Full Notification

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McDowell County Shelters Complete Successful Mission, Offering Hope and Support for Displaced Residents

McDowell County Emergency Services, in partnership with McDowell County Department of Social Services (DSS), established three shelters at the onset of Hurricane Helene. Throughout the storm, these shelters provided refuge and essential support for hundreds of residents displaced from their homes. “We are deeply grateful for the dedication and hard work of our county staff, and our local, state, and federal partners,” said Shannon Jones, Human Services Coordinator with McDowell County Emergency Services. “The resilience shown by the individuals and families who were sheltered has been nothing short of inspiring. Their strength and courage, along with the tireless efforts of our community and partners, truly embody the spirit of recovery.” Our heartfelt appreciation goes out to Glenwood Baptist Church and its dedicated members, who worked tirelessly each day to care for citizens in need. The YMCA generously opened its facilities to help us expand our capacity, ensuring all residents had a safe place to stay. Additionally, we thank the local medical volunteers who stepped up to care for medically fragile residents, enabling us to open a specialized shelter that assisted the hospital in discharging patients during the storm. We are also grateful to Lincoln County Animal Services for sending their staff and equipment to shelter and care for over 50 animals, offering reassurance to families separated from their pets. The American Red Cross stepped in as a vital partner, managing long-term shelter operations at the Senior Center for remaining families. Today, thanks to the relentless efforts of our team and partners, all sheltered individuals and families have transitioned safely to short-term housing arrangements. This includes reunification with family, FEMA-supported hotels, and other temporary safe housing solutions as repairs and rebuilding efforts are underway. Some families have even been able to return home through the incredible support of volunteer organizations who completed vital repairs, allowing them to return safely as longer-term work continues. “Our work doesn’t stop here. We will continue to support everyone who has lost their home or needs assistance as they work toward recovery,” stated William Kehler, Director of McDowell County Emergency Services. “McDowell County stands united in our commitment to ensuring all families find solutions, whether temporary or permanent, as they rebuild their lives and homes.” While the shelters are now closed, McDowell County Emergency Services remains ready to assist any individual or family displaced as a result of Hurricane Helene. Our commitment to support recovery and rebuilding efforts for all affected remains steadfast. For further information and assistance, please contact McDowell County Emergency Services at 828-652-3241.

Community Partnership Steps Up: Mountain Running Company and Salomon Equip McDowell EMS for Recovery Efforts

We’re beyond grateful to Mountain Running Company in Black Mountain and Salomon International for stepping up to support our team and other responders across Western North Carolina. Thanks to their generosity, our paramedics at McDowell EMS were outfitted with brand new boots, giving them the comfort and support they needed to tackle the tough work of recovery. This gift is a testament to the incredible community spirit we have here, where local businesses are always ready to help, and we’re grateful to have partners who genuinely support our mission and the resilience of our responders.

USACE to Begin Hurricane Helene Debris Removal Across McDowell County

In the coming days, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) will begin collecting Hurricane Helene-related residential debris from roadsides throughout McDowell County, starting in the Town of Old Fort. This free program is part of our commitment to help residents recover and restore their properties. Our Emergency Operations Center team is actively developing a plan and schedule to keep communities informed, so residents can prepare to place debris within 10 feet of the right of way. As soon as we are notified of an exact start date, we will inform the public. Multiple passes will be made, with several teams collecting all types of debris to ensure thorough cleanup. For the latest updates and detailed information, please visit mcdowellgov.com/helene.