Full Notification

Dear McDowell County Community,

As we reach the six-month mark since Hurricane Helene devastated our county, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible resilience and determination shown by all of you in the face of such hardship. While the storm left a lasting mark on our community, it also brought out the best in us, as neighbors came together to support one another in ways that truly embody the heart of McDowell County.

Since the storm, we have made significant progress. More than 330 homes have been repaired, and over 457,000 cubic feet of debris have been removed from roadways and waterways, clearing the way for recovery. These accomplishments are a testament to the collective efforts of our community, our dedicated volunteers, and the non-profit organizations that have played such a vital role in the recovery process.

However, we know the journey is far from over. There is still a great deal of work to be done, and there will continue to be challenges ahead. But I am confident that, just as we have overcome so much already, we will continue to move forward—together. The resilience and solidarity shown by all of you over the past six months gives me hope and assurance that our community will fully recover.

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the volunteers who have poured their time and effort into helping our neighbors, to the non-profit organizations that have offered invaluable support, and to each person who has shown up for those in need. I would also like to recognize McDowell’s EOC staff who continue to work tirelessly each day on recovery efforts. It is an honor and privilege to get to work alongside this dedicated team. The “neighbors helping neighbors” spirit is what has carried us through, and it will continue to drive us as we move forward in this recovery process.

While we still have plenty of work ahead of us, today we can take a moment to reflect on how far we've come. We also pause today to remember those that we tragically lost in our community during Hurricane Helene. Our hearts and prayers continue to be with their family and friends.

The road to full recovery may take time, but the spirit of McDowell County is stronger than any storm. Let’s continue to work together as One Team with One Mission and further accelerate this recovery process so that more of our citizens can return to their home, cross their private bridge, and once again enjoy the beauty of our mountain community.

In closing, I want you to know our team's commitment to recovery is unwavering. No matter how long this takes, your EOC staff will continue to lead from the front with the citizens of McDowell County as our number one priority. From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you for your continued support, hard work, and dedication. Together, we will emerge from this disaster stronger than ever.
 

With gratitude,
 

Will Kehler

Emergency Services Director

McDowell County, North Carolina