Two years after Hurricane Helene, many recovery programs have closed, but help is still available. This page lists housing help that is open right now for people in Asheville and Buncombe County, where to check on an application you already made, and which programs have closed so you don’t lose time on them.
Last reviewed: October 5, 2026. Programs change often, so always confirm with the organization before you apply.
Help you can apply for now
Storm repairs for homeowners (ARCHR)
The Asheville Regional Coalition for Home Repair, which includes Asheville Habitat for Humanity, repairs Helene damage for lower-income homeowners in Buncombe and Madison counties. Household income must be below 70% of the area median.
Apply at archr.live · Asheville Habitat: 828-251-5702
Legal help: Pisgah Legal Services
Help with FEMA appeals, insurance denials, eviction, foreclosure, and other housing problems caused by the storm. Serves Western North Carolina.
800-489-6144 or 828-253-6144 · Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. · pisgahlegal.org
Legal help: Legal Aid of North Carolina
Helene help line for renters and homeowners: insurance claims, recovery program appeals, eviction defense, lease and landlord problems, and property records.
1-866-219-5262 · Mon–Fri, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. · legalaidnc.org
Already applied? Check your status
Renew NC home repair and rebuild
New applications closed January 31, 2026. If you applied, the state is still reviewing and completing homes.
Helene Disaster Case Management
Closed to new cases on August 31, 2026. If you already have a case manager, services continue through January 22, 2027.
Asheville recovery funding questions
The City of Asheville uses federal recovery money (called CDBG-DR) to fund home repairs through Renew NC and new affordable housing.
828-251-1122 · cdbg-dr@ashevillenc.gov · ashevillerecovers.org
County housing recovery updates
Buncombe County posts updates on home buyouts, rebuilding, and county housing projects.
Programs that have closed
These programs no longer take new applications. If you were denied or have a problem with one of them, the legal help listed above may still be able to help with an appeal.
- FEMA Individual AssistanceClosed April 7, 2025.
- SBA disaster home loansClosed April 27, 2025. Existing borrowers: 800-659-2955.
- Home buyout and elevation program (Hazard Mitigation)New requests closed October 31, 2025.
- Renew NC Single-Family HousingNew applications closed January 31, 2026.
- Disaster Case ManagementNew cases closed August 31, 2026.
Protect yourself from scams
- Government recovery programs never charge a fee to apply.
- Never pay a contractor in full before work starts.
- If someone pressures you to sign right away, call one of the legal help lines above first.
Common questions
Can I still apply to FEMA for Helene damage?
No. FEMA’s deadline for Helene was April 7, 2025. If you applied and were denied or asked to pay money back, Pisgah Legal Services or Legal Aid of North Carolina can help.
I’m a homeowner and my house still has storm damage. What can I do?
If your household income is below 70% of the area median and you live in Buncombe or Madison County, apply for repairs through ARCHR at archr.live. If you already applied to Renew NC, call 1-888-791-0207 to check your status.
I rent. Is there help for me?
Yes. For eviction, lease, or landlord problems, call Pisgah Legal Services (800-489-6144) or Legal Aid of North Carolina (1-866-219-5262). For help paying rent or utilities, dial 211.
Does it cost anything to get help?
No. Every program on this page is free to apply for. Anyone who asks for a fee to “speed up” your application is not part of an official program.
Will recovery organizations be at the Housing Fair?
The Housing Fair on November 7 brings housing nonprofits and programs together in one place. It’s a good chance to ask questions in person.
Talk to someone in person
Free Asheville Housing Fair · Saturday, November 7, 2026 · 11 a.m.–2 p.m. · 21 Restaurant Court, Asheville
This page is a public information resource from the Land of the Sky Association of REALTORS®. It is not legal advice, and LOTSAR does not run these programs. Program details, phone numbers, and deadlines can change, so contact each organization directly to confirm.