Recovery efforts from the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene

October 1, 2024

Western Ashe County, NC, was directly in the path of Helene. She brought down trees, caused landslides, took out our power, cable, and phone services, destroyed roads, and stirred up the North Fork of the New River, causing it to overflow its banks and rage with a force not seen in more than 100 years.

So, you might ask, how did and does that impact Ashe Outreach Ministries? During the dark of night, the winds picked up, and the water rose from the banks of the New River, flooding our parking lot, washing away our propane and grease tanks, tearing off our entrance porch, and lifting parts of our roof. Then, the water broke into our building, bringing mud and debris with such force that it turned over commercial refrigerators and pushed equipment and food around like a pinball machine. In most of our space, the water reached knee level, but our office at the far end of the building was filled with four feet of river water, submerging our filing cabinets and other office equipment.

The water damage, along with the loss of power, has resulted in significant food spoilage, equipment loss, and has halted our ability to support our community through our various food ministries—at a time when these services are needed more than ever before. On a positive note, we were able to move some still-frozen food into our new-to-us refrigerator box truck, named Hope. We hope to keep it cold using a diesel fuel supply until the power lines are rebuilt and our walk-in freezer is operational again.

Currently, with the help of teams of volunteers, we are working to clear out mud, remove spoiled food and other damaged items, and prepare for a second wave of cleaning once the power has been restored and we have running water again.

October 2, 2024

Power was restored to our building early this morning! Very soon we will be able to assess what equipment still works and if we can get the water running.

If you have read up to this point you might be thinking, how can I be of help? The most important thing we need is your continued prayers for both our ministry and our community as we slowly recover from this life-changing event. Additionally, if you feel it in your heart and are able please consider donating to our 501(c)3 nonprofit ministry by clicking on this link:

Thank you, and may God bless each of you.