May 10, 2026
In September of 2024, Hurricane Helene swept across the eastern United States, turning Asheville, North Carolina, into what one resident called a "post-apocalyptic landscape" (1). Floods swallowed neighborhoods, knocked out power and water, and carried entire homes downstream. The damage was significant, and nearly two years later, many residents are still waiting for their homes to be repaired.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allocated $225 million for the city in January 2025. In August of 2025, (2) the city approved an action plan that would allot $125 million to infrastructure, $52 million to economic recovery, $31 million to housing, over $11 million to administrations, almost $4 million to planning and $2 million to public services.
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But as of today, only one home has been repaired.
Now, the Asheville City Council is deciding whether to direct $18 million from disaster relief funds toward building affordable housing. So what is happening, and why are repairs taking so long?
Council members are pushing back on the new plan
The city is recommending allocating $18 million of the Helene funds to develop three public-private apartment projects totaling 331 units. Bridget Herring, the Helene funding coordinator, said that the timing is crucial.
"It's time-sensitive to try and move forward the projects we think are most likely to get built as quickly as possible," Herring said (3), noting a May 15th application deadline.
According to city staff, 132 homes are still awaiting rebuilds or repairs following Hurricane Helene. So far, only one home is completed, and seven have been approved for work. That's leaving council members frustrated at the pace of progress.
Councilwoman Sage Turner shared her priorities for the funding at a recent committee meeting:
"I am putting fixing people's homes at the top, fixing infrastructure at the top, and subsidizing affordable apartments below both of those," Turner said. "I don't want to just build apartment complexes in place of fixing people's homes."
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One sticking point is the amount set aside for housing recovery: City officials estimate it could cost $30 to $40 million to fully rebuild or repair homes damaged by Helene, and that could exceed the $31 million set aside for housing.
In addition to the affordable housing proposal, city staff is recommending changing the allotment, suggesting $41 million for housing, $115 million for infrastructure, $52 million for economic rehabilitation, nearly $4 million for planning and $11.2 million for administration.
Residents expressed outrage over the plan, with one user saying, "ONE house fixed so far? In nearly 20 months? And they want to spend the rest on apartments rather than the people who were affected?" (3)
The final decision will be made by the city council.
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What to do if you're waiting on disaster relief funds
Federal disaster relief money moves slowly, sometimes agonizingly so. And as extreme weather increases, there's a chance you'll be in a similar situation as many Asheville residents. If you're waiting on aid after a natural disaster, here's how to protect yourself in the meantime.
Repair or protect what you can
Don't wait for a check to address urgent repairs. Temporary fixes like tarping a roof, boarding windows, and addressing mold can prevent further damage and may actually be required by your insurer to preserve your coverage. Make sure to document the damage before and keep all the receipts for your insurance.
Show up to local meetings
Recovery decisions are made at the local level, and public input matters. Asheville's reallocation debate is proof of that. Attend city council or committee meetings, submit comments during public input periods and make your voice heard.
Document everything
Photograph and video every bit of damage: structural, cosmetic and personal property. Keep records of every repair estimate, contractor quote and communication with your city or county. If your claim is ever disputed, this paper trail is your best defense.
Call your insurance company — and then call again
File your claim as soon as possible and follow up regularly. Insurers can be slow to act after widespread disasters when claims are flooding in. If you feel like you're getting the runaround, consider hiring a public adjuster, an independent professional who negotiates on your behalf. They typically work on commission, taking a percentage of your settlement, but it can be worth it if your claim is complex or underpaid.
Article sources
We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our ethics and guidelines.
Common Edge (1); Asheville Recovers (2); WLOS (3)
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Danielle is a personal finance writer whose work has appeared in publications including Motley Fool and Business Insider. She believes financial literacy key to helping people build a life they love. She’s especially passionate about helping families and kids learn smart money habits early.
