Asheville, NC, September 22, 2025
News Summary
One year after Hurricane Helene’s devastation, recovery efforts in Western North Carolina continue. With over 73,000 homes damaged, challenges persist for affected families. Areas like Asheville have seen significant declines in tourism, impacting local businesses. The South Carolina Office of Resilience is hosting Mobile Intake events to support survivors seeking recovery assistance. Meanwhile, the number of homeless students in North Carolina has surged, highlighting the need for continued support and resources for communities impacted by the storm.
Asheville, NC – One year after Hurricane Helene, recovery efforts continue across Western North Carolina, with significant challenges remaining for affected families and communities. Over 73,000 homes were damaged by the hurricane, leading to lasting impacts on local education, housing, and tourism.
The South Carolina Office of Resilience is currently hosting Disaster Case Management Mobile Intake events to assist Hurricane Helene survivors. These events allow residents with unmet disaster-related needs to submit applications for recovery assistance—financial, physical, or emotional. The events are scheduled in various locations throughout South Carolina from September 22 to October 16.
The event locations and dates include:
- Spartanburg County: SCOR Spartanburg Office, 145 N Church St., Spartanburg, SC from September 22 – 26 (10:00 am – 7:00 pm daily).
- Anderson County: Anderson County Library, 300 McDuffie Street, Anderson, SC on September 29 (9:30 am – 5:00 pm); September 30 (9:30 am – 6:00 pm); October 3 (9:30 am – 5:30 pm).
- Cherokee County: Gaffney Senior Center, 499 W Rutledge Ave., Gaffney, SC from September 30 – October 2 (10:00 am – 7:00 pm daily).
- Chester County: City of Chester Parks and Recreation, 157 Columbia St., Chester, SC from October 7 – 9 (10:00 am – 7:00 pm daily).
- Pickens County: Pickens County Library, 124 North Catherine Street, Pickens, SC from October 7 – 9 (10:00 am – 6:30 pm daily).
- Laurens County: United Way of Laurens County, 16 Peachtree St., Clinton, SC from October 7 – 9 (10:00 am – 7:00 pm daily).
- Greenville County: Reedy River Baptist Church, 1012 Mauldin Road, Greenville, SC on October 14 (8:00 am – 5:00 pm).
- Union County: Union County Carnegie Library, 300 E South St., Union, SC from October 14 – 16 (10:00 am – 7:00 pm daily).
In North Carolina alone, an estimated 2,500 students have been identified as homeless due to the storm’s aftermath. The number of homeless students in Yancey County has jumped from 21 to 112 in just one school year, directly tied to the effects of Hurricane Helene. Many students continue to experience distress and learning disruptions due to temporary living arrangements, significantly impacting their education and wellbeing. Families report living in motels, campers, and separated residences following the storm.
Infrastructure damage from Hurricane Helene has been extensive, with many homes suffering severe destruction. Electricity and water shortages were widespread, and various communities faced long-term school closures. Those working in the tourism industry have also felt significant effects, as travel to Asheville and surrounding areas has declined, resulting in losses for local businesses.
In response, a 26-mile stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway has reopened, which is critical for tourism and is seen as an essential step in the economic recovery of the area. Community leaders are developing new disaster communication systems, including improved flood sirens and outreach programs to educate residents about storm preparedness.
Residents have shared accounts of the emotional and psychological toll the hurricane has taken alongside their physical losses. Many survivors continue to grapple with trauma, adding to the complexity of recovery efforts.
The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has highlighted gaps in funding, particularly as many school districts miss out on crucial McKinney-Vento funding designed to support homeless students in the wake of disasters. Competition during the application processes can prevent districts from obtaining necessary resources.
With these ongoing challenges, communities in Western North Carolina are striving for better systems that can provide more effective emergency alert protocols and communication strategies that would better prepare residents for future disasters.
FAQ
What is the purpose of the Mobile Intake events hosted by the South Carolina Office of Resilience?
The events allow residents with unmet disaster-related needs to submit applications for recovery assistance (financial, physical, or emotional).
How many students in North Carolina have been identified as homeless due to Hurricane Helene?
2,500 students in North Carolina have been identified as homeless due to Hurricane Helene’s aftermath.
What were the impacts of Hurricane Helene on tourism in Western North Carolina?
Areas like Asheville experienced significant declines in tourism, affecting local businesses and seasonal revenue.
What funding issues have school districts faced after Hurricane Helene?
Many school districts miss out on McKinney-Vento funding for services for homeless students after disasters due to competitive application processes.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Mobile Intake Events | Designed to help Hurricane Helene survivors apply for various recovery assistance types. |
| Homeless Students | 2,500 students in North Carolina identified as homeless due to storm’s aftermath. |
| Tourism Impact | Declines in tourism affecting local businesses significantly post-hurricane. |
| Federal Funding Issues | Many districts face challenges in obtaining McKinney-Vento funding for homeless students. |
| Community Stories | Residents report extended distress and living in temporary conditions post-storm. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Spectrum Restores Services in South Carolina After Hurricane Helene
Bridge Repair Project Public Meeting Scheduled
North Carolina Taxpayers Receive Extended Deadline Due to Hurricane Helene
North Carolina Named Best State for Business Again
Tragic Crash Claims Life of 15-Year-Old in Greenville County
South Carolina Hospitality Industry Shows Remarkable Growth
North Carolina Tax Deadline Extended for Hurricane Helene Victims
Hurricane Helene Claims Lives in Laurens County
South Carolina Enhances Emergency Communications with Verizon
Catastrophic Flooding in South Carolina from Tropical Storm Helene
Additional Resources
- Santa Fe New Mexican
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Helene (2018)
- Fox Weather
- Google Search: Hurricane Helene North Carolina
- ABC11
- Google Scholar: Hurricane Helene
- Blue Ridge Now
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane Helene
- Charlotte Observer
- Google News: Hurricane Helene
Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON
The CLINTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREClinton.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Clinton, Laurens County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Discovery, Clinton Community Day, and performances at the Whitten Center Amphitheater. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Laurens County Historical Society, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and education that power the local economy such as Milliken & Company and Presbyterian College. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
