For those in need of food, D-SNAP can offer a helping hand.| Photo by Scott Muthersbaugh, Perfecta Visuals, via Buncombe County
As the deadline nears, Buncombe County reminded all eligible residents to apply for the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. D-SNAP offers a one-time benefit to folks who were impacted by Hurricane Helene to help with buying food — and the deadline to apply is this Thursday, Oct. 24.
The application
You can preregister for assistance online, after which you’ll be given a confirmation number and asked to call 1-844-453-1117 before Thursday to complete the interview. You can also apply by calling that same number or in person at Buncombe County Health and Human Services.
Note: If you’ve been displaced and are no longer in Buncombe (or you reside in a neighboring county), you can apply in person at a D-SNAP location in any eligible county. If you are physically unable to go in person, you can fill out this form (or the Spanish version here) and send an authorized representative in your place.
Even if you make above the required income, you may still be eligible based on circumstances — you’re encouraged to apply.
Not currently be receiving the Food and Nutrition Services program benefits.
If you are, you can apply for additional aid through FNS.
Those receiving benefits from the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Supplemental Nutrition Program are still eligible for D-SNAP.
The exact amount you’ll receive will depend on the size of your household, your income level, and the extent of your disaster loss. A family of four may be able to get as much as $975.
News Notes
News Notes
Number
One million. That’s how many bottles of water have been given out across food + water distribution sites and community care stations as of this past weekend. Find updated distribution sites.
Community
The Swannanoa Grassroots Alliance, a new collaborative of neighbors, nonprofits, businesses, and churches, has formed to connect the community with resources for water, food, hygiene, and much more. On its website, you can also find information on volunteering and donating to Swannanoa-based organizations.
Civic
Asheville City Council will meet this evening, Oct. 22 at 5 p.m. at City Hall — the meeting is open to the public or can be livestreamed on YouTube. Reminder: Following the meeting, a candlelight vigil will take place in Pack Square Park at 6 p.m. to honor all that’s been lost in the wake of Helene.
Kids
Since the storm hit, the Asheville Museum of Science has served as a family resources center, providing essentials and STEAM education kits — and now it has reopened with regular hours and pay-what-you-can options in addition to regular admission prices. Beyond supporting the museum through attendance, you can donate or shop at its store.
Legacy
This afternoon, Oct. 22, the Fairview Fire Department and the Garren Creek Fire Department are honoring Battalion Chief Tony Garrison, who died in the line of duty on Friday, Sept. 27. Fire departments and emergency service groups will offer a final salute. The family has asked for donations to three campaigns or organizations in lieu of flowers.
Open
With the DMV office at 1624 Patton Ave. now reopened, all driver’s license offices in WNC are offering service, with the exception of offices in Burnsville and Spruce Pine.
Outdoors
On Friday, Oct. 18, the Pisgah Ranger District of the Pisgah National Forest reopened. Crews are still clearing debris and repairing roads and trails, so officials urge people to use caution if visiting. The Appalachian and Grandfather Ranger Districts were heavily impacted and remain closed.
Cause
Recreation-focused nonprofit FIND Outdoors is hosting a volunteer fair this Wednesday, Oct. 23 at the entrance of the Pisgah National Forest, 49 Pisgah Hwy., Ste. 3. From 5 to 7 p.m., explore how to get involved with local outdoor-focused nonprofits working on restoration and conservation in the aftermath of the storm.
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Travel
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Finance
It’s time to take a break from your high-interest debt. For one of the longest no-interest periods on a balance transfer card experts have seen in a while,check this out.*
Category
Community
Updates + need-to-know information
During the storm, the normally dry auxiliary spillway saw massive amounts of rushing water.| Photo via Buncombe County
The following article is being updated on our website daily. Click the button at the bottom of this section to read the full story.
Monday, Oct. 21
Storm debris management
2.5 million cubic yards. That’s how much storm debris is estimated to be in the City of Asheville alone — enough for 70,000 truckloads. In Buncombe County, there are 10 million cubic yards of debris, including the City of Asheville’s amount — enough for 280,000 truckloads.
An additional site for storm debris has been secured at Enka Commerce Park. This is now the primary site where debris will be staged, ground, compacted, and hauled out. No additional debris will be taken to the previous sites that were identified at 65 Ford St. and the front nine of the Municipal Golf Course; however, security and prep work will continue at these locations so they could be reactivated if needed. Reminder: These sites are not open to the public.
This 4-in-1 car charger. It plugs into your car’s auxiliary power outlet and includes retractable USB-C and Lightning cables as well as USB-C and USB-A ports so you can charge up to four devices at once.
While the WNC Nature Center is currently closed to focus on rebuilding, it is still inviting families to celebrate the season at its Jr. Wolf Howl-O-Ween Festival. Get tickets for an evening of face painting, crafts, games, and sweets this Saturday, Oct. 26 at Four Seasons Plaza, 1011 Tunnel Rd.