Building Together: Winter & Yancey LTRG Updates
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year! As we step into the year ahead, the Beacon Network is grateful for our partners, neighbors, and collaborators who continue to show up for one another. We look forward to working together to meet immediate needs and strengthen long-term resilience across our community in 2026.
Beacon Network: 2026 Focus Areas
As a network rooted in care, collaboration, and long-term recovery, Beacon will continue focusing on meeting immediate needs while supporting our region’s long-term stability, resilience, and ecological sustainability. We also continue to coordinate volunteers across the county and integrate job creation whenever possible—because not all recovery needs can be met by volunteers, and building local jobs strengthens our region’s economic sustainability and resilience.
❄️ Winterization & Weatherization
Keeping people safe and warm remains a critical priority. 110 campers have been winterized, but additional households in campers still need support. We have expended our current funds and are actively seeking new funding to continue this work through the winter.
🌱 Restoration & Environmental Work
We continue to invest in restoration efforts that build ecological sustainability while strengthening a more resilient landscape. As we prepare for spring, our work is focused on native plant propagation—particularly river cane and water willow, which we hope to have in abundance for planting this year. We also have additional plans to support healthy waterways, soil stability, and local food sovereignty, including our participation in next Saturday’s seed swap at the Spruce Pine Public Library (Jan. 31, 10:00 AM–1:00 PM).
🏠 Community Resilience Hubs
This year we will be developing local Community Resilience Hubs—spaces that can support disaster preparedness, response, and long-term recovery. Initial planning is underway, and more details will be shared as this work develops. The aim is to have a well-equipped hub available in every region, ready to support neighbors both in times of emergency or calm.
Upcoming Community Event
Community Seed Swap & Share 🌾
Hosted by Song to Seed, Mitchell Giving Gardens, & Beacon
📍 Spruce Pine Public Library | Jan. 31 | 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
Seed swaps are more than an exchange of seeds—they help strengthen community ties, preserve local knowledge, and build resilience through food sovereignty and shared stewardship. Whether you bring heirloom vegetables, herbs, native shrubs and trees, or simply come to pick up new varieties, all are welcome. You don’t need to bring anything to participate.
Beacon and Blue Ridge RC&D will be giving away native plants and seeds at this upcoming event! We hope you’ll join us to connect, share, and grow together.
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Yancey County LTRG & Partner Updates
Yancey County LTRG
The LTRG website is now live! Case management requests can be submitted via the site. Case management provides one-on-one support to help families navigate continued Hurricane Helene recovery.
ReNew NC & Pisgah Legal Services
If your home was damaged by Helene, ReNew NC may be able to assist: up to $50,000 for repairs or $450,000 to rebuild. Deadline to apply: January 31. Pisgah Legal Services can help with applications, denials, appeals, and contract review (7–10 day turnaround). They are now serving those over 60 (regardless of income) and income-eligible individuals. Pisgah Legal also offers free tax preparation and guidance on disaster-related tax deductions (through 2028). If your property value was reduced due to Helene, now is the time to request a reduction at the property tax office.
Yancey LTRG Fuel Program
The Family Fuel Adoption Program helps households stay safe and warm through winter. Fuel is prioritized for families living in campers affected by Helene. To request support or donate, call Becky Ammons at 828-206-1360. You can also donate to help keep our community warm at yanceyltrg.org/donate. If you don’t qualify for this program but need support to stay warm, contact Reconciliation House at 828-682-7251.
No one should have to worry about staying warm in winter—our community is here for you.
Winter Weather This Weekend
With winter weather expected across Western North Carolina this weekend, we know many people are feeling anxious—especially given our experience with Hurricane Helene. It’s understandable to feel uneasy when a significant storm is forecast, but we want to remind our community that we are resilient and prepared!
Quick reminders: stay tuned to local weather updates, have a few days of food, water, and supplies ready, charge devices, gather flashlights/extra batteries, and keep warm with layers. If power goes out, use propane safely, and fill your tub with water to flush toilets. Check in on neighbors, especially elders and those living alone.
We’re here with you. Beacon and the Yancey County LTRG will continue monitoring conditions and sharing updates as needed.
Thank you for your continued partnership and care,
Sarah Ogletree & The Beacon Team
