Buncombe County Schools report surge in homeless students post Hurricane Helene devastation

A significant discussion at the recent Davie County Schools Board of Education meeting highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by students and families in Buncombe County following Hurricane Helene. The meeting featured a poignant report from staff members who provided crisis support to the affected district, revealing a staggering increase in the number of homeless students identified under the McKinney Vento program—from 274 to 1,171 families since the storm.

The report emphasized the personal connections made during the visit, including a warm welcome from Buncombe County's superintendent, who greeted staff with cookies and shared heartfelt stories about the community. The slogan for the year, "Together We Rise," resonated deeply as the team witnessed the resilience of students returning to school amidst the chaos.

Staff members recounted their experiences interacting with students, noting the mix of excitement and exhaustion among them. They also described the logistical challenges faced by the district, including rerouting buses to accommodate students traveling over 15,000 miles daily.

The meeting also shed light on the extensive support efforts at the family resource center, where donations of food, hygiene items, and other essentials were pouring in. However, the center was overwhelmed, even turning away donations due to the sheer volume received. Staff members conducted home visits to assess living conditions, revealing families still struggling with inadequate water supply and housing.

This meeting underscored the critical need for ongoing support and resources for displaced families in the wake of the hurricane, as the community rallies together to address these pressing challenges. The board's commitment to aiding affected students and families remains a priority, with further actions anticipated in the coming months.