Helene Housing Recovery Board – August 19, 2026

The City of Asheville's Helene Housing Recovery Board convened on August 19, 2026, to discuss ongoing disaster recovery efforts related to housing following a significant event. Key procurement-related topics included updates on the allocation and implementation of $17 million in CDBG-DR funds, particularly through the Renew NC program, which supports housing reconstruction and rehabilitation. The board reviewed an updated unmet needs assessment based on FEMA data, highlighting approximately $180 million in total unmet housing needs, with significant challenges for underinsured and uninsured homeowners and renters, especially in single-family and duplex housing. Discussions also covered the development of a new Housing and Economic Security Support Services (HES) program, focused on wraparound services rather than capital investments, with plans to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to community agencies for service delivery in early 2027. The Bunkham County Long-Term Recovery Group presented on their case management and support services for displaced residents, emphasizing ongoing needs for temporary housing assistance, private road and bridge repairs, and accessibility modifications. The group highlighted the importance of sustained funding and coordination among nonprofit partners to address long-term recovery gaps. No formal votes on contracts or budget allocations were taken during this meeting, but the board approved a new meeting schedule and set the stage for future procurement actions related to support services funding.