Helene Recovery this Week
Hi friends!
We are continuing weatherization projects, erosion control, and community support across the region. Please read on for ways to get involved as well as news and updates from our partners. This work is only possible because we do it together—thank you for your support!
🔨 Weatherization Highlights
The work crew is back in action thanks to support from NCWorks!
116 campers weatherized (60 in Yancey County)
20–30 campers ready for immediate weatherization
Other local recovery work being lined up for the rest of the Winter and Spring
🌱 Restoration Highlights
Preparation for the Cane Train and Willow Wagon is underway!
Collaborating with Dig In! Yancey, Song to Seed, and Mitchell Giving Gardens on upcoming seed swaps, distributing native plants, livestakes, and heirloom seeds:
Feb 21 – Spruce Pine Public Library: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm 🌿
Feb 28 – Birdfoot, Burnsville: 3:00 – 5:00 pm 🌱
🤝 How You Can Partner With Beacon
Landowners with hurricane impacted lands or ongoing repair needs can reach out for guidance
Contact Kiera (ecological restoration): kalbert@thebeaconnetwork.org
Contact Jared (volunteer support): jdubin@thebeaconnetwork.org
📅 Community Events
🩺 CASPER Community Health & Helene Survey Presentation
Learn about the Hurricane Helene impact survey and join a community discussion on storm recovery.
When: Feb 11, 8:00–10:00 am 🗓️
Where: Burnsville Town Center 🏢
Breakfast & registration: 8:00–8:30 am; program starts 8:30 am 🥐☕
RSVP: Sign up here ✍️
🌱 Seed Swaps & Restoration Events
Join us for native plants, livestakes, and heirloom seeds at two upcoming seed swaps.
Collaborating with Dig In! Yancey, Song to Seed, Beacon Network, Mitchell Giving Gardens, and Blue Ridge RC&D.
Feb 21 – Spruce Pine Public Library: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm 🌿
Feb 28 – Birdfoot, Burnsville: 3:00 – 5:00 pm 🌱
🌲 Timber Loss Relief Program Workshop
Landowners with 10+ acres impacted by Helene are invited to learn about the NC Forest Service Timber Loss Relief Program, wildfire mitigation, and invasive species control.
When: Feb 27, 2:00 – 5:00 pm 🗓️
Where: Burnsville Town Center 🏢
RSVP: Sign up here ✍️
🏠 From Yancey LTRG & Partners
Upcoming Deadlines
Private Roads & Bridges Reimbursement: apply by Feb 28
Funding is available for those who used personal funds to repair a bridge or road post-Helene. Don’t miss this opportunity!
Website Launched
A reminder that the new LTRG website is up and running and ready to provide you with the updates you need regarding Yancey’s continued recovery from Helene. Check it out here.
Yancey LTRG Fuel Program
The Family Fuel Adoption Program helps households stay safe and warm, prioritizing families living in campers affected by Helene.
Request support or donate: Becky Ammons, 828-206-1360 | yanceyltrg.org/donate
Other support: Reconciliation House, 828-682-7251
NCWorks Hurricane Recovery Jobs
NCWorks has temporary employment slots available for individuals affected by Helene. These positions are in hurricane recovery roles, including river clean-up, construction, case work, and other meaningful recovery work.
If you’re currently unemployed as a result of Helene, this is a great opportunity to contribute to local recovery efforts while gaining experience and earning income. Interested? Call 828-682-6618 ext. 11 for more information.
Research & Learning
Give Directly Study: App State research on cash disbursements post-Helene. The survey is open through the month of February. If you distributed direct cash assistance following Hurricane Helene as an individual or organization, please fill out this quick survey to help researchers: Survey link here
Thank you again for supporting our community while we continue to recover and build resilience. We could not do this work alone.
With gratitude & deep joy,
Sarah
