Recovery Efforts Continue Months After Helene
Eight months after Tropical Storm Helene hit Asheville, residents like Kelly Minear are still in the process of repairing their homes. The storm caused extensive damage, with over 12,000 homes in Buncombe County affected. Minear’s 1955 ranch house in Arden suffered significant damage when a massive white oak tree crushed part of her home.
“It felt like a bomb went off… And then the ceiling started breaking apart over my head,” Minear recalled. The tree damage reduced her home’s appraised value from $178,500 to $27,700, an 85% reduction.
Minear is not alone in her struggle. Many homeowners in the area are still waiting for insurance payouts and contractors to begin repairs. According to Nick Scroggs of Scroggs Construction Services, “Probably 30% or more of the people we started talking with at the beginning… still don’t have resolution from their insurance.”
The insurance process has been a significant challenge for many. In Buncombe County, only about 1% of homes had flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Despite this, 387 policyholders received payouts totaling $68 million after Helene.
Contractors are still finding new clients waiting for insurance payouts. Megan Carroll of the Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains noted that many adjuster claims are “regularly less than half of what we estimate the cost to be.”
Homeowners are also wary of scams and untrustworthy contractors. The National Association of Homebuilders has warned about predatory contractors that take advantage of homeowners after natural disasters. Minear herself was initially approached by a contractor who provided a high-priced estimate and pushed her to sign before completing the agreement.
Minear eventually hired Scroggs Construction, and the repairs are still ongoing. “To see my family home restored, I’m willing to wait however long it takes,” she said.
The recovery process in Asheville remains challenging, with many residents still navigating insurance claims and finding reliable contractors. As the community continues to rebuild, the focus remains on restoring homes and livelihoods affected by the storm.
