Community Information

Where the Community Can Get Help After Hurricane Helene: Local Resources for Saluda and Surrounding Areas

As Saluda and nearby communities recover from the impact of Hurricane Helene, many residents are seeking assistance for daily necessities, health concerns, and rebuilding efforts. Below is a comprehensive list of local resources available to help community members during this challenging time. From medical care to temporary housing, here’s where you can find support.

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Painting by Barbara Cardais & Susan Olivari

 

How to Apply for Hurricane Helene Disaster Assistance

There are 3 ways to apply for disaster aid:

What You’ll Need When You Apply

  • A current phone number where you can be contacted.
  • Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying.
  • Your Social Security number.
  • A general list of damage and losses.
  • Banking information if you choose direct deposit.
  • If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name.

If you have homeowners, renters, or flood insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If your policy does not cover all your disaster expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance.

Application Tips
The North Carolina Department of Insurance offers some tips on the application process:

  • One of the questions that FEMA will ask when you register is “Do You Have Emergency Needs”? This means during your evacuation or since staying at home during the disaster, do you need help with gas, medication, food (meals, water, had no power and everything spoils), shelter (you are staying with friends, family, or in a hotel); clothing; or durable medical equipment (oxygen, walkers, cane, glasses, etc). If this is true, say “YES” to this question. That will result in your receiving Displacement / Critical Needs Assistance, which is $750.
  • When asked if your home is/was accessible, answer “NO” if there was debris, tree branches, continued flooding, loss of power, damage, or destruction that prevented you from staying there after Helene. This will trigger assistance to pay for hotels or provide funding to stay with family or friends.
  • When asked if utilities are out, say “YES” even if your utilities were out for a few days. This will trigger assistance to stay somewhere other than your home or to buy fuel for a generator.
  • When asked “Are you willing to relocate,” say “YES” if you cannot live in your home due to damage, loss of power, etc. This triggers temporary housing funding for hotels or apartments. It is not asking if you are willing to move away permanently.
  • If you bought or buy a generator, FEMA will reimburse you up to $629 with a receipt. FEMA will also reimburse up to $219 for a chainsaw with a receipt. Save your receipts.

SBA Disaster Loans
Disaster assistance is available from the U.S. Small Business Administration for homeowners, renters, nonprofits, and businesses of all sizes affected by Hurricane Helene.

FEMA Resources/ Supporting Documents

Important Information : Be Alert to Fraud After Tropical Storm Helene in North Carolina

 

Food Assistance

  • Saluda Pop-Up Pantry
    Food Staples + Non-Perishable Items Distribution at the Green River Adventures location (150 E Main St., across from Post Office), 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
  • Tryon International Equestrian Center
    Ice, Water, FEMA Supply Distribution 10am-6pm

 

WiFi & Community Support

  • Looking Glass Realty
    Looking Glass Realty has opened their office as a place for community, WiFi Access, & Charging Station. There are snacks, sometimes free massages, and community on a daily basis until further notice.
  • AllenTate/Beverly Hank
    Charge your devices and Free Work Space

 

Medical Assistance

  • Saluda Family Medicine
    Located on Ozone Drive (across from BP gas station), providing medical care for local residents.
  • Free Mobile Hospital at Tryon International Equestrian Center
    This fully staffed mobile hospital includes X-ray capabilities and can fly patients out if necessary. Set up by North Carolina and Atrium Health, this facility is available for immediate medical attention.
  • Medical House Calls
    • Brandy (Registered Nurse): For in-home medical assistance, contact Brandy at (864) 316-2025.
  • Health Assistance with Prescriptions and Free Emergency Home Visits
    • Dr. Lisa Broyles, MD: For help with prescriptions or to request a home visit, email lbroyles@way2healthmd.com to get in touch.

 

Hot Showers

If you’re in need of a hot shower, the following locations are offering free access:

  • Orchard Lake Campground
    460 Orchard Lake Rd, Saluda, NC
  • Upward Christian Fellowship
    991 Upward Rd, Flat Rock, NC
  • Park Place RV Park
    503 S. Allen Rd, Flat Rock, NC (10:00 am – 10:00 pm)

 

Non-Potable Water

For non-potable water (for flushing toilets, etc.), the following resources are available:

  • Tank at Don Mintz Office: Bring containers to fill.
  • Anthony LeBude: Will help deliver creek water to your location. Call (919) 414-7343 for assistance.

 

Concerns About Neighbors & Friends

If you’re worried about the safety or well-being of your neighbors or friends in Polk County, you can call the following numbers for assistance:

  • Polk County Hotline: 828-722-5025 (if busy, try 5026)

Free Clothing

  • Saluda Thrifty Barn (behind McCreery Park) is providing free clothing. Items are available inside the barn, or you can call 906-630-0869 for assistance.

 

Temporary Housing

If you or someone you know needs temporary housing, assistance is available:

  • Call 211: This service connects individuals with housing resources, including locations with water, bathrooms, and places to sleep.

 

Mail and Trash Services

  • Mail: As of October 4th, mail service is running. If roads and mailboxes are accessible, mail is being delivered, though it may take time to catch up.
  • Trash Pickup: Scheduled for Monday, October 6th.

 

Schools

  • Polk County Schools: All schools will reopen on Wednesday, October 9th. The goal is to get students back into classrooms as soon as possible.

 

Road Status Updates

  • 176 Towards Hendersonville: OPEN
  • 176 Towards Tryon: CLOSED
  • Fork Creek Switchbacks: CLOSED
  • Watershed: CLOSED

Please note: Road statuses are subject to change, so always verify before traveling.

 

Disaster Recovery Grants for Local Businesses

Saluda businesses can apply for Disaster Recovery Grants ranging from $250 to $1,000. These grants are offered by the Saluda Downtown Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting economic development in the downtown area.

Eligible Businesses:

  • Must be located on (1) Main Street and Hwy 176 (from the Orchard Inn to the Saluda city limits past Green River BBQ), (2) Cullipher, Church, or Carolina Streets off Main Street, or (3) Greenville Street from Main to Chestnut Street.

Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are depleted.

  • Application Information: Businesses can pick up an application at the Information Desk at Looking Glass Realty, or apply online using the following link.

 

During this difficult time, it’s important to remember that the community is here to support each other. Whether you need medical care, a place to shower, or help with temporary housing, these local resources are available to assist. Check back frequently for updates as recovery efforts progress. Together, we can rebuild and come back stronger than ever.