Holiday Update: Home Repair & Local Support
Dear friends and neighbors,
As we move into the holiday season, we’re holding close the resilience and care that continue to define this community. Recovery from Helene is still very much underway, and we want to ensure every neighbor knows what help is available right now.
Renew NC: Funding for Home Repairs & Rebuilding
If your home was damaged by Helene, Renew NC may be able to help:
Up to $50,000 for home repairs
Up to $450,000 to rebuild
Deadline to apply: December 31
Pisgah Legal Services is offering free support with Renew NC applications.
They can also help with related legal issues such as:
Eviction from FEMA trailers
Mortgage and foreclosure prevention
Reviewing contracts before signing
Contractor fraud and scams
Property and title concerns
Disaster-related tax questions
Meet with Renew NC in person
Mondays & Wednesdays at the LTRG Office (715 E Main St, Burnsville), 9 am–4 pm.
Upcoming Community Events
South Toe Community Meeting w/ Forest Service
Burnsville Town Center (6 S Main St, Burnsville, NC 28714)
Monday, December 8 | 6–8 PM
Learn about current conditions in the South Toe, hear updates from partners, and share what recovery still looks like for your area. Hosted with the USDA Forest Service.
Diaper Distribution Day
Reconciliation House in Burnsville
Tuesday, December 9 | 4–6 pm
All families are welcome!
Recovery Resources
American Red Cross — Extended Recovery Assistance
Financial support for eligible Helene-impacted households, especially those displaced by the storm. Sign up through case workers at the LTRG office at 715 E Main St, Burnsville, open M/W/Th/F 9am–4pm | Tu 1pm–4pm.
Land & Waterway Restoration
Debris clearing and restoration on private property
→ Submit interest form
Winter Weatherization Support
If you are a Helene survivor living in a camper or trailer, we’re here to help with winter weatherization.
→ Request support here
Food Support
Weekly distribution at Reconciliation House in Burnsville:
Mon, Wed, Fri: 9am–12pm
Food donations are accepted:
M/W/F 9am–4pm
Tu/Th 9am–2pm
Private Roads & Bridges Reimbursement
If you paid out of pocket for storm access repairs, you may be eligible for reimbursement from the state.
Funds limited — apply soon
→ Application link
Debris Removal via MountainTrue
Trash and non-vegetative debris cleanup at no cost.
Mark: 828-617-0836
LTRG Office for Ongoing Unmet Recovery Needs
Case management + recovery navigation
715 E Main St, Burnsville
M/W/Th/F 9am–4pm | Tu 1pm–4pm
Renew NC representatives onsite Mondays & Wednesdays
Beacon Updates
Our Winter Weatherization Work Continues
Only about 30 Yancey County households remain on the list for camper winterization this winter.
Thanks to new hired positions and incredible volunteers, teams are actively winterizing units each day.
We are now able to assist families outside Yancey County as well.
If you or someone you know needs help staying warm, please reach out.
With Gratitude
Thank you to Governor Josh Stein for recognizing and supporting our camper winterization efforts through generous grant funding.
Deep thanks to Blowing Rock Baptist Church, Samaritan’s Purse, and the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina for their gifts and steadfast support as well.
Your partnership makes this work—and the care we offer our community—possible.
How You Can Help
Donate Funds
Support our housing, restoration, and resilience work across Yancey County.
→ Contribute here
Donate Propane
Donate to the Yancey Long Term Recovery Group (LTRG) account at Blossman Gas to ensure our community stays warm this winter. Propane will be distributed by the LTRG to neighbors in need. To donate, call Blossman at (828) 682-2118 or stop by their Burnsville office.
Donate Food
Fresh, frozen, and nonperishable items (nonperishables preferred) accepted at Reconciliation House:
M/W/F 9am–4pm
Tu/Th 9am–2pm
Spread the Word
Share our updates and biweekly newsletter to help connect neighbors with available resources.
Thank you for staying connected, caring for one another, and helping our community move forward—together.
With gratitude,
Sarah Ogletree & The Beacon Team
