Hurricane Helene continues to cast a long shadow over Buncombe County, where the homeless population has risen significantly. According to recent data, 130 residents remain without permanent shelter due to the hurricane, contributing to a 9% increase in the county’s homeless numbers, now totaling 824 individuals.
The Point-in-Time Count, an annual survey mandated by HUD, revealed these findings. This survey relies on volunteers to gather information about those residing in emergency shelters, transitional housing, or unconventional environments like vehicles and tents. The latest count, conducted on February 10, indicates that 334 individuals are currently living on the streets, while the rest find temporary refuge in shelters or transitional housing.
The survey results were unveiled during a recent meeting of the Asheville-Buncombe Continuum of Care. Attendees noted that housing damage and income loss were primary drivers of homelessness post-Hurricane Helene. The North Carolina Housing Coalition’s 2026 report highlights the extensive impact of the hurricane, which damaged 11,488 homes and destroyed 372 in Buncombe County alone. Additionally, the county experienced a surge in unemployment to 10.4% immediately following the disaster, though this figure has since stabilized to the state average of approximately 3% as of December 2025…