Storm Recovery: Resources & Help
OFFICIAL STORM RECOVERY HELP & NEWS FROM TOWN OF BANNER ELK
Banner Elk and Avery County took a hard hit from Hurricane Helene on September 27, 2024, but we are making great progress with our recovery! We are now open for visitors and residents to return. While the core of downtown escaped damage, flooding damaged homes, roads and businesses on three sides of town. Flooding also heavily damaged the town’s sewer and water system, washing out many lines with repairs taking seven weeks.
Read the April 6, 2025, Recovery Update from our Town Manager
See daily updates and business spotlights on the Visit Banner Elk Facebook page.
For questions, please call Banner Elk Town Hall: 828-898-5398
Resources
Countywide Info
County residents with needs should call the Avery County Hotline at 828-733-8273.
County Food Bank
Feeding Avery Families distributes groceries weekly (Fridays) at their center in Newland. Read more.
RAM’s Rack Thrift Shop
Buy donated clothing, bedding, furniture. Emergency assistance also available with free clothing and financial aid for prescriptions, utilities, rent, mortgage, etc. 147 New Vale Road, Newland | 828-733-5095
Donate Online
Financial contributions are needed the most currently (instead of supplies/food), so we can fill in the urgent need gaps. Here are two local non-profits that are getting money out into the community ASAP:
- The Town of Banner Elk has partnered with a local 501(c)3 charitable organization Elk River Helping Hands. 100% of these funds are given directly to individuals and families in greatest needs. Many have received funds already. Make donations at this link. Or mail a check to Elk River Helping Hands, Town of Banner Elk, PO Box 2049, Banner Elk, NC 28604.
- High Country Charitable Foundation gives generous grants to dozens of non-profits that care for people or animals in Avery County. Immediately after the storm hit, they began delivering meals and essential supplies to those hardest hit. They also provide hot meals daily to locals, volunteers and recovery workers at the Party Barn, located across from Elk River community. Read more and donate here.
FEMA
Go to the FEMA website to see many options for assistance for residents in North Carolina. See this FACT SHEET from FEMA for additional info. To apply to FEMA, go to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA App or call 800-621-3362 (7 am-Midnight). Homeowners and renters may be eligible for FEMA financial assistance for serious needs, displacement, basic home repairs, personal property losses and other uninsured or underinsured disaster-caused expenses.
Samaritan’s Purse International Relief
Offering free assistance to homeowners and residents for, removal of personal property & furniture, flood clean-up, driveway repair, sanitizing with shockwave treatment, chainsaw work, temporary roof tarping, etc. This is a free service provided to those with little to no insurance. Requests are handled depending upon need and volunteer availability. Please call: 1-833-747-1234. For Volunteer Opportunities with Samaritan’s Purse: 828-386-8667.
United Way’s NC 211
Information and referral service that connects North Carolinians to verified resources for basic needs, such as housing and utility assistance, food, healthcare, transportation, and more. NC 211 is a multilingual and confidential service that provides health and human services information and referrals through a free statewide phone number (2-1-1 or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from an out-of-state area code) and website (www.nc211.org).
Disaster Distress Helpline
A disaster or tragedy often brings out strong emotions, such as anxiety, worry and anger, and people may want help in dealing with their feelings. The Disaster Distress Helpline (1-800-985-5990) provides confidential counseling, referrals, and other support, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
SMALL BUSINESS HELP
Help for Artists
With the cancellation of festivals and galleries, find resources for artists on the Arts North Carolina site.
Hospitality Workers Help
NC Restaurant & Lodging Association supports the needs of restaurants, hotels, and their employees – including the NC Hospitality Worker Relief Fund. Go to their Website to apply for fund and see other resources.
Farm Grant
The ASAP grant is intended to support farms with significant losses due to disasters. Farmers may apply for up to $500 to cover immediate needs. Get details.
Small to Medium Business Advice
North Carolina SBTDC (Small Business and Technology Development Center) is a business advisory resource for growing and developing small to mid-sized businesses. Contact them for free consulting and advice on steps to recovery. Go to their website for more.
More Business Resources: EDPNC
The Economic Development Partnership of NC has a great list of resources for businesses for recovery.
Additional Information
Banner Elk Town Hall: 828-898-5398
For town residents: Sign up for Code Red Alerts for emergency notifications from the Town of BE.
Banner Elk Resource Distribution Center
After serving the community for eight weeks, the Resource Center inside the Historic Banner Elk School closed on November 23rd. THANK YOU to 700+ volunteers who served 4,000+ families – read more.