Disaster recovery will continue for decades.
We have been active in essential disaster recovery since immediately after the storm, assisting our neighbors throughout the region with disaster-related issues.
September 27, 2026 marks two years since Hurricane Helene hit Western NorthCarolina.
Our community has rallied together and rebuilt over the last two years, but for thousands in WNC, disaster recovery is still taking place. Legal problems caused, or worsened, by the storm stand in the way of recovery.
How We Can Help:
Pisgah Legal Services continues to provide disaster recovery legal help on these issues and more:
- FEMA issues
- Renew NC appeals and advice on Renew NC contracts for homeowners
- Consultations on Hazard Mitigation approvals
- Foreclosure and eviction prevention and housing rights
- Debt, fraud, and scams
- Homeowner Insirance denials and lowball settlement offers
Pisgah Legal helped more than 3,800+ people through disaster recovery clinics and secured $1.4M in FEMA aid, disaster assistance and insurance appeals in 2025.
Important Updates
FEMA-Provided Housing and Rental Assistance Extension
FEMA has approved six-month extensions (through September 30, 2026) for FEMA-provided housing and rental assistance for survivors of Hurricane Helene.
These extensions provide survivors with additional time to complete repairs to damaged homes, finalize insurance settlements, or secure permanent housing.
Eligible residents may continue to live in FEMA-provided temporary housing, on a month-to-month basis, but must begin paying monthly rent after March 29, 2026. Eligible applicants for rental assistance must continue to submit monthly updates for eligibility.
Recipients of FEMA assistance who have questions about how these extensions might affect their current status should contact FEMA directly at 1 (800) 621-3362.
For more information about the extension and rental rates, view FEMA’s press release here: https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20260316/fema-approves-six-month-extension-direct-housing-and-rental-assistance
Disaster Recovery Resources
Legal Needs After a DisasterHousing and Shelter Assistance
Tenant/Renters Rights
Guidance for Tenants Dealing with Mold
Dealing with Mold in a Rental Unit
North Carolina Tenants’ Rights: Evictions and Repairs Myth vs. Fact and FAQs
What You Need to Know About Evictions and Repairs (English) and Spanish
You can apply for and appeal denials for ongoing rental assistance through FEMA. For help with FEMA Appeals – Call Pisgah Legal at 828.253.0406, choose option 8.
Foreclosure Prevention
Foreclosure Prevention 
Steps you can take now to help keep your home:
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- Communicate proactively with your lender
- Document everything
- Ask for a Loss Mitigation Application
- Reach out to an attorney
- Beware of foreclosure recovery scams
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View our flyer for more information
Avoiding Consumer Scams
Avoiding Scams and Frauds Flyer (English) and Spanish
VIDEO: Protecting Yourself from Scams After Helene
VIDEO: Protecting Yourself from Title and Deed Scams
FEMA
FEMA Application Assistance
The official FEMA initial application period has concluded. Pending applications and appeals are not affected. In addition, if you were unable to apply for FEMA during the application period due to disruptions caused by Helene (of any kind), you should call FEMA and request an exemption from the application deadline. Click here for more information about applying for FEMA aid.
FEMA Appeals
Self-Help Materials for FEMA Serious Needs Assistance ($750) Appeals
Guidance on How to File FEMA Appeals
More Complex FEMA Appeals (home/property damage, housing assistance, ongoing rental assistance, etc.) – Call Pisgah Legal at 828.253.0406, choose option 8.
Insurance Help
Insurance Claims
Insurance Claims and Appeals Flyer (English) and Spanish
Need help with a Homeowner Insurance Denial or Dispute? Call Pisgah Legal at 828.253.0406, choose option 8.
Seek assistance or file a complaint with the NC Department of Insurance
Financial Help
Important Tax Information
Are you being penalized on your 2024 return even though you filed by the Sept. 25 extended deadline? If so, and for other disaster-related tax issues, contact the IRS disaster hotline at (866) 562-5227.
Disaster & Taxes: What You Need to Know – View Booklet
Watch a recording about Tax Issues for Helene Survivors
Disaster Unemployment Benefits
The deadline to apply for Disaster Unemployment Benefits has passed. For appeals of Disaster Unemployment Benefits denials, call the Disaster Legal Aid Hotline at Legal Aid of NC: 866.219.5262.
Faith-based Organizations
There are many local faith-based organizations that may be able to pay bills or provide financial support, such as ABCCM’s Faith360 Network
Case Management and Navigation
NC Disaster Case Management
NC Disaster Case Managers can help you make a recovery plan, find available resources, and walk through challenges caused by Helene. Fill out the NC-DCM survey online or call 844-746-2326 to describe your needs.
Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARC)
FEMA disaster recovery centers (DRC’s) in WNC are now locally operated resource centers. The centers still open are:
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- Avery MARC
Mayland Community College – Avery Campus
785 Cranberry St, Newland
Open Tuesdays | 9am – 4pm - Buncombe MARC
Helene Resource Center
200 College St, Asheville
Open by appointment only – call 828-250-6100
- Avery MARC
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Disaster Recovery Partnership – Henderson County
The Henderson County Disaster Recovery Partnership is a one-stop place to find help as you work to recover and rebuild from Hurricane Helene and any other natural disasters that affect Henderson County. Residents who have recovery needs can fill out the Assistance Request Form to be connected to a local disaster case manager who will work one-on-one with them to help resolve their needs.
Infrastructure
Help with Roads & Bridges
NC Department of Public Safety – Tropical Storm Helene Private Road and Bridge Program
Recovery priorities and progress – Governor’s Recovery Office for WNC
Health and Other Resources
Health Insurance
Healthcare.gov/ACA and Medicaid
NC 211
Dial 2-1-1 or visit online to get connected with resources
Hope4NC Helpline
Call 1-855-587-3463 or visit online to get connected with resources.
Find even more resources on our Materials page.
Support This Work
- Spread the Word – Share our flyer!
Pisgah Legal Services is working in partnership with Legal Aid of NC and is sharing content and resources.