Xpress reached out to this year’s candidates prior to the devastation our community experienced from Tropical Storm Helene. But the issues local candidates stand for will shape our community long after our current recovery efforts fade into the past.
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Tell us your storm stories
Readers, we have all been through a lot since Tropical Storm Helene swept into Western North Carolina on Sept. 27, and Xpress wants to hear from you. Please tell us your personal stories of how you experienced the storm and its aftermath. What has inspired you? On the flip side, what has frustrated you? What moved you — whether it be to tears or laughter? How did helping family, friends or strangers impact you and/or them? Email us at letters@ mountainx.com with the subject line: Storm stories. Aim for submissions of no more than 300-400 words. Please include your name and town (for publication) and your street address and phone number (not for publication) for verification purposes. Selected submissions will appear in Mountain Xpress. — Xpress Staff X
CARTOON BY BRENT BROWN
Neighbors helping neighbors
Hendersonville community members rally for each other in wake of Helene
BY JUSTIN M c GUIRE
As a child growing up in the Eastern North Carolina town of Wilson, Joseph Knight lost his family home when Hurricane Floyd ravaged the North Carolina coast in 1999.
So after Tropical Storm Helene hit Western North Carolina, Knight knew he had to do all he could to help the community. As director and CEO of Hendersonville’s Hands On! Children’s Museum, he was in a good position to do just that.
Unlike many other places around town, the Main Street museum had power and running water after the storm hit. On the morning of Monday, Sept. 30, Knight and staff members and volunteers opened the facility to the public, offering breast-pumping stations, outlets to charge devices and the use of bathrooms.
“A lot of families just need a safe place to come after something like this,” Knight says. “I know what it feels like firsthand.”
In addition, the museum announced on social media that it was accepting diapers, baby formula, water, food and other items. As word spread, donations poured in, and the museum was able to distribute them to people who came in. The museum stayed open 9 a.m.-3 p.m. all week.
“As a nonprofit, we feel we can best serve the community by being a free resource center for families in need,” Knight says. “It’s about giving back to the community. If we can help alleviate the situation a little bit, it’s worth it.”
That community spirit was evident throughout Hendersonville in the days following the storm. Oklawaha Brewing Co. in downtown was open Saturday, Sept. 28, and allowed people to charge devices and get water from a keg. The Skyland Barber Shop on Main Street gave out free water and T-shirts while supplies lasted and offered one of the few working ATMs in town.
The following are just a few stories of neighbors helping neighbors in the wake of Helene’s devastation.
LIVING FAITH
Justin Alexander drove to Travelers Rest, S.C., on Saturday, Sept. 28. It was the closest place Alexander, the senior pastor at First Baptist Church of Hendersonville,
could find to get internet access so that he could post a video to Facebook Alexander wanted to get word out to his congregants: “We’re here. We’re going to do something.”
The church, Alexander decided, should become a central distribution center for people in Henderson County in need of food, water, diapers, toiletries and other supplies. He asked people to donate supplies and come to the church to help out.
“The outpouring has been incredible,” he says. “It was cool to see our church members decide to show up. People from the community decided to show up and serve.“
The church planned to start distributing goods at noon Monday, Sept. 30, but people started lining up at 7 a.m. “By 11 o’clock, the line was wrapped around our building, down 5th Avenue, and it was blocking the entire intersection. So we just had to go ahead and open. I honestly don’t know how many thousands we served [that day].“
About 100 people volunteered the first day, with many more coming out to help the rest of the week. And thanks to the generosity of others, they had plenty of goods to give out. Tractor-trailers full of supplies arrived all week from places as far away as Charleston, S.C., and
HELPING HANDS: Volunteer unload a truck of donated water at First Baptist Church of Hendersonville. Photo courtesy of the church
FAMILY FOCUSED: Joseph Knight, CEO and director of Hendersonville’s Hands On! Children’s Museum, opened up the facility to the public in the wake of Tropical Storm Helene. Photo by Justin McGuire
Alabama, Alexander says. Walmart delivered a full truckload of bottled water.
“We’ve had families who heard about what’s going on just showing up with trucks full of supplies,” he adds. “We had somebody drop off an entire generator, new right out of the box.”
All the work was being done at a church that lacked power.
“As Christians, we’ve been called to be the hands and feet of Jesus,” Alexander says. “This is a great opportunity for us to live what we actually believe. We’re not truly being the church and being who Jesus has called us to be if we’re not willing, in the middle of tragedy and disaster, to step up and love the people around us.”
’CAN’T SIT AND DO NOTHING’
At Immaculate Conception Catholic Church’s masses on Sunday, Sept. 29, the Rev. David O’Connor announced that anyone who needed supplies should head over to Immaculata Catholic School and see Principal Margaret Beale. “We just went into the classrooms and various closets and pulled out the supplies that people might need,” Beale says. “And we just started handing them out to people who came over.”
That same day, Beale started working with Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte. The charitable organization sent trucks full of supplies to the school all week.
And after putting out a call on Facebook, Immaculata started getting truckloads of donations from all over the South. “This is one of the few beautiful things about social media,” she says with a laugh.
Using the school’s car line, Beale and a group of parishioners, parents and students distributed water, food and other supplies all week. The school also sent trucks to other distribution points, such as Asheville Catholic School, Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Brevard and St. Barnabas Catholic Church in Arden.
They were even able to help out at nearby Hendersonville High School, which UNC Health Pardee was operating as a medical shelter for people with medically necessary devices.
“We walked over there to see what they needed, and they were in desperate need of adult diapers,” she explains. “And we had them, so we brought them there.”
Beale is modest about her contributions to the school’s efforts, but one parishioner isn’t buying it.
“She doesn’t sleep at night; she’s up at like 3:30 in the morning,” said the woman, who was helping distribute goods. “This woman is amazing. She’s a godsend.”
Beale says she felt she had no choice but to step up.
“When you see the pictures of all of the destruction that has happened, and you look at how lucky you are, you can’t just sit and do nothing,” she explains. “These are our families, and we have to take care of them. We have helped thousands of people.”
A CUP OF JOE
Sometimes it’s the little things.
On Tuesday, Oct. 1, branch manager Judy Edwards went to Park National Bank on Main Street in hopes that the bank’s Greenville, S.C., branch would be delivering cash that day. Without reliable cell service, she wasn’t sure the money would be arriving.
In the meantime, she figured she could bring a little joy to the community. After all, she says, she had it better than many with a generator and gas grill at her house.
All along Main Street, people were charging their devices on the city’s power outlets and logging on to some of the available Wi-Fi networks. “I saw people out and about, and I thought ’Well, I can make some coffee.’”
Edwards brought the bank’s coffee maker outside and starting offering free cups to caffeine-starved passersby. She even had sugar and creamer.
“God bless you,” one man said.
“Can I pay you?” another grateful pedestrian asked.
“No, you can’t,” she responded. “But you can pay me with a blessing.” X
Housing helpers
Hotel group opens doors to first responders
HOTEL HELPERS: Staff of the Restoration Hotel downtown pose with Capt. Don Eberhardt of the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office, fourth from right, and his son, Seth Eberhardt, on his right. The hotel’s staff has welcomed first responders from other counties into its rooms while they help with the area’s recovery from Tropical Storm Helene. Photo by Greg Parlier
The Restoration Hotel, along with three other partner hotels downtown, has opened its doors to first responders who have come to the area to help with disaster recovery from Tropical Storm Helene.
The accommodations are far more than they typically get during disaster relief.
“First responders were prepared to sleep at the Buncombe County jail or on the floor of a gym. They were prepared for that,” Don Eberhardt, a captain with the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office, told Xpress after sharing a tearyeyed account of the program with Gov. Roy Cooper on Sept. 30.
The Kimpton Hotel Arras, Aloft Asheville Downtown and Moxy Asheville Downtown, all members of McKibbon Hospitality, also participated in the program, Eberhardt said.
The inspiration for the program came Sunday night when Eberhardt was sitting with his son, Seth Eberhardt, and other members of the Restoration staff Sunday night, two days after Tropical Storm Helene ravaged much of Western North Carolina.
“We were sitting and thinking about all the devastation,” Don Eberhardt said. “How can we take this tragedy and turn it around? For first responders coming to the Restoration, a place to relax and clear your mind is huge.”
Twelve first responders were in the building within the first hour, said Lindsay Helm, sales manager for the Restoration Hotel.
“They walked in and were just in awe,” said Seth Eberhardt, adding that they walked around snapping photos of the space.
For the Restoration, it felt like a no-brainer after an insane Friday of hosting weddings and lunch service.
Employees began coming on Friday, looking for a place to stay, and when Seth brought his parents over on Sunday and the idea was sparked, management jumped on the opportunity, Helm said.
As of Monday, they had no running water, so flushing toilets are an issue as they are all over Buncombe County and beyond. So they can’t be open to the public anyway, Helm noted. But the hotel is having water trucked in, and the power is on, so they’re better off than many places.
Charlotte Rookley, the operations manager for the Restoration, called a few other hotels asking if they’d be interested in participating, and several joined the cause, offering five rooms each, as of Sept. 30.
“This is more than your standard accommodations, to say the least,” said Seth Eberhardt. “It makes this detail worth it.”
— Greg Parlier X
Unstoppable
Without getting all sappy, it’s really something to see how community businesses and individuals are helping each other through this natural disaster.
“Many businesses are jumping in to help in any way that they can — land clearing and construction companies are getting out in the community and clearing downed trees, clearing driveways, etc. Plumbing and electrical companies are offering their services to people who need help. Restaurant owners are providing food,” Patty Beaver , interim executive director of the Council of Independent Business Owners (CIBO) in Asheville, wrote to Xpress in an email.
Sherree Lucas , executive director of Go Local, a network of locally owned businesses, wrote, “The only brick-and-mortar Go Local businesses I’ve seen open are the ones who are donating free food, water or coffee to the community. I also think a few breweries have opened to give our community a respite in the devastation. When I was going to the water distribution site at Pack Square on Thursday, I noticed Twisted Laurel was open and serving free food. … Not only are they serving their food, but Pack’s Tavern had given them food from their kitchen to use to feed our community. As I was heading home, I passed Old Europe Pastries, which was serving free coffee, and All Day Darling was grilling hamburgers and giving them out free to the community. And these are only a few of the examples we’re seeing everywhere. Because there is no water, these places can’t open, but they’ve still found a way to serve our community. Amazing.”
Local businesses shift focus to community
THE BREADTH OF DAMAGE
While no one Xpress spoke with has a definitive number of businesses affected in Buncombe County, it’s clear that it’s a lot, either those whose buildings were flooded or destroyed or those that can’t open without power, water or internet.
“Go Local has about 650 businesses, two-thirds, or around 450, are brick-and-mortar,” Lucas wrote.
“All of these businesses have been impacted. Some are destroyed or severely damaged. Ones located in the [River Arts District], Biltmore Village, along the French Broad or Swannanoa River have seen catastrophic damage. Businesses like Second Gear, Sugar and Snow Gelato, and Grail Moviehouse were destroyed. French Broad Chocolate on Riverside and Strength Ratio on Broadway, The Track and Cantina in Biltmore Village, were severely
damaged. And these are just a few examples of the many we’re still learning about. I don’t have numbers yet, but conservatively around 50 businesses in the Go Local family have been demolished or severely damaged, and that’s just Go Local businesses. The total number will be staggering.”
Others are dealing with the loss of water, electricity and the ability to run their point-of-sale equipment. Online businesses can’t operate without power or internet.
All the while, everyone is tending to their families, friends, damaged homes and downed trees, Lucas notes.
SAVING LOCAL BUSINESSES
When asked how residents can help local businesses, Lucas responded with two words: Buy local.
“With October being the busiest month for our businesses that counted on tourism and visitor revenue, that revenue is gone. But I think it is reasonable to believe the businesses that lost power, internet and water, and are able to sustain the loss of revenue through disaster relief funds in the form of loans and grants, should be back up and running by the holidays. Please, please, shop local for your holiday gifts. And if you can buy those gifts early when stores are back up and running, all the better.
“Also, buy local online.”
She also suggests people “adopt” a local business when it reopens and get to know the owner, boost
their business online and just check in on them.
As for employees, some will get disaster unemployment payments for a while, but after that, they’ll need help. Options are GoFundMe sites and local organizations, she wrote.
INFORMATION OVERLOAD
“[Businesses] need information,” Lucas writes. “They have never been through a disaster before. How do they access disaster resources? What resources are available to them? Are there free legal and accounting services to help them navigate how to support their employees when their business is closed? How do they access quick cash for cleanup, and to be able to pay for rent, utilities, supplies, inventory when no revenue is coming in?”
They also need counsel sorting through the avalanche of information streaming in, some reliable, some not, she says.
Business owners also need to know whom to turn to for help, says Erin Leonard , vice president of communications for Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce. A business might need a large, unused parking lot for equipment staging or available warehousing for incoming supplies —from food and water to chain saws and dehumidifiers. “We’re trying to connect people,” Leonard says Organizations from Go Local to Mountain BizWorks, Explore Asheville, AIR (Asheville Independent Restaurants) and the Asheville Downtown Association are working to streamline information and coordinate resources.
WHAT’S NEXT?
As Lucas writes, “Necessity is the mother of invention. I think we’re about ready to experience the creative, strategic, tenacious and strong-willed group of businesses and support systems we have in Asheville and Buncombe County.
“Having witnessed the generosity, kindness, resiliency and compassion of our community already, I have no doubt our community will be back.”
She said it seems people are moving from shock to grief and then, unexpectedly, joy. “I’m seeing the joy people are feeling from being a part of this community and how we’re all helping each other,” Lucas says. — Lisa Allen
COFFEE TIME: In the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene, Alondra Argueta, left, and Catherine Thuman provide free food and coffee at Old Europe Pastries in downtown Asheville. Photo by Thomas Calder
Signs of hope in WNC
AND THE BAND PLAYED ON: On Oct. 3, Dinah’s Daydream performed outside Mellow Mushroom in downtown Asheville. For several days, the restaurant has served free pizza to community members. Pictured, from left: James Dawkins, Jim Tanner and Alex Travers. Photo by Thomas Calder
A free barbecue lunch was served Oct. 2 along the roadside on Pat- ton Avenue.
FREE PIZZA: A line stretched down the block for free pizza at Mellow Mushroom on Oct. 1 in downtown Asheville. Photo by Caleb Johnson
WATER SUPPLY: Volunteers distributed water at Pack Square on Oct. 3. Photo by
Over the previous week and a half, we’ve seen plenty of devastating videos and photographs from the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene. In Western North Carolina, lives have been lost, homes destroyed, businesses washed away, communities decimated. As a paper, we understand the importance of documenting such events, and will be doing so in future issues. But in the current moment, we feel the community has witnessed enough trauma. With this in mind, we’ve decided to share photos that capture our community’s resilience and humanity. Stay safe and hopeful, WNC.
— Thomas Calder X
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Volunteers prepared meals for first responders inside the Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville on Oct. 4. Pictured, from left: Alan Smith, Tressa O’Brien, Kathryn Oxley, Nate Sly and Bob Clausen. Photo by Thomas Calder
DIRECTING TRAFFIC: N.C. Rep. Caleb Rudow, who is running to unseat U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards in District 11, helped direct traffic on Merrimon Avenue on Sept. 28, the day after the storm. Photo by Thomas Calder
MEETING NEEDS: People lined up at Double Crown on Haywood Road in West Asheville on Oct. 3 to gather first-aid and medical supplies to distribute throughout the community. Photo by Braulio Pesca- dor-Martinez
PEOPLE POWER: Volunteers at a community distribution center at Double Crown in West Asheville worked on Oct. 2 to bring supplies to Latinx mobile-home communities. Photo by Braulio Pescador-Martinez
HOT MEALS: Children joined support ef- forts on Oct. 3 to advertise free meals out- side of Calvary Baptist Church and Can- terbury School on Haywood Road in West Asheville. Photo by Caleb Johnson
PEACEKEEPER: Ernest, a homeless community member, stepped up on Sept. 30 to keep order at the Citgo at 210 Biltmore Ave. on South Slope after he heard reports of fights over gas. Photo by Braulio Pescador-Martinez
Caleb Johnson
COOKOUT:
Photo by Caleb Johnson
FOOD ON THE GO: Strada Italiano pro- vided residents with free lunch on Oct. 3. Pictured are chef Gabe Cerrato and Katie Szabo. Photo by Thomas Calder
2024 GENERAL ELECTION VOTER GUIDE
Xpress reached out to this year’s candidates prior to the devastation our community experienced from Tropical Storm Helene. Please keep this in mind as you review our 2024 Voter Guide.
Because of the storm’s destruction, many questions remain about the upcoming election. Not all answers were available at press time, Oct. 7. but Xpress will continue to monitor and update readers as information becomes available. Please continue to check our website and Instagram page. What we do know is the election will go forward with in-person voting starting Thursday, Oct. 17. The N.C. State Board of Elections (NCSBE) approved emergency measures at a meeting Oct. 7 to “ensure election officials can provide accessible, safe and secure voting options for residents of Western North Carolina,” according to a news release.
The measures will apply to the following 13 counties, where infrastructure, accessibility to voting sites, and postal services remain severely disrupted after Helene: Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga and Yancey.
The measures will help voters temporarily living outside their home county or in disaster shelters be able to vote. They also allow county boards of elections in the affected counties to modify early voting and Election Day voting sites and recruit additional poll workers as necessary. County elections directors should work with federal and state partners to obtain necessary aid, including temporary voting facilities and restrooms, generators and other needs, according to the release.
Karen Brinson Bell, director of NCSBE, said voting would take place even if locations don’t have power or running water, as the state is prepared
to help counties provide enough generator power to run printers and other election machines.
Emergency measures “were carefully crafted to avoid any detrimental effect on the integrity of the election or the security of ballots,” she added.
In Buncombe, any changes to the early voting schedule will be reviewed at a county board of elections meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 8, at 3:30 p.m. Refer to buncombecounty.org/ vote for any changes made to the early voting plan during that meeting.
Corinne Duncan, director of Buncombe County Election Services, provided an overview as of publication Monday, Oct. 7.
Xpress: Is there any precedent to follow for disaster zones during voting season?
Duncan: That authority lies at the State Board of Elections level, and we are in communication with them. Are there any changes to the early voting schedule?
We are still in the process of assessing our current locations and what the capacity will be to safely open and staff early voting locations. Early voting will begin Thursday, Oct. 17. The sites noted on our early voting maps and website may not reflect what the final plan will be.
Do you expect to need more help working early voting sites? How can people sign up?
We have not been able to assess our need for poll workers yet; if we need poll workers, we will share how to sign up during our community briefing and through our social media channels. Training for poll workers is still happening. We are working to find ways to contact poll workers. If you’re available and you were already signed up for training, please show up.
How does the current crisis change the absentee-by-mail process?
You can request an absentee ballot now by completing an absentee ballot request form (votebymail.ncsbe.gov/ app/home). The deadline to submit an absentee ballot request form is Tuesday, Oct. 29, at 5 p.m. Please note, the deadline to return completed domestic absentee ballots is now 7:30 p.m. on Election Day, which is Nov. 5.
Who can vote absentee?
Any North Carolina registered voter who is eligible for the election may request, receive and vote an absentee ballot by mail. No special circumstance or reason is needed. Registered voters in North Carolina must request an absentee ballot with an official N.C. absentee ballot request form. There are two ways to access and submit the form:
• Online: Request an absentee ballot at the N.C. absentee ballot portal.
• On paper: Print the online N.C. absentee ballot request form for 2024 available on our website. A Spanish absentee ballot request form is also available by visiting avl.mx/e7e.
If you don’t have a printer, you can complete an absentee ballot request form at the Election Services office at 59 Woodfin Place, or call 828-250-4200 and one will be mailed to you.
For active-duty military, their family members, and U.S. citizens living abroad, visit www.fvap.gov/. If you have questions about that process, you may call us at 828-250-4200 or visit buncombecounty.org/vote.
Where should residents send absentee votes?
The deadline to return the completed absentee ballot is Tuesday, Nov. 5, at 7:30 p.m. However, voters are encouraged to return the ballot as early as possible. In addition, voters now will be required to provide a copy of an acceptable photo ID when
they return their absentee ballot. [See avl.mx/e20 for more information on ID requirements.] Specific instructions are provided in the return envelope. You may return your ballot to us in one of the following ways:
• By mail: Ballots must be received by Nov. 5 at 7:30 p.m.
• At any early voting site or polling place operated by the voter’s county on Election Day.
• In person: Absentee ballots may be returned in person to our office at 59 Woodfin Place, MondayFriday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• In person to another county’s board of elections office by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.
• Note: The absentee ballot request form may not be emailed or faxed. Request forms that are hand delivered to the office must be returned only by the voter or the voter’s near relative or legal guardian, or, if you are not the voter or the voter’s near relative or legal guardian, the voter requested your assistance returning their request due to disability.
• For more information about absentee voting, visit the N.C. Board of Elections website. Track the status of your mail-in ballot from start to finish at northcarolina.ballottrax.net/voter/. What can people expect if they’ve requested a ballot but haven’t received one?
Please contact us. Email elections@ buncombecounty.org, call 828 -2504200 or stop by our office at 59 Woodfin Place. If you are able to get online, you can check the portal at northcarolina. ballottrax.net/voter/.
— Xpress Staff X
Asheville City Council
In 2020, Asheville made history, electing its first all-female City Council. Four years later, that historic achievement will come to an end as four of the six candidates vying for three open seats are men.
Housing, diversifying the city’s funding streams, living wages and reparations are among the top concerns for this year’s Council hopefuls, including incumbents Kim Roney and Sage Turner. Both were first elected to Council in 2020 and placed first and second, respectively, in the March primary.
Three of the remaining four candidates — Charles “CJ” Domingo, Kevan Frazier and Tod Leaven — are new to politics. Meanwhile, Roberto “Bo” Hess previously ran in 2022 for the U.S. House of Representatives in District 11.
In addition to written responses, all candidates were asked a series of “Yes/ No” questions, which are available in the online version of the guide. Some voiced frustration over this aspect of the Voter Guide. And in two instances, candidates went beyond the “Yes/No” format. Out of fairness, Xpress subsequently offered the remaining four candidates an opportunity to elaborate on one of their four “Yes/No” responses. Each candidate took the opportunity to expand on an issue of their choice, except for Roney, who instead offered the following statement: “I appreciate yes/no questions because the job of an elected includes voting yes or no, even though creative solutions require thinking beyond binary.”
— Thomas Calder X
THE QUESTIONS
Residents have voiced frustration over several recent votes — the Business Improvement District (BID), McCormick Field, Haw Creek rezoning. Some community members are confused and even more cynical about the effectiveness of civic engagement with local government. What would you say to them?
What do you see as the No. 1 hindrance to building affordable housing in the city, and what can you do as a Council member to overcome it?
Top three donors: My biggest donors have been family and friends.
Website: kevan4avl.com
Occupation: Higher education administrator at Western Carolina University and smallbusiness owner with Well Played Board Game Café
Previous candidacy or offices held: This is my first time running for public office.
Key endorsements: Asheville for All Amount of money raised: $21,460
Top three donors: Portia Sutton, Issac Rockoff, Jack Cecil.
What is a key initiative that you want to see Asheville City Council support to address the homelessness issue?
I understand the frustration and cynicism surrounding these votes because that underlying dissatisfaction is why I am running for City Council. I believe that we need more open, transparent and accountable communication from our decision-makers. As a voter, I understand that unpopular choices might be necessary; however, if that’s the case, I expect a thorough explanation. As a candidate, I want to restore trust that our government reflects the needs and the will of the community. If you feel unheard, you are not alone. Please, join me in pushing for a better government for Ashevilleans.
To protect Asheville’s environment, we don’t want to encourage excessive sprawl. This means that we need to look at building medium- and highdensity housing near downtown and along our transportation corridors. Therefore, the largest hurdle we face is the high costs of land and construction. To overcome, I advocate for zoning reforms to better reflect our needs in 2024. We want to open more land to improvement, to encourage more missing-middle housing and to streamline our development process. Through better framework and incentives, we can create a market that meets the needs of all Asheville residents.
We must ensure that our programs are backed with robust and well-coordinated wraparound services, including mental health support, addiction treatment and job training, followed by available transitional and supportive housing. I recently had an opportunity to hear from some of the folks who run two of our most effective homeless programs, and they both raised points of caution regarding our city’s embrace of housing first — we cannot build a program big enough to accommodate everyone, all at once. We must have reliable throughput that gets folks back to long-term recovery and self-sufficiency.
When Council is at its best, it finds solutions that move our city forward and addresses the breadth of concerns brought up from the community. We used to call this “compromise,” but that word has been commandeered to falsely mean weak. In a city of 95,000, we are rarely going to all agree, but if we don’t find middle ground and move forward, we will wither as a community. In the cases noted, community engagement made them better. There will be some hard noes and some hard yeses, but most projects will be compromises, and civic engagement is what can move “OK” to “good” and even “great.”
The main hindrance is our Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). It prevents us from building more affordable housing options such as duplexes and town houses. The intricate web of development ordinances makes it costly and difficult to build in Asheville. My focus would be to bring Council colleagues on board with hiring a firm to work with our Planning Department to update our UDO; and rather than wait for a complete rewrite, there are actions that Council can also take now, such as allowing flag lots [which allow two homes to be situated along the same street frontage, with one home behind the other], which would let us move forward now as we do the rest of the work.
A key initiative that I would like to see City Council support is the continuation of the Continuum of Care model that it and Buncombe County adopted within the last 12 months. It coordinates service providers such that people experiencing homelessness can better access resources for assistance. The city needs to give it time to strengthen and succeed. The city also needs to work with providers to locate and develop additional short-term and long-term housing options. This is an area where the city needs to support the professionals already doing good work and not try to reinvent the wheel.
One of the main controversies over the implementation of the Business Improvement District (BID) is the role of future safety ambassadors. What should be the primary role and responsibility of BID safety ambassadors?
Our city does not have many of the diversified funding streams as other cities of similar or larger sizes. How do you think the City of Asheville could diversify its funding streams to better address the community’s growing needs?
Safety ambassadors should be tasked with acting as friendly, highly visible points of contact for tourists, businesses and residents. They should be able to assist with providing information, assisting with directions and reporting maintenance and/or safety concerns. Ambassadors should never be involved in enforcement but should support a welcoming and safe environment for all. Their presence should enhance community trust and quality of life.
Obviously, we could talk about new taxes, but an alternative that I would like to explore is for the city to offer additional services at a premium fee. One example: As a former City of Asheville employee, I would be compelled to chase off pop-up vendors setting up shop on city property without a merchandising permit. What if we did have the option to permit impromptu vendors to sell on closed streets during large events? There are plenty of ways we could explore to proactively bring profits to the city’s coffers without taxing the working class.
The city has decided on the term “Community Stewards.” I support that their roles will be to provide directions and assistance as well as serve as on-call safety companions for downtown workers and residents. They will call for assistance when trash needs emptying or graffiti needs to be removed. They will help connect people experiencing homelessness or a mental health crises to resources such as community responders and community paramedics. They will not serve any kind of law enforcement or security roles. They will not be armed in any way and will have anti-racist, equity, mental health, first aid and deescalation training.
I would like the city to focus on two areas to expand revenue. The first is to play a more active role in recruiting and stewarding commercial development that supports Asheville’s strategic comprehensive plan goals. This includes buildings to house commercial and retail businesses, manufacturing and housing. The other area is to build a more significant grants acquisition program. The city does not have a robust program, which causes it to lose out on infrastructure dollars, especially from state and federal programs. This could pay for itself and provide much-needed money for infrastructure such as water and stormwater systems.
Website: electbohess.com
Occupation: Social worker
Previous candidacy or offices held: Candidate for U.S. House, N.C.-11 (2022)
Key endorsements: N.C. AFL-CIO, WNC Sierra Club, Equality North Carolina, the Police Benevolent Association, Asheville Firefighters Association
Amount of money raised: $9,152 (as of Sept. 16)
Top three donors: Steven Baumohl, Susie Hess, Joseph Spatarella
I completely understand the frustration. Many residents feel their voices aren’t being heard by city leaders, and this sentiment is echoed across Asheville. I’ve heard it while door knocking in every part of Asheville — people feel disconnected from the decision-making process. What I’d say is this: Civic engagement is vital, and your voice does matter. Get involved by joining a board, writing letters, supporting a candidate who aligns with your vision and voting. We need engaged citizens to ensure local government works for everyone. As a citizen and a candidate, I am pushing for a more inclusive, transparent process.
The biggest hindrance to building affordable housing in Asheville is restrictive zoning and land-use regulations that limit higher-density, affordable housing like duplexes and apartments. These regulations, combined with high construction costs and limited available land, make it difficult to develop housing that meets the needs of working families. At times community resistance to density can delay or prevent projects. To overcome this, we need to update our zoning laws, streamline the approval process and foster collaboration between the city, developers and residents to create housing that is accessible and affordable. Delayed housing is denied housing; let’s get this done together.
A key initiative I want Asheville City Council to support is a holistic, empathetic approach to homelessness that focuses on outcomes and long-term solutions. This means building more housing across the spectrum, from emergency/low-barrier shelters to permanent affordable housing. It involves enhancing our public safety infrastructure by expanding street outreach teams made up of case managers, clinicians and support staff who can meet with and assist every resident experiencing homelessness. Strengthening our mental health and addiction services is essential to this initiative, ensuring that those most vulnerable have access to the care and resources they need to thrive.
The primary role of BID safety ambassadors should focus on enhancing the experience of visitors and tourists by providing directions, information about public amenities such as restrooms and trash cans, and promoting local businesses and restaurants. They should act as friendly guides who ensure that the downtown environment feels welcoming and safe. Additionally, safety ambassadors should be equipped to interface with public safety professionals during situations involving mental health crises or homelessness. Ideally, I will advocate for them to receive crisis intervention training and basic mental health first aid to handle these situations with empathy and care.
I am voting yes and advocating for the four general obligation bonds on the ballot this November to fund parks, public safety, housing and transportation. If the referendums are passed, they will provide essential upgrades and maintenance for our city. Implementing dynamic parking garage fees and expanding cityowned parking revenue streams could also diversify funding. Furthermore, we should collaborate with other cities and municipalities to lobby Raleigh for taxes that better suit our community’s unique needs. We must take proactive steps to unburden our most vulnerable and ensure we meet our city’s growing demands.
Sidewalks
Raises for APD and AFD
Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
2024 ELECTION VOTER GUIDE
Website: todleaven4asheville.com
Occupation: Attorney
Previous candidacy or offices held: first time running for office
Key endorsements: Asheville for All, N.C. Police Benevolent Association, Land of Sky Association of Realtors
Amount of money raised: $84,526
Top three donors: Myself (over $40,000, Leaven Law Firm, legal), Chris Dunbar (Blue Ridge Power, solar energy), Joshua Bartlett (Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., beer)
To be fair, the cornerstone of democracy is always compromise. Having said this, if it seems that your elected officials never listen to you and always side against your interests, then you need to start voting for different candidates. Asheville is a diverse city with many different people in it. Some people are loud, while others are silent. Some people vote, while others do not. In the end, Asheville will get exactly what it deserves — democracies always do! If you want a louder voice, you have to unite.
NIMBYism. Obviously, the UDO needs rewriting, but the city has known that for years, and yet it still stands. I get it — when people move here they take a mental picture of the city they fell in love with. Any derivation from that picture is intrinsically seen as a degradation. It is hard to expect City Council to move on approving projects when they are continually pressured to build “anywhere but this particular neighborhood.” The city needs to do a much better job illustrating how a greater concentration of development in centralized areas such as downtown helps everyone.
The unhoused issue is a housing issue. We need to support significantly more development of affordable housing. The fact that development is such a four-letter word in Asheville has left the city scrambling to treat the symptoms of homelessness instead of addressing the root cause. Isn’t it wonderful that the same initiative (affordable housing) that addresses homelessness also makes the city more walkable and bikeable, makes public transportation cheaper and more accessible, promotes more green spaces, saves our tree canopy and allows the wonderful people who serve our city to actually live in our city?
The main controversy of the BID should be the fact that the city has so inadequately supported our own downtown that it must pay for these services itself, as a self-imposed tax, to prevent downtown decline. The name “safety ambassador” is just weird. I do not see how people informing tourists where certain services are located at, what is playing at our local performing arts venues, which restaurants need reservations, is controversial — especially if they are cleaning the sidewalks while they are at it. I do not support giving them guns or letting them ticket cars.
Other cities have more industry. Asheville can attract nontourism business, but we need to realize that this also comes with a cost. Everyone wants higher-paying, nontourism-based industry until it becomes an option, and then we seem to protest it. I am not saying we need Raytheon or BMW, but we need to find industries that we won’t protest and then court them to come to our city. Working-aged people who need jobs need to have as big of a voice as the wealthy retirees. Somewhere out there is an environmentally sustainable solution that serves all of Asheville.
Website: kimroney4asheville.com
Occupation: Music educator, small-business owner
Previous candidacy or offices held: Current member, Asheville City Council
Key endorsements: Sierra Club, WNC Central Labor Council and AFL-CIO, Equality North Carolina, Center for Biological Diversity, Teamsters Local 61, IAFF Local 332 Fire Fighters, the Rev. Amy Cantrell, coach Connor Jardeleza. (Full list available online.)
Amount of money raised: $6,126
Top three donors: Kendall Oliver, Karen MacNeil, Charles Huguenard
Keep it coming! I welcome civic engagement, seeing that when neighbors bring their experience to the table, public input improves decisions like tree canopy protections, defending human and civil rights, preventing the food-sharing ban and leveraging for living wages. Even given the limitations of my role, I have courage to say “no” when needed and leadership to say “yes” to affordability, public safety, and climate and neighborhood resilience. I value public trust and advocate for transparency, including eliminating Council’s behind-the-scenes check-ins, so our community can share the work to take better care of each other and our mountain home.
Many factors can drive up costs of land and construction, like zoning, profit margins, and supply and demand. Solution No. 1: partnership. When the city leverages land, incentives and resources like the Housing Trust Fund, partners can strategize to include deeper affordability. Solution No. 2: We can restructure affordability standards for incentives. This might mean instead of 20 apartments in a 100-unit building being attainable for people making $50,000plus a year, we might only get 10-15 apartments for people making $30,000 and less, but then we’d be addressing disparities and meeting needs of residents and families excluded by current housing policies.
I’m grateful community responders are now the primary responders to encampments; but without supportive housing and shelter capacity, where are they meant to send our unhoused neighbors? Migration into ill-resourced neighborhoods shouldn’t be the answer, but it’s happening. If our community follows the National Alliance to End Homelessness report recommendations, we’ll have a data-driven ecosystem of care including year-round emergency shelter; shelter where families stay together; supportive housing for vulnerable neighbors; and a system designed for keeping neighbors housed. If not, we risk continuing the fractured systems perpetuating exponential growth of homelessness. Join the new Continuum of Care as we design an ecosystem of care.
The anticipated role of community ambassadors: visible presence, connecting tourists and residents to resources, cleaning, landscaping and reporting issues. For true public safety, our community needs the following: uniquely qualified staff capacity for serious issues of homelessness, substance use and behavioral health crises; living wages for city first responders and sanitation staff; and data-informed crime prevention. Filling service gaps created by prioritizing the BID will require additional tax resources, which is why I must say no to revenue-neutral tax rates in this survey. The BID is expensive because an unelected board overseeing $1.2 million in new taxes will contract with third-party management.
More of our hotel occupancy taxes must be allocated to local infrastructure instead of advertising. On the Policy, Finance and Human Resource Committee, I consistently advocate for this through Council’s legislative agenda. Dedicated funding for public transit should be connected to a Regional Transit Authority to improve services and reduce cost duplication. Asheville should support and learn from the Eastern Band of Cherokee’s decriminalization of marijuana. I think the ABC Board is the right and ready model for success so North Carolina can realize the benefits of job growth, agriculture industry, education, health and wellness, and a robust, new tax revenue.
Website: sageforasheville. com
Occupation: Finance and project manager
Previous candidacy or offices held: Current Asheville City Council member
Key endorsements: Sierra Club, Police Benevolent Association, Asheville Firefighters Association, Asheville for All, Teamsters Union, Land of the Sky Association of Realtors
Amount of money raised: $5,330
Top three donors: Jen and Jim Lauzon, Joe Minicozzi, Bob Deutsch
Community input drastically impacts the results! I fought for the changes neighbors wanted at Haw Creek, working directly with the neighborhood and the developer to remove a massive retaining wall, relocate the entrance, save trees, etc. For the BID, I fought for what I heard: equal parts renters and owners, public/open meetings, tourism to be off, homeless service provider to be added. McCormick Field will be renovated, our team license retained, and we kept baseball in our community for a total cost of $500,000 a year. Then we added more events to completely cover the new expenses. Home run!
Cost to produce affordable units. We need improved zoning regs, more incentives and continued subsidization of projects to create more affordable units. The cost of land, interest rates and the cost of financing, as well as the cost of materials and getting projects designed and approved all greatly impact our community’s ability to produce affordable housing. Our policies and approaches need to be nimble and ready to respond to market conditions we cannot control. We need to be creative in our thinking, steadfast in our efforts, always exploring new tools and accountable in our implementation. We need to follow the three Ps: protect, preserve, produce.
The solution to homelessness is housing. We need new housing for all levels of income and with new models for supporting folks at their various life stages. We are making great progress. We now know that 2025 rents are expected to come down 10% for the first time in six years; this is a result of our intense housing efforts. We also have two new permanent supportive housing projects underway. Our next big move should be a lowbarrier/high-access shelter in a clinical setting (not in a neighborhood) with 24/7 services, open beds and tools to succeed.
The term is “community stewards,” and this is the description we are currently using in the RFP process: They are to be trained in anti-racist, mental health, first aid and deescalation and have experience with folks experiencing poverty. They will not function as security or law enforcement and will not carry weapons of any kind. They will connect people with services like community responders and community paramedics or folks in need of directions or help. They will act as safety companions for downtown workers and residents as needed and have a regular, visible presence.
Water system: The N.C. General Assembly awards water system and infrastructure funding. McDowell County was awarded both money to assess their system and $11 million to work on it in 2024. Transit: Until we can instate a municipal or county $0.025 sales tax for transit, we will need to focus on increasing ridership; increasing ridership leads to more federal funding opportunities. Partnerships: We can leverage dollars for greater impacts when we work together. In my first term, we created and improved partnerships with the county, N.C. Department of Transportation, with more affordable housing developers, with Dogwood Health Trust, with lessors like the Asheville Tourists baseball team, AARP/AOB.
VAN DUNCAN AMANDA EDWARDS
Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Chair
The 2024 Buncombe County Board of Commissioners races are unusual for their variety: There is a race for the open commission chair featuring an incumbent commissioner; a commission seat race featuring an incumbent; and another commission seat race with two candidates who are new to public office.
After 12 years on the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, serving his final eight as chair, Brownie Newman is not running for reelection. Democrat Amanda Edwards, who represents District 3, faces unaffiliated Van Duncan, the former Buncombe County sheriff, for the chairmanship.
“Serving my 12 years as sheriff, I learned how valuable it is to be collaborative and inclusive in decision-making,” says Duncan. “I strongly feel that it is necessary to set a clear vision for the county and be detailed in how we plan to get there. To formulate that vision we must involve the community in every step. This will require much more community engagement at a commissioner level, especially at the commission chair level. I definitely would be more involved in commission business when it comes to setting a clear, attainable vision for Buncombe County. It should be the responsibility of anyone in that position to take the lead role in facilitating and planning the process for which those decisions are made.”
Meanwhile, Edwards notes her experience as an executive director for three organizations — the Red Cross, the Literary Council, and her current role at A-B Tech Foundation — distinguishes her in terms of focus. Additionally, she says, “My six years as a commissioner, leading in accountability and transparency, drawing on my master’s in public administration, likewise sets me apart. My diverse service and advocacy, from membership in the Children’s Wellbeing League to the UNCA Alumni and YWCA boards, and base of support are broader than past chairs and my opponent. I’m attentive, values-driven and collaborative — and Brownie is, too!”
— Jessica Wakeman X
Website: vanduncanfor commissionchair.com
Occupation: Investigator for Biltmore Company Police
Previous offices held: Three-term Sheriff of Buncombe County
Key endorsements: None provided Amount of money raised: $176,000 from 560 donors, with 85% under $100
Top three donors: David Luck, Rusty Pulliam, Chris Peterson Party: Unaffiliated
THE QUESTIONS
Some commissioners have publicly discussed the possibility of seeking a bond in 2026 to help fund more affordable housing. Do you agree with the bond issue? Are there other things the county could be doing to address the affordable housing crisis?
What can the county do to improve public education?
This is alarming to me. After a $28.5 million budget shortfall, taking $12 million from the fund balance and giving a tax increase to fix, now is not the time to be issuing more debt. It is time to look at finding waste and reducing cost. With the current high interest rates, it is not in our best interest, even though affordable housing is a very important issue for our county. We should first encourage contractors to build here by looking at our permitting processes that cause delays and drive up building costs. Maybe we should look at infrastructure incentives to encourage more building without having to issue debt.
This is a very complex issue and one of my highest priorities. I would work very closely with the school board and superintendent to find savings where we could without affecting teacher pay. I would be in support of raising teacher pay to retain our educators and support the county’s efforts to supplement teacher pay. This is one of the toughest issues the county and our school system face and should be a top priority for the commission and the school board. We have to keep our educators, provide quality education and make the amount we spend on it something that our taxpayers can afford. Very challenging.
Website: electamandaedwards.com
Occupation: Executive director, A-B Tech College Advancement; past executive director of WNC Red Cross; and the Literacy Council of Buncombe County; trained in management (master’s degree in public administration); extensive board and volunteer service throughout our community.
Previous candidacy or offices held: Currently serving as Buncombe County Commissioner, elected twice since 2018
Key endorsements: Sierra Club, Public School Strong Voters, Center for Biological Diversity, Everytown for Gun Safety, Moms Demand Action, the Asheville City Association of Educators, Buncombe County Association of Educators and N.C. Retired School Personnel
Amount of money raised: $65,375
Top three donors: George Beverly, John Winkenwerder, Steve Baumohl Party: Democrat
Our current affordable housing bonds, which voters passed in November 2022, are driving a lot of great projects. New residential housing construction is happening as a direct result of those bonds. I am in favor of monitoring and ensuring effective oversight and creating as much of the promised housing as possible through those bonds before launching conversations about a second affordable housing bond. I want to make sure that we confirm what value we are getting from the 2022 bonds, that we are on track to get thousands of people in new, safe housing, and learn from that bond process.
With the help of voters around the state, we can lobby the N.C. General Assembly to fully fund public education. Through our voices and votes, we must tell the legislature to take two steps first: increase teacher pay to restore us to best in the nation and stop diverting millions of public school dollars to private religious schools (and other beneficiaries of vouchers). At the local level, I’ve voted with our commission to double our local investment in our schools. It’s past time for the legislature to stop withholding our state tax dollars from public education.
What is the most important tool at the county’s disposal to help mitigate the effects of climate change? How would you advocate to best make use of that tool?
The most successful initiative was the implementation of propane-fueled vehicles to the county’s fleet. We initiated that during my time as sheriff, and though not without its problems, it gave us a workable solution to reducing our carbon footprint. Hybrid vehicles did much of the same. Fully electric vehicle technology is not to the point of making it a reliable fleet vehicle as demonstrated by the city’s electric bus failure. Solar has had some success in the county, but I would want to look closely at the data before investing further.
How would you work to improve coordination between the various arms of county government affecting public safety, including but not limited to law enforcement?
In what areas does the county overspend, and in what areas does the county underspend?
I support the idea of the co-responder program in responding with mental health resources and law enforcement. Mental health issues are at the crux of many calls for service that law enforcement responds to, and incorporating efforts makes the most common sense. During my previous tenure as sheriff, partnerships with our state, local and community partners were at the forefront of everything we did and pivotal to the success we enjoyed. I would point to the Family Justice Center and our COPS team programs as examples of this. Buncombe does well on most fronts in coordination of efforts, but I definitely think improvement could be made.
I think the current commission fails to set clear budgeting priorities. For me, that is core services, infrastructure that the county is responsible for and education. These three things make up over 80% of the county’s current budget. Beyond that, we have to examine how what we invest in programming and the actual return on investment it brings the county. Not having a first-thingsfirst mentality left the commission scrambling this year to fix a budget shortfall and debating having to cut COLA raises for county employees and school nurses at the charter schools. A clear vision on where we are headed as a county and a plan on how we are going to fund it needs improvement.
Our people — compassionate, caring residents right here in Buncombe — are our greatest means for accomplishing this ongoing task that we have just begun to address. We care about each other regardless of our differences. We are willing and able to communicate and collaborate on the issues that impact our daily lives and that create risks for future generations. We have adopted the use of the term resiliency and are incorporating emergency preparedness for resiliency. We touched on this in our comprehensive plan. I advocate for even more collaborative, inclusive leadership to best use our spirit of cooperation, caring and service.
I work closely with Sheriff (Quentin) Miller on public service initiatives and am proud to have his endorsement and to be able to count on Sheriff Miller’s commitment to improving coordination among law enforcement agencies throughout the county. I’m proud to be able to count on leaders of our EMS and fire departments for their willingness to coordinate; I’ve been collaborating effectively with our emergency services since serving as director of the WNC Red Cross. I advocated for consolidating 911 calls, creating the co-responder program (sending the right help to a call), community paramedics and increasing pay for deputies and paramedics.
Overspending: Rising costs impact what the county pays for fuel, which is why moving to hybrid vehicles that get excellent gas mileage without compromising necessary performance features is a practical and cost-effective strategy. The rising costs of vehicles themselves are causing our fleet management to cost more than we had budgeted — which people around our county have likely experienced themselves if they’ve needed to replace a vehicle since March 2020. For that reason, leasing could save us money and take us out of the overspend category. Underspending: wages for our lowest-paid staff, community paramedics, co-responder program, age-in-place programs.
DISTRICT 1
Buncombe County Board of Commissioners
Districts 1 & 2
The race in the redrawn District 1 will provide a fresh face to the board. The matchup is between minister and life coach Republican Paul Benjamin and registered nurse and small-business owner Democrat Jennifer Horton. The District 2 race matches up Democratic Commissioner Terri Wells (who was elected to District 1, but her district has been redrawn) against Pisgah Inn owner Bruce O’Connell, a Republican. Commissioner Jasmine BeachFerrera, who was elected to District 2, is not running for reelection.
Lastly, Democrat Parker Sloan, who has represented District 3 since 2020, is running unopposed.
— Jessica Wakeman X
THE QUESTIONS
Some commissioners have publicly discussed the possibility of seeking a bond in 2026 to help fund more affordable housing. Do you agree with the bond issue? Are there other things the county could be doing to address the affordable housing crisis?
PAUL BENJAMIN JENNIFER
Website: Renewbuncombe.com
Occupation: Minister, life coach and consultant
Previous candidacy or offices held: None
Key endorsements: Local leaders
Amount of money raised: $5,000
Top three donors: Small donors Party: Republican
We have other options for building and addressing this issue. We seem to keep adding more taxes to burden our families and seniors on a fixed income. With the current $28 million deficit in the county, we need to address the wasteful spending before making a move.
Website: electjenniferhorton.com
Occupation: Registered nurse and owner of Living Waters Enterprises, the controlling company for 5 assisted living facilities in Asheville
Previous candidacy or offices held: None
Key endorsements: Jennifer Pickering, Cameron Maybin, Karen Sanders, Sierra Club, Public School Strong, Buncombe County Association of Educators, Asheville City Association of Education, N.C. Retired School Personnel, many individuals in our community
Amount of money raised: $17,000
Top three donors: Kamali Horton, Montreat, family and friends Party: Democrat
I support the discussion around seeking a bond in 2026 to help fund more affordable housing. Addressing the housing crisis in Buncombe County is critical, and a bond could provide much-needed resources to create affordable housing options for our community. In addition to the bond, the county should explore other strategies, such as partnering with private developers to incentivize affordable housing projects, revising zoning regulations for more flexible housing options and creating land trusts to protect affordable housing from market pressures. We also need to focus on protecting renters from displacement and ensuring equitable access to housing resources for residents.
What can the county do to improve public education?
What is the most important tool at the county’s disposal to help mitigate the effects of climate change? How would you advocate to best make use of that tool?
We need to get back to the basics! Our schools are ranked 49th in the state. [Editor’s note: Rob Jackson, superintendent of Buncombe County Schools (BCS), in August cited a study from the nonpartisan think tank Public School Forum that ranked North Carolina 49th among states in percentage of its gross domestic product allocated to public education.] Our teachers should be paid a fair wage, and students must feel safe and not pressured to conform to the local and national social indoctrination.
The Bible says in (Genesis 8:22) “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night shall not cease.” We will always have (climate change) while the earth is here. Our best tool is to be good stewards by reducing the tax burden and overregulation on families and businesses in our community.
The county can improve public education by addressing academic needs and student well-being. Key strategies include increasing funding for schools, especially in underserved areas, to provide adequate resources for infrastructure, technology, classroom supplies and mental health services. Supporting teachers with competitive salaries, benefits and training in mental health awareness will better equip them to help students. Investing in early education programs like universal pre-K and strengthening Career and Technical Education (CTE) through partnerships will prepare students for diverse career paths. Enhancing mental health resources and fostering community involvement will create a comprehensive student support network.
The county’s comprehensive plan is the county’s most important tool to mitigate climate change. These policies shape sustainable development, natural resource preservation and energy use. I advocate for revising zoning laws to promote green building, renewable energy and ecofriendly infrastructure, reducing our carbon footprint. Protecting forests, wetlands and agricultural land is vital for carbon absorption, and conservation easements can safeguard these areas. Zoning should also facilitate renewable energy projects and prioritize mixed-use developments near transit hubs to reduce car dependency. The county can significantly reduce its environmental impact and advance climate action efforts by leveraging these strategies.
How would you work to improve coordination between the various arms of county government affecting public safety, including but not limited to law enforcement?
Each government leader needs to remember that they are called to serve the families in our community. Law enforcement needs to be well funded and staffed to accomplish their job, and leaders should work as a team to improve the lives of the families we serve. I will work to bring leaders back to our core purpose, serving the families in our county.
Buncombe County Board of Education
Asheville City Schools
N.C. House
N.C. Senate
In what areas does the county overspend, and in what areas does the county underspend?
We are wasting taxpayers’ money on nonproductive social programs, such as DEI, reparations and others that do not work.
Improving coordination between county agencies impacting public safety — law enforcement, emergency services, mental health and social services — requires a strategic, collaborative approach. I would advocate for regular interagency meetings to enhance communication, share data and develop joint strategies. A centralized public safety task force could oversee policy alignment and emergency preparedness. Investing in shared technology systems for real-time coordination is crucial. Expanding Crisis Intervention Teams (CIT) and co-response models would integrate mental health professionals with law enforcement, improving outcomes. Lastly, engaging the community through town halls or forums can foster collaboration and ensure public safety efforts meet community needs.
Addressing overspending is important; therefore, reallocating funds to address critical underspending should be prioritized. By streamlining unnecessary expenses, we can focus on areas like mental health services, which need more funding for crisis intervention, counseling and preventive care to improve well-being and reduce strain on emergency services. Affordable housing requires greater investment to combat homelessness, and public transportation, especially in rural areas, needs expansion for better accessibility and reduced emissions. Education and early childhood programs also require more support to prepare the next generation. As a registered nurse and lifelong Buncombe County resident, I’m ready to address these needs.
BRUCE O’CONNELL TERRI WELLS
Website: Bruceoconnell.com
Occupation: Owner and operator of Pisgah Inn on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Previous candidacy or offices held: Ran for U.S. Congress in 2022
Key endorsements: None provided
Amount of money raised: Not provided
Top three donors: Not provided Party: Unaffiliated
Don’t be fooled, a bond is simply a long-term debt. We already have approximately $350 million in bondtype debt secured by a commitment to increase tax revenue to repay it. If taxes go up, the rental property owner raises the rents he charges. Residents who own their own homes face tax increases, leaving them less money for food, fuel and medicine. My point is that a bond may not be the best approach. Streamlining regulations, easing the permitting process, increasing the speed for issuance of permits and approvals, and offering tax breaks to builders will offer relief without driving up taxes.
Our commissioners have limited influence on public education. We cover the cost of supplemental pay for teachers, capital expenses and hiring costs. Most of the money for public education comes from the state. As a commissioner, I would encourage funding for improved building maintenance, which makes for a safer and better learning environment. Also, I would promote shifting county tax monies from less essential projects and use that money for increases in supplemental teacher pay to reward exemplary performance (merit-based pay). I would establish and build better relationships with our state legislators to maximize the funding help we get from Raleigh.
Forty-five years as a hotel operator in a national park has taught me the importance of protecting and preserving the environment. My record at Pisgah Inn illustrates my exemplary commitment to the environment. There is a delicate balance between preservation and use of our resources, and I have learned to achieve that balance. The county can be pro-environment and be pro-business/development at the same time. This requires a commonsense, balanced approach to green investments and openspace preservation. The county can set an example by budgeting funds for commonsense green projects that can demonstrate a payback for the taxpayers.
Website: terriwellsforcommissioner.com
Occupation: Former teacher, farmer and WNC Communities regional ag and community director
Previous candidacy or offices held: Serving as Buncombe County commissioner since elected in 2020
Key endorsements: WNC Sierra Club, BCAE/ACAE/NCRSP and teachers, farmers and community leaders which you can view at www.terriwellsforcommissioner.com/endorse
Amount of money raised: $77,000 with more than 300 people contributing.
Top three donors: Steven Baumohl, Ken Brame, Terry Van Duyn Party: Democrat
The voters strongly approved the 2022 bonds, with a 69% approval for the $30 million open-space bond and a 62% approval for the $40 million housing bond. I am pleased to report that two-thirds of that funding is already being invested in priority projects to positively impact our community. My first step for a 2026 bond would be to continue to listen to residents to understand their priorities and assess the viability of seeking additional funding in 2026 to invest in projects that benefit our community. I will continue to challenge staff to explore various approaches to address our housing needs.
We must continue to hold high standards for our schools and to fight for fully funded public schools in our state budget. During my four years as commissioner, we have increased funding for education by $34 million, the largest increase in more than a decade. This funding increases salaries and pays for additional staff that the state does not fund. I visit our schools regularly, and as a former educator, I witness high student engagement and a supportive and challenging classroom environment. Strong public schools help build strong communities; we must continue to invest in our next generation.
Residents regularly share their concerns about how climate change is impacting our community, and they deserve our attention. By prioritizing county investments, we can mitigate climate impacts and increase community resilience. While serving on the county’s Environmental and Energy Stewardship Subcommittee, I advocate for strategic investments in land conservation, solar energy, battery storage, clean water, organics waste diversion, composting and EV infrastructure to ensure that we have a stronger future for our children and grandchildren. Additionally, the focus and investment we make now in ensuring we have healthy and strong agricultural and food systems will pay dividends for years to come. The emergency responders, the fire department, the police and the sheriff department should be coordinated and cooperative. There needs to be a common system of communication which will help these departments work together. Leadership in these departments should be proactively working together and meeting on a regular basis. Certain expenses like vehicles, equipment, manpower and buildings need to be shared where possible. The co-responder program is an excellent example of sharing resources. The sheriff’s department’s helping out with downtown patrols is another good example of cooperation. I will encourage similar programs and out-of-the-box thinking.
The county budget is full of overspending and waste and is $28.5 million in the red. I have met with the county manager and have pending requests for explanations about questionable disbursements. Taxes just went up and next year, the county will raise the property values (through revaluation), likely increasing taxes again. Tax increases drive up the cost of rent and property prices. We have a spending disease that can only be cured with new leadership focusing on what matters most. We do not have the funds for everything we may want, but we do have enough for what we need.
I am passionate about better coordination to improve our safety, and at the same, reduce direct costs to the county. While I have worked to provide a 40% increase in funding for public safety during my four years as a commissioner, I am also championing innovative programs that save money while at the same time improving our quality of life. Community paramedics reduce costly ambulance rides while saving lives. Co-responders connect people in crisis to social workers and mental health treatment, freeing law enforcement and EMS to respond to other emergencies.
My job as commissioner is to be in regular contact with our residents so I get plenty of input on where to prioritize funding. While everyone clearly wants the county to be efficient, they are most concerned about effective services. I rarely hear residents highlight specific areas we overspend. Most residents want more services — better schools, a safer community, a healthier community and a variety of services such as public libraries and job creation programs. I am glad that the commissioners make funding decisions based on the county’s strategic plan so that we are consistent and fair to all.
CALEB RUDOW CHUCK EDWARDS
U.S. House 11
The race for U.S. House District 11 might be surprising this year, depending on which voters show up for the Nov. 5 election.
Democrat Caleb Rudow is challenging Republican Chuck Edwards in the predominantly Republican district, but if Rudow gets a surge of support in Asheville and other Democratic pockets, he could take the seat. But it is a long shot. Edwards won the seat in 2022 against Democrat Jasmine Beach-Ferrara, 53.8% to 44.5%. Edwards did not respond to repeated requests to participate in this year’s voter guide.
— Pat Moran X
THE QUESTIONS
What specific federal funding do you intend to pursue on behalf of WNC projects?
Website: rudowforcongress.com
Occupation: N.C. State House Representative, District 116
Previous candidacy or offices held: N.C. State House Representative, District 116
Key endorsements: Sierra Club, MomsRising — Child Care Seal of Approval, ERA-NC
Amount of money raised: $534,000
Top three donors: Andrew Glastein, Andrew Rumer, Virginia Hunneke
I plan to pursue federal funding to support workforce housing initiatives, ensuring that working families in Western North Carolina have access to safe and affordable homes. Additionally, I will seek funding to improve health care infrastructure and expand access to quality, affordable health care for all residents. Lastly, WNC is such a special place to live because of our environment. We need federal funding to conserve and protect our mountains, rivers and streams and to help the region transition to a clean-energy economy.
EDWARDS DID NOT RESPOND TO MULTIPLE REQUESTS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE XPRESS VOTER GUIDE.
What policies do you support to address the high costs of living in WNC?
Reproductive rights: The Dobbs decision resulted in states setting different laws on reproductive health. What role should the federal government have in reproductive health care?
The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021 restores federal oversight of state laws regarding voter access. What is your position on this bill?
I support policies that expand affordable housing options, including federal investments in housing construction and rental assistance programs. I also advocate for raising the minimum wage to $15 and reinstating the child tax credit to help working families. Additionally, I back policies that lower health care costs by expanding access through the Affordable Care Act and lowering prescription drug prices by allowing the federal government to negotiate prices. Finally, I believe in supporting small businesses and creating goodpaying jobs to strengthen our local economy and improve overall affordability for WNC residents.
The federal government should play a crucial role in protecting reproductive rights by codifying Roe v. Wade into law. This would ensure that all people, regardless of the state they live in, have access to safe and legal reproductive health care. The government must safeguard the right to make personal medical decisions without political interference, providing consistent protections for reproductive health across the country.
I fully support the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021. Restoring federal oversight of state voting laws is essential to protecting the fundamental right to vote, especially in areas where discriminatory practices have historically restricted voter access. This bill ensures fair and equal access to the ballot box for all Americans, preventing states from enacting laws that suppress voter participation and safeguarding our democracy.
Immigration: A bipartisan effort in 2024 proposed immigration policy reform and increased border security but failed at the last minute. What is your position on that legislation?
Should the federal government fund its allies in foreign wars?
I support a balanced approach to immigration reform that addresses both border security and a clear path to citizenship. The bipartisan border deal in the Senate this year failed because Republican politicians would rather use the border as a wedge issue than fix it, but I still believe comprehensive immigration reform is possible if politicians sit down with each other and focus on solutions. We need policies that humanely strengthen border security, while also creating a fair, efficient process for immigrants who contribute to our economy and communities.
I believe America has a role to play to support our allies on the global stage, to support NATO and stand up against authoritarianism. The federal government should carefully consider funding its allies in foreign wars based on strategic interests, humanitarian needs and international stability. Support should be provided when it aligns with U.S. values, helps protect global security and promotes peace. However, such funding must be transparent, accountable and paired with diplomatic efforts to seek peaceful resolutions and avoid prolonged conflicts.
Friday, Oct. 11:
The last day to register to vote. You must register by 5 p.m.
Note: You also can do same-day registration during early voting, which runs from Thursday, Oct. 17-Saturday, Nov. 2. For more information, visit avl.mx/e1z.
Thursday, Oct. 17: In-person early voting begins. Same-day registration available.
Tuesday, Oct. 29: The last day to request an absentee ballot. Any registered voter can request, receive and vote through a mail-in absentee ballot. You can request one online at avl.mx/8ii or by mail at avl.mx/e13.
Saturday, Nov. 2: The last day for in-person early voting.
Tuesday, Nov. 5: Election day. Absentee ballots must be submitted by 7:30 p.m.
For additional information on voting locations, voter ID requirements and other election-related news, visit avl.mx/e20.
TRANSPARENCY
I’m committed to transparency, ensuring taxpayer dollars are allocated honestly and openly. The public will understand spending measures and be allowed to provide constructive input.
ACCOUNTABILITY
Allocations should have well-defined, specific outcomes. Results will be measured timely and accurately. Taxpayers deserve to know that their money is being spent for its intended purpose.
COMMON SENSE
I seek to apply “common sense” principles to maximize results addressing all commission actions, especially infrastructure, core services, public safety, affordable housing, schools, and homelessness.
As an unaffiliated candidate, I bear no obligation to either political party. I will make decisions that are best for all citizens of Buncombe County, based on the core principles outlined above.
OCT. 9 - OCT.17 , 2024
For this week’s issue, our staff has compiled a list of important information for readers to know in the wake of Tropical Storm Helene’s devastation. Please be aware that things are changing rapidly, and some of these listings may be out-of-date by the time you read this. If you know of any information that should be included in future issues, please email calendar@mountainx.com.
SUPPLIES
DISTRIBUTION & INTAKE LOCATIONS
Asheville Middle School
MREs, food and bottled water are available. One case of water per family.
Open till 7pm
211 S. French Broad Ave, Asheville
Linwood Crump Shiloh
Community Center
MREs, food and bottled water are available. One case of water per family.
Open till 7pm
121 Shilod Rd
Pack Square Park
Bring your own water container. 2 gallons per person/day.
70 Court Plaza
Lucy Herring Elementary Bulk water location. Bring your own container, if possible.
98 Sulphur Springs Rd
12 Baskets Cafe
Food distribution and supplies intake. Open daily, 10am.
610 Haywood Rd
The Fresh Market
Distributing free bottled water.
944 Merrimon Ave
Rosettas
Free soup kitchen for the public.
68 N Lexington Ave
Harrah’s Cherokee Center
Front door is accepting small donations, 9am to 5pm.
87 Haywood St
Double Crown
A community-led distribution and intake location. Open daily, 12pm to 5pm.
375 Haywood Rd
MANNA FoodBank
Manna has set up a temporary donation and distribution site at WNC Farmers Market.
570 Brevard Rd
William W. Estes Elementary School
Buncombe County is distributing food, water, and supplies that will be available from noon until 4 p.m.
275 Overlook Road, Asheville
Sand Hill Elementary
Buncombe County is distributing food, water, and supplies that will be available from noon until 4 p.m.
154 Sand Hill School Road, Asheville
North Windy Ridge Intermediate School
Buncombe County is distributing food, water, and supplies that will be available from noon until 4 p.m.
20 Doan Road, Weaverville
Fairview Elementary School
Buncombe County is distributing food, water, and supplies that will be available from noon until 4 p.m.
1355 Charlotte Highway, Fairview
Black Mountain Ingles
Buncombe County is distributing food, water, and supplies that will be available from noon until 4 p.m.
550 NC-9, Black Mountain, 28711
Cane Middle Creek Middle Buncombe County is distributing food, water, and supplies that will be available from noon until 4 p.m.
570 Lower Brush Creek Road, Fletcher Leicester Elementary School
Buncombe County is distributing food, water, and supplies that will be available from noon until 4 p.m.
31 Gilbert Road, Leicester
Woodland Baptist Church
Supplies available Monday through Friday, 8am. Donations accepted Saturday, 9am and Sunday, 2pm. 545 Crabtree Rd, Waynesville
Jonathan Valley Elementary School
Supplies available Monday through Friday, 8am.
Donations are accepted. 410 Hall Dr, Waynesville
Bethel Elementary School
Supplies available Monday through Friday. 8am. Donations are accepted. 4700 Old River Rd, Canton
Maggie Valley Pavilion
Supplies available Monday through Friday, 8am. Donations are accepted. 3987 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley
Reynolds Baptist Church
Supplies are available for pickup and distribution. Open daily, 9am. 520 Rose Hill Rd
SURVIVAL CALENDAR
ANIMALS & PET SUPPLIES/CARE
Asheville Veterinary
Associates West
Distributing dog food, cat food, litter, water and farm animal food.
50 New Leicester Highway
Charlie’s Angels animal
rescue
Distributing pet food. Open daily, 10am.
5526 Hendersonville Rd., Fletcher
Edneyville Elementary
Offering shelter for pets. 2875 Pace Rd
First Baptist Church Swannanoa
Offering dog and cat food, cat litter and veterinary care. 503 Park St
Grovemont Park
Offering dog and cat supplies as well as veterinary care.
251 Stonewall Ave, Swannonoa
Ingles Black Mountain
Distributing dog and cat food.
550 NC-9, Black Mountain
MedVet Asheville
An emergency and specialty veterinary hospital. Open daily, 7am. 677 Brevard Rd
Patton Ave Pets
Pet supplies for sale. 1388 Patton Ave
Wilson Farms
Site is accepting livestock supply donations.
1953 New House Road Shelby, NC 28150
Heritage Farm Supply
No storage capacity. Dropoff/pick-up only.
1320 Jupiter Road Weaverville, NC 28787
Upper Mountain Research Station
Site is accepting livestock supply donations.
8004 NC Highway 88 E Laurel Springs, NC 28644
WNC Livestock Center
Site is accepting livestock supply donations.
474 Stock Drive Canton, NC 28716
Mills River Research Station
Open for livestock supply donations Monday through Friday, 8am.
455 Research Drive, Mills River
McDowell County Agriculture Center
Open for livestock supply donations Monday through Friday, 9am and for distribution, 2pm.
188 Ag Services Dr, Marion Beam Farms - Resource Center
Open 24/7 and as needed.
402 Clarence Henson Rd, Rutherfordton
Tryon International Indoor Complex
Open daily, 10am.
2676 John Shehan Rd, Mill Spring
Pisgah Brewing Co
Pet supplies will be distributed. Open Friday through Sunday, 2pm and Thursday, 4pm.
2948 US-70, Black Mountain
West Asheville Truist Bank
Free mobile showers, laundry facilities and bathrooms.
Bring your own towel and flip flops. Open daily, 11am. 1343 Parkwood Rd
Walmart Supercenter: Asheville Free showers and laundry services. Open daily, 7am. 1636 Hendersonville Rd
Walmart Supercenter: Weaverville Free showers and laundry services. Open daily, 7am. 25 Northridge Commons Pkwy
Trinity Baptist Church Hot showers and a mobile laundry service on campus. Open daily, 10am. 216 Shelburne Rd
PUBLIC SHOWER & LAUNDRY LOCATIONS
Alpha Fitness
Open to non-members for showers. Days vary, 9am. 2570 Asheville Hwy
AB Tech
Bring your own towel. No hot water available. Open 7am to 7pm. Between Coleman Building and McDowell House.
AG Center
Hot showers open to the public. Bring your own towel and shower products.
765 Boylston Hwy, Fletcher
Corpening Memorial YMCA
Free public showers with WiFi and charging. Open daily, 2pm.
348 Grace Corpening Dr, Marion
Calvary Road Church
Check for hours and times. 2701 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley
Camp Grier
Open daily, 10am and 4pm. 985 Camp Grier Rd, Old Fort
First Baptist Church
Check for hours and times.
63 N Main St, Weaverville
Ingles Black Mountain Hours and times vary. 550 NC-9
Reuter Family Branch YMCA
Open daily, 10am.
3 Town Square Boulevard
Walmart Supercenter: Arden
Free showers and laundry services. Open daily, 7am. 60 Airport Rd
First Baptist Church
503 park St., Swannanoa
WNC Agriculture Center 1301 Fanning Bridge Rd
AB Tech: General Sheler 16 Fernihurst Dr
Veterans Restoration Quarters 1329 Tunnel Rd
HENDERSON COUNTY
Edneyville Elementary This shelter has bathroom facilities and serves hot meals. 2875 Pace Rd, Hendersonville Athletics & Activity Center
708 S. Grove St, Hendersonville HAYWOOD COUNTY
Haywood County Government Armory, 285 Armory Dr, Clyde MADISON COUNTY
Madison County Wellness Center 5738 US 25-70 Hwy, Marshall
MCDOWELL COUNTY
YMCA, 348 Grace Corpenin Dr, Marion
DELIVERING THE GOODS: Volunteers at United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County unpack supplies delivered by Xpress, Oct. 6. Photo by Thomas Calder
Double Crown
First aid medical tent is set up. Also a supplies distribution and intake location.
Open daily, 12pm to 5pm.
375 Haywood Rd
Mobile Medical Urgent Care
Free medical care and clinic.
12 Florida Ave, Black Mountain
Fast Med
Urgent care and clinic with telehealth Available. Open Monday through Sunday, 9am.
511 Smokey Park Hwy
Fast Med
Urgent care and clinic with telehealth Available. Open Monday through Sunday, 9am.
835 Spartanburg Hwy, Hendersonville
Fast Med
Urgent care and clinic with telehealth Available. Open Monday through Sunday, 9am.
160 Hendersonville Rd
Pardee Hospital
Pardee Hospital and the emergency department are open 24/7 for emergent medical care.
800 N. Justice St, Hendersonville
Pardee Blue MD: Asheville Hwy
Pardee Hospital and the emergency department are open 24/7 for emergent medical care.
1409 Asheville Hwy, Brevard
Pardee Blue MD
Pardee Hospital and the emergency department are open 24/7 for emergent medical care.
2775 Hendersonville Rd
Pardee Urgent Care: Fletcher
Pardee Hospital and the emergency department are open 24/7 for emergent medical care.
2695 Hendersonville Rd. Arden
Pardee Urgent Care: Mills River
Pardee Hospital and the emergency department are open 24/7 for emergent medical care.
3334 Boylston Hwy, Mills River
Pardee Urgent Care:
Pisgah Dr.
Pardee Hospital and the emergency department are open 24/7 for emergent medical care.
1824 Pisgah Dr, Hendersonville
Pardee Urgent Care: Hendersonville
Pardee Hospital and the emergency department are open 24/7 for emergent medical care.
212 Thompson St, Hendersonville
Pardee BlueMD
Pardee Hospital and the emergency department are open 24/7 for emergent medical care.
2695 Hendersonville Rd, Arden
PHARMACY LOCATIONS
BUNCOMBE COUNTY
Ingles Markets Inc
Days and hours vary.
Contact (828) 298-3514.
1141 Tunnel Rd
Blue Ridge LTC Pharmacy
Days and hours vary.
Contact (828) 298-7600. 1070 Tunnel Rd
Ingles Markets Inc
Days and hours vary.
Contact (828) 667-9306.
151 Smokey Park Hwy
Ingles Markets Inc
Days and hours vary.
Contact (828) 254-3496.
575 New Leicester Hwy
CVS Pharmacy
Days and hours vary.
Contact (828) 252-2119. 320 New Leicester Hwy
Sam’S East, Inc.
Days and hours vary.
Contact (828) 251-0372 645 Patton Avenue
CVS Pharmacy
Days and hours vary.
Contact (828) 667-5457.
505 Smokey Park Hwy
Ingles Markets Inc
Days and hours vary.
Contact (828) 665-0787. 863 Brevard Rd
Walgreen Co
Days and hours vary.
Contact (828) 771-0512.
578 New Leicester Hwy
Walgreen Co
Days and hours vary.
Contact (828) 236-1519. 1124 Patton Ave
ENKA/CANDLER
Mahec Pharmacy
Open Monday through Friday, 8am. 25 Westridge Pl, Candler
COMMUNITY HOT MEALS
Bears BBQ Smokehouse
Open daily, 12pm. 135 Coxe Ave
Greenhill Store
Open daily, 12pm. 2751 US Hwy, 64/74A, Rutherfordton
MannaFood Bank
Open daily, 12pm. 570 Brevard Rd
West Asheville Ingles
Open daily, 3pm. 669 Haywood Rd
Tryon Equestrian Center
Open daily, 12pm. 4066 Pea Ridge Rd, Mill Spring
Roseland Community Center
Open daily, 12pm. 56 Peake St, Tryon
Wesley Grant Community Center
Open daily, 12pm. 285 Livingston St.
Black Mountain Ingles
Open daily, 12pm. 550 NC-9, Black Mountain
Shiloh Community Center
Open daily 12pm. 121 Shiloh Rd
Grovemont Park
Open daily, 12pm. 251 Stonewall Ave, Swannonoa
Jukebox Junction
Open daily, 12pm. 3606 Pigeon Rd, Canton
Nesbitt Chapel
Open daily, 3pm. 12 Nesbitt Chapel Rd
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Well Played Community solidarity with free games. Days vary, 11am.
162 Coxe Ave, Ste 101
Resources for veterans and others
The Charles George VA Medical Center is open and has been throughout the onslaught of Tropical Storm Helene.
Its emergency room, inpatient services, nursing home and rehabilitation center all stayed open through the storm, says Katherine Ramos Muniz, public affairs specialist at the medical center.
The site has been running on both emergency generator and traditional power, and the facility has access to running water via a refillable tank that gets between eight and 15 deliveries of water every day, said Dr. Ashfaq Ahsanuddin, chief of staff for the Western North Carolina VA Health Care System, at the Buncombe County media briefing Oct. 4.
“We’re also testing all that water to make sure that it’s safe,” Ahsanuddin said.
For those at home without power, the VA has additional services.
“We also have a home-based primary care service for veterans that cannot leave their home, and we have been actively reaching out to those patients, and we’ve confirmed the safety of approximately 95% of them,” Ahsanuddin said. “We’ve started to do home visits for those high-risk veterans, where the route of travel has been determined to be safe for our employees.”
The center’s pharmacy and emergency room are open 24/7, and the facility has 113 hospital beds. As of Oct. 7, all outpatient clinics are open 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Veterans can get their medications either at Charles George VA Medical Center’s pharmacy or by calling the VISN 6 Clinical Contact Center at 1-855-679-0074.
Veterans also can go to any retail pharmacy within the community care network with either a written VA pre-
scription or an active VA prescription bottle, and receive a 30-day supply.
The VA health care system has deployed teams to the local emergency shelters at the A-B Tech conference center at 16 Fernihurst Drive and the WNC Agricultural Center in Buncombe County to assist displaced veterans, says Ramos Muniz.
Staff is disseminating information via emergency alert systems, text messages, social media @AshevilleVAMC, emails and telephone. Veterans can call the medical center at 828-298-7911 for assistance or visit the Asheville VA website at avl.mx/e7f.
The medical center in East Asheville serves 49,000 veterans in 23 counties in Western North Carolina, and the Western North Carolina VA Health Care System also operates outpatient clinics in Franklin, Forest City and Hickory.
Mission statement
Mission Health stayed open through Tropical Storm Helene and remains open, thanks to resources streaming in from other HCA Healthcare locations, according to a media release from Mission on Oct. 7.
More than 400 nurses, physicians, and other employees have been brought to Asheville to help care for more than 1,800 patients and deliver more than 50 babies since the start of the storm.
The hospital is exploring drilling additional wells to provide water for HVAC units. A constant flow of water is also coming from over 30 water trucks arriving per day, hundreds of thousands of bottles of water, mobile units including kitchens, bathrooms, showers, laundry and hand-washing stations. Mini Marts inside the hospitalprovide employees with free groceries including food, water and toiletries.
HCA Healthcare is contributing $1 million toward disaster relief efforts, including $250,000 to the United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County, $250,000 to the American Red Cross of North Carolina and an additional $500,000 to other community partners that provide direct support for hurricane related issues.
Finding missing people
The United Way is conducting welfare checks and looking for people who have not been located. You can connect with United Way’s reunification program via avl.mx/e7g or the Red Cross via avl.mx/e7h.
More information at avl.mx/e7c.
Henderson County launched a Wellness Check Status Map for missing contacts. It shows individuals whose location and safety are unknown in red. Blue dots show people who have been located. Please check the map to see if you are listed or to update if you know the whereabouts of anyone on the map. Call 828-771-6670 to notify Henderson County of anyone’s status.
More information at avl.mx/e70.
Mental health resources
Local mental health support is available from Black Mountain Counseling Center. Text or call 828-388-7433 and leave a message and a licensed, local mental health professional will get back to you as soon as possible. Counselors are available for free, pro-bono calls and virtual appointments. Please include your preferred method of communication. You can also email the center at helenesupport@blackmountaincounseling.org.
More information at avl.mx/e6y.
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services launched the Hope4NC Helpline, 855-587-3463, to provide mental health support for first responders and volunteers working on Helene disaster response. It is free, confidential and available 24/7.
More information at avl.mx/e6z.
Mountain Mobility update
As long as patients are accessible, Mountain Mobility continues life-sustaining dialysis transport in coordination with dialysis centers.
More information at avl.mx/e6z.
Pharmacies and emergency health care
Pardee Hospital and its emergency department remain open 24/7 for emergent medical care. Call facilities to verify hours of operation. For more information, go to avl.mx/bbf.
The N.C. Board of Pharmacy lists open pharmacies in Western North Carolina. The board will post updates as it receives them. Call pharmacies to verify hours of operation. More information at avl.mx/e72.
STORM WEATHERED: The Charles George VA Medical Center remained open throughout Tropical Storm Helene. Photo by Cory Short
FEMA offers range of assistance
FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) so far has provided more than $26 million in housing and other types of assistance to over 25,000 households in North Carolina as of Oct. 5. The relief agency is providing assistance with home repairs, temporary housing and property damage (appliances, furniture, vehicle, etc). Individuals may also qualify for help with child care, medical, lodging, moving, and funeral expenses.
WHO IS HERE
“More than 700 FEMA staff are on the ground, with more arriving daily. Over 1,200 Urban Search and Rescue personnel are in North Carolina helping people,” according to an Oct. 5 FEMA media release. Teams have rescued or helped over 3,200 people, and over 1,000 National Guard troops arrived in North Carolina to support response and recovery efforts and to deliver nearly 1 million pounds of food, water and other supplies, the release said.
Dozens of Disaster Survivor Assistance staff are in Western North Carolina to help people apply for FEMA assistance and connect them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources. In addition, the American Red Cross has
more than 850 disaster workers who are helping find loved ones through its helpline 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800733-2767) or the Red Cross Hurricane Helene Reunification page.
WHAT HELP IS AVAILABLE
FEMA may provide money to help pay for repair or replacement of homes, cars, and other personal items. FEMA’s partner, the U.S. Small
CANCELED
Oct.
p.m.
p.m.
15, at Fisher Stark, 99 McDowell St., Asheville.
QUASHING RUMORS
FEMA launched a web page to dispel rumors about the agency’s efforts in the area.
“After a disaster, rumors and misunderstandings can spread rapidly through traditional and social media and via word of mouth by friends, neighbors and colleagues. False or misleading information can harm survivors by causing confusion and preventing people from getting the help they need,” reads a FEMA press release.
Business Administration (SBA), offers low-interest loans for business damage
Individuals may qualify for FEMA disaster assistance even if they have insurance, but they will first need to file a claim with their insurance provider and submit the insurance settlement or denial letter to FEMA to determine eligibility for assistance. For those who had damage to their wells or septic systems, FEMA may reimburse you for the cost of a professional, licensed technician to assess the damage and for the necessary repairs.
In coordination with FEMA, the U.S. Department of Labor offers Disaster Unemployment Assistance. To qualify for that aid, your job must have been lost or interrupted because of the storm and you must not be eligible for regular unemployment insurance benefits.
FEMA also set up more than 40 Starlink sites in the area that provide high-speed internet via satellites.
HOW TO GET HELP
There are three ways to apply for FEMA assistance: Call FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362, go online at disasterassistance.gov and via the FEMA App.
After applying for assistance, your request is reviewed to determine if an inspection is needed.
Locally, law firms Fischer Stark and the Davis Law Group, along with Patton Allen Real Estate are offering free help for individuals completing FEMA applications. Free assistance will be available every Tuesday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., starting Tuesday, Oct.
Here are some common rumors and FEMA’s responses:
Rumor: FEMA does not have enough money to provide disaster assistance for Helene. Response: FEMA has enough money for immediate response and recovery needs. If you were affected by Helene, do not hesitate to apply for disaster assistance, as there is a variety of help available for different needs. FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund has enough funding to support Hurricane Helene efforts.
Rumor: FEMA will only provide $750 to disaster survivors to support their recovery.
Response: This is a type of assistance that you may be approved for soon after you apply, called Serious Needs Assistance. It is an upfront, flexible payment to help cover essential items like food, water, baby formula, breastfeeding supplies, medication and other emergency supplies. Serious Needs Assistance is an initial payment you may receive while FEMA assesses your eligibility for additional funds.
Rumor: FEMA is asking for cash donations.
Response: FEMA does not ask for or accept any cash donations or volunteers.
Rumor: FEMA is confiscating donations meant for survivors.
Response FEMA does not take donations and/or food from survivors or voluntary organizations. X
GETTING HELP: Free local help is available to individuals completing FEMA forms. Photo courtesy of FEMA
FEMA help Answers to frequently asked questions
FEMA may be able to help with temporary housing expenses, basic home repairs or other essential disaster-related needs that are not covered by insurance. If you’ve already applied, this is what the process looks like, according to a Oct. 7 media release from FEMA.
What happens after I apply for FEMA assistance?
Registered survivors will be contacted by a FEMA-contracted inspector within about 10 days of applying to schedule an appointment for an inspection, which generally takes about 30-40 minutes. The inspector’s call may come from an out-of-state or “unknown” number, and they may ask you to verify personally identifiable information by phone.
FEMA inspectors make several attempts to contact you through phone call or text to schedule an appointment. If FEMA is unable to get in touch, you will be sent a letter indicating your application cannot be processed further — to proceed, you must call FEMA’s Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 to confirm your contact information and need for assistance. There is no fee for the inspection.
Why do I need a FEMA home inspection?
FEMA home inspections help determine whether a home is safe, sanitary and livable, and to verify disaster-caused damage. Specifically, the FEMA inspector will:
• Verify your name, address, contact information and insurance.
• Confirm the individuals living in your disaster-damaged residence; bedrooms occupied; clothing, medical, dental, transportation, or miscellaneous losses; and items you purchased as a result of the disaster (e.g., chainsaw, dehumidifier).
• Assess your pre-disaster residence’s structure, furniture, and appliances for damage caused by the disaster, as well as undamaged items.
• Document your pre-disaster residence’s square footage, foundation, and structural type (e.g., one or multiple stories). Record the cause of damage, applicable water levels, impacted utilities, and accessibility features.
• Confirm with you that all damage has been viewed, and describe next steps in the FEMA process.
Not all losses require an inspection. You should also monitor your mail or your FEMA Online Account (www.disasterassistance. gov) and respond to any requests from FEMA for additional information quickly.
How do I know if the person at my door is a legitimate FEMA inspector?
Always ask an inspector for identification and never give out your personal information like your social security number. If you are not shown photo identification, then do not allow the inspection. Disasters often bring out scam artists who prey on the needs of disaster survivors. Government officials will never ask for money or other forms of compensation for the inspection.
What do I need to be prepared to show my FEMA inspector?
Have the following ready for your inspection:
• Photo identification. If you lost your ID in the disaster, let the inspector know. FEMA has other ways to verify your identification.
• Proof of ownership/occupancy of damaged residence (structural insurance, tax bill, mortgage payment book/utility bill).
• Insurance documents: home and/or auto (structural insurance/auto declaration sheet).
• List of household occupants living in residence at time of disaster.
• All disaster-related damages to both real and personal property.
I won’t be home during the time of my scheduled inspection. Can someone be there in my place?
Yes. You can have anyone like a trusted neighbor, family member or friend that is 18 years of age or older handle the inspection if you are unavailable.
What
happens after the inspector visits?
Once the inspection process is complete, your case will be reviewed by FEMA, and you will receive a letter outlining the decision about your claim.
• If you qualify for FEMA assistance, FEMA will send you a check by mail or deposit it directly into your bank account, depending on the method of payment you chose on your application.
• If you do not qualify for a FEMA grant, you will receive a letter explaining why you may not be eligible and will be given a chance to appeal the decision. Your appeal rights will be described in the letter. Appeals must be in writing and mailed within 60 days of FEMA’s decision.
CAN I APPEAL A DECISION?
You have the right to appeal any FEMA decision or award amount by sending documents that show you qualify and need more help, like estimates for repairs, receipts, bills, etc. Each decision letter you receive from FEMA explains types of documents that may help you appeal your FEMA’s decision or award amount for that type of assistance. Many times, an application is determined “not approved” because of missing documentation like proof of identity, proof of occupancy, proof the damaged property was your primary residence and others. For more information, visit: How to Appeal a FEMA Decision | FEMA.gov
How can I submit documentation?
You can visit DisasterAssistance. gov to upload your documentation online and check the status of your application online. You can also call 800-621-3362 for assistance or visit a Disaster Recovery Center.
What If I applied for FEMA assistance and was later evicted?
If you have already applied for FEMA assistance but were later evicted due to damage to other parts of your home, you should call the FEMA Helpline at 800621-3362 or visit a local FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC), if available.
You can contact FEMA even if you were previously not approved for FEMA assistance and FEMA may still be able to help. Check the FEMA App or visit the FEMA DRC Locator to find the locations and hours of operation. You will need to provide FEMA with documentation demonstrating your eviction was due to the disaster.
Do I need to pay FEMA back for any financial assistance I received?
No. In most cases, FEMA grants do not have to be paid back. If you have insurance that covers your temporary housing costs but ask FEMA to advance you some money to help you pay for those costs while your insurance is delayed, you will need to pay that money back to FEMA after you receive your insurance settlement. FEMA assistance is not taxable income and won’t affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, or other federal benefits.
What if I can’t rebuild my house with the money FEMA is offering me?
FEMA Home Repair Assistance is limited and is intended to provide funds for basic repairs to make the home livable. It is not the same as insurance, and in most cases, it cannot restore your home to its pre-disaster condition.
To find more information for other resources, visit the Voluntary and Community-Based Organizations page.
For a full list of questions and answers, visit: fema.gov. If you receive money for rental assistance, be sure to keep documentation and receipts of payments. If you pay to stay somewhere, you should have a written landlord/tenant agreement for the time frame you use the assistance. X
ARTS & CULTURE
MANNA FoodBank rallies to rebuild food distribution
Though MANNA FoodBank’s Swannanoa River Road headquarters and warehouses were completely destroyed by raging flood waters from Tropical Storm Helene, the nonprofit hunger relief organization is finding creative ways to continue its work.
MANNA has served as a crucial hub for food distribution in Western North Carolina since it launched in 1983. In 2021, it distributed 25.5 million pounds of food to thousands of area residents through its more than 200 agency partners. In a normal month before the disaster, the organization served 150,000 people across WNC, according to MANNA CEO Claire Neal
MANNA staff and volunteers tried to prepare their site for possible flooding from the nearby Swannanoa River prior to the Sept. 27 arrival of Tropical Storm Helene in WNC by moving food supplies onto elevated racks inside its multiple buildings, Neal explains. The site included MANNA’s offices and warehouses, plus a refrigeration and freezer facility.
“The power of the water was indescribable; it just tore through the facility like a washing machine,” she says. “It’s a complete loss, and all the food was inside, which, of course, right now is a tragedy because people need food so badly.”
In addition to its stored food, MANNA lost all of its computers, equipment, boxes, pallets and other essential items. But the organization had moved its trucks and a few pallet jacks to higher ground before the storm, so it decided to do what it could to shift from a salvage mentality to relief mode.
“We just said, OK, we’re going to focus on getting as much food from outside the region to our region as we possibly can, getting that out through our network,” says Neal. By Oct. 2, MANNA had set up a pop-up distribution and donation
site at the WNC Farmers Market on Brevard Road. That same day, it secured a temporary warehouse space in Mills River with running water and power.
However, blocked roads and spotty cellular service and internet have presented major challenges. “We still have not been able to connect with a good part of our network,” says Neal. “And we do know some of our partners were completely wiped out.”
On Oct. 4, Neal was featured on the Today Show with host Al Roker at the WNC Farmers Market distribution site receiving donations of food, water, gift cards and $250,000 checks from both Harris Teeter and Lowe’s (totaling $500,000) to support MANNA’s efforts. Also that day, MANNA dispatched its first trucks of food and water to partner agencies in Mitchell, Yancey, Madison and McDowell counties. It will continue to reach into other areas as communication improves and roads open.
“This is going to be a long haul,” says Neal. “There’s the immediate need, but we’re really going to have to rebuild and be sure that our community is taken care of for the long term.”
MANNA is continuing to operate a distribution site 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday through at least Saturday, Oct. 19, at the WNC Farmers Market, 570 Brevard Road. Donations can be dropped off 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday through at least Friday, Oct. 18, at 99 Broadpointe Drive, Mills River.
To arrange for large food donations, contact Lisa Reynolds at lreynolds@mannafoodbank.org. Critical needs include: shelf-stable foods (pop-top cans preferred), bottled water, diapers, and food and formula for babies and toddlers.
For updates and more information, find MANNA on Instagram or visit avl.mx/6gn.
Updates from other local food organizations
Equal Plates Project
Since Tropical Storm Helene hit WNC on Sept. 27, the Equal Plates Project (EPP) has exponentially upped its food-sharing capacity, says the nonprofit’s executive director, Madi Holtzman. “Essentially overnight, we went from sharing 1,000 meals per week in the community to 1,000 meals per day.”
The organization buys produce from small, local farms to make hot meals for distribution through Ashevillebased community organizations. EPP is producing meals from its two downtown kitchen spaces — Central United Methodist Church and First Presbyterian Church — and are exploring other spaces to open a third kitchen site as soon as possible, Holtzman says.
Immediately following the storm, EPP focused mainly on distributing meals through Poder Emma, Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry crisis centers, Safe Shelter and Food Connection. While those efforts will continue, this week it is shifting attention to distributing around 800 meals per day to Asheville’s public housing communities, with an emphasis on reaching homebound residents and seniors.
Supporting local farmers right now is also a critical concern for EPP. “They all face significant and very concerning loss of business from their other usual markets,” says Holtzman. To this end, the organization is looking at collaborating with local grocery delivery service Mother Earth Food to amalgamate products from local farms and help
EPP scale its production efficiently to meet the current need for hot meals.
EPP is also running a fundraiser to help purchase more WNC farm products as well as essential kitchen equipment.
To learn more, visit avl.mx/bvs.
WNC Food Systems Coalition
In the wake of Tropical Storm Helene, the WNC Food Systems Coalition (WNCFSC) has been tapping its network of food- and agriculture-focused organizations and individuals across 18 WNC counties and the Qualla Boundary to take food, water and supplies directly to communities.
Working from hubs at Old North Acres farm in Old Fort and Winding Stair Farm in Franklin, WNCFSC is delivering food, water and a variety of supplies directly to hard-to-reach community members in need. “Our target population is exclusively folks who can’t get to distribution sites,” says Dana Choquette, the nonprofit’s executive director and eastern coordinator. The group has distributed to hard-toaccess neighborhoods in Swannanoa, Hendersonville and throughout McDowell County. It’s also partnering with private aviation company Total Flight Solutions to fly into areas inaccessible by road, including trapped residents in the Gerton community in Henderson County. At press time, it had plans to deliver air mattresses, sleeping bags, camp stoves and other supplies to volunteers working in Lake Lure.
WASHED AWAY: MANNA FoodBank’s warehouses and offices on Swannanoa River Road were devastated by the Sept. 27 floods. Photo courtesy of MANNA FoodBank
WNCFSC is also coordinating with area farms to deliver hay for livestock that will be distributed throughout communities from farm sites with storage. It’s seeking cash donations and volunteers to support all its ongoing relief efforts.
Look for updates on Instagram at avl.mx/e6w or send an email to howdy@ wncfoodjustice.com.
Food Connection
In response to the humanitarian crisis caused by Tropical Storm Helene, Asheville-based food redistribution nonprofit Food Connection has launched a Relief Meals campaign to take thousands of hot meals directly to residents of some of WNC’s hardest-hit communities.
Starting this week, the organization is partnering with South Asheville restaurants Mikasa AVL and Red Fiddle Vittles to prepare meals. “These two kitchens are in South Asheville, and fortunately, they have power and water, which are hard to come by for many people. They are available and willing to help,” says co-founder Flori Pate.
So far, Food Connection has been delivering to its usual Asheville-area partner sites, but has also expanded to reach into Fairview, Leicester, Candler, Swannanoa and Woodfin.
Though Food Connection normally uses rescued food for its meals, with most restaurants closed and catering events canceled, it has gone back to its COVID-19-era practice of partnering with chefs to meet the overwhelming need.
Donations of money to pay Food Connection’s local business partners is a primary need, says Pate. “Everyone is struggling right now, and we don’t want to ask any food and beverage folks to make meals for free.”
To learn more, visit avl.mx/e6x.
Asheville Independent Restaurants
Though the majority of Asheville food businesses still lack water service and, at press time, many are still without power, Asheville Independent Restaurants (AIR) executive director Meghan Rogers says the local restaurant community is doing what it does best: feeding people.
“Many are helping out with the World Central Kitchen operations, feeding first responders and essential workers, or giving away meals from their front doors,” Rogers says.
With many of its member businesses facing lengthy closures until Asheville’s water system is brought back online,
MANNA STRONG: Just a few days after its headquarters facility was destroyed by flooding, MANNA FoodBank put its remaining trucks to work setting up a popup food distribution site at the WNC Farmers Market. Photo courtesy of MlANNA FoodBank
AIR is focusing on sharing resources, getting information out to the restaurant community and answering questions.
“Our restaurant workforce relies on the money they make in our busy leaf season to sustain them through the slower winter months,” says Rogers. “Food and beverage workers are going to need more assistance to pay their bills and care for their families and themselves.”
AIR has also been helping local restaurants connect with food distribution organizations and bringing in donations and supplies to support efforts to feed the community. Rogers says she’s working on setting up a fundraising campaign that will allow the public to donate to support Asheville restaurants.
To learn more, visit avl.mx/asi.
— Gina Smith
X
ArtsAVL focuses on resources for the arts community
ArtsAVL arts council is coordinating emergency support services for Western North Carolina artists and arts organizations affected by Tropical Storm Helene.
The organization has compiled a list of resources for artists, including federal emergency and small business aid, National Coalition for Arts Preparedness and Emergency Response disaster support and arts-specific grant and loan opportunities plus information on tax relief, legal assistance, renters rights and more. The organization is also surveying WNC creatives to assess immediate and upcoming needs.
“If history shows us anything, the artists of Asheville breathe life into our community,” says ArtsAVL executive director Katie Cornell. She notes that artists helped reinvigorate downtown Asheville in the 1980s to eventually make it a thriving tourist destination and were also instrumen-
tal in rejuvenating the city’s economy after the COVID-19 pandemic. Sales totals for the local creative industry in 2022 surpassed 2019 sales by more than 31%, she points out.
“In 2024, artists can once again revitalize our city after the destruction of Hurricane Helene,” says Cornell.
“Let’s make sure we keep our artists here in Asheville. We are going to need them.”
ArtsAVL is accepting donations to support Asheville and Buncombe County artists and arts organizations impacted by the storm. It’s also helping collect contributions for the N.C. Arts Disaster Relief Fund, which is focused on long-term recovery efforts across WNC. To make large gifts to ArtsAVL, contact development director Rebecca Lynch at rebecca@ artsavl.org.
To donate, complete the needs assessment survey or view ArtsAVL’s list of resources, visit avl.mx/e73.
Updates from other local arts organizations
LEAF Global Arts
LEAF Global Arts co-director Jennifer Pickering announced in an Oct. 4 media release that the LEAF Global Arts Festival, scheduled for Oct. 17-20, is canceled due to the Tropical Storm Helene disaster.
The organization, however, invites festival fans to participate in a global World Drum Day event that will run from noon to noon, Saturday through Sunday, Oct. 19-20. Plans are also in motion to host Disaster reLEAF concerts in the future.
An online form has been set up to provide LEAF Festival ticket holders
SOS FOR THE ARTS: ArtsAVL is working to gather disaster-relief information, resources and funding for Asheville-area artists. Pictured is the Marquee artists market in the River Arts District on Oct. 6. Photo by Thomas Calder
options for donating their ticket value to the LEAF Artist Fund, transferring their ticket into LEAF membership, receiving credit toward future LEAF events or requesting a refund (only for WNC residents and those in the path of Tropical Storm Helene).
The LEAF buildings survived the storm and flooding and are in good shape, according to the release. “The big challenges are roads, fallen trees, lack of water and services and the surrounding devastation,” the statement reads.
LEAF, which celebrates its 30th year in 2025, is accepting donations to
support local artists through its LEAF Global Arts Artist Relief Fund.
Sign up for World Drum Day at avl.mx/e74. For more information about ways to donate and options for LEAF Festival ticket holders, visit avl.mx/e75.
River Arts District Artists
The River Arts District Artists (RADA) organization is working to help artists in the River Arts District
impacted by catastrophic flooding from Tropical Storm Helene. Cleanup crews, food and water distribution and a Flood Recovery Fund to support artists are among the efforts RADA is coordinating through its website and social media platforms.
The majority of RADA’s 26 artist studio buildings experienced destruction in the flood, resulting in losses of not just working and retail spaces, but also art, supplies and equipment, says an announcement on the RADA website.
For updates on volunteer opportunities and other efforts, follow RADA on Instagram at avl.mx/e77. To donate to the Flood Recovery Fund, visit avl.mx/e78.
Mad Genius Foundation
Mad Genius Studios on Sweeten Creek Road is working through its nonprofit arm, Mad Genius Foundation, on relief and recovery efforts to support businesses in the Biltmore Design District around Sweeten Creek and Biltmore Village.
According to Mad Genius founder Shawndra Russell, current projects include: daily hot meal delivery to River Arts District artists, bringing propane for cooking to the isolated Bee Tree and Summer Haven communities, providing propane and other supplies to the devastated Nesbitt Chapel and Garren Creek communities in Fairview, getting oxygen tanks to elderly residents, supporting Biltmore Village/Sweeten Creek area cleanup volunteers with portable toilets and showers, and raising money for local small business recovery.
Fundraising efforts include a popup shop at Mad Genius Studios selling #828Recovery stickers and other items. Plans are in the works to turn this into an online store as well.
“There are a 100-plus businesses impacted just in the Asheville Design District and devastated Biltmore Village area alone,” says Russell. “The unexpectedness of a hurricane in the mountains has left us all scrambling, but there’s so much hope here, and we will recover and come back strong after a very, very long road of recovery.”
Mad Genius operates out of the Atelier Maison & Co. buildings on
Sweeten Creek Road near Interstate 40. The space can accommodate semi truck deliveries and is currently seeking Starlink to help activate and coordinate volunteer and fundraising operations.
Mad Genius Studios is at 121 Sweeten Creek Road. For more information on donating and volunteering, visit avl.mx/e79.
Southern Highland Craft Guild
With its Biltmore Village retail space decimated in Sept. 27 flooding from Tropical Storm Helene, Southern Highland Craft Guild announced on Oct. 1 that its Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands, scheduled for Thursday-Sunday, Oct. 17-20, is canceled.
Other upcoming events and activities planned by the organization are also canceled until further notice. All four Craft Guild shops are closed as well.
For updates and information on how to donate to support the Craft Guild’s recovery, visit avl.mx/e51.
— Gina Smith X
As part of our commitment to supporting the community in this difficult time, we are offering
FREE TEMPORARY PHONE SERVICE TO BUSINESSES IMPACTED BY THE STORM
Our goal is to help businesses stay connected as they work through recovery, even if their existing phone systems are down or they cannot access their business premises.
WHAT WE'RE OFFERING:
• Free Phone Service: For businesses that have lost access to their phone lines or had their systems damaged, we’re offering phone service at no cost during the recovery period. This is available to businesses who are still paying their current provider but need a helping hand right now.
• No Contract, No Pressure: There are no strings attached. When they’re ready, they can return to their original provider.
• Mobile & Desktop Apps: We will equip them with tools to make, receive, and transfer calls seamlessly from mobile or desktop apps, and even hold video meetings, ensuring they can continue their work from anywhere.
HOW TO GET STARTED:
Please share this offer with businesses affected by the storm needing temporary phone service. They can reach out to us directly at: Email: wncstrong@ringfree.com • Text: 828-346-5101
Note: This offer is designed to assist businesses who are not currently using Ringfree services. For our valued existing customers, rest assured that we are fully available to provide all the support you need during this time. We are in this together. If there’s anything more we can do to support you or your clients during the recovery, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
MARKETPLACE
Want to advertise in Marketplace? 828-251-1333 advertise@mountainx.com • mountainx.com/classifieds If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Remember the Russian proverb: “Doveryai, no proveryai,” trust but verify. When answering classified ads, always err on the side of caution. Especially beware of any party asking you to give them financial or identification information. The Mountain Xpress cannot be responsible for ensuring that each advertising client is legitimate. Please report scams to advertise@mountainx.com
EMPLOYMENT
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MIND, BODY, SPIRIT
RETREATS
GRIEF & LOSS RETREAT
Retreat for all to find support in safe space to share, process and integrate personal and collective grief. Fri (11/1), 4pm, Sa (11/2), 9am. More info & registration at melody. lebaron@gmail.com
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ACROSS
1 Visitor to Mecca
5 Choices for party organizers
11 Quick refresher
14 Lamar ___, ex of Khloé Kardashian
15 Top pilot
16 Rapper Lil ___ Vert
17 It will change the way you see yourself
19 Operate, as a program
20 Throw one’s hands up, say
21 Foreign policy grp.
22 Floral bubble tea flavoring
24 On the line
26 Spiral-horned antelope
28 Point of no return on “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire”
32 Garment that might have a built-in bra, for short
36 Work on Broadway, say
37 Investigator’s interest
38 Pain
40 AirPod holder
42 Boxes for crackers?
43 “A Hard Day’s Night” songwriter
45 U.K. military arm
47 Monthly expense
48 Warhead carriers
51 Microwave no-no
by Joel Fagliano
Our Warehouse Workers are the team responsible for sorting millions of packages and getting them on their way. They’re reliable, responsible, and hard-working professionals with an eye for detail and stamina like no other.
52 Cleaning product made in “Fight Club”
57 V fliers
59 Frosty
61 Symbol seen on eight national flags (though, ironically, not the U.S. flag)
62 Writer Rand
63 First- and thirdquarter moons, e.g. … or a hint to this puzzle’s theme
