Post Hurricane Helene Recovery Resources 2024

  • Assistance for Farmers
  • Grants & Funding
  • More Disaster Resources
  • Livestock
  • Food Safety
  • Sell Product
  • Mental Health
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>
Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture and NC State Extension are gathering a needs evaluation for specific farm supplies. Please contact Kendra Phipps or Laney Baker directly with any farm supply needs. 

Contact your local Cooperative Extension to get connected to resources, which will be run by Soil & Water Conservation or USDA Service Centers (Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service.)​

Requesting Assistance

Recovery Funding

Updated 10/14/2024
  • WNC Communities: WNC Immediate Disaster Needs Grant - WNC Communities recognizes that farmers in the region have immediate disaster relief needs to stabilize their farm businesses and to support a resilient regional food system. The goal of this program is to provide resources quickly, while making reasonable efforts not to duplicate other funding sources. 
  • Mtn Bizworks: WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund - Providing vital and rapid relief loans to Western North Carolina small businesses impacted by Tropical Storm Helene. Apply online. Businesses impacted by Tropical Storm Helene & based in one of the 32 NC counties covered in the SBA’s Helene Disaster Declaration Area can apply for rapid recovery loans of up to $100,000 to meet immediate needs while waiting for federal loans, insurance payouts, or other relief. ​
  • ASAP: Appalachian Grown Farmer Immediate Needs Grant is now open. Farmers may apply for up to $500 to cover immediate needs and expenses towards cleaning, replanting, repairing, or other costs not covered through insurance or other programs that will allow the farm to quickly recover. Qualifying farms must be Appalachian Grown certified.
From Carolina Farm Stewardship Association's Running Resources for Helene Response and Relief
  • How to Apply for FEMA Assistance After Hurricane Helene | NC Gov. Cooper 
  • Farm Aid Emergency Grants: $500 Emergency Grants are given with the assistance of our Hotline team members, who answer calls on 1-800-FARM-AID, connecting farmers to appropriate resources and recommending emergency grants when support is urgently needed.
  • AgSouth Farm Credit: 844-AGSOUTH to reach a loan officer. 
  • USDA Recovery Assistance Programs for Farmers:
    • Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP): NAP provides financial assistance when natural disasters cause low crop yields, crop loss, or delayed planting for uninsured crops.
    • Tree Assistance Program (TAP): TAP assists orchardists and nursery growers in replanting or rehabilitating eligible trees, bushes, and vines damaged by natural disasters.
    • The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP): EQIP is a conservation program that provides financial and technical assistance to farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners to integrate conservation into working lands. It may be used for hurricane recovery in several ways, including obstruction removal, clearing and snagging, land smoothing, repair of access roads, and repair of fences for prescribed grazing and protecting sensitive areas.
    • Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) and Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP): Extended ECP and EFRP signup that begins Oct. 15, 2024, and runs through June 1, 2025, in states affected by Hurricane Helene.Waiver of onsite inspection requirement for non-engineering practices for ECP and EFRP. Executed Emergency Response (ER-850) authorization of emergency National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) circumstances to expedite FSA approval of practices involving surface debris removal, fence restoration, and non-ground disturbing activities. 
    • Marketing Assistance Loans (MAL): Additional time for producers to deliver commodities to a buyer to repay MALs with sale proceeds. Postponement of MAL foreclosure letters applicable to losses or damages due to hurricanes for up to 90 calendar days.
  • Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA): Benefits are now available in 25 counties as well as the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. People in these counties have 60 days from October 1 to file an application for Disaster Unemployment Assistance at des.nc.gov. The deadline to apply is December 2. Farmers are included!
  • Small Business Disaster Loans: Disaster loans are now available for businesses and residents in declared disaster areas to help communities recover and rebuild. Apply online by visiting sba.gov/hurricane-helene. For more help: Call: 800‐659‐2955 or email [email protected].
​
Updated 10/7/2024
Farmer & Producer Resources for Disaster Relief 

Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture and NC State Extension are gathering a needs evaluation for specific farm supplies. 

Please Contact Kendra Phipps or Laney Baker directly with any farm supply needs. 
​
Contact your local Cooperative Extension to get connected to resources, which will be run by Soil & Water Conservation or USDA Service Centers (Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service.)
For relief from the USDA’s FSA:
If you have been affected by Hurricane Helene, we want to remind you,
 "CAMERA BEFORE CHAINSAWS" According to USDA's FSA, follow these steps:
1. Document damage with dated photographs, videos, and third-party verification (non-family if possible).
2. Make every effort to report farm damage to your local USDA Service Center to request assistance (if the office doesn't answer, be sure to leave a voicemail). 
Call your local USDA service center to seek pre-authorization to maximize your chances of getting cost-share reimbursements for repairs. If no one answers, leave a voicemail describing the damage and the repairs needed. If the line is down, you may call any county office in your state. (Be prepared to leave your name and description of damage (include both emergency and long-term) and a list of repairs you are requesting funding for.
3. Farmers should start taking extensive notes in addition to pictures:

  • What damage you’ve experienced
  • What repairs you need to do
  • What costs you incur in  implementing repairs
  • RECEIPTS!

4. If possible to wait, do not start permanent repairs and field restoration without FSA authorization. You may do emergency repairs, e.g. gates, fencing, etc


LINKS
Form to share information with us to receive updates
Disaster info from USDA
RAFI Disaster Information
Directory of county offices (If your county's phone is down, you may call other county offices.)

For those NOT registered with FSA: 
A message from RAFI: 
We’re getting word from the state about what will be in motion for emergency assistance for those farms not registered with FSA.  One thing that might get overlooked is that farmers should have a non-family member see the damage first hand, and can attest in writing to the damage, it will increase their chances of getting support.


We’re trying to mobilize cash assistance grants for farmers so that farmers don’t have to count on reimbursement assistance and have the upfront cost burden.  But we understand this might be for repairs that come slightly later after the immediate survival relief work on the ground.  

Livestock

  • WNC Regional Livestock Center: Contact: Yvonne Coburn with Civilian Disaster Response at 828-216-4496.
  • Request livestock management assistance and supplies from NCDA&CS and NC Cooperative Extension by completing this form. 
  • NC Disaster Hay and Livestock Resources Assistance Portal 
  • Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-raised Fish (ELAP): ELAP provides financial assistance to qualifying farmers who have lost animals, honeybees, or farm-raised fish during certain natural disasters. 
  • Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP): LIP provides assistance to farmers who have had an excess of livestock deaths due to natural disasters. LIP payments are equal to 75 percent of the average fair market value of the livestock.
  • Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) provides compensation to eligible livestock producers who have suffered grazing losses due to drought or fire on land that is native or improved pastureland with permanent vegetative cover or that is planted specifically for grazing. Learn more about LFP.
  • Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) – provides livestock producers, who have approved applications through the 2021 Livestock Forage Disaster Program for forage losses due to severe drought or wildfire, emergency relief payments to compensate for increases in supplemental feed costs. No producer applications required.  

Sell Product

  • BRWIA's High Country Food Hub (For those who were already Food Hub producers)
  • BRWIA's King Street Market (Open market for the rest of October)
  • Watauga County Farmers Market
  • WNC Farm Product Purchaser: Empowering Mountain Food Systems Project has funds to purchase products from growers in the region. Growers whose markets are closed and who have products to sell, please email [email protected]. 
  • Crops for mass feeding should contact [email protected].
  • WNC From the Ground Up is BUYING produce, meat, and dairy from impacted farmers to distribute to communities in need: 828.331.0334 or [email protected]
  • Greenville Feed & Seed Food Hub is BUYING produce from LFPA-approved minority farmers impacted by the hurricane in Upstate SC for distribution to communities in need: email Wholesale Manager Kyle McCluskey at [email protected].
  • Contact Alyssa at TRACTOR Food & Farms: [email protected], (828) 372-2028. 

Mental Health Resources

  • For farmer-specific mental health crisis counseling in NC, farmers call 844-325-3276.  Calls accepted 24/7.  Farmers should ask to be connected to the free mental health counseling sessions. They can provide 4-6 free sessions per individual, or more if time and resources permit.
  • Anyone can call 988, 24/7, for suicide/crisis support.  When anyone calls 988, your call is routed to the first available crisis call center in NC. 
  • Mental Health ProBono Referrals for WNC: This list is comprised of providers willing to offer pro bono individual sessions or groups for individuals impacted by Hurricane Helene in WNC.
  • New Leaf Behavioral Health (in Raleigh): Free short-term, crisis counseling via teletherapy to individuals in the affected areas (all ages, individuals/families) and to relief workers; Tel: 919-781-8370; Email: [email protected]
    Mention that you are a resident impacted by the Hurricane or helping with relief efforts we'll get you routed to our program for free help.

Do You Need Resources?

- Updated 10/9/2024 ​
  • Watauga County & Boone
  • Ashe County
  • Avery County
  • General Disaster Relief
  • Mental Health
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Watauga County and Boone 

For more information, consult the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce and Watauga County Emergency Services. 
Town of Boone water boil advisory was lifted on 9/30.

Updated 10/9/2024
Firewood Resources: Let's put those downed trees to work. It's getting colder in the mountains!
Shelter:
  • Red Cross: ASU Holmes Convocation Center. Providing shelter, food, water, wifi, and electricity. Pets are welcome. The Red Cross is also arranging transportation for those who are unable to access relief resources. 

Supplies: Water, Non perishable food, hygiene, diapers, blankets, etc.
  • ASU Plemmons Student Union is offering free bottled water and food while supplies last. The union will also be open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and has electricity, showers, Wi-Fi, water and supplies.
  • Hunger and Health Coalition: Hot meals and supplies available! 338 Brook Hollow Road in Boone. Accepting donations and volunteers. 
  • Watauga High School: distributing water from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily while supplies last daily. They also are offering cleaning products, a limited supply of blankets and clothing and more.
  • Alliance Bible Fellowship is offering food, water, shelter and other supplies.
  • Cornerstone Summit Church has a relief operation at 1100 East King Street.
  • Perkinsville Baptist Church: Hot meals, water and showers available! 7:30am-5pm. 274 Jefferson Road in Boone. 
  • Daniel Boone Inn - 10am- sundown every day - accepting volunteers and donations. They have numerous resources for folks to get food, water, and help if they need it. 130 Hardin St. Boone. 
  • Skateworld: Hot meals and water here. Accepting donations and distributing supplies to surrounding areas. 134 Willowdale Church Road, in Vilas, NC
  • Instagram account @asuhelpinghand is posting additional resources for the community. Additionally, they are sharing resources others are providing such as clothing, travel, supplies and more.

Food: Hot meal sites, serving at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m daily until further notice.
  • Foscoe Christian Church: 8834 NC Highway 105 South, Boone, NC
  • Mountaineer Ruritan Club: 1161 US-321, Sugar Grove, NC 28679
  • Meat Camp Baptist Church: 236 Meat Camp Baptist Church Rd, Boone, NC 28607
  • Pleasant Grove Baptist Church: 1564 Silverstone Rd, Zionville, NC
  • FARM Cafe’s doors are open for people who want a hot meal. King Street, Downtown Boone.
  • Second Harvest Food Bank located at 338 Brook Hollow Road is open from noon-4 p.m. daily.

Pets
  • Pet Care Clinic of the High Country is providing boarding for dogs and cats who had to be evacuated.

Medical:
  • The Appalachian Medical Reserve Corps’ non-emergency phone number is 828-263-4178. This call center is operational for non-urgent inquiries and reports related to the storm and can be used to find information regarding families and homes.
  • Insulin is available at the Hunger and Health Coalition located at 141 Health Center Drive, Suite C. Those in need of it must bring documentation for dispensing. Located beside the Hospitality House. Call 828-264-5212 for assistance. 
  • Samaritan's Purse: creating an ​​oxygen production clinic at Watauga Medical Center.

Ashe County Resources

For those in need of food, water, or supplies please visit the following locations:
  • Rock Gym in Newland
  • Frank Vol. Fire Department in Minneapolis
  • Temple Baptist Church in Ingalls
  • Best Western in Banner Elk
  • Old Beech Mtn School in Beech Mountain

Stay tuned to the following social media pages for on-going updates: 
  • ​Appalachia Region Resources on Finding a Missing Loved One, How to get in touch with family, General Support, Health, Homeowner Assistance, and where to find updates for Appalachia region.
  • Carolina Farm Stewardship Association includes resources for all farmers regarding getting funding for disasters.
  • This crowd source map  has information on exact locations of water, food, power, road closures, etc. in Western NC.
  • ​Down Home has a linktree of resources specific to Boone and a Post-Storm Wellness Check and Needs Assessment for organizations to better understand where to direct efforts.
Mental Health Services (see next tab for more)
  • If you or your family need emotional support, contact the Disaster Distress Hotline at 1-800-985-5990 or visit www.ncdhhs.gov for mental health services.
  • Red Cross providing mental health counselors at ASU Holmes Convocation Center.
FEMA Disaster Assistance:
  • Apply for federal disaster aid at www.disasterassistance.gov or call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).
  • This includes grants for temporary housing, essential repairs, and other personal needs.
  • ​The Disaster Assistance website has information on how to apply for FEMA disaster assistance and links to general resources.
Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans: North Carolina Emergency Management:
  • Access local emergency resources through NC Emergency Management by visiting www.ncdps.gov or calling 919-825-2500.
Contact & Locate Loved Ones with Red Cross:

Mental Health Resources

  • Anyone can call 988, 24/7, for suicide/crisis support.  When anyone calls 988, your call is routed to the first available crisis call center in NC. ​
  • If you or your family need emotional support, contact the Disaster Distress Hotline at 1-800-985-5990 or visit www.ncdhhs.gov for mental health services.
  • Red Cross providing mental health counselors at ASU Holmes Convocation Center.
  • Mental Health ProBono Referrals for WNC: This list is comprised of providers willing to offer pro bono individual sessions or groups for individuals impacted by Hurricane Helene in WNC.
  • New Leaf Behavioral Health (in Raleigh): Free short-term, crisis counseling via teletherapy to individuals in the affected areas (all ages, individuals/families) and to relief workers; Tel: 919-781-8370; Email: [email protected]
    Mention that you are a resident impacted by the Hurricane or helping with relief efforts we'll get you routed to our program for free help.

Disaster Assistance for All

Apply here for $750 in immediate assistance for disaster relief.

Navigating FEMA with Legal Aid

Contact Legal Aid of North Carolina for help | 866-219-5262

Disaster Relief Resources: English

Recursos de Ayuda en Desastres: Espanol

Want to Donate?

  • Donate Financially
  • Donate Supplies or Volunteer
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>

Donate Financially to Local Organizations

In our immediate Boone/Watauga community, any of these trusted, local organizations will make good use of any funds donated. Each one is doing important work to serve different needs in the community, and they all collaborate and work together too. All are doing everything they can to help their specific communities now and will continue to do so beyond the rebuilding and recovery from this storm. 
 
Farmer Support:
Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture 
 
Hunger-Fighting Organizations:
F.A.R.M. Cafe
Casting Bread
Hunger & Health Coalition

​Housing Assistance for Vulnerable Populations:
Hospitality House
WAMY Community Action
 
Health Focused Organizations
High Country Community Health
​Community Care Clinic

Child-Centered Organizations
The Chidren's Council (Hurricane Helene Relief)
The Children's Playhouse 

Immigrant/ Hispanic Community Organizations
Watauga County Immigrant Justice Coalition
Q’ Pasa Appalachia and Immigrant Connection of the High Country

Small Business Recovery and Community Assistance
Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation 
​

Watauga County

There has been overwhelming support and donations to our region. Thank you! As the High Country moves from crisis to recovery mode, please contact individual organizations before donating as these needs will change over time. 
  • Bluebird Exchange: Needs help sorting donations. Taking fall/winter clothes only for babies, kids, and maternity. Best to contact through Instagram DM. Drop off at 240 Shadowline Drive by Harris Teeter or Wildwood Community Market at 182 Howard Street in downtown Boone. 
  • The Summit Pickleball Donation Center, 278 Industrial Park Drive, Boone, 28607​. Paused accepting donations. Accepting volunteers to sort and distribute donations. Contact the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce at [email protected] for more information.​​
  • Hunger and Health Coalition: Contact info@hungerandhealthcoalition.com or 828-262-1628. Helping the most vulnerable. Supply needs as of 10/4/2024:
    • baby food pouches
    • pull ups
    • laundry detergent 
    • shampoo and conditioner
    • toilet paper and paper towels
    • cleaning supplies: construction trash bags, work gloves, etc
    • hand sanitizer
    • depends
    • feminine products
    • non-refrigerated fruits and veggies (apples, oranges, potatoes)
    • dog and cat food
    • new and sealed multipacks of clothes (tshirts, underwear, socks)
    • flashlight batteries
    • liquid baby formula
    • shelf stable milk
    • multivitamins
    • boost/ensure/protein drinks
    • all nutrient dense and shelf stable foods
    • jelly
    • medications needed: symbicort, breztri, COPD and asthma inhalers, kids medicines, tylenol, advils, zyrtec, claritin 
  • F.A.R.M. Cafe: Feeding all Regardless of Means. Contact: 828-386-1000 or [email protected].  Current needs as of 10/4/2024 (to help their continued ability to distribute meals and meet basic needs of the community):
    • Aluminum Pans and Lids (half-size and full-size) 
    • To-Go Boxes
    • Plasticware 
    • Canned Coconut Milk
    • Dried Pasta and Quinoa 
    • Cooking Oil (sunflower, grapeseed, olive oil)
    • Tide Pods
    • Personal Hygiene Supplies (toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, etc). 
  • Valle Crucis Community Park: needs help with park clean up. Updates on Instagram
  • Samaritan’s Purse Accepting donations and volunteers. Location: Alliance Bible Fellowship at 1035 HWY 105 Bypass in Boone. Phone # for assistance: 833-747-1234. 
  • Perkinsville Baptist Church: Accepting volunteers from 7:30am-5pm. 274 Jefferson Road in Boone.
  • The Speckled Trout is out in the community providing assistance to those in need. For supplies, assistance, or to donate items, please call (828)773-8852.
  • The Watauga County In The Know Facebook page has updates and resources posted. Additionally, people are offering their services free of charge.
  • Daniel Boone Inn has numerous resources for folks to get food, water, and help if they need it. It is also a center for people to volunteer and offer help in any way they can
  • Wine to Water: Accepting donations at 689 George Wilson Road in Boone

Ashe County

Farmer Recovery after Hurricane Helene

Need help as a farmer? 

Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture, The High Country Food Hub and
Watauga County Extension are here for you!​​

Disaster Relief Resources

  • Assistance for Farmers
  • Grants & Funding
  • More Disaster Resources
  • Livestock
  • Food Safety
  • Sell Product
  • Mental Health
<
>
Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture and NC State Extension are gathering a needs evaluation for specific farm supplies. Please contact Kendra Phipps or Laney Baker directly with any farm supply needs. 

Contact your local Cooperative Extension to get connected to resources, which will be run by Soil & Water Conservation or USDA Service Centers (Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service.)​

Requesting Assistance

Recovery Funding

Updated 10/14/2024
  • WNC Communities: WNC Immediate Disaster Needs Grant - WNC Communities recognizes that farmers in the region have immediate disaster relief needs to stabilize their farm businesses and to support a resilient regional food system. The goal of this program is to provide resources quickly, while making reasonable efforts not to duplicate other funding sources. 
  • Mtn Bizworks: WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund - Providing vital and rapid relief loans to Western North Carolina small businesses impacted by Tropical Storm Helene. Apply online. Businesses impacted by Tropical Storm Helene & based in one of the 32 NC counties covered in the SBA’s Helene Disaster Declaration Area can apply for rapid recovery loans of up to $100,000 to meet immediate needs while waiting for federal loans, insurance payouts, or other relief. ​
  • ASAP: Appalachian Grown Farmer Immediate Needs Grant is now open. Farmers may apply for up to $500 to cover immediate needs and expenses towards cleaning, replanting, repairing, or other costs not covered through insurance or other programs that will allow the farm to quickly recover. Qualifying farms must be Appalachian Grown certified.
From Carolina Farm Stewardship Association's Running Resources for Helene Response and Relief
  • How to Apply for FEMA Assistance After Hurricane Helene | NC Gov. Cooper 
  • Farm Aid Emergency Grants: $500 Emergency Grants are given with the assistance of our Hotline team members, who answer calls on 1-800-FARM-AID, connecting farmers to appropriate resources and recommending emergency grants when support is urgently needed.
  • AgSouth Farm Credit: 844-AGSOUTH to reach a loan officer. 
  • USDA Recovery Assistance Programs for Farmers:
    • Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP): NAP provides financial assistance when natural disasters cause low crop yields, crop loss, or delayed planting for uninsured crops.
    • Tree Assistance Program (TAP): TAP assists orchardists and nursery growers in replanting or rehabilitating eligible trees, bushes, and vines damaged by natural disasters.
    • The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP): EQIP is a conservation program that provides financial and technical assistance to farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners to integrate conservation into working lands. It may be used for hurricane recovery in several ways, including obstruction removal, clearing and snagging, land smoothing, repair of access roads, and repair of fences for prescribed grazing and protecting sensitive areas.
    • Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) and Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP): Extended ECP and EFRP signup that begins Oct. 15, 2024, and runs through June 1, 2025, in states affected by Hurricane Helene.Waiver of onsite inspection requirement for non-engineering practices for ECP and EFRP. Executed Emergency Response (ER-850) authorization of emergency National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) circumstances to expedite FSA approval of practices involving surface debris removal, fence restoration, and non-ground disturbing activities. 
    • Marketing Assistance Loans (MAL): Additional time for producers to deliver commodities to a buyer to repay MALs with sale proceeds. Postponement of MAL foreclosure letters applicable to losses or damages due to hurricanes for up to 90 calendar days.
  • Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA): Benefits are now available in 25 counties as well as the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. People in these counties have 60 days from October 1 to file an application for Disaster Unemployment Assistance at des.nc.gov. The deadline to apply is December 2. Farmers are included!
  • Small Business Disaster Loans: Disaster loans are now available for businesses and residents in declared disaster areas to help communities recover and rebuild. Apply online by visiting sba.gov/hurricane-helene. For more help: Call: 800‐659‐2955 or email [email protected].
​
Updated 10/7/2024
Farmer & Producer Resources for Disaster Relief 

Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture and NC State Extension are gathering a needs evaluation for specific farm supplies. 

Please Contact Kendra Phipps or Laney Baker directly with any farm supply needs. 
​
Contact your local Cooperative Extension to get connected to resources, which will be run by Soil & Water Conservation or USDA Service Centers (Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service.)
For relief from the USDA’s FSA:
If you have been affected by Hurricane Helene, we want to remind you,
 "CAMERA BEFORE CHAINSAWS" According to USDA's FSA, follow these steps:
1. Document damage with dated photographs, videos, and third-party verification (non-family if possible).
2. Make every effort to report farm damage to your local USDA Service Center to request assistance (if the office doesn't answer, be sure to leave a voicemail). 
Call your local USDA service center to seek pre-authorization to maximize your chances of getting cost-share reimbursements for repairs. If no one answers, leave a voicemail describing the damage and the repairs needed. If the line is down, you may call any county office in your state. (Be prepared to leave your name and description of damage (include both emergency and long-term) and a list of repairs you are requesting funding for.
3. Farmers should start taking extensive notes in addition to pictures:

  • What damage you’ve experienced
  • What repairs you need to do
  • What costs you incur in  implementing repairs
  • RECEIPTS!

4. If possible to wait, do not start permanent repairs and field restoration without FSA authorization. You may do emergency repairs, e.g. gates, fencing, etc


LINKS
Form to share information with us to receive updates
Disaster info from USDA
RAFI Disaster Information
Directory of county offices (If your county's phone is down, you may call other county offices.)

For those NOT registered with FSA: 
A message from RAFI: 
We’re getting word from the state about what will be in motion for emergency assistance for those farms not registered with FSA.  One thing that might get overlooked is that farmers should have a non-family member see the damage first hand, and can attest in writing to the damage, it will increase their chances of getting support.


We’re trying to mobilize cash assistance grants for farmers so that farmers don’t have to count on reimbursement assistance and have the upfront cost burden.  But we understand this might be for repairs that come slightly later after the immediate survival relief work on the ground.  

Livestock

  • WNC Regional Livestock Center: Contact: Yvonne Coburn with Civilian Disaster Response at 828-216-4496.
  • Request livestock management assistance and supplies from NCDA&CS and NC Cooperative Extension by completing this form. 
  • NC Disaster Hay and Livestock Resources Assistance Portal 
  • Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-raised Fish (ELAP): ELAP provides financial assistance to qualifying farmers who have lost animals, honeybees, or farm-raised fish during certain natural disasters. 
  • Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP): LIP provides assistance to farmers who have had an excess of livestock deaths due to natural disasters. LIP payments are equal to 75 percent of the average fair market value of the livestock.
  • Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) provides compensation to eligible livestock producers who have suffered grazing losses due to drought or fire on land that is native or improved pastureland with permanent vegetative cover or that is planted specifically for grazing. Learn more about LFP.
  • Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) – provides livestock producers, who have approved applications through the 2021 Livestock Forage Disaster Program for forage losses due to severe drought or wildfire, emergency relief payments to compensate for increases in supplemental feed costs. No producer applications required.  

Sell Product

  • BRWIA's High Country Food Hub (For those who were already Food Hub producers)
  • BRWIA's King Street Market (Open market for the rest of October)
  • Watauga County Farmers Market
  • WNC Farm Product Purchaser: Empowering Mountain Food Systems Project has funds to purchase products from growers in the region. Growers whose markets are closed and who have products to sell, please email [email protected]. 
  • Crops for mass feeding should contact [email protected].
  • WNC From the Ground Up is BUYING produce, meat, and dairy from impacted farmers to distribute to communities in need: 828.331.0334 or [email protected]
  • Greenville Feed & Seed Food Hub is BUYING produce from LFPA-approved minority farmers impacted by the hurricane in Upstate SC for distribution to communities in need: email Wholesale Manager Kyle McCluskey at [email protected].
  • Contact Alyssa at TRACTOR Food & Farms: [email protected], (828) 372-2028. 

Mental Health Resources

  • For farmer-specific mental health crisis counseling in NC, farmers call 844-325-3276.  Calls accepted 24/7.  Farmers should ask to be connected to the free mental health counseling sessions. They can provide 4-6 free sessions per individual, or more if time and resources permit.
  • Anyone can call 988, 24/7, for suicide/crisis support.  When anyone calls 988, your call is routed to the first available crisis call center in NC. 
  • Mental Health ProBono Referrals for WNC: This list is comprised of providers willing to offer pro bono individual sessions or groups for individuals impacted by Hurricane Helene in WNC.
  • New Leaf Behavioral Health (in Raleigh): Free short-term, crisis counseling via teletherapy to individuals in the affected areas (all ages, individuals/families) and to relief workers; Tel: 919-781-8370; Email: [email protected]
    Mention that you are a resident impacted by the Hurricane or helping with relief efforts we'll get you routed to our program for free help.

Volunteer Corps

Thank you to all who volunteered after the storm to help farmers clean up! We are no longer organizing volunteer days.

Want to Donate?

  • Donate Financially
  • Donate Supplies or Volunteer
<
>

Donate Financially to Local Organizations

In our immediate Boone/Watauga community, any of these trusted, local organizations will make good use of any funds donated. Each one is doing important work to serve different needs in the community, and they all collaborate and work together too. All are doing everything they can to help their specific communities now and will continue to do so beyond the rebuilding and recovery from this storm. 
 
Farmer Support:
Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture 
 
Hunger-Fighting Organizations:
F.A.R.M. Cafe
Casting Bread
Hunger & Health Coalition

​Housing Assistance for Vulnerable Populations:
Hospitality House
WAMY Community Action
 
Health Focused Organizations
High Country Community Health
​Community Care Clinic

Child-Centered Organizations
The Chidren's Council (Hurricane Helene Relief)
The Children's Playhouse 

Immigrant/ Hispanic Community Organizations
Watauga County Immigrant Justice Coalition
Q’ Pasa Appalachia and Immigrant Connection of the High Country

Small Business Recovery and Community Assistance
Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation 
​

Watauga County

There has been overwhelming support and donations to our region. Thank you! As the High Country moves from crisis to recovery mode, please contact individual organizations before donating as these needs will change over time. 
  • Bluebird Exchange: Needs help sorting donations. Taking fall/winter clothes only for babies, kids, and maternity. Best to contact through Instagram DM. Drop off at 240 Shadowline Drive by Harris Teeter or Wildwood Community Market at 182 Howard Street in downtown Boone. 
  • The Summit Pickleball Donation Center, 278 Industrial Park Drive, Boone, 28607​. Paused accepting donations. Accepting volunteers to sort and distribute donations. Contact the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce at [email protected] for more information.​​
  • Hunger and Health Coalition: Contact info@hungerandhealthcoalition.com or 828-262-1628. Helping the most vulnerable. Supply needs as of 10/4/2024:
    • baby food pouches
    • pull ups
    • laundry detergent 
    • shampoo and conditioner
    • toilet paper and paper towels
    • cleaning supplies: construction trash bags, work gloves, etc
    • hand sanitizer
    • depends
    • feminine products
    • non-refrigerated fruits and veggies (apples, oranges, potatoes)
    • dog and cat food
    • new and sealed multipacks of clothes (tshirts, underwear, socks)
    • flashlight batteries
    • liquid baby formula
    • shelf stable milk
    • multivitamins
    • boost/ensure/protein drinks
    • all nutrient dense and shelf stable foods
    • jelly
    • medications needed: symbicort, breztri, COPD and asthma inhalers, kids medicines, tylenol, advils, zyrtec, claritin 
  • F.A.R.M. Cafe: Feeding all Regardless of Means. Contact: 828-386-1000 or [email protected].  Current needs as of 10/4/2024 (to help their continued ability to distribute meals and meet basic needs of the community):
    • Aluminum Pans and Lids (half-size and full-size) 
    • To-Go Boxes
    • Plasticware 
    • Canned Coconut Milk
    • Dried Pasta and Quinoa 
    • Cooking Oil (sunflower, grapeseed, olive oil)
    • Tide Pods
    • Personal Hygiene Supplies (toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, etc). 
  • Valle Crucis Community Park: needs help with park clean up. Updates on Instagram
  • Samaritan’s Purse Accepting donations and volunteers. Location: Alliance Bible Fellowship at 1035 HWY 105 Bypass in Boone. Phone # for assistance: 833-747-1234. 
  • Perkinsville Baptist Church: Accepting volunteers from 7:30am-5pm. 274 Jefferson Road in Boone.
  • The Speckled Trout is out in the community providing assistance to those in need. For supplies, assistance, or to donate items, please call (828)773-8852.
  • The Watauga County In The Know Facebook page has updates and resources posted. Additionally, people are offering their services free of charge.
  • Daniel Boone Inn has numerous resources for folks to get food, water, and help if they need it. It is also a center for people to volunteer and offer help in any way they can
  • Wine to Water: Accepting donations at 689 George Wilson Road in Boone

Ashe County

Do You Need Resources?

- Updated 10/9/2024 ​
  • Watauga County & Boone
  • Ashe County
  • Avery County
  • General Disaster Relief
  • Mental Health
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Watauga County and Boone 

For more information, consult the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce and Watauga County Emergency Services. 
Town of Boone water boil advisory was lifted on 9/30.

Updated 10/9/2024
Firewood Resources: Let's put those downed trees to work. It's getting colder in the mountains!
Shelter:
  • Red Cross: ASU Holmes Convocation Center. Providing shelter, food, water, wifi, and electricity. Pets are welcome. The Red Cross is also arranging transportation for those who are unable to access relief resources. 

Supplies: Water, Non perishable food, hygiene, diapers, blankets, etc.
  • ASU Plemmons Student Union is offering free bottled water and food while supplies last. The union will also be open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and has electricity, showers, Wi-Fi, water and supplies.
  • Hunger and Health Coalition: Hot meals and supplies available! 338 Brook Hollow Road in Boone. Accepting donations and volunteers. 
  • Watauga High School: distributing water from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily while supplies last daily. They also are offering cleaning products, a limited supply of blankets and clothing and more.
  • Alliance Bible Fellowship is offering food, water, shelter and other supplies.
  • Cornerstone Summit Church has a relief operation at 1100 East King Street.
  • Perkinsville Baptist Church: Hot meals, water and showers available! 7:30am-5pm. 274 Jefferson Road in Boone. 
  • Daniel Boone Inn - 10am- sundown every day - accepting volunteers and donations. They have numerous resources for folks to get food, water, and help if they need it. 130 Hardin St. Boone. 
  • Skateworld: Hot meals and water here. Accepting donations and distributing supplies to surrounding areas. 134 Willowdale Church Road, in Vilas, NC
  • Instagram account @asuhelpinghand is posting additional resources for the community. Additionally, they are sharing resources others are providing such as clothing, travel, supplies and more.

Food: Hot meal sites, serving at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m daily until further notice.
  • Foscoe Christian Church: 8834 NC Highway 105 South, Boone, NC
  • Mountaineer Ruritan Club: 1161 US-321, Sugar Grove, NC 28679
  • Meat Camp Baptist Church: 236 Meat Camp Baptist Church Rd, Boone, NC 28607
  • Pleasant Grove Baptist Church: 1564 Silverstone Rd, Zionville, NC
  • FARM Cafe’s doors are open for people who want a hot meal. King Street, Downtown Boone.
  • Second Harvest Food Bank located at 338 Brook Hollow Road is open from noon-4 p.m. daily.

Pets
  • Pet Care Clinic of the High Country is providing boarding for dogs and cats who had to be evacuated.

Medical:
  • The Appalachian Medical Reserve Corps’ non-emergency phone number is 828-263-4178. This call center is operational for non-urgent inquiries and reports related to the storm and can be used to find information regarding families and homes.
  • Insulin is available at the Hunger and Health Coalition located at 141 Health Center Drive, Suite C. Those in need of it must bring documentation for dispensing. Located beside the Hospitality House. Call 828-264-5212 for assistance. 
  • Samaritan's Purse: creating an ​​oxygen production clinic at Watauga Medical Center.

Ashe County Resources

For those in need of food, water, or supplies please visit the following locations:
  • Rock Gym in Newland
  • Frank Vol. Fire Department in Minneapolis
  • Temple Baptist Church in Ingalls
  • Best Western in Banner Elk
  • Old Beech Mtn School in Beech Mountain

Stay tuned to the following social media pages for on-going updates: 
  • ​Appalachia Region Resources on Finding a Missing Loved One, How to get in touch with family, General Support, Health, Homeowner Assistance, and where to find updates for Appalachia region.
  • Carolina Farm Stewardship Association includes resources for all farmers regarding getting funding for disasters.
  • This crowd source map  has information on exact locations of water, food, power, road closures, etc. in Western NC.
  • ​Down Home has a linktree of resources specific to Boone and a Post-Storm Wellness Check and Needs Assessment for organizations to better understand where to direct efforts.
Mental Health Services (see next tab for more)
  • If you or your family need emotional support, contact the Disaster Distress Hotline at 1-800-985-5990 or visit www.ncdhhs.gov for mental health services.
  • Red Cross providing mental health counselors at ASU Holmes Convocation Center.
FEMA Disaster Assistance:
  • Apply for federal disaster aid at www.disasterassistance.gov or call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).
  • This includes grants for temporary housing, essential repairs, and other personal needs.
  • ​The Disaster Assistance website has information on how to apply for FEMA disaster assistance and links to general resources.
Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans: North Carolina Emergency Management:
  • Access local emergency resources through NC Emergency Management by visiting www.ncdps.gov or calling 919-825-2500.
Contact & Locate Loved Ones with Red Cross:

Mental Health Resources

  • Anyone can call 988, 24/7, for suicide/crisis support.  When anyone calls 988, your call is routed to the first available crisis call center in NC. ​
  • If you or your family need emotional support, contact the Disaster Distress Hotline at 1-800-985-5990 or visit www.ncdhhs.gov for mental health services.
  • Red Cross providing mental health counselors at ASU Holmes Convocation Center.
  • Mental Health ProBono Referrals for WNC: This list is comprised of providers willing to offer pro bono individual sessions or groups for individuals impacted by Hurricane Helene in WNC.
  • New Leaf Behavioral Health (in Raleigh): Free short-term, crisis counseling via teletherapy to individuals in the affected areas (all ages, individuals/families) and to relief workers; Tel: 919-781-8370; Email: [email protected]
    Mention that you are a resident impacted by the Hurricane or helping with relief efforts we'll get you routed to our program for free help.

Disaster Assistance for All

Apply here for $750 in immediate assistance for disaster relief.

Navigating FEMA with Legal Aid

Contact Legal Aid of North Carolina for help | 866-219-5262

Disaster Relief Resources: English

Recursos de Ayuda en Desastres: Espanol
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 67,  Boone, NC 28607 
Physical Address: 969 W King Street (DO NOT MAIL HERE) 
  828.386.1537
Email: [email protected]
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