Get the details on rental assistance through these various programs. | Photo by @mnierwienski
Earlier this week, Buncombe County Commissioners approved rental assistance funding to residents. So here’s the low down on the distribution — plus, an additional rental assistance program from an Asheville nonprofit.
At the Tuesday, Nov. 19 meeting, the Buncombe County Commission voted to reallocate American Rescue Plan Act Funds to Helene relief, including rental assistance. Commissioners approved distributing $300,000 to Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church and $1.2 million to Buncombe County Economic Services — these entities will administer funds to households at or below 80% AMI to be used for utility bills, fuel, rent + mortgage payments, internet access, and other essential needs.
Payments will be disbursed on a rolling basis beginning in December. We’ll share application info when it’s made available.
In the meantime, there’s rental help available for Asheville residents. In late October, the City of Asheville designated $1 million for rental assistance and partnered with Eblen Charities to administer the funds. You can find more information and the application forms on Eblen’s website. The nonprofit also provides assistance with utilities, gasoline, and more.
Events
Events
Thursday, Nov. 21 Family-Friendly Dungeons & Dragons | 5-8 p.m. | Well Played Board Game Cafe | $15 | People of all ages can embark on a magical quest — your ticket includes a soft drink and a game pass.
Friday, Nov. 22 Holiday Sip & Shop | Friday, Nov. 22-Friday, Dec. 27 | 4-7 p.m. | Grove Arcade | Free | Every Friday, sip on a glass of bubbly while you find unique, local gifts for loved ones.
Saturday, Nov. 23 Rebuild RAD Local Market | Saturday, Nov. 23-Saturday, Dec. 21 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | The Grey Eagle | Free | Every Saturday, you can shop art, crafts, and handmade goods from local makers.
AshevilleCon Pop Culture Show | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Holiday Inn - Biltmore West | $20 | The comic convention will feature vendors, video game tournaments, and fandom-related celebs.
Holiday Jamboree | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Pack Square Park | Free | The jamboree replaces the Annual Holiday Parade this year, with a family-friendly day of crafts, games, live performances, and a visit from Santa.
Sunday, Nov. 24 Chris Weir | 6:30-8 p.m. | Catawba Brewing Company | $15 | The radio personality, podcast host, and “Funniest Person In Cincinnati Contest” winner will take the stage for a set.
Monday, Nov. 25 The Moth’s Asheville GrandSLAM | 7:45 p.m. | Diana Wortham Theatre | $34 | Winners of The Moth’s open mics will return to compete for the title of Asheville storytelling champion.
Life is full of the unexpected — that’s why South Asheville ER is always open. | Photo provided by Mission Health
South Asheville now has round-the-clock emergency care at its doorstep with the new South Asheville ER.
Offering 24/7 access to comprehensive, hospital-based services, it’s fully equipped to handle even the most critical cases.
Key features include:
11 patient rooms
Onsite diagnostic imaging (available anytime)
Board-certified physicians and nurses trained in emergency medicine
Designed for quick access and high-quality care, South Asheville ER is ensuring you and your loved ones have expert medical support when it matters most.
This Saturday, Nov. 23 “How Do We Mark the Flood?” will take place at the Warren Wilson College Farm and Garden to celebrate the community’s resilience. From 1 p.m. to sunset, the one-day happening will include multimedia land installations, live performances, plein air painting, mutual aid raffles, and more artistic activities.
Cause
Local artist and muralist Kathyrn Crawford has launched a collection of shirts, hoodies, and hats featuring her work, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting hurricane relief in WNC. Some designs feature her murals that were painted in hard-hit areas, and many include floral motifs and a declaration of “We Will Bloom.”
Civic
Buncombe County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution authorizing $1.5 million for the Small Business Job Retainage Grant Program, which will be administered by Mountain BizWorks. Storm-impacted businesses with fewer than 25 employees, who can rehire and retain employees for six months, are eligible to receive grants ranging from $2,500 to $5,000.
Award
Now, this is sweet. At the 2024 National Ice Cream Awards, The Hop took home blue ribbons for its local strawberry and chocolate ice creams and a white ribbon for its vanilla bean. Stop by one of the cafes to raise a cone to the team’s wins.
Community
With cold temperatures settling in and a chance of snow, Code Purple is in effect tonight. Men can access the new ABCCM shelter at 20 20th St., and women and children can go to the ABCCM Transformation Village at 30 Olin Haven Way. Find transit information.
Opening
Community art space Story Parlor is reopening its doors on Thursday, Dec. 5 with an All Arts Open Mic. Step onto the stage to share an original piece that speaks to the theme of “resilience.” See what else Story Parlor has planned for the month of December.
Are you passionate about storytelling and capturing all things local in AVL? We are looking for a dynamic City Editor to assist with curation of our weekly content and newsletters. Apply to join our team now.
Shop
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Category
Community
Updates + need-to-know information
The drive-thru light show will begin Friday, Dec. 6. | Photo via Buncombe County Parks and Rec
The following article is being updated on our website daily. Click the button at the bottom of this section to read the full story.
Wednesday, Nov. 20
Note: There will not be a Buncombe County briefing tomorrow, Nov. 22.
The Festival of Lights will illuminate Lake Julian Park
The main park at Lake Julian (406 Overlook Ext.) will reopen to the public on Monday, Dec. 2 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Due to debris, the marina and disc golf course remain closed. The lake will be open to kayaks, paddle boats, canoes, and paddle boards, but the boat ramp will not be accessible.
Lake Julian will also show off some holiday cheer as the Festival of Lights takes place throughout the park. Cars, vans, and buses can drive through the light show from Friday, Dec. 6 through Monday, Dec. 23, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Turkey Day is coming up fast. If you’re planning on bringing in grub from a local spot, make sure to get those orders in ASAP. Psst... many places will stop taking orders this weekend. And if you’re looking for some help filling your table this Thanksgiving or if you want to provide that help for others, we have some resources for that too.
