for flushing)
- Pack Square Park, 70 Court Plaza | 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Sky Lanes Bowling Alley, 1477 Patton Ave. | 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Swannanoa Ingles, 2299 US 70, Swannanoa | 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Black Mountain Ingles, 550 NC-9, Black Mountain | 12-4 p.m.
Note: All water from the City of Asheville system is still under a boil water notice.
These local business and organizations are also providing food and water:
- New Belgium Brewing (21 Craven St.) is distributing both potable and nonpotable water every Tuesday-Saturday from 12:30 to 6 p.m.
- Blunt Pretzels provides hot meals, supplies, and fresh water every day from 12 to 7:30 p.m.
- Reynolds Baptist Church (520 Rose Hill Rd.) provides food + water along with hygiene items, baby needs, pet supplies, cleaning supplies, clothing, and more. You can visit Monday-Saturday, 12 p.m.-4 p.m.
- MANNA FoodBank is no longer distributing at the WNC Farmers Market, but you can use the MANNA food finder tool to locate food pantries, meal programs, and other distribution partners.
FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers
FEMA has a fixed Disaster Recovery Center as well as a couple of mobile locations. You can meet representatives from FEMA and the Small Business Administration, apply for assistance, and more. If you aren’t in the immediate Asheville area, find DRCs throughout the region.
- Cane Creek Pool, 590 Lower Brush Creek Rd., Fairview | 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Buncombe County Sports Park (mobile), 58 Apac Dr. | Wednesday, Nov. 6-Saturday, Nov. 9 + Friday, Nov. 15-Monday, Nov. 18, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Swannanoa Fire Rescue - Bee Tree Station (mobile), 510 Bee Tree Rd., Swannanoa | Monday, Nov. 11-Thursday, Nov. 14, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
Shelter + cold weather resources
There are still two emergency shelters operating in Buncombe County.
- Former Gold’s Gym, 1815 Hendersonville Rd. | This shelter has a playroom for children + welcomes pets.
- WNC Agricultural Center, 765 Boylston Hwy, Fletcher | This shelter welcomes pets.
As cold weather approaches, there are several resources available to keep warm:
- Eblen Charities is providing warm winter clothing and other essential items such as hygiene and cleaning supplies, menstrual products, and diapers Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. at 23 Hamilton St. in Asheville. Currently, donations are not being accepted.
- Goodwill’s Workforce Development Center, located at 1616 Patton Ave., is operating as a community hub. In addition to support services, you can find Goodwill Good Neighbor vouchers that can be used for clothing.
Connecting with loved ones
The Helene Missing Persons Reporting form has officially been deactivated, and the Asheville Police Department and the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office have returned to normal procedures for missing persons reporting. To report, please contact the APD at 828-252-1110 or the BCSO at 828-250-6670; call 911 for emergencies.
Prescriptions
Need a prescription filled but unsure where to go? The NC Board of Pharmacy has a confirmation of which pharmacies in Western NC are open and serving patients. Check their website for the latest updates on operating hours and locations.
