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WNC Flooding: Resources And How To Help

A sign outside the Cruso Community Center offers food, water and restrooms.
Lilly Knoepp/BPR News
Community members and volunteers coordinate relief at the Community Center in Cruso.

Historic flooding following the heavy rains of Tropic Storm Fred on August 15th-17th devastated hundreds of homes and businesses in Haywood County, and damaged or destroyed over 30 roads and bridges. As of Monday August 23, officials confirmed the deaths of five people from the floods. Haywood and Transylvania counties are still assessing the extent of the damage and continue to coordinate relief efforts. BPR will update this list with resources and ways to help. 

Haywood County

Recover Haywood: County Site For Relief and Recovery 

Haywood County Storm-Assistance Helpline: 828-356-2022 

Hours 8 AM-8 PM Monday-Friday, 8 AM-5 PM Saturday-Sunday 

Please call 828-452-6666 after 5 PM Saturday and Sunday 

Types of assistance available through the helpline: Food, housing assistance, special needs assistance, volunteer or donation opportunities, other storm-related needs. 

Mountain Projects

Offering help with debris removal and clean up: 828-222-3975 

Offering assistance with housing: 828-452-1447 

Locations to Receive Assistance:

Bethel Baptist Church: 5868 Pigeon Rd, Canton, NC 28716 - clothing, children’s clothing, food, water, toiletries. 

Canton First Baptist Church: 74 Academy Street Waynesville - food, water, toiletries. 

Faith Community Church: 289 Industrial Drive Waynesville - food, water, toiletries. 

Those affected by storm damage will find meals are available at Bethel Baptist Church: 5868 Pigeon Rd, Canton, NC 28716 

Where to Donate Money:

United Way of Haywood County

If you have questions about making donations, please call 828-356-2022.  

Information on How to Volunteer:

Register with Volunteer Coordinator, John Chicoine. Phone 828-356-2022; email jchicoine@mountainprojects.org 

In person at: 

The Senior Resource Center 

81 Elmwood Way 

Waynesville 

Where to Donate Items:

Helping Haywood: 289 Industrial Park Drive, Waynesville 

HCC Small Business Building: 144 Industrial Park Drive 

Canton First Baptist Church: 74 Academy Street Waynesville - food, water, toiletries  

Faith Community Church: 289 Industrial Drive Waynesville - food, water, toiletries 

Please do not take donations to Bethel Baptist, they are out of space. (As of 8/23)

Transylvania County

Housing Assistance

Displaced residents can call Transylvania County at 828-884-2034. Provide your name and contact information and let staff know you need housing. The County is working with State of NC resources to provide short term housing (up to 30 days). 

Local Organizations Providing Relief

Sharing House: (828) 884-2866 

Providing produce, groceries, liquid nutrition, dry goods, clothing, tents, blankets/bedding, personal hygiene products, school supplies and financial assistance for housing, repairs, utilities and medications. 

Salvation Army: (828) 862-6518 

Providing shelf stable food, clothing, limited furniture and financial assistance. 

Anchor Baptist Church: (828) 877-2978

Providing food, water, some furniture, assistance with well evaluation, disinfection and water testing. 

Residents who have needs they cannot meet on the resource list are encouraged to call Transylvania County at 828-884-2034 Monday-Saturday, 9:30 AM – 5 PM. Transylvania County Library will be collecting names and contact information along with the nature of the need to assist in connecting with local resources. County staff will be using the contact list to connect residents to federal aid once it is authorized. 

Questions About Insurance

Transylvania County residents with questions about insurance, can reach out to the Department of Insurance at 855-408-1212. 

Donations

Transylvania County is working with the nonprofit Change the World Relief Fund to help those in need. All funding will go directly to those impacted. Checks can be made out to Change the World Relief Organization and note on the check for use in Transylvania County for TS Fred. Checks can be dropped off at Anchor Baptist Church or mailed to 3232 Hendersonville Highway, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768.  

Catherine Komp joined Blue Ridge Public Radio in September 2020 as the organization’s first Director of Content, leading BPR’s talented team of local journalists and content creators, overseeing national programming and facilitating collaborations and engagement initiatives.