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Helene Response & Rebuild
Yancey Resource List

This document was last updated on: 4/2/2025 @ 10:00 AM.

If you have new information to share or edits to the information on this page, please contact: info@pathwnc.org.

​​WNC Resource Guide

Lista de Recursos de Yancey 

Announcements

Safety Information

Infrastructure Information

Essential Services Information

Where to Find Shelter, Food, and Water

How to Help

Clean-Up & Rebuilding

Financial Assistance

Health and Well-being

Submit Information

                                                                                                 Recent Information/New Announcements

  • The Community Disaster Resource Center for Yancey County has been moved to the Senior Center (503 Medical Campus Drive, Burnsville) for the month of April.
  • Open Tuesday - Friday from 10 AM - 6 PM
  • A FEMA representative will be on-site to assist with FEMA applications and appeals. Visit them to get the latest updates, support, and resources related to Hurricane Helene.
  • Call Pisgah Legal Services at 828-253-0406 or apply for help online. Individuals can also call or apply online for free help with tax return preparation from Pisgah Legal.
  • The FEMA Individual Assistance (IA) Registration Period has been extended to April 7, 2025. Additionally, the SBA has extended the Physical Damage deadline to April 7, 2025, with a 60-day grace period.
  • Yancey County is now accepting applications for the Private Property Debris Removal (PPDR) program through FEMA. This program can help residents with: Removal of storm-generated debris from private property, roads, and driveways, demolition of hazardous structures.
  • For more information, call 501-604-6453.
  • Every Mon-Tues in March, 9 am to 4 pm
  • Senior Center, 503 Medical Campus Drive, Burnsville, NC 28714
  • Required Documents:
  • Most Recent Tax Bill/Record
  • Valid Driver’s License or State Issued I.D.
  • Utility Bill from the time of the event
  • Homeowner’s Insurance Policy
  • House Deed (if signing up for demolition)
  • Toe River Project Access will be holding FREE tax preparation and e-filing events for families with incomes below $70,000. Learn more.
  • 4/15 from 9am-1pm at the Yancey County Library
  • 4/30 from 2-6pm at Mayland Community College
  • The Yancey County Public Library has 2024, 1040, and 1040-SR tax forms and instruction booklets available in English and Spanish.
  • The Cajun Navy is offering a Hurricane Helene Recovery Assistance Grant in Yancey County. Applications are open through August 1st.
  • 4-H Enrollment is open for 2025! 4-H is open to youth ages 5-18 and it's FREE to join! (4-H age is determined by age as of January 1st of the current year)
  • To be listed, you will need to provide your company name, contact information, line of service, and contractor's license number.

Safety Information

Generator Safety

  • DO NOT ignore alerts from Carbon Monoxide monitors in your location if they are going off. Your safety may be at risk!
  • Make sure generators are used outside, more than 20 ft away from windows and doors.
  • Make sure the main breaker of your house is turned off to keep the power crews safe as they work to restore electricity.
  • Do not use in wet conditions
  • Do not refuel when hot
  • Do not use a wall outlet
  • Keep it away from vehicle exhaust

Carbon Monoxide Warning

  • When using a generator or propane heater you can risk carbon monoxide poisoning if the area is not properly ventilated.
  • The symptoms include: headache, confusion, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath. If you experience these symptoms call 911.
  • Carbon Monoxide is odorless, so use a CO2 detector to reduce your risk.

Demolition: If your home or business sustained damage, DO NOT make any demolition decisions until you’ve spoken with FEMA, your insurance company or BOTH. Before you demolish a structure, ensure you have shut off all utilities to the building.

Propane Heater Safety

  • If you use a propane heater indoors in a very tight location (little ventilation), you risk being in a place with built-up carbon monoxide.
  • Never store propane tanks indoors. This includes propane equipment not certified for indoor use such as generators, grills, cookers, and fryers.

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

  1. PULL... Pull the pin. This will also break the tamper seal.
  2. AIM... Aim low, pointing the extinguisher nozzle (or its horn or hose) at the base of the fire. ...
  3. SQUEEZE... Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent.
  4. SWEEP... Sweep from side to side at the base of the fire until it appears to be out.

Preventing House Fires While Using Heaters

  • Keep anything that can burn, such as bedding, clothing and curtains, at least 3 feet away from the heater.
  • Make sure the heater has an automatic shut-off, so if it tips over, it shuts off.
  • Turn heaters off when you go to bed or leave the room.
  • Plug portable electric heaters directly into outlets and never into an extension cord or power strip.
  • For kerosene heaters, refuel your cooled heater outside.
  • Don’t burn paper in fireplaces or wood stoves and make sure to use a metal screen to prevent sparks when using a fireplace

Infrastructure (roads, water, electricity) Information

Road conditions and transportation

  • Road closures via NC Department of Transportation
    See the map version at     DriveNC.gov.
  • Tip: It will load faster if you click the "Hurricane Helene" toggle on the left.

Electric service

Water Treatment

Well Water Testing Information: Facebook

Garbage / Waste Pick Up

  • Burnsville Residential trash pick-up is on the regular schedule. There will be no recycling pick-up until further notice.  (10/24)
  • East Yancey, Riverside, South Toe and Micaville Convenience Centers are open Monday-Saturday from 7am to 4pm.
  • The Yancey-Mitchell landfill (555 Landfill Road, Burnsville)  is open as of 10/22 Monday-Friday 8am-4pm, Saturday 8am-12pm.
  • No hazardous materials. Debris should be separated from household trash.

Debris Removal

Separate Your Debris: Divide debris into the following categories:

  • Vegetation (e.g., branches, leaves)
  •  Construction materials (e.g., wood, drywall)
  • Household items (e.g., furniture, appliances)

Curbside Placement: Place all separated debris near the nearest state-maintained road for pickup. Ensure it's easily accessible to removal teams.

Safety Precautions: Clearly mark or secure any sharp objects or hazardous materials to protect our debris removal teams.

No Burning: Do not burn any debris. It poses significant health and safety risks. (Source)

Essential Services Information

  • Yancey County Schools reopened November 18th (full update)
  • New bus routes as of 2/18/25.
  • If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your school principal, bus driver, or the YCS Transportation Department.

Where to Find Shelter, Food, and Water

Shelter

  • With cold temperatures expected over the winter, we encourage anyone who needs a warm place to stay to contact Yancey County at 828-780-6062. This number is for anyone seeking shelter from the cold.
  • If the storm has displaced you and you are living in a camper in an area that you feel is unsafe or lacks the necessary resources, please contact the Yancey County Emergency Management Department at 828-284-0725.  
  • They have designated areas available for campers to ensure everyone has a safe and warm place to stay. Additionally, if you need a place to stay, they can offer support for sheltering.

Distribution Centers (Food, Water & Supplies)

Points of Distribution

  • Freds is closed as of 1/6/25 and distribution has moved to Reconciliation House.
  • For more information on how to get supplies and fuel assistance, please visit The Reconciliation House's website at rec-house.org or call (828) 682-7251. The Reconciliation House is located at 20 Academy St.
  • Support Services: M/W/F 10 am-2 pm
  • Food Pantry: Wednesday & Friday 9 am - Noon
  • Call for heating assistance.
  • Open for Shopping Thursdays-Saturdays 12pm-4pm
  • Rebuilding Hollers Foundation: order online here
  • Thankful Hearts (507 Upper Browns Creek Rd)
  • The Burnsville Baby Hub located inside Holcombe Brothers (501 E. Main St)
  • A relief center for all your baby, postpartum and toddler needs.
  • Open Wed-Sat from 2-6pm
  • Blue Rock Baptist Church (Monday, Wednesday and Friday 1-5pm)
  • Shoal Creek Baptist Church
  • South Estatoe Baptist Church (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10am-2pm & 4-7pm, Wednesday 10am-2pm).
  • Bee Log Relief Center 9am - 5pm
  • Browns Creek Baptist Church
  • Victory Baptist Church (Tuesday, Friday, & Saturday 12-4pm)

Laundry/Showers and Restroom Facilities

  • The care stations in Yancey County were a mix of publicly funded and privately donated facilities. While the publicly funded care stations have been demobilized, Yancey County wants to ensure our community members have access to sanitary water. Read More.

Livestock and Animal Supplies

  • Davis Farms (686 Cane River School Rd) can assist based on what they have available. By appointment only (828) 682-1874.
  • Yancey County Humane Society (211 Kind Hearts Wy) has animal supplies available.

How to Help

Financial Donations - County/Non-profit

  • Yancey County Government Helene Relief | Venmo (verified 10/8)
  • Donate by check:  
    Yancey County Local Government
    ℅ Helene Relief
    110 Town Square RM 11
    Burnsville NC 28714

Donations of Supplies

Volunteer

  • Please note: Your name, contact info, and the services you are offering will be shared online and in print. Community members in need of help will reach out to you directly to coordinate getting the work done.

Clean-Up & Rebuilding

  • Heavy Equipment Volunteer Contact List: If you need help with grading, tree removal, etc., please reach out to these volunteers directly: bit.ly/heavyequipmentyancey They are individuals who have offered to help.
  • NOTE: Inclusion these conact lists does NOT mean that individuals or groups of volunteers are vetted, qualified, or insured. Please use caution and discernment.
  • Yancey Home Damage Assessment: this form collects essential information about your home's damage and your immediate needs to share with groups dedicated to assisting with repairs, providing temporary housing, and offering other necessary support: bit.ly/YanceyDamageAssessment
  • Baptists on Mission 
  • Samaritan's Purse is now Rebuilding Homes lost to Hurricane Helene! They are now accepting applications for those in need. These services will be free of charge and include:
  •  Manufactured home replacements
  • Repairs to stick-built homes
  • New stick-built home construction
  • Furniture assistance
  • Church grants
  • Call 828-588-4663 or email USDisasterRecovery@samaritan.org 
  • The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program is a FEMA-funded program managed by the North Carolina Department of Public Safety and is designed to reduce or eliminate future damages and loss following a disaster.
  • The program can potentially help with mitigation methods such as structure elevation, structural reinforcement, and the voluntary buyout of damaged properties.
  • State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor announces the adoption of an emergency rule by the North Carolina Building Code Council (NCBCC) to streamline the construction process for temporary housing for those displaced by Hurricane Helene.
  • This rule, effective December 10, 2024, allows property owners to construct safe temporary housing without strict adherence to the North Carolina State Building Code, using an affidavit process to ensure safety and expedite shelter availability. Learn More.
  • Reach Global Crisis Response – To request crisis cleaning or rebuilding help contact the local intake number at 828-357-7251.
  •  Operation Blessing – Offering crisis clean-up within 40 miles of Black Mountain, NC. To request assistance, contact 757-254-3851.
  • Operation Anchor – Offering crisis clean-up, rebuilding, tree removal and driveway repairs in Yancey, Mitchell, and parts of Buncombe counties. To request assistance, call or text 800-730-2537 or use the online request form.
  • All Hands and Hearts – Providing disaster cleanup, mold remediation, and repairs. For assistance, call the local intake number at 828-712-7040.
  • NECHAMA Jewish Response to Disaster – Offering debris removal and crisis cleanup help. For assistance, email: max@nechama.org.
  • Ground Force Humanitarian Aid – Offering disaster cleanup, debris removal, plumbing, and repairs. Request assistance online at https://gfha.us/requesthelp 
  • Rise Disaster Relief and Recovery – Providing chainsaw work, muck and gut, tree and debris removal in Mitchell County, Residents can call 980-825-7473 or apply online at https://riseteam.org/get-help/ 

Financial Assistance

  • Monday-Friday 8am-6pm and Saturdays 9am-2pm.
  • Representatives available from FEMA, Small Business Administration, US Department of Agriculture, Counseling, Legal Referrals, etc.
  • Please note: SBA offers low-interest personal, business, and non-profit disaster relief loans. Learn more.

FEMA

  • Apply online, over the phone 800-621-3362, or in person with officials.
  • Disaster Recovery Center, 671 West United States Highway 19e Bypass, Burnsville NC, 28714 (beside FRED’s)
  • Don’t Wait to Clean Up or Make Repairs: Residents with home damage after Helene do not need to wait for a FEMA home inspection or insurance adjuster before beginning to clean up. Typically, after a survivor applies for disaster assistance, they will be contacted by a FEMA inspector within a few days to schedule an appointment. Before starting any structural work, be sure to get a building permit from your local building authorities. More advice from FEMA.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available call 919-629-3857 (English) or     919-276-5698 (Español) (source)

  •  Monday-Friday 8am-7pm; Saturday 8am-5pm; Sunday Noon-4pm

Legal

  • FEMA Appeals: Legal Aid of North Carolina is assisting with appealing FEMA decisions, whether you are appealing a denial or appealing the amount received. Call the LANC Helpline at (866) 219-5252 or visit our website for additional information.
  • Insurance Claims and Appeals: If your insurance company denies your insurance claim or the amount offered for your damages is too small and you need assistance appealing, contact Legal Aid of North Carolina for assistance. Call the LANC Helpline at (866) 219-5252 or visit our website for additional information.
  • Disaster Unemployment Assistance: If you need assistance applying for Disaster Unemployment Assistance or need help appealing a denial, contact Legal Aid of North Carolina for assistance. Call the LANC Helpline at (866) 219-5252 or visit our website for additional information.
  • Legal Assistance

Fuel and Heating Assistance

  • To apply for fuel and heating assistance, please contact Reconciliation House by calling 828-682-7251 or visiting the Reconciliation House in person. https://rec-house.org 
  • Monday- Friday 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.

Housing Assistance

  • Direct Lease - FEMA may lease existing, ready-to-occupy residential properties for use as temporary housing.
  • Multifamily Lease and Repair – FEMA funds the repair or improvement of existing vacant multifamily rental properties that eligible applicants can use for temporary housing.
  • Transportable Temporary Housing – A travel trailer of Manufactured Housing Unit (MHU) that FEMA may place on a private site or in a commercial park.
  • Cabins4Christ is a 501C3 that constructs and provides temporary shelters for those who have been faced with physical, emotional, and spiritual storms of life.
  • Mandala Springs Temporary Housing Relief is accepting applications for temporary residence.
  • Pisgah Legal Services can assist with Tenants Rights: Evictions and Repairs. Low-income tenants may apply for free legal assistance from Pisgah Legal Services by calling 828-253-0406 or applying online.
  • NC Legal Aid can assist with a variety of legal issues for homeowners and tenants. Learn more. Or call their Helene Helpline 1 (866) 219-5262 8:30am-4pm, Monday-Friday.
  • Homeowners – Assistance with insurance policies, recovery appeals, proving property ownership, avoiding foreclosure and mortgage issues, providing information on rights, and more.
  • Renters – Recovery appeals, evictions, lease terminations, landlord/tenant disputes, understanding renters rights and insurance policies, providing additional legal help during disaster recovery, and more.
  • Mitchell-Yancey Habitat for Humanity is prepared to help homeowners with no-cost small repairs including: replacing windows, doors, porches, decks, and restoring walkways and small foot bridges.
  • Apply by contacting Misty at 828-766-9000.

Disaster Relief Funds and Grants - Businesses

  • The Yancey County Chamber's Visitor Center has temporarily converted the Visitor Center into a coworking space for all local business owners. Open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm.
  • The Mayland Community College Small Business Center is offering support to small businesses call 828-766-1295 or email mwood@mayland.edu
  • They have work space available, internet, access to printers, etc at 67 Hotel Place, Spruce Pine NC ( the rear of the old Pinebridge building).
  • Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative is partnering with local Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) to provide relief grants up to $25,000 to very small businesses across the region that sustained physical damage from Hurricane Helene.
  • North Carolina businesses in Ashe, Avery, Haywood, Madison, Mitchell, Watauga, and Yancey counties can apply for disaster assistance under Tennessee’s declaration (#20718). These counties border the primary declared disaster area, making them eligible for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) in Tennessee, even if you have already applied for a loan through North Carolina. EIDL provides working capital for disaster-related needs, even if no physical damage occurred. Businesses with existing disaster loans, such as those for COVID-19, are still eligible to apply. Survivors can visit local Disaster Recovery Centers in North Carolina for application assistance.

Health and Well-being

Counseling and Support Services

  • Voucher code: “hurricane-helene-support”
  • Somethings partnered with NCDHHS to offer free Certified Peer Mentors to provide mental health support to teens via text or phone.
  • Available Monday-Friday from 3-11pm and on weekends.
  • Web: www.ncfarmstress.org 
  • NC Farm Help Line: 844.325.3276
  • Agromedicine Institute phone: 252.744.1008
  • RHA Mobile Crisis services provide 24/7 intensive, on-site response, stabilization and intervention for people of all ages who are experiencing a crisis due to mental health disturbances, developmental disabilities, or addiction.
  • Call 888-573-1006
  • Dementia Caregivers & Friends has help for dementia family caregivers including incontinence supplies, bed pads, Scrubzzs (washcloths for bathing without rinsing), well-check visits by an RN or community paramedic, counseling visits by a licensed clinical social worker, and general supplies for the aging population.

About Stress and Post-Hurricane Trauma

  • The Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) is the first national hotline dedicated to providing year-round disaster crisis counseling. This toll-free, multilingual, crisis support service is available 24/7 to all residents in the U.S. and its territories who are experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. Call or text 1-800-985-5990.
  • SAMHSA: This resource provides suggestions and helpful tips for coping after a natural disaster or other traumatic event.
  • Listening Circles for WNC Residents Affected by Hurricane Helene
  • Hosted by Resources for Resilience
  • SeekHealing is offering emotional first aid to anyone needing to talk, process, or make sense of the senseless in the aftermath of Helene.
  • IN ASHEVILLE: Open Connection Practice circles are held on Wednesdays and Sundays at 50 S. French Broad Avenue #138, Asheville from 1-6 p.m.
  • Open Connection circles are non-clinical, trauma-informed space led by trained facilitators who are neighbors and peers.

Health Insurance

  • Anyone who lost their health insurance due to Hurricane Helene can call Toe River Project Access at 828-606-6428 and get free and unbiased help with Marketplace or Medicaid insurance.
  • For Spanish translation, call 828-767-5205.
  • No need to wait until next year to get on a health insurance plan. This is considered special enrollment for those who lost their health insurance due to Hurricane Helene.

Submit Information

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