[Image] Recovery efforts throughout the Diocese of Western North Carolina are progressing thanks to dedicated members of the community. Photos courtesy of the Venerable Brenda Gilbert.
The following is a transcript of an update provided by Bishop José McLoughlin, bishop of the Diocese of Western North Carolina, on April 22. Watch the update.
On September 27, 2024, Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina with devastating force, causing heavy rain, strong winds and widespread destruction. In the face of disaster, the spirit of resilience and compassion emerged throughout our diocese. We are deeply grateful for the immediate, tireless response from our parishes and community members who helped their neighbors without hesitation. Special thanks go to Archdeacon Brenda [Gilbert] and Dan Gilbert, whose leadership played a critical role in coordinating our diocesan response, enabling us to mobilize resources swiftly.
Disaster recovery occurs in three phases: immediate relief, short-term recovery and long-term recovery. During the immediate relief phase, our diocese was able to provide $50,000 in aid, supporting first responders, feeding the hungry, distributing supplies and offering mental health care. In the short-term phase, we have allocated $100,000 for temporary housing support, $200,000 for property damage assistance to our churches, and distributed $90,000 towards community and household recovery efforts.
Unfortunately, the total damages to our churches and conference centers amount to millions, with 23 churches reporting damage, our Cathedral of All Souls inhabitable, and both of our conference centers deeply impacted. Short-term recovery includes sheltering, supply distribution, debris removal and damage assessments, which many of you have been involved in, and we thank you for your commitment.
Long-term recovery will take years and will involve continued efforts from local crews, financial assistance for rent and utilities, job-loss support and rebuilding communities. It also includes environmental restoration, with some people returning to their homes and others needing to move due to the extensive damage.
Long-term recovery is not just about rebuilding homes. It’s about rebuilding systems, including policy reform, and addressing mental health and social support needs. We are thankful to Episcopal Relief and Development, whose invaluable guidance helps us navigate our response. They have assisted in helping us as we shift from short-term to long-term recovery efforts, discerning our role in recovery efforts and with funding in order to stay engaged for the long haul.
Our Disaster Response and Recovery Team, in collaboration with community input, has outlined focus areas for 2025, including internal communication systems building; care for caregivers; household recovery in Spruce Pine, Bat Cave and Chimney Rock; supporting the diocesan towel ministry in Henderson County; and congregation and community recovery grants.
Many of you have asked about volunteer programs. We plan to create a virtual volunteer engagement guide, connecting volunteers to local volunteer opportunities and suggestions of places to stay, eat and worship. We will not run volunteer-based rebuilding programs, but steward our resources to utilize local skilled labor to ensure quality work that supports community leadership and the local economy. This approach ensures efficiency and expertise in every step of the recovery process.
With the support of Episcopal Relief and Development, our diocese is committed to leveraging the resources of our congregation, donors and partners to assist the most vulnerable affected by the disaster. Together, we are building relationships centered on dignity and quality work at a sustainable pace. Our recovery work is rooted in the values of dignity, respect and partnership, drawn from our baptismal covenant. We are committed to trauma-informed care and adaptive leadership, ensuring housing that is safe, sanitary and secure. We will continue listening to those affected and guide our efforts with compassion.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed, prayed and worked tirelessly after Hurricane Helene. As Paul says in 1 Corinthians, we are the body of Christ. When one of us suffers, we all suffer. When one thrives, we all thrive. Together, we will rebuild. And together, we will thrive.
The Rt. Rev. José McLoughlin is the XII bishop of the Diocese of Western North Carolina. Contact him via the Diocese of Western North Carolina’s Disaster Response and Recovery Team.
A New Way to Help: Plan a Getaway to Western North Carolina
Though the rebuilding of affected areas of western North Carolina will take years, it is also true that some areas are further along in their recovery and starting to reopen.
If you are planning a summer getaway, give some thought to returning to the western part of our beautiful state, especially those areas dependent on tourism to thrive. Many parts of the area, including Asheville and Tryon, are open and ready to welcome you, and your support of local businesses will do a great deal in contributing to long-term recovery efforts.
There are many resources to help you plan your getaway:
Visit NC:
The Visit North Carolina Call Center provides updated statewide travel information from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. Call 1-800-VISITNC (800-847-4862). Travel counselors at North Carolina’s official Welcome Centers also provide live assistance from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Recent travel updates are also available online as a part of the Western North Carolina Travel Advisory.
The Western North Carolina Travel Advisory:
A county-by-county update of what’s open and ready for you to enjoy.
Learn More
To stay up to date on recovery and relief efforts in the Diocese of Western North Carolina, visit diocesewnc.org/Helene.
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