May 12, 2021

COVID Housing Relief Program available for Buncombe residents

If you have current or former team members who continue to struggle financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic, here's information to pass along: Buncombe County has $13 million available in the COVID Housing Relief Fund.

This program provides financial assistance for housing and utilities to Buncombe residents who have lost income due to the pandemic. Eligible individuals may qualify for past-due rent, mortgage, and utility payments as well as assistance with current or future payments. Most payments are made directly to vendors (landlords/mortgage companies/utility providers) and not to the individual.

Individuals may apply more than once if additional support is needed. The program does not cover payments for phone, cable, credit card, hotel, insurance, or anything duplicating other federal assistance programs.

Emergency Broadband Benefit program available to pay for internet costs; application window now open

Vaccine Update: Where & how to get free vaccines

As of May 11, about 48 percent of Buncombe residents had received at least one vaccine against COVID-19. The goal is 66 percent in order for our community to reach herd immunity.

Homelessness in Asheville: Town hall to discuss what is being done, how businesses can help

Homelessness is a critical issue across the country and in our community. On Thursday, May 13, 11 a.m. to 12 noon, the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce will host a virtual town hall where City leaders and organizations will address this complex issue, including:

• Overall approach the City is taking to address homelessness
• How business people can respond to individuals experiencing homelessness
• What businesses can do to help

Panelists include:

• Cathy Ball, Assistant City Manager for the City of Asheville
  
• Emily Ball, Homeless Services System Performance Lead, for the City of Asheville’s Community Development Department
• Blake Fagan, M.D., Mountain Area Health Education Center Chief Education Officer and leader of MAHEC's office-based opioid treatment services
• Sue Polston, Executive Director of Sunrise Community for Recovery and Wellness

Get latest info on funding relief options from Mountain BizWorks