Buncombe County’s residents, especially those living in and at the edge of poverty, have been able to access valuable, life-saving emergency assistance benefits through Eblen Charities. For many years now, Eblen Charities has partnered with Buncombe County Health and Human Services (BCHHS) to administer the Emergency Assistance, Crisis Intervention, and Low Income Energy Assistance programs. Due to an increase in need from our neighbors and challenges with processing benefits between state and partner agency systems, BCHHS transitioned the administration of these programs from Eblen Charities to the County on November 13, 2023.

We recognize that this a change for our community as Eblen Charities has provided this assistance for many years and has been a vital resource for our neighbors in crisis. BCHHS began answering calls and processing online applications on November 13, 2023. Beginning December 1, 2023, with the start of Low Income Energy Assistance application processing, BCHHS will start taking in-person requests at 40 Coxe Ave. in downtown Asheville.

Low Income Energy Assistance provides a one-time annual vendor payment to help eligible families pay their heating expense. Households containing a person age 60 or older or disabled receiving services can apply starting December 1, 2023. All households can apply starting January 1, 2024. Low Income Energy Assistance applications are accepted until March 31, 2024 or until funds are exhausted.

To qualify for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program, households that meet the following criteria may be eligible:

• Have at least one U.S. citizen or non-citizen who meets the eligibility criteria.
• Meet income requirements.
• Be responsible for its heating costs.

The Crisis Intervention Program serves individuals and families who are experiencing or are in danger of experiencing a heating- or cooling-related crisis.

To qualify for the Crisis Intervention Program, households that meet the following criteria may be eligible:

• Have at least one U.S. citizen or non-citizen who meets the eligibility criteria.
• Meet the income requirements.
• Have an energy related crisis.
• Have a utility statement that shows how much is owed to alleviate the crisis.

For those who have previously received Low Income Energy Assistance Program assistance, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will begin notifying eligible households by mail beginning November 19, 2023. Households will have 10 days to report any changes to their household. Applicants can report changes by contacting the BCHHS office or by making changes to the form that was mailed to you and return it to BCHHS, located at 40 Coxe Ave. in Downtown Asheville. If no changes are reported, the information from last year will be used to process this year’s automated Low Income Energy Assistance payment.

If you are interested in applying for these Energy Assistance benefits, you can quickly apply online at www.epass.nc.gov. If you would like to apply over the phone, have general questions about energy assistance, or need to check on the status of your case, please call us at (828) 250-6330. Beginning December 1, 2023, you may also visit us in person at 40 Coxe Ave. in downtown Asheville. Please bring your parking ticket with you inside of the building for free parking.

Buncombe County also will administer Emergency Assistance, which Buncombe County Social Work Services distributes as funds become available to our community. To apply for Emergency Assistance, go online to epass.nc.gov, call Buncombe County at 828-250-6330, or apply in person at 40 Coxe Ave.

BCHHS will continue to partner with Eblen Charities to assist families and individuals in our community during times of crisis and hardship. For more information on the services that are available in our community, visit www.buncombecounty.org/hhs.

Food Scraps Drop Off

The City of Asheville, in partnership with Buncombe County and the Natural Resources Defense Council, is offering a FREE Food Scrap Drop-Off program in two locations for all Buncombe County residents.  This organic matter will be collected and turned into good clean compost, keeping it OUT of our landfill and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Register for Food Scraps Drop Off

Need a handy kitchen countertop food scrap bin?  Let us know on the registration form! We’ll be having bin giveaways at city and county facilities and would love to give you one.

Locations

Buncombe County Landfill – Convenience Center

85 Panther Branch Road, Alexander

• • Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, 8 a.m. – 12:30 pm

Murphy Oakley Community Center and Library – “Food Scrap Bin Shelters” on the east side of the parking lot

749 Fairview Road, Asheville

• • Dawn – Dusk

Stephens-Lee Recreation Center “Food Scrap Shed” next to the Community Garden on the North side of the parking lot

30 Washington Carver Avenue, Asheville

• • Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Saturday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Sunday, 12 – 4 p.m.

West Asheville Library – “Food Scrap Bin Shelters” on the south side of the building

942 Haywood Road, Asheville

• • Library open hours

Food Scraps Drop Off

The City of Asheville, in partnership with Buncombe County and the Natural Resources Defense Council, is offering a FREE Food Scrap Drop-Off program in

two locations for all Buncombe County residents.  This organic matter will be collected and turned into good clean compost, keeping it OUT of our landfill and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Register for Food Scraps Drop Off

Need a handy kitchen countertop food scrap bin?  Let us know on the registration form! We’ll be having bin giveaways at city and county facilities and would love to give you one.

Locations

Stephens-Lee Recreation Center “Food Scrap Shed” next to the Community Garden on the North side of the parking lot

30 Washington Carver Avenue, Asheville

• • Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Saturday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Sunday, 12 – 4 p.m.

Murphy Oakley Community Center and Library – “Food Scrap Bin Shelters” on the east side of the parking lot

749 Fairview Road, Asheville

• • Dawn – Dusk

West Asheville Library – “Food Scrap Bin Shelters” on the south side of the building

942 Haywood Road, Asheville

Library open hours

Buncombe County Landfill – Convenience Center85 Panther Branch Road, Alexander

• • • • Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
      • Saturday, 8 a.m. – 12:30 pm

To assist college students in securing financial aid, Blue
Ridge Community College will host FAFSA Day on January 27 from 9 a.m. to noon in the
Sink Building on the Henderson County Campus.
“All students are encouraged to join us for in-person assistance with their 2024-25
FAFSA,” said Jon Grunder, Blue Ridge’s director of financial aid. “We are here to make
the process as smooth as possible and help students understand their options.”
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form completed by current and
prospective college students in the United States to determine their eligibility for student
financial aid. This aid includes various grants, loans, and work-study funding. The
application is also part of Blue Ridge Community College’s process for awarding local
financial aid packages.
“This application is the door to numerous options for financial assistance, including
scholarships through Blue Ridge Community College,” said Grunder.
This year’s FAFSA is expected to be simpler for students to complete. The 2024-25
FAFSA rollout from December reflects the updates from the FAFSA Simplification Act,
which according to the official Federal Student Aid website significantly overhauled the
processes and systems used to award federal student aid. These changes begin with the
2024-25 award year.
Completing the FAFSA is also a requirement of the new Next NC scholarship program
which provides funding that students do not need to repay. According to the College
Foundation of North Carolina website, Next NC “is a financial aid program that helps most
North Carolinians from households making $80,000 or less pursue higher education by
fully covering tuition and fees at any community college.”
Those who wish to attend FAFSA Day at Blue Ridge Community College or another North
Carolina site can register at www.cfnc.org/pay-for-college/fafsa-day/.
For questions, Blue Ridge’s Financial Aid office can be contacted at
[email protected].
###
About Blue Ridge Community College Blue Ridge Community College is a two-year, post-secondary institution that elevates the
educational experience to prepare students for 21st-century success in the workplace or
at four-year colleges and universities. Providing real-life, affordable, and accessible
education, the College offers more than 200 degrees, diplomas, and certificates; more
than 200 online courses; and fast-tracked job training

Please join us for an open house on the 2024 Affordable Housing Plan! This open house will feature 6 informational workstations where community members will have the opportunity to provide input on affordable housing priorities from subsidized rentals (rental assistance) to neighborhood stabilization. All members of the public in all housing types, whether renter, homeowner, or other are invited; we want your feedback. This input will shape the recommendation of the plan and guide staff for the next 5-10 years.

Buncombe Democrats’ new chapter of the NCDP Jewish Caucus has organized this forum to help voters make an informed decision when voting for the Buncombe County Clerk of Superior Court. Candidates Jean Marie Christy and Johanna Finkelstein will share their experience and respond to questions submitted by local Democrats.

If you would like to submit a question that may be asked by the moderator, click here: https://forms.gle/513V3AbfLLFkfwgM6.

Buncombe Democrats’ new chapter of the NCDP Jewish Caucus has organized this forum to help voters make an informed decision when voting for the Buncombe County Clerk of Superior Court. Candidates Jean Marie Christy and Johanna Finkelstein will share their experience and respond to questions submitted by local Democrats.

If you would like to submit a question that may be asked by the moderator, click here: https://forms.gle/513V3AbfLLFkfwgM6.

Beginning in January 2024, ASAP (Appalachian
Sustainable Agriculture Project) will partner with Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture and MountainWise
to expand Double SNAP for Fruits and Vegetables programs to more farmers markets, farmstands,
and groceries in Western North Carolina. This group has established the WNC Double SNAP Network
in order to bring together existing programs and expand to new sites, making SNAP incentives more
accessible throughout the region.
SNAP programs that center local food and farms can significantly improve individual and community
health. They make fresh fruits and vegetables more accessible, keep food dollars in the local
economy, and connect participants with positive food and social environments in their communities.
“ASAP, Mountainwise, and Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture currently operate successful SNAP
incentive programs at 26 sites, which connect participants with fresh food and farms in their
communities,” said Mike McCreary, ASAP’s Farmers Market Program Manager. “By combining efforts
and resources, we’ll not only be able to deepen the impact of our existing programs, but also create
adaptive programs that meet the needs of communities that don’t currently have access.”

The first phase of the project focuses on strengthening existing programs across sites operating
January through March, including:

● Asheville City Winter Market, 52 N. Market St., Saturdays, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
● Winter King Street Market, 252 Poplar Grove Rd., Saturdays, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
● Columbus Winter Market, 35 Locust St., 1st and 3rd Saturdays, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
● High Country Food Hub, 252 Poplar Grove Rd., Boone, online ordering with Wednesday pick-up,
12–6:30 p.m.
● Jackson County Winter Farmers Market, 110 Railroad Ave., Sylva, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
● Jarrett Brothers IGA, 191 Main St., Rosman, daily, 7 a.m.–9 p.m.
● North Asheville Tailgate Market, 275 Edgewood Rd., Saturdays, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
● River Arts District Farmers Market, 350 Riverside Dr., Asheville, 3–5:30 p.m.
● Rutherford County Winter Farmers Market, 146 North Main St., Rutherfordton, 1st and 3rd
Saturdays, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
● Saluda Winter Market, 64 Greenville St., 2nd and 4th Saturdays, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
● Transylvania Farmers Market, 200 E. Main St., Brevard, Saturdays, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
● Weaverville Tailgate Market, 60 Lakeshore Dr., Saturdays, 3–6 p.m

Once the Times Square ball drops, ringing in 2024, be ready for a fast-paced 2024 election year. If you want to accomplish your goals, engage your volunteers, and get voters to the polls in November, create a well-organized plan of action now. Start now to plan, design, and map your 2024 year.

Led by Steve Kallan, this workshop leads you through Map Your Year, a step-by-step approach to plan the year ahead. To receive the greatest benefit from this 1.5-hr. workshop, all three officers and key volunteers from your precinct should plan to attend. By the end of this workshop, your precinct team will leave with goals, strategies and actions to make 2024 a successful year.

Who should attend: All precinct officers and key volunteers

Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM

Nonpartisan Voter Outreach Canvass-January 27, 2024-11:30 am -1:30 pm.

WNC Votes, a nonpartisan voter outreach coalition, will hold its first canvass of the 2024 election season on Saturday, January 27 from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. Join us and help get out the vote for the March 5 primary—and make a real difference! Nonpartisan door-to-door canvassing is one of the most effective ways to increase voting and engagement among sporadic voters.

No experience needed! We go out in pairs, and each canvass provides training, all materials, and support throughout.

Registration required—exact location provided upon registration.
Register: https://bit.ly/canvass-jan27

WNC Votes includes committed individuals and local nonprofits: YWCA of Asheville, Poor People’s Campaign NC – Western Region, Just Economics WNC, Asheville Food and Beverage United, and Indivisible AVL.

Please join us for an open house on the 2024 Affordable Housing Plan! This open house will feature 6 informational workstations where community members will have the opportunity to provide input on affordable housing priorities from subsidized rentals (rental assistance) to neighborhood stabilization. All members of the public in all housing types, whether renter, homeowner, or other are invited; we want your feedback. This input will shape the recommendation of the plan and guide staff for the next 5-10 years.

Near Barnes and Noble

Martin Luther King Jr. (January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968) was a simple Baptist minister from Atlanta, GA who rose to be one of the most prominent leaders of the civil rights movement until his assassination in 1968. King advanced civil rights for people of color in the United States through the use of nonviolent resistance and nonviolent civil disobedience against Jim Crow laws and other forms of discrimination.

He was one of the leaders of the 1963 March on Washington, where he delivered his now infamous “I Have a Dream” speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.

Please plan to join us for this commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr.

Buncombe County’s residents, especially those living in and at the edge of poverty, have been able to access valuable, life-saving emergency assistance benefits through Eblen Charities. For many years now, Eblen Charities has partnered with Buncombe County Health and Human Services (BCHHS) to administer the Emergency Assistance, Crisis Intervention, and Low Income Energy Assistance programs. Due to an increase in need from our neighbors and challenges with processing benefits between state and partner agency systems, BCHHS transitioned the administration of these programs from Eblen Charities to the County on November 13, 2023.

We recognize that this a change for our community as Eblen Charities has provided this assistance for many years and has been a vital resource for our neighbors in crisis. BCHHS began answering calls and processing online applications on November 13, 2023. Beginning December 1, 2023, with the start of Low Income Energy Assistance application processing, BCHHS will start taking in-person requests at 40 Coxe Ave. in downtown Asheville.

Low Income Energy Assistance provides a one-time annual vendor payment to help eligible families pay their heating expense. Households containing a person age 60 or older or disabled receiving services can apply starting December 1, 2023. All households can apply starting January 1, 2024. Low Income Energy Assistance applications are accepted until March 31, 2024 or until funds are exhausted.

To qualify for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program, households that meet the following criteria may be eligible:

• Have at least one U.S. citizen or non-citizen who meets the eligibility criteria.
• Meet income requirements.
• Be responsible for its heating costs.

The Crisis Intervention Program serves individuals and families who are experiencing or are in danger of experiencing a heating- or cooling-related crisis.

To qualify for the Crisis Intervention Program, households that meet the following criteria may be eligible:

• Have at least one U.S. citizen or non-citizen who meets the eligibility criteria.
• Meet the income requirements.
• Have an energy related crisis.
• Have a utility statement that shows how much is owed to alleviate the crisis.

For those who have previously received Low Income Energy Assistance Program assistance, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will begin notifying eligible households by mail beginning November 19, 2023. Households will have 10 days to report any changes to their household. Applicants can report changes by contacting the BCHHS office or by making changes to the form that was mailed to you and return it to BCHHS, located at 40 Coxe Ave. in Downtown Asheville. If no changes are reported, the information from last year will be used to process this year’s automated Low Income Energy Assistance payment.

If you are interested in applying for these Energy Assistance benefits, you can quickly apply online at www.epass.nc.gov. If you would like to apply over the phone, have general questions about energy assistance, or need to check on the status of your case, please call us at (828) 250-6330. Beginning December 1, 2023, you may also visit us in person at 40 Coxe Ave. in downtown Asheville. Please bring your parking ticket with you inside of the building for free parking.

Buncombe County also will administer Emergency Assistance, which Buncombe County Social Work Services distributes as funds become available to our community. To apply for Emergency Assistance, go online to epass.nc.gov, call Buncombe County at 828-250-6330, or apply in person at 40 Coxe Ave.

BCHHS will continue to partner with Eblen Charities to assist families and individuals in our community during times of crisis and hardship. For more information on the services that are available in our community, visit www.buncombecounty.org/hhs.

Food Scraps Drop Off

The City of Asheville, in partnership with Buncombe County and the Natural Resources Defense Council, is offering a FREE Food Scrap Drop-Off program in

two locations for all Buncombe County residents.  This organic matter will be collected and turned into good clean compost, keeping it OUT of our landfill and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Register for Food Scraps Drop Off

Need a handy kitchen countertop food scrap bin?  Let us know on the registration form! We’ll be having bin giveaways at city and county facilities and would love to give you one.

Locations

Stephens-Lee Recreation Center “Food Scrap Shed” next to the Community Garden on the North side of the parking lot

30 Washington Carver Avenue, Asheville

• • Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Saturday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Sunday, 12 – 4 p.m.

Murphy Oakley Community Center and Library – “Food Scrap Bin Shelters” on the east side of the parking lot

749 Fairview Road, Asheville

• • Dawn – Dusk

West Asheville Library – “Food Scrap Bin Shelters” on the south side of the building

942 Haywood Road, Asheville

Library open hours

Buncombe County Landfill – Convenience Center85 Panther Branch Road, Alexander

• • • • Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
      • Saturday, 8 a.m. – 12:30 pm