Hurricane Helene Relief Information
Hurricane Helene Impacts:
Blowing Rock was incredibly fortunate through the storm and is open for visitors. Town of Blowing Rock infrastructure is undamaged and operational. Major highways into our area are safe and open for travel. But our broader community is still recovering from Hurricane Helene and the impact to the area is significant. If you are visiting soon, we urge you to plan ahead and keep several things in mind. Please learn more about local impacts here >>
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Support Your Village Businesses
A webpage has been setup to share ways to support your Village Businesses.
Blue Ridge Parkway
As of 10/23/2024 the Blue Ridge Parkway from Bamboo Gap (mm285.5) to Beacon Heights (mm 305.1) has been reopened. Single lane closures are possible. Check here for more information.
- Interior of the Moses Cone Manor House and Carriage Barn restrooms, milepost 294.0
- Boone Fork Trail, milepost 296.5
- Price Park Campground, milepost 296.9
- Bass Lake (restrooms available), milepost 294
- Moses Cone Manor House parking and carriage trails (no restrooms available), in and around milepost 294
- Price Lake Picnic Area (expect portable toilets), milepost 296.4
- Other trails between milepost 285.5 and 305 (use with extreme caution)
Visitors may experience delayed openings and modified hours in some locations. Complete campground information and reservations are available at recreation.gov.
Click here to confirm service availability and operating hours.
Business Recovery Assistance
SBA Disaster Recovery
Every business (any size) within the declared areas, private nonprofit organization, or resident affected by Helene can apply online or at the opened Business Recovery Centers (BRC’s) managed by SBA or Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC’s) managed by FEMA. A full list of counties in the declared areas is at the bottom of this email.
It’s helpful to start this process immediately. You do not have to wait for insurance coverage determinations or claims denials to apply for SBA programs. The application filing deadline for physical damage is Wednesday, Nov. 27 and economic injury is Monday, June 30.
Before you apply for an SBA loan, you will need to obtain a FEMA case number.
North Carolina Department of Commerce – Business Recovery Portal for NC
A Business Recovery Portal has been published by a partnership of SBTDC , the N.C. Community College's Small Business Center Network, the NC Rural Center, and the North Carolina Department of Commerce. Access the portal here.
Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available to businesses and residents in South Carolina following the announcement of a Presidential disaster declaration for Hurricane Helene that began on Sept. 25. Click the links below for more information:
US Chamber – Resources Page
https://www.uschamberfoundation.org/disasters/responding-to-hurricane-helene
WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund
Applications are now open for the WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund, made possible
through $7.5 million in initial funding from the Golden LEAF Foundation. These rapid recovery
loans are available to help small businesses rebuild after the devastating impacts of Tropical
Storm Helene. 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.
Apply here:
https://www.mountainbizworks.org/helene/fund
https://www.mountainbizworks.org/helene-espanol/fund-espanol/
Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund
Click here for the application link, and eligibility requirements, for the Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund (RDRF). A partnership between DoorDash and Hello Alice, restaurants, gastropubs and bakeries with brick & mortar locations that have lost revenue from a disaster may apply for $10,000 grant awards from the RDRF program. The program is accepting entries this round up December 2, 2024 at 6PM EST. To read complete terms and conditions of program, click here.
From the IRS
IRS provides relief for Helene; various deadlines postponed to May 1, 2025; part or all of 7 states qualify - IR-2024-253, Oct. 1, 2024 — The Internal Revenue Service today announced disaster tax relief for all individuals and businesses affected by Hurricane Helene, including the entire states of Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina and parts of Florida, Tennessee and Virginia.
Residential Recovery Assistance
FEMA - Hurricane Helene Information Page
How to apply for FEMA assistance for homeowners
Legal Aide of North Carolina
The non-profit law firm will deploy in disaster-stricken areas to help with FEMA aid applications, legal support, long-term housing, fraud cases, and more. The organization also operates a Legal Aid hotline (866) 219-5262. Pro bono lawyers are needed to join disaster support efforts. Go here to donate; lawyers can sign up to volunteer here.
It is our understanding, now that we have been declared a Federal disaster area, families losing groceries to spoilage due to power outages can place a request to FEMA to get up to $750 in reimbursement to help alleviate the drain on the family pocketbook. You can call 1-800-621-3362 and state exactly “I HAVE A SERIOUS FOOD NEED” – FEMA FOOD ALLOWANCE. If you choose to use the website, visit https://www.disasterassistance.gov/.
Information on FEMA Response Rumors
How to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance
October 1, 2024: Following a federal disaster declaration because of Hurricane Helene, 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.
The purpose of this page is to provide information and resources to North Carolina residents and visitors who were impacted by Hurricane Helene. Additional information will be posted as it becomes available.
Community Resources
Blowing Rock C.A.R.E.S. Food Pantry is only accepting donations of food and household cleaning items. Our hours are Wednesday 9:00am - 2:00pm and by appointment: 828-532-3323
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The Hunger and Health Coalition (H&HC) has many resources available now. They are reaching out to all areas and will provide needs where needed, please ask them! They also have an open pharmacy with insulin (prescription proof required) as well as Benadryl (yellow jackets have been an issue in the county) and EpiPens. H&HC also has baby supply needs, pet needs and shelf stable food which can be eaten without the need of power. They are accepting donations and using their resources to send donations to all local areas. They are open Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:00pm and located at 141 Health Center Dr Ste C, Boone. You can also give them a call for assistance: Main Line: (828) 262-1628, Pharmacy: (828) 264 5212.
Current Donation Needs:
- Laundry detergent
- Dish soap
- Eggs (please ensure they aren't broken)
- Allergen-friendly foods (nut-free, gluten-free, dairy-free)
- Items to rebuild people's pantries (flour, sugar, salt/seasonings, cooking oil, condiments) — regular-sized containers, no bulk containers please
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UNC HEALTH Appalachian -
Donation Information
First Baptist Church Blowing Rock is a disaster relief collection location. We are collecting items here at the First Baptist Church Blowing Rock Fellowship Hall to collect items the guys can bring when they go to some of the unreached areas for disaster relief. Please bring items between 10-2 daily. Call the church office at 828-295-7715, and we will let you in and help unload the items.
Project HOPE is still accepting disaster relief donations by scheduled appointment. To set up a time to meet, please text Sheri at (828)-729-8424.
Valle Crucis Conference Center Annex - open for hot showers, coffee, charging stations, and water. We had another incredible donation this morning of diapers, toilet paper, manual can openers, and hand sanitizer. We will be open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., until we are no longer needed. If you are able to bring donations, what seems to be needed are:
- Individually wrapped snacks
- Bread and peanut butter
- Batteries
- Diapers
- Heavy duty trash bags
- Big bottled waters
- Work gloves
- Travel size toiletries!
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The Ashe County Chamber is accepting donations through The Ashe Advantage Project. Donations can be made by visiting ashechamber.com. Also, needed items are:
- Cleaning supplies
- Work gloves
- Pet food
- Gas jugs
- Generators
- Dehumidifiers
- Jugs and cases of water
Volunteer Opportunities
Samaritan’s Purse is coordinating day and night volunteer opportunities for tree work, debris cleanup, roof tarping and mud outs. Sign up at spvolunteer.org.
Debris clean-up through Samaritan’s Purse call Brent Graybeal at (828) 773-9580 or Andy Burke at (828) 434-5554.
Casting Bread - please visit our Facebook page
Appalachian Medical Reserve Corps is coordinating volunteers with state and national emergency response teams. Sign up by filling out this interest form: https://forms.gle/AaKy78d2pL7V2sNk7
Perkinsville Baptist Church (274 Jefferson Rd, Boone) is organizing daily volunteers who have equipment - particularly chainsaws. -
The Red Cross is also accepting volunteers, you can sign up at https://www.redcross.org/vol.../volunteer-opportunities.html
National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster Website
From Our Members
For the month of October, the Art of Living Retreat Center is open and providing free essential resources to help you through these challenging times.
- Fresh Vegetarian Meals
- Warm Showers
- Wi-Fi Access
- Electricity for Charging Devices
When Wednesday–Sunday
Meal Times
Lunch—served Thursday, Friday, Saturday, & Sunday 12:00–1:30 pm
Dinner—served Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, & Saturday 6:00–7:30 pm
Meditation Sessions
Wednesday–Sunday at 11:00 am and 5:00 pm.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out via email at support@aolrc.org or call us at 800.392.6870.
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Blowing Rock Art & History Museum
We invite you to bring small devices that need to be charged to our Community room and make use of our Wi-Fi.
- Cards of Hope: Join us in creating cards for first responders and those impacted by Hurricane Helene. This simple yet powerful expresses gratitude and offers encouragement. Materials are set up in the Alexander Community Gallery.
- Programs for the youngest members of the community: Our beloved Doodlebug Club and Afternoon Art Club will continue to be offered free of charge, ensuring access to creative outlets for children.
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Carolina West Wireless
Our retail stores are open and ready to serve your wireless needs. Please stop by our locations in Wilkesboro, Boone, West Jefferson, Lenoir and Hickory where we can help with charging your devices or use our Wi-Fi. You can also enjoy some complimentary refreshments while you're there! Stay safe, everyone. We're in this together.
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Uneek Tree - Drone Inspections
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, we are offering drone inspections for residential and commercial properties. To request an inspection, please text or email us your full address. While road closures may limit access to some areas, we will do our best to reach every property. As a local business, we are not seeking to profit from our community's devastation, and we are offering services at 50% off our regular rates. Our goal is to provide essential support during this challenging time. Let us help you assess the damage and move forward.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, we are offering drone inspections for residential and commercial properties. To request an inspection, please text or email us your full address. While road closures may limit access to some areas, we will do our best to reach every property. As a local business, we are not seeking to profit from our community's devastation, and we are offering services at 50% off our regular rates. Our goal is to provide essential support during this challenging time. Let us help you assess the damage and move forward.
828-228-7825 / justin@uneektree.com
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Home Remedy USA
If there is anyone in the Blowing Rock area that needs help with roof typing or any other kind of waterproof services, please contact us at our emergency number as our office is also without power, Internet, and phones. The emergency contact number is 828-234-6445. Feel free to email at bfries@homeremedyusa.com
Brandon Fries
Owner
Home Remedy USA / Roofing - Gutters - Windows
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Republic Services
We are working around the clock to assist with clean up.
If any companies or residents are in need of dumpster services, please contact me.
We are giving discounted rates to assist with this.
Also, we can have supplies brought to wherever - Water, food, clothes, whatever is needed. We are all local and a lot of our staff up in the high country have been affected. So please let me know how we can assist in any way.
Tabetha Tallent
Construction Account Manager
Serving All Temporary Containers Needs. Big and Small.
Covering Alexander, Catawba, Lincoln, Caldwell, Wilkes, Ashe, Watauga, and Avery.
e TTallent@republicservices.com
c 828-303-0191 (call or text)
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Road Conditions
- Access is limited to local and hurricane response traffic. You cannot get from North Carolina to TN via I-40 or I-26.
- There may be closed roads not listed on DriveNC.gov as many areas are not able to report at this time.
- View suggested route map from TN
The Chamber Office is situated in the historic Miller/Robbins house located at:
132 Park Avenue
(Behind the Blowing Rock Market on Main Street)
Our hours are Monday – Saturday, 9AM – 5PM
For information about the Blowing Rock area, please call 828-295-7851