Ashe County faced an unprecedented natural disaster. Torrential rains from Hurricane Helene caused severe flooding throughout the North Carolina Mountains. Homes, businesses, and roads were submerged under rising waters, leaving entire communities isolated and desperately needing aid.
As the waters recede, our community is rising to the occasion helping our neighbors, near and far. Rescue efforts have been underway as local and regional volunteers work tirelessly to reach those trapped by floodwaters, mudslides, broken roads, and fallen trees.
Amid this tragedy, local organizations, and community hubs have stepped up to offer critical aid. Volunteers and aid are needed to support rescue operations and help families who have lost everything.
Local Resources for Aid and Volunteering:
Lansing NC Fire Department: Volunteer and donation hub for Lansing, Creston and Crumpler communities
Ashe County High School: Serving as a temporary shelter for displaced families.
Samaritan's Purse: Tents are setup at Ashe Memorial Hospital for those who are oxygen-dependent or need other medical supplies or water.
Mountain View Elementary: Offering warm meals, Wi-fi and volunteer coordination.
Molley Chomper: Local business in business in Lansing providing hot meals and necessities to rescue workers and flood victims.
Lost Province/BROC: Offering disaster relief coordination and resources for the affected communities of Creston, Warrensville, & Lansing.
RiverGirl Fishing Co: Organized effort cleaning up trash, debris and creating accessibility to the Todd area. The group meets at 9:30 am daily at RiverGirl Fishing Co.
Ashe County Builder’s Association - Project Hope: A team of licensed building contractors, tradespeople, Ashe County Realtors®, and other local service providers who are committed to restoring homes for Ashe County residents affected by Hurricane Helene.
Ashe Chamber.com – Donations may be made, and information on other avenues for disaster relief.
Equipped with only a life vest and a rope, Eddie Hunnell jumped into the New River to save a woman trapped in a house being washed away by the storm.
One particularly heart-wrenching moment was the dramatic rescue of a local Crumpler woman who was swept away by the force of the water as her home collapsed around her. Her story of survival, captured in a powerful news article and video, reminds us of the bravery and humanity instilled in our community, and even strangers. Read more about her story here: Dramatic rescue from floodwaters in Ashe County.
The strength and resilience of our community are more powerful than the scars left by Hurricane Helene in Ashe County. With the help of local volunteers and organizations, the path to recovery has already begun. If you’d like to contribute or volunteer, reach out to one of the resources listed above and help Ashe County rebuild.
The area is receiving an unbelievable number of volunteers, bringing water, food, clothing, and other essential items to those who have lost everything. Many Organizations are collaborating with our people in Ashe County and the North Carolina Mountains. These volunteers are from areas across North Carolina and many other states across the nation. Progress is being made, but we need anyone that is willing to help.
We are #mountainstrong.
