Jean Gordon
Wednesday, October 2, 2024 11:07 am
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There are absolutely no words to describe the tragedy and destruction Hurricane Helene brought to Rutherford County, Western North Carolina and other areas on Friday. There are no monetary damage estimates available yet, but here in Rutherford County, millions and millions of damage has been caused and lives lost.
The thought that there is no Chimney Rock Village is unfathomable and Lake Lure's devastation is beyond comprehension. We will never be able to imagine what our friends and neighbors are going through.
But as power is still being restored to countless people across our county, help is here and still on the way. Thousands of people have been affected by the storm and thousands of people are responding with help.
There is no way to name all those who are helping, donating and volunteering here at home, but we're going to try to give you some ways where you can find assistance and share with others.
Restaurants, coffee shops and other local businesses have offered free food, coffee and other services. Many are feeding the public throughout the week at no cost to the recipient.
People are volunteering with heavy equipment and machinery to move the mountains of trees and debris.
This compilation comes from Rutherford County Government and other sources.
Rutherford County has set up four distribution points for food and emergency supplies. Deliveries and donations can be sent to these locations, and citizens may visit any of these sites to pick up supplies. Each location is open from 9am to 6pm
Locations:
• Rutherford County Health Department
221 Callahan Koone Rd., Spindale
• Thomas Jefferson High School
2527 US-221A Hwy., Mooresboro
• Florence Baptist Church
201 S. Broadway St., Forest City
• Gilkey Church of God
255 Oak Springs Rd., Rutherfordton
An emergency shelter is open at R-S Central High School where more than 100 people have found refuge after being evacuated from their homes. More were being brought to the shelter when this publication went to press.
Rutherfordton Presbyterian offered its facility for a shelter immediately after the storm hit.
There is no way really to count the numbers of churches across the state and nation that are offering help, in addition to the local churches.
Folks from Rocky Mount Church in Mooresville where Jamie Hamrick (formerly of Bostic) are responding with truckloads of supplies being dropped off at Washburn General Store.
The church volunteers are back today, with chainsaws, trying to help clear passages for neighbors and friends.
Isothermal Community College offers its facility as a staging area for literally hundreds of Duke Energy trucks, thousands of crew members and equipment and members of the National Guard.
Operation Blessing provided food, water, and hygiene products to families at R-S Central High School.
"Our County is grieving over the devastation and loss we have experienced over the past days," said Rutherford County Manager Steve Garrison. "We continue to have widespread power and WiFi outages, downed trees and power lines, compromised bridges and roadways and much, much more," Garrison said.
Rutherford County Schools is offering its external WiFi, RCSPublicWiFi, available at Cliffside Elementary School, Chase High School (Front Parking Lot), Chase Middle School, Forrest Hunt Elementary School, Forest City-Dunbar Elementary School, Mt. Vernon Elementary School for those in need of Internet access. Other sites will be available when possible.
A Forest City woman is helping a group of people set up campers for linemen near Everest Textiles. Volunteers are washing clothes for those staying in the campers while bringing help to Rutherford County folks.
The Town of Lake Lure has been working with the Christian Aid Ministry Rapid Response Team to set up a Lake Lure Resource Center with food, showers, restrooms, a tool trailer, charging station and WiFi. Meals began to be served Tuesday at 5pm.
• There is a shower trailer.
• A charging station will be available; bring your charging cords.
• We are working to establish WiFi so people will be able to come and make calls and send texts or emails.
• There will also be two tool trailers and workers to assist with repairs, street clearing, etc.
• Lake Lure's local churches are also supporting this effort and will be available to offer spiritual support, as needed.
• The Lake Lure Baptist Church also has a shower trailer, restrooms, meals available daily from 12pm to 5pm.
64 planes deliver supplies
Volunteers worked at the Rutherford County Airport unloading planes with supplies for Rutherford County. Pilots flew from Texas, Arkansas, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Hilton Head, Charleston, various locations in Georgia and other locations to bring supplies. At least 64 planes brought supplies on Monday to be for distributed throughout the County at the four primary distribution centers.
United Way
The conference room at the United Way office at 668 Withrow Road, Spindale is open weekdays 10am-4pm for anyone who needs to charge their phone. Residents are welcome to bring containers to fill with water. Free coffee and snacks provided; this is for first responders too.
United Way is working with NC 211 and United Way of North Carolina's disaster response team. NC 211 has been activated by the state for disaster response. A local relief fund has been launched. Every penny- 100% of all relief fund donations-will be dispersed throughout the community to help those in need. Donations can be made at www.unitedwayofrutherford.org.
"We extend our gratitude and appreciation to all the first responders, power line crews, emergency management and government staff, DOT crews, hospital and medical workers, human service providers, essential services/retailers, volunteers, and helpers who've been working tirelessly to help our community. We share our heartfelt sympathy and compassion to all who've experienced loss and trauma," said United Way's Suzanne Porter
Tryon Equestrian Center
Tryon International Equestrian Center is an emergency command center for response to the devastation.
Housed and being fed at the Center are FEMA's Search and Rescue Team out of NYC, the National Forest Service, The US Border Service, Rutherford Electric and Co-Op Groups from the Southeast.
An Emergency Management field hospital is now open on the property. Many have asked how to make donations:
Tryon International
Attn: Hurricane Donations
4066 Pea Ridge Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756
from Rutherford County Emergency Management:
FEMA Assistance for Homeowners & Renters. FEMA may provide assistance to help with serious needs such as displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repairs, personal property loss, or other disaster-related expenses. Homeowners and renters in the Foothills Region (Rutherford, Polk, McDowell, and Cleveland Counties) are eligible to apply.
How to Apply for FEMA Assistance:
• Visit: www.DisasterAssistance.gov
• Use the FEMA App
• Call 800-621-3362 7am to 11pm
What You'll Need When Applying:
• A current phone number for contact
• Your address at the time of the disaster and your current address
• Your Social Security number
• A general list of damages and losses
• Banking information if opting for direct deposit
• Insurance details, including the policy number, agent, and company name, if applicable
If you have homeowners, renters, or flood insurance, file a claim as soon as possible. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. However, if your policy does not cover all disaster-related expenses, you may still be eligible for federal assistance.