Hurricane Helene Resources

Employee & Employer Hurricane Recovery

As many of you are still without power, water, internet, and other essentials, WNCHRA has compiled a list of resources to support your employees and help your business recover. 

Resources for Employees and Their Families

24/7 Teladoc Health
As cell service is restored, Teladoc is offering free telehealth visits for non-emergency healthcare needs, such as colds, flu, and prescription refills.

  • Call the Teladoc Health Disaster Hotline: 1-855-225-5032

  • Text for assistance: 1-855-636-1578

VSP Vision Support
VSP is providing free eyewear for those affected by Hurricane Helene.

  • VSP Members: If you lost or broke your eyewear, call 800-877-7195 to have your benefits reinstated, even if you're not currently eligible.

  • Non-VSP Members: Contact your local American Red Cross chapter to request a VSP Vision Eyes of Hope gift certificate for no-cost eyewear.

Operating Pharmacies - EmergencyOperatingPharmaciesHelene (ncbop.org)

Mental Health Resources

  • BetterHelp, an online therapy platform, is offering three months of free counseling to those impacted by Hurricane Helene. Victims can redeem the free counseling by visiting betterhelp.com/voucher and using the code hurricane-helene-support.

  • Resources for Living® (RFL) is offering emotional support and practical resources, even for those without current RFL benefits.

    • For support, call 833-327-2386

    • Services include immediate phone support, local resource referrals, and crisis management for employers.

    • Employers: Contact the specialized support line at 866-579-4684. On-site services are available for a fee.

  • Resources for Resilience offering daily listening circles from 12-1 pm now through Oct. 18.  https://resourcesforresilience.com/

  • Vaya Health Behavioral Health Crisis Line:1-800-849-6127

Unemployment and Financial Assistance

Additional Community Resources

  • Buncombe County Hotline: For reports of downed trees, debris, and non-emergencies, call 828-250-6650.

  • Live Updates: Access a live Google document with up-to-date local resources through AshevilleRelief.com.

  • Asheville Greenworks: Offers a helpful resource page for recovery efforts.

  • Red Cross Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990

Small Business Administration (SBA)
The SBA is offering disaster assistance for homeowners, renters, nonprofits, and businesses. Apply online or in person at the Chamber offices at 36 Montford Ave. More details will be available soon.

FEMA Assistance
FEMA is actively supporting Hurricane Helene recovery. Apply for assistance online at disasterassistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362.

Resources for Employers

A state of disaster has been declared for the following counties:
Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, Yancey, and the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians.

Insurance Commissioner Guidelines

  • Insurers must offer an additional grace period for premium or debt payments due during the 60-day disaster period. Payments are deferred for 30 days beyond the original due date.

  • A 30-day extension applies to any deadlines for submitting claims, proof of loss, or responding to correspondence. This applies to claims made during the disaster period, which is effective from September 28, 2024, and lasts until November 29, 2024.

Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund
The Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund (RDRF) offers grants of up to $10,000 for restaurants, gastropubs, and bakeries affected by the hurricane. Applications are open until December 2, 2024. Learn more and apply here.

Arts AVL Emergency Support
Arts AVL is offering relief grants for artists, musicians, cultural institutions, and pro bono legal support; learn more.

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