Late on Sept. 26, 2024, the huge and powerful Hurricane Helene made landfall in the Big Bend region of northern Florida, near the city of Perry, as a Category 4 storm with sustained winds of 140 mph. The storm weakened as it moved inland, quickly moving into Georgia as a Category 2 hurricane. It was downgraded to a tropical storm over east central Georgia a few hours later. Even as a tropical storm, Helene brought high winds, heavy rain, and flooding throughout much of Georgia. The storm continued into the mountain region of western North Carolina, eastern Tennessee, and southern Virginia.
Helene’s highest wind speeds in North Carolina were about 106 mph (92 kt) around 8 a.m. on Sept. 27, 2024, at Mount Mitchell in Yancey Co. The highest observed rainfall also occurred in this county where 30.78 inches of rain were recorded in Busick from September 25-28, 2024. Rivers and tributaries inundated hundreds of homes, with some structures being completely destroyed. More than 200 landslides occurred, damaging or destroying numerous roads. The Coast Guard performed numerous water rescues and there were ten direct fatalities in the county.
A BDM rebuilding site is scheduled to be open June 7, 2026, through August 15, 2026, to work with Yancey County Long-term Recovery Group (YCLTRG) and the Beacon Network. YCLTRG was born out of the community’s response to Hurricane Helene and is already serving survivors.
BDM will serve qualified families identified by YCLTRG to make repairs and build new homes.
For more details on the effects of Hurricane Helene in Yancey County check out these videos, and please share them with others that are interested in serving.
Media Coverage and Videos of the Hurricane and Aftermath
Find the most up-to-date schedule here
Housing
Volunteer housing is located at Micaville Presbyterian Church. Volunteer bunk rooms, restrooms, the kitchen and dining area will be on the ground floor. Project leaders will be housed in the church and in a travel trailer on the property. The BDM shower trailer will also be on the property. Job sites will be within a 30-45 minute drive.
Volunteer Housing: 587 Micaville Loop, Micaville, NC 28755
Mailing address
Micaville Presbyterian Church
ATTN: BDM/(recipient’s name)
587 Micaville Loop
Micaville, NC 28755
Contact
Email: BDMhelenerecovery@gmail.com
Meals
Meals are prepared in the kitchen at the housing site. Volunteer groups are asked to include an assistant household helper/cook. Volunteers will be asked to help with kitchen cleanup.
Work
The type of work with YCLTRG will include building new homes to replace previous homes and residences that were impacted by the hurricane. This will include all phases of new builds from framing to finishing and the work will depend on the current stage of the homes we are working on. There will also likely be repair work on homes impacted by the storm. Tools, vehicles, and leadership are provided.
Travel
Groups must send registration forms and mode of travel plans to BDMhelenerecovery@gmail.com at least 2 weeks prior to your scheduled trip.
Upon arrival, BDM Project Leaders will welcome you and collect any incomplete paperwork. They will orient you to the project, covering such topics as house rules, work schedule, safety, tools, daily devotions, expectations, etc. Orientation does not begin until all participants arrive.
Driving
Arrival time for volunteers on Sunday evening will be between 6:00 pm and 6:30 pm with volunteer groups having eaten supper BEFORE arrival at the housing facility. We recommend that you enjoy one of the many dining options along your route before arriving at the housing facility.
Driving directions
Driving directions can be obtained by reaching out to the BDM office.
Flying
Asheville Regional Airport is the closest airport. If you or your group choose to fly, please contact project leadership to discuss this before making any flight arrangements.
