Latest Coronavirus Community Updates
Watch the daily briefings from Buncombe County Public Health on the Coronavirus and preparedness efforts in Buncombe County.
Archived Daily Briefings: Updated on March 21, 2:43 p.m.
Calendar of Events
Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.
Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.
Wednesday, March
25, 2020
Beer Dinner Hemmingway’s Cuba
Farm Beginnings Year Long Farmer Training
“Faith, Power, and Privilege” – Talk by Yavilah McCoy, Leader for Equity and Inclusion of Jewish People of Color
The Quarantine Concert Series – Streaming from The Orange Peel
Three Tall Women
Well
Looking to launch or expand your farming business?
Join this 200+ hour Farm Beginnings® Farmer Training Program!
www.organicgrowersschool.org/farm-beginnings
Many skills are required to start a successful farm: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more. The Farm Beginnings® class is a 12-month training session that helps beginning farmers clarify their goals and strengths, establish a strong enterprise plan and start building their operation. The course uses a mix of farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, and an extensive farmer network. Farm Beginnings® is designed for new and prospective farmers who want to plan a profitable farm business. Students do not need to currently own land, but some farming or production experience is helpful to get the most out of the class.
2019-2020 Farm Beginnings® Farmer Training is 200+ Hours including:
— Winter Whole-Farm Business Planning Courses – 60 hours (October – March)**
— ASAP’s Business of Farming Conference (February) – 8 hours
— OGS Conferences – 40+ hours
— Mentorship with an experienced Farmer Mentor (March – September) – 15 hours
— Production Training – 45 hours (April – October): WNC CRAFT tours on sustainable farms around WNC & Field Days at the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy Incubator Farm and Living Web Farms
— One year WNC CRAFT Farmer Network membership – Membership and mentoring in a regional farmer network
**Location of Winter Sessions: Creekside Farm and Education Center at Walnut Cove at 339 Avery Creek Rd, Arden, NC 28704
https://www.facebook.com/events/624408214665085/?event_time_id=624408234665083
Yavilah McCoy, who founded Ayecha, an organization dedicated to Jewish people of color, and who continues work on equity and inclusion as CEO of Dimensions Educational Consulting, will present a talk, “Faith, Power, and Privilege,” at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25, in UNC Asheville’s Highsmith Student Union, Blue Ridge Room. This event, sponsored by the University’s Center for Jewish Studies, and Department of Religious Studies, along with Carolina Jews for Justice, is free and open to everyone.
A teacher, writer, editor and diversity consultant, McCoy was born and raised in an orthodox Jewish home in Brooklyn, N.Y. Her grandparents converted to Judaism, and she continues the traditions handed to her over three generations as part of her African American Jewish family. In her talk, McCoy will discuss the practice of holding multiple identities within efforts to build greater equity and justice in the changing political and social climate of 2020. She will address the challenges of diversity and inclusion in religious communities, as well as opportunities that these communities can engage toward becoming deeper allies and stronger advocates in working together toward social justice.
McCoy is a certified trainer for the Anti-Defamation League’s World of Difference Institute, the National Conference for Community and Justice, and the National Coalition Building Institute, and a certified coach for the Auburn Theological Seminary Pastoral Training Program. She also co-authored and performed The Colors of Water, a 2009 theater piece sharing the history of the generations of her family.
McCoy was a leader of the Jewish delegation to the 2017 Women’s March, and two years later, was placed in the spotlight as one of three Jewish leaders added to the Women’s March steering committee after accusations of anti-Semitism had been lodged against march organizers.
“People will need to recover their deepest sense of their humanity in relationships,” she told Jewish Boston about her work in the Women’s March leadership. “All of my work is based in relationship-building. And the first thing I ask people to do is to agree to be proximate to one another.”
She also told Jewish Boston that she takes a similar approach in addressing racism and sexism she has encountered in the Jewish community. “In contrast to demanding that our leaders be denounced for the racism and sexism they have exhibited, I and many other Jewish activists that I respect have figured out strategies to engage in ‘teachable moments’ where leaders can listen, learn and change their behavior in accountability to the people and communities they have been empowered to serve,” said McCoy.
The Quarantine Concert Series – Streaming from The Orange Peel
& PULP
Iamavl and The Orange Peel are partnering to create a free live concert streaming series for Asheville and the world to enjoy!
Full schedule below!
Tune in at 7:00 pm EST to watch these amazing performances on the Iamavl Facebook Live Stream, on their website at www.iamavl.com or on their YouTube Channel.
Also please don’t forget to donate to/tip the band at: https://iamavl.com/musician-relief-fund/ !
Sit back, relax from the comfort of home and enjoy The Quarantine Concert Series on Iamavl where we bring the music to YOU!
SCHEDULE:
3/19 – Russ Wilson and his King’s of Jazz – 7:00 pm
3/20 – Travers Brothership – 7:00 pm
3/21 – Screaming Js – 7:00 pm
3/22 – Andrew Scotchie (of Andrew Scotchie & the River Rats) – 7:00 pm
3/23 – Bill Altman – 7:00 pm
3/24 – Asheville Music Hall presents The Tuesday Night Funk Jam – 7:00 pm
3/25 – The Moon and You – 7:00 pm
3/26 – The Connor Law Duo – 7:00 pm
3/27 – Asheville Circus – 7:00 pm
3/28 – Jeff Sipe and Friends – 7:00 pm
3/29 – Richard Shulman, Composer of New Age, Jazz, and Classical Music – The Richard Shulman Trio – 7:00 pm
3/30 – Lo Wolf – 7:00 pm
3/31 – Bardic Academy – 7:00 pm
4/1 – Hustle Souls – 7:00 pm
4/2 – Darby Wilcox – 7:00 pm
4/3 – Vaden Landers – 7:00 pm
4/4 – PYLETRIBE – 7:00 pm
4/5 – Pleasures of the Ultraviolent – 7:00 pm
4/6 – Lotion – 7:00 pm
4/7 – Sparrow Pants (of The Resonant Rogues) – 7:00 pm
4/8 – Dr. Bacon – 7:00 pm
4/9 – Anthony Wayne Vibe – 7:00 pm
4/10 – Ambiguous Roots – 7:00 pm
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Three Tall Women April 16 -26th Friday thru Sunday Three Tall Women, by Pulitzer Prize winner, Edward Albee, follows the lives and memories of three women, who have more in common then we know. The storyline explores a startling and provocative life review, bristling with unresolved guilt.“Powerful!” “Brilliant!” |
Well is a funny and touching comedy about mothers and daughters, mind over body, social activism and theatre itself. Lisa, the onstage playwright, attempts a memory play about her force-of-nature mother, Ann, who though constantly ill manages to heal a community. The playwright asks the provocative question: “Do we create our own illness?” The answers she gets are much more complicated than she bargained for as the play spins dangerously out of control into riotously funny and unexpected territory.
“deceptively deep and clever as ever.” – Curtain Up
Discretionary Warning: Adult themes and language
Thursday, March
26, 2020
30th Annual Conference and Trade Show Carolina Recycling Association POSTPONED
Asheville Area Arts Council Arts Impact Surveys
Asheville Art Museum Collections On-line
Asheville Development Services Department – Inspection safety instructions and online permitting
Asheville Development Services Department Continue business: DOORS CLOSED
Asheville Grown Business Alliance Covid-19 Community Resources
Asheville restaurants where you can feed your child for free while school is out
Biltmore Estate CLOSED
Blood Donations Where Lifesaving Starts
Blue Ridge Parkway, Great Smokies, state parks, forest: FACILITIES CLOSED
British Museum Virtual Tour Museum of the World
Buncombe County Coronavirus (COVID-19) Daily Update
Buncombe County: CLOSED all PARKS, LIBRARIES
Buncombe County: COVID-19 Resources for Community Employers
Buncombe County: COVID-19 Resources for Community Members
As we continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, we know that many people in Buncombe County are in need of assistance. The following list has updated information on public assistance, community resources, new unemployment information, and other resources that might be beneficial to you.
Buncombe County: COVID-19 Update on Jury Duty
Detention Facility Lobby Closed to Public
March 20, 2020 Updated information for Identification Bureau
The CRA Board and Staff have been closely monitoring the coronavirus situation along with the concerns of our members and attendees. The Board met this morning and agreed that postponing the conference is best. CRA is working diligently to finalize the details for the rescheduled conference, tentatively scheduled for August 4-7. We will send out updated details as soon as possible and ask for your patience as we work through this process.
Please read the information below for important information about hotel reservations and registration. The CRA website will have the most updated information, please check www.cra-recycle.org for updates.
Please direct any questions and inquiries to [email protected] or call us at 877.972.0007
More than 500 representatives of recycling companies, local governments, state and federal agencies, universities and colleges, state recycling organizations and other non-profits will gather in Raleigh, NC – the vibrant capital of North Carolina – at the Raleigh Convention Center from March 23-26, 2020 to network, learn, plan, and influence issues affecting recycling in both states and beyond.
Asheville Area Arts Relief Fund Survey
We are looking into starting an arts relief fund, but donations are hard to come by right now. Please complete this very short survey to help us determine how we can work together to support our local arts community during this pandemic.
Take the Survey
Americans for the Arts Economic Impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on the Arts and Cultural Sector Survey
This survey is designed to collect information about the financial and human impacts that the spread of the coronavirus has had on arts and cultural organizations. The survey also collects basic information about the participating organizations so that the data can be parsed by specific geographic regions, artistic disciplines, and budget categories.
Take the Survey
- Important inspection safety update: Click here to review our modified operations policy for inspections.
- Online permitting is easy! You can now apply for any type of permit online through the Development Portal, as well as submit revisions and amendments, check permit status, pick up plan review comments and approved permits and schedule inspections. Use the “All other permit types” button on the Development Portal!
Finally, a few reminders:
- DSD’s physical location is closed to the public. There are bins to drop off and pick up paper plans and permits if absolutely necessary. Permits submitted using the Development Portal will be prioritized for processing and routed for staff review more quickly.
- Customers may call and email staff as usual. Our main number is 828-259-5846. Please have patience with us, as there may be a higher-than-normal call volume. Additional contact information is available on this page.
- Staff remain available for pre-construction and early assistance meetings by remote video conference. Use the buttons on the Development Portal to sign up.
- Please check the DSD home page often for updates! https://www.ashevillenc.gov/department/development-services
- First, the Department’s physical location at 161 S. Charlotte Street will be closed to the public indefinitely starting Tuesday, March 17.
- All inspections will take place as scheduled, but with social distancing precautions.
- Customers are encouraged to submit permit applications or other requests electronically using the Development Portal. We will make other online options available very soon.
- Customers may drop off paper plans when necessary at the building. A drop-off box will be made available at the north entrance of the building.
- You may call and email staff as usual. Our main number is 828-259-5846. Additional contact information is available on this page. Please have patience with us, as there may be a higher-than-normal call volume.
- Please check our home page often for updates!
https://ashevillegrown.com/covid-19?utm_source=Farm+General+Interest&utm_campaign=ad50dba514-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_25_12_35&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_c6a6d890c6-ad50dba514-34117913
We are all in this together! Asheville Grown has put together a fantastic list of resources to assist the public with issues arising from the COVID-19 outbreak. From filing for unemployment to volunteering at Manna Food Bank, this list is helpful to anyone who is in need of support, or who has extra time, energy and resources to support others.
Supporting local businesses and workers is one thing each of us can do right now. We’ve set up this page with resources, key information, creative initiatives and contacts.
Old Europe downtown will offer a free breakfast pastry and juice to any school-aged child from 7 a.m.-noon.
The door will be open for walk-in or call for curbside pickup, said an employee at the store.
“We hope this can help our community and reduce any struggles of replacing a school meal,” said the owners on Facebook. 13 Broadway St., 828-255-5999.
White Duck Taco Shop: One free regular priced taco for school-age children per day, Monday-Friday for lunch or dinner.
Baked Pie Company: Brown bag lunches will be available for school-age children, Tuesday-Saturday. Available at the Arden location, 4 Long Shoals Road from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Call ahead for curbside pickup: 828-333-4366.
Biscuit Head Biltmore: This popular biscuit shop has shifted to take-out only at its Biltmore location, with the request that customers call in orders. The West and South Asheville locations are now closed. Call 828-505-3449. Pick up at 417 Biltmore Ave., suite 4F.
ConoSur: This Mills River restaurant will serve one free burger and fries to kids while schools are closed. Children have to be present. This restaurant has shifted to takeout only. 4195 Haywood Road, Mills River. www.conosurasheville.com. 828-513-1731.
Strada Italiano: Now through the end of March, this restaurant will offer a free slice of cheese or pepperoni pizza to grade-school students during weekday lunch.
The offer is available for curbside service only. The restaurant opens at noon. Call 828-348-8448 to order. 27 Broadway St.
Copper River Grill: Through April 3, this restaurant offers a complimentary lunch for school-aged children from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Order anything from the kids’ menu, no purchase necessary. 1302 Hendersonville Road. Call ahead: 828-210-8999.
Sand Hill Kitchen: Call 828-633-6868 to request a free bagged lunch. Lunches include peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, an apple, house-fried chips and pickles. Pick up in the drive thru at 491 Sardis Road.
Pescado’s Burritos: This Brevard restaurant offers free tacos for kids in need while schools are closed.
“If you or someone you know has children who may go hungry without a meal please come by and grab a taco, with chips and salsa,” they posted on social media. “No questions asked.”
The restaurant is asking diners to “pay it forward by and donating what you can spare. We can’t do this ourselves, the whole community needs to come together during this time of need.” 265 N Broad St., Brevard 828-884-5559.
COVID-19: Health and Safety Changes
Buncombe County is Currently Under a “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Order
In accordance with this order, Biltmore will temporarily close all guest experiences, including both of our hotel properties and access to our gardens and grounds, effective Thursday, March 26, 2020 at 5 p.m. Re-opening to be announced at a later date.
Rest assured we will continue to monitor updates from the CDC, NC Department of Health and Human Services, and Buncombe County Health and Human Services and evaluate how to best move forward in the days ahead. Please continue to consult this page for updates.
The health and safety of our guests and employees is our collective focus right now, and we look forward to welcoming you to the estate when we reopen.
VISIT WEB SITE FOR REFUND INFORMATION: https://www.biltmore.com/coronavirus-covid-19-update/
It is very important for donors to continue donating in the weeks and months ahead in order to maintain an adequate local blood supply. If you are feeling healthy and well, please make an appointment before donating so we can maintain the proper social distancing. The safety of our donors and staff is our top priority!
According to experts, outdoors might not be much safer as far as this fast-moving virus is concerned. Maintaining a distance of at least 6 feet from others, no matter indoors or outdoors, is the recommended practice during this pandemic.
the Blue Ridge Parkway closed its year-round Visitor Center in Asheville, at Milepost 384 near the U.S. 74A entrance, out of safety concerns for staff, volunteers and visitors.
“Other year-round facilities on the parkway managed by local partners will remain open at this time,” according to a statement from the National Park Service. “These sites include the Folk Art Center at Milepost 382 and the Museum of NC Minerals at Milepost 331.”
The parkway motor road and all accessible trails will also remain open where not otherwise closed due to weather. Decisions regarding planned seasonal, spring openings, such as park campgrounds and visitor centers, will be made at a later date.
Similarly, Great Smoky Mountains National Park announced March 17 that Sugarlands, Oconaluftee, and Cades Cove visitor centers are closed until further notice for public safety.
Seasonally open park campgrounds, picnic areas, roads, trails and restroom facilities located adjacent to visitor centers remain open and accessible to the public.
Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site temporarily closed the Sandburg Home and Barn on March 17. This includes Sandburg Home tours, the park store, access to the goats and farm animals, all special events, all volunteer shifts, and in-park and off-site programs. Park grounds, except for the barn area, trails, and restrooms will remain open.
https://britishmuseum.withgoogle.com/
THE MUSEUM OF THE WORLD interactive
Buncombe County Coronavirus (COVID-19) Daily Update
All nonessential, public-facing functions are closed. Essential operations — including emergency services, Public Health and Health and Human Services mandated services, sheriff’s office, permitting, solid waste, and Transportation — will continue.
“Since this is a rapidly evolving situation, we will reevaluate these changes as more information becomes available and provide more detailed information at buncombecounty.org,” said Day.
Until further notice, Buncombe is taking the following measures until further notice:
- Some nonessential employees will temporarily telecommute and/or be in emergency on-call status.
- For essential employees unable to work remotely, increasing physical working space between employees and modifying operations are among the options being evaluated.
- Public access to county facilities that house nonessential functions will be restricted or closed.
- All public libraries will be closed.
- All County parks will be closed.
- Permitting Office will be closed, but permitting remains available.
The county also offers the following online resources:
- Apply for Pistol Purchase Permit: https://buncombeso.permitium.com/
- Pay Property Tax: https://www.billpayit.com/buncombeconctax
- Request Birth, Death, Marriage Certificate: https://payonline.buncombecounty.org/RoD/Default.aspx
- Records: https://www.buncombecounty.org/Governing/Depts/register-of-deeds/recording/default.aspx
- Building Permits, Planning, Septic, Well, Water Testing Portal (account registration required, only “simple” permits can be applied for online): https://onlinepermits.buncombecounty.org/CitizenAccess/Default.aspx
North Carolina Business Relief Resources
For all general questions, call Business Link North Carolina (BLNC) at 800.228.8443. BLNC staff are available Monday through Friday, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm. BLNC staff will connect your business to the appropriate organization for assistance. All inquiries will receive a response from a confidential business counselor within three (3) business days. “Se Habla Español.”
Is your business experiencing supply chain disruptions due to the impact of COVID-19?
Find the Manufacturer or Supplier your business needs at ManufacturedNC:
- This database of suppliers contains every kind of thing produced in NC. Whether you’re a manufacturer who wants to localize your supply chain or a business searching for packaging suppliers, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for here.
- If you are a N.C. manufacturer, please register your business with ManufacturedNC here. Other businesses may be looking for you!
Looking for funding resources that can provide low interest lending options?
North Carolina is home to a variety of non-profit lenders that can provide access to the capital your business needs. Each of these organizations is a Certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). These include (in alpha order):
Carolina Community Impact, Inc.
919.861.5321
Carolina Community Impact, Inc. provides access to credit building and asset building techniques and services through financial education and small-dollar consumer loans.
Carolina Small Business Development Fund
(formerly known as The Support Center)
919.803.1437
Founded in 1990 to promote economic opportunity for all, the Carolina Small Business Development Fund is passionate about supporting small businesses. Because those who go into business for themselves should
never be left by themselves. Offices are located across the state.
N.C. Community Development Initiative
919.828.5655
Initiative Capital, the N.C. Community Development Initiative’s lending arm, provides strategic lending and investment for community economic developers and businesses that create jobs, promote economic growth
and facilitate the development of affordable housing and community revitalization, particularly in low-resource areas of the state.
Self-Help Credit Union
Lending Office: 800.476.7428
Business Loan Webform
Self-Help’s mission is to create and protect ownership and economic opportunity for all. They do this by providing responsible financial services; lending to individuals, small businesses and nonprofits; developing real estate; and promoting fair financial practices. Branch locations are in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.
Thread Capital
919.212.4950
[email protected]
Launched in June 2018 by the N.C. Rural Center, Thread Capital gives N.C.’s small businesses and entrepreneurs access to the resources they need to thrive. Thread Capital provides small business loans up
to $50,000 to traditionally underserved entrepreneurs in North Carolina. Thread Capital also provides disaster recovery loans up to $250,000. Rapid Recovery loans provide immediate cash to businesses to keep
their doors open in the aftermath of a natural disaster. Resilient Recovery loans are designed to help small businesses be better prepared for future disasters.
Do you need business counseling services, including layoff aversion strategies?
Business Edge Services
919.814.0400 or Toll Free: 800.562.6333 (Choose Option 2 – Business Services)
[email protected]
Business Edge is a series of layoff aversion strategies and activities designed to help North Carolina employers prevent or minimize job losses. Through Business Edge, workforce partners collaborate with
business leaders to assess the needs of, and options for, “at-risk” firms, and to deliver services that address those needs.
Small Business and Technology Development Center
919.715.7272 or Toll-Free: 800.258.0862
The Small Business and Technology Development Center provides management counseling and educational services to small and mid-sized businesses, including those in distress. Most of the SBTDC’s services are free of charge, and all are confidential. Offices are located across the state.
Small Business Center Network
Find your local office at a community college.
The Small Business Center Network is here to assist you and your business with resources and assistance related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The SBCN works in partnership with Federal, State and Local organizations to provide the information and strategies to help your business move forward. Offices are across the state in your local community colleges.
Do you need to file an Unemployment Insurance claim?
N.C. Division of Employment Security
888.737.0259
If you have lost your job or been laid off, file an Unemployment Insurance (UI) claim. If you are not eligible for UI benefits, the business owner and/or employee may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). DUA is a federal program that provides temporary payments to people in a federally declared disaster area whose employment has been lost or interrupted as a direct result of the disaster. Business owners that are self-employed, farmers, or commercial fishermen, who are unemployed as a direct result of the disaster may be eligible.
Looking for other helpful government resources?
N.C. Dept. of Health and Human Services: COVID-19 Recommendations for Businesses and Employers
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers
U.S. Small Business Administration: Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources (Please note: North Carolina has not received a federal disaster designation yet.)
We will continue to update this list as additional resources become available.
This list was updated March 19, 9:05 a.m.
Community Resources in Buncombe County for Helping with Financial Needs
As our community is working to address the needs of those impacted by COVID-19, please know that what is available to help may change.
You can also call 211 anytime to have someone help you find the resources you need.
Buncombe County Economic Services/Public Assistance: Provides low-income individuals and families with the following assistance to support their self-sufficiency through economic supports for families.
Medicaid for Adults: Medicaid is a health insurance program for those whose income is below the amounts set by the federal and state government.
- Medicaid for Age 65+, Blind and Disabled: If you are over 65, blind or disabled, the income limit to receive Medicaid is equal to 100% of the poverty level. There is a limit on resources.
- Long Term Care: Medicaid pays for medically necessary nursing home care for patients in skilled or intermediate care nursing homes or in intermediate care facilities for people with developmental disabilities.
- Medicare-Aid: Individuals who have Medicare coverage may be eligible to have their Medicare premiums paid by Medicaid if their income is between 100% and 135% of the poverty level.
Special Assistance: An assistance payment to eligible individuals who reside in licensed domiciliary homes, rest homes or family care homes. Medical assistance (Medicaid) is also provided to help pay medical bills.
Emergency Assistance: Emergency funds as they become available for families in short-term financial crisis due to unusual circumstances.
General Assistance: A program to help resolve a crisis when other resources are unavailable. The program is often used to pay for medication, utility and rent assistance, or training associated with other DHHS programs.
Crisis Intervention Program (CIP): Provides assistance to low-income households that are in a heating or cooling related emergency and have an income that is below 150% of poverty level.
Energy Assistance: Programs are available that may help you pay your heating bills.
Families and Children:
- Child Care Subsidy: Subsidized child care is a program funded through State and Federal dollars to assist parents with the cost of child care. Families receiving financial assistance may choose the child care program that best meets their needs.
- Child Support: Child support services agents by contract with Buncombe Child Support Services Agency to help locate absent parents and assist in establishing paternity and getting child support payments ordered by the courts.
- Medicaid Programs for Families and Children: Medicaid is an insurance program for certain low-income individuals and families who cannot afford healthcare cost. Family Medicaid programs can provide assistance to children 18 and under, parents or other caretakers/relatives with children ages 18, pregnant women, and young adults ages 19-21.
Food and Nutrition Program (Food Stamps): Federal program that provides a monthly allotment of Food Stamp benefits issued via Electronic Benefit Transfer cards (ATM cards).
Skills Training and Employment Program: If you are a Food and Nutrition Services recipient in Buncombe County and under the age of 60, the STEP program can help you find a job, get a better job, obtain skills training, or earn a GED at no cost to you.
Work First: Work First Employment Services assists with training, work experience, and supportive casework services.
NC Works Career Center: Assistance in managing unemployment insurance claims. Individuals who are seeking jobs and need assistance can call, the Career Center at (828) 251-6200.
NC Department of Employment Security: NC DES provides support for both employers as well as individuals needing unemployment insurance support. For more information, click here.
Employer Call Center (attached document with this contact information): Contact the DES Employer Call Center with any questions or concern by calling 866-278-3822 or click here.
Unemployment Insurance: To apply, call 888-737-0259 or click here.
Community Resources
ABCCM: Utility Assistance, Rent Assistance
828-259-5300; abccm.org
Eblen Charities: Utility Assistance, Rent Assistance
828-255-3066; eblencharities.org
Salvation Army of Buncombe County: Utility Assistance, Rent Assistance
828-253-4723; salvationarmycarolinas.org/commands/asheville
OnTrack WNC: Financial Counseling
828-255-5166; ontrackwnc.org
Self-Help Credit Union: Small Business Lending
828-676-2196; self-help.org
The Following Utilities and Services will not disconnect their services due to nonpayment while our community responds to COVID-19.
No action is needed by customers to make sure services are not cut off.
Utilities
- City of Asheville – Water and Trash Collection
- Duke Energy/Progress Energy
- PSNC/Dominion Energy
Phone and Internet Service – No late fees at this time as well
- AT&T
- Charter – Also offering unlimited data for 60 days for those with data plans
- Sprint – Also offering unlimited data for 60 days for those with data plans
- T-Mobile – Also offering unlimited data for 60 days for those with data plans. Free international calls to level-3 impacted countries
- Verizon – Also offering unlimited data for 60 days for those with data plans
Not finding what you need or have an additional need? Call NC 211 24/7/365
COVID-19 Update on Jury Duty
From the Clerk of Superior Court:
In compliance with orders from North Carolina Chief Justice Beasley, all North Carolina District and Superior courts are suspended through April 17.
If the service date on your jury summons is between March 16 and April 17, you are automatically excused under Judicial Branch orders. If the service date on your jury summons is April 20 or later, follow the reporting instructions on your jury summons, and continue to monitor local news and our website at buncombecounty.org.
Jury Excuses will not be heard on Friday, March 20. Medical, age, non-resident, and other excusal instructions can be found on your summons. Should you need further assistance with your jury summons, please call 259-3400, option 2, or email [email protected].
While the Buncombe County courthouse remains open to the public, you are strongly advised to avoid visiting the courthouse. Please exercise every health precaution for yourself and your family as we continue to ensure the health and safety of the public and our judicial community. Thank you.
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Farm Burger South Asheville
10% of dinner sales will be donated to Asheville GreenWorks – come enjoy a tasty burger!
March 20, 2020 Updated information for Identification Bureau
From the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office:
Effective Sunday, March 15, the Buncombe County Detention Center lobby will be closed to the public amid the growing concerns of COVID-19, and only essential Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office and Detention staff will be allowed to enter the Detention Facility. The Magistrates’ Office lobby and City County Identification Bureau will still be open to the public.
We do not have any cases of COVID-19 in our facility, and this temporary restriction has been made in order to help keep our vulnerable inmate population safe. If you have a family member in custody, we want you to know that the Detention Center Command Staff has and will take every precaution to ensure the safety and well being of those in our custody.
For the past two weeks, our Detention Facility has been taking proactive measures to care for our inmates by screening detainee arrivals for the last 2 weeks. Soap and oral hygiene products are provided at no cost to any detainee. Disinfectant sprays, wipes and various other items are on site and available to keep staff, detainees and staff as safe as possible.
We are encouraging any Detention Officers or staff that may feel sick or have symptoms to stay home. We have contingency plans for staffing or isolation for detainees should that become necessary.
Thankfully during this time of social distancing, we don’t need to distance from the garden or farm. Here are some resources to help:
- Gardening Basics
- Ask Ruth Gardening Blog Series
- Ask Tom Farming Blog Series
- Participate in our Online Spring Gardening Series Workshop
- More Resources for Growers & Consumers during Covid 19
Visit Our Covid 19 Resource Page
As we are all aware, the recommendations and mandates concerning the efforts to control the spread of the COVID-19 are being updated at a rapid pace. At this time the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce has made the decision to cancel all events, networking opportunities and Leads Groups meetings through March 31st.
We will continue to review our events for in accordance with the state and federal recommendations and notify the membership on additional updates.
For information and recommendations on COVID-19, please use these resources to stay informed:
Participating restaurants offer a variety of special Prix Fixe Menus for lunch, dinner or both. Check the Henderson County Restaurant Week website for participating restaurants and their menus.
A Few Farm Store Updates…
- Moving forward, our hours will be Wednesday – Sunday, 1pm – 4pm.
- We will be accepting orders via online only. https://www.hickorynutgap.com/product-category/home-delivery/?utm_source=Farm+General+Interest&utm_campaign=ad50dba514-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_25_12_35&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_c6a6d890c6-ad50dba514-34117913 We will not be accepting orders over the phone.
- Orders placed after 7am will be available for pickup the following business day.
- We are shipping orders and also offering drive-through pickup from the Farm Store.
- The deli and kitchen will be closed until further notice.
Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic every Wednesday 9:(ish)pm at The One Stop at Asheville Music Hall.
Fun and free show of hit-or-miss comedy where comics stop by to work on their material or try out new stuff. Anyone wanting to perform needs to sign up by 9pm, and will get five minutes on stage. The order of sign-up is not necessarily the order of the show.
https://www.facebook.com/events/3174166542609086/?event_time_id=3174166702609070