Bright Days Ahead!

Welcome to the Chamber of Hickory Nut Gorge where we are committed to keeping our community informed and united as we recover from the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene.

Our beautiful region has faced significant challenges, but together, we are rebuilding stronger than ever. Here, you will find the latest updates on recovery efforts, resources for businesses and residents, and ways to get involved in revitalizing our beloved area.

Whether you're a local business owner, resident, or a friend of our community, we appreciate your support and invite you to join us in this journey of resilience and renewal.

LOCALS ONLY PLEASE

​TOWN ACCESS

• Use caution when driving in the area due to road construction and debris removal.
• Expect delays from working crews. 
• Boys Camp Road Bridge:  A temporary gravel bridge will be built next week in the same location as the temporary ford.  We are currently awaiting materials to begin the project.  We are currently obtaining design specifications for the permanent Boys Camp Road Bridge.  
• Proctor Road: A landslide has occurred on Proctor Road. The Army Corp of Engineers is now assessing the situation due to the cost.
• Town Center Master Plan: Town officials are recommending that the Town Center Master Plan be updated as a mitigation need due to the necessity for egress/ingress to Chimney Rock State Park.
• Town Hall/Welcome Center: Lake Lure Town Hall and the Welcome Center were flooded and are vacated at this time. Both buildings are being cleaned and Town employees are dispersed to other Town offices.  Town Hall phones are being answered remotely.
• Chimney Rock Village: Traffic to Chimney Rock Village (CRV) is currently limited. CRV Officials have established a pass system for homeowners that allows for entry. Entry is restricted to all others except workers or approved volunteers.  The NC Highway Patrol has a checkpoint at The Hickory Nut Store.

TOWN PARKS AND TRAILS ARE CLOSED AT THIS TIME

• Morse Park and the Lake Lure Welcome Center are closed and are only accessible to construction workers.
• The remaining portion of the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge is closed and is unsafe due to structural damage.  No access is permitted. Our hearts are broken over the loss of this exquisite masterpiece!
• All other Town Parks and Trails are temporarily closed for assessment and clearing.  We hope to open Dittmer Watts very soon.

TOWN OF LAKE LURE

November 8, 2024

 

• ACTION: Over 3,000 cubic yards of debris (250 dump truck loads) have been removed from the lake this week! AshBritt Environmental is working with local contractors to remove the debris from the lake. 
  • AshBritt Environmental is serving as the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) rapid-response disaster recovery and special environmental services contractor.
  • Since its inception in 1992, AshBritt has conducted over 500 disaster response missions and 52 special environmental projects, successfully serving more than 600 clients across the United States.
  • They have a 160 day period of performance which began on 10/28/24.
  • The Town is working with FEMA and the NC Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) and they have permitted the current debris locations which are in Morse Park and behind the Fire Station.
  • The Town is following guidance from FEMA and NC DEQ on the debris and silt removal process.
  • Once debris is removed from the lake it is taken to the staging area behind the Fire Department. 
  • The debris is sorted and then hauled away from there.  
  • Hazardous material staging and environmental monitoring protocols are conducted in compliance with NCDEQ regulations which are overseen by USACE.
  • Environmental monitoring is in progress and there are no preliminary indicators of toxic leaching at the designated staging sites.
  • AshBritt Environmental and USACE report that there are typically no environmental concerns at the staging sites.
  • As a precaution, special debris handling is observe by crews working within the lake debris fields.
  • Lake monitoring will be continuously conducted to determine any potential hazards.
  • Testing data will be shared as results are received.
    
     
• BOYS CAMP ROAD TEMPORARY BRIDGE UPDATE: For those who live beyond Boys Camp Road, a temporary gravel bridge will be built next week near temporary ford.  
  • A start date has not been confirmed yet but construction will not begin prior to 11/13/24
  • The temporary bridge will include 5 culverts and it will be elevated above the water.   
  • Crews will be working to level out the bridge so it has less of an incline.
  • Constructing the bridge will take about 48 hours and the road will not be passable during this time.
  • The Fire Department will stage emergency vehicles beyond the bridge to provide support as needed during the 48 hour timeframe.  
  • The date for the road closure and construction will be confirmed as soon as materials are secured. 
  • Additionally, we are obtaining design specifications for a permanent Boys Camp Road Bridge.  
     
  • FOR THOSE NEEDING TO DEPART DURING CONSTRUCTION:
    • A walking path will be set up for anyone needing to be able to leave the area during construction. 
    • Firefighters will be available during specified time periods to assist anyone needing to walk over the path.
    • A parking area will be available at the field at Sheridan Lane and Boys Camp Road so cars may be left for anyone needing to leave during construction.
    • For assistance or coordination coming and going during construction please send an email to the following address and we will work with you. Email Communications@townoflakelure.com (Subject: Boys Camp Road Bridge Crossing)
       
• BUSINESSES:
  • Was your small business harmed by Hurricane Helene? The Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative is here to help. The initiative is partnering with local Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) to provide relief grants up to $25,000 to very small businesses across the region that sustained physical damage from Hurricane Helene. https://appalachiancommunitycapitalcdfi.org/wnscb-grant/
  • Do you run a business or are you a business owner impacted by Hurricane Helene? A wide variety of assistance programs are available to help you jumpstart your recovery. There are many assistance programs available across the federal government designed to help you and your business. Download this guide will help you get started at the following link: https://www.townoflakelure.com/community/page/help-businesses-north-carolina-impacted-hurricane-helene
  • The Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster assistance for homeowners, renters, nonprofits, and businesses of all sizes affected by Hurricane Helene can be found at the following link:  https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance/hurricane-helene

 

PLEASE STAY OFF THE LAKE: 

• The lake is currently unsafe and only Town approved workers are able to be out on the lake.
• Crews are working to remove debris as quickly as possible to minimize environmental impacts. 

BOATS:

• The priority at this time is removing any hazardous boats from the lake.
• The Parks, Recreation, and Lake Department is contacting slip renters in the marina to give details about the boat removal process.  Owners may call 828-625-9983 x 505 to ask questions.
• Boat owners will be contacted by the contractor after their boat has been removed from the lake.
• Boats may be removed by boat owners ONLY if they may be removed by land.
• Washburn Marina: Drone photos have been taken of the boats in the Washburn Marina to assist with insurance claims. Individual contractors are not allowed in Morse Park or the Marina at this time.  Boats are being removed in coordination with boat owners.
• Rumbling Bald Marina: Boat owners should contact the General Manager for information.
• All other motorized and non-motorized boats will be removed as soon as possible and as they become accessible. 
• All salvageable non-motorized vessels will be kept in one location for retrieval at a later date.
• The PRL Department will establish a location for boat owners to retrieve boats at a later date.
• A comprehensive list of boats and their whereabouts will be kept by the PRL Department.

BOAT HOUSES

• Boat houses will be assessed in the coming weeks by Community Development and engineers. If you have concerns regarding the structural viability of your boat houses, please send an email message to kmartin@townoflakelure.com in Community Development.  She will coordinate an assessment of your boat house in the coming weeks.  Town officials will communicate directly with property owners.

DAM/LAKE LEVELS

• The Lake Lure Dam remains stable and emergency repairs are being made to the right abutment.  The left abutment has been stabilized.
• The construction of the new reservoir drain is resuming.
• The Lake Level will remain at approximately 985.5, five feet below full pond (+/- 1 foot) for now.  
• The lake drawdown previously scheduled for 1/1/25 has been canceled and updates will be provided.  

LAKE/DEBRIS/SILT:

• The Army Corp of Engineer’s contractor AshBritt Environmental and other approved contractors are working to remove debris from the lake.  They have removed 3,000 cubic years thus far.
• The priority is removing all hazardous debris and then silt and sediment removal will begin.
• Debris will be removed from properties around the lake once the hazardous debris in the main channel is out of the way.
• Water will be tested and results will be posted once they are obtained.

RESOURCES/FEMA ASSISTANCE AND INFORMATION

AMERICAN RED CROSS COUNSELING RESOURCES:

• To reach the Disaster Distress Helpline and be connected with a trained crisis counselor, disaster survivors and responders can do the following: 
• For English, call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746. 
• For Spanish, call 1-800-985-5990 and press "2" or text the following: o From the U.S., text Hablanos to 66746 o From Puerto Rico, text Hablanos to 1-787-339-2663 
• For Deaf/Hard of Hearing o Text DeafDDH to 66746 o Use the preferred relay service to call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990, TTY: 1-800-846-8517 
• For over 100 other languages, call 1-800-985-5990, indicate to the responding counselor the primary language, and they will add to the call a live, third-party interpreter.

FEMA UPDATES: https://www.townoflakelure.com/community/page/fema-resources-and-information

• Disaster Recovery Center (DRC): The Town of Lake Lure, NC’s new DRC is open 7 days a week from 8AM – 7PM at the Mountains Branch Library, 150 Bill's Creek Rd, Lake Lure, NC.
• FEMA App: Use the FEMA app to apply directly from your smartphone. 
• Online: Visit www.disasterassistance.gov to apply. 
• If you recently applied for disaster assistance & disagree with the decision letter, you can submit an appeal

      within 60 days. For questions visit the Disaster Recovery Center or call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362.

• By Phone: Call 1-800-621-3362 to speak with a FEMA representative.

LIBRARY: Now through 11/15/24, anyone needing to fax information related to Hurricane Helene may do so for FREE at all Rutherford County Branch Libraries, including the Mountains Branch Library (Thank You!)

SUPPLIES/SNAP/UNEMPLOYMENT

The Town of Lake Lure is extremely grateful for the many donations of supplies that have been made to our community.  We are overwhelmed by the love and support we have received.  Currently, we do not need any additional supplies or clothing.  In fact, we are a bit challenged in finding space to store the supplies we have right now. At this time, we are working to disseminate the supplies we have on hand and will post updates if/when additional supplies are needed.

NEEDING SUPPLIES: If you need supplies, please stop by the donation stations at the Parks, Recreation and Lake Department at 658 Memorial Highway (64/74), at Hickory Nut Gorge Outreach at 2556 Memorial Hwy, or at Ridgeline Heating and Air 1618 Bills Creeks Rd. 

SNAP: See information below on how residents in Western North Carolina can apply for Help Buying Food Following Hurricane Helene

UNEMPLOYMENT AND JOB ASSISTANCE: Unemployment and Job Assistance for Victims of Hurricane Helene has been added to the website.  Please share this information with those who may need it.

https://www.townoflakelure.com/community/page/unemployment-and-job-assistance-victims-hurricane-helene

 

CELL SERVICE:

• Fiber optic lines have been placed throughout the Hickory Nut Gorge and cell and internet services have improved significantly. The AT&T and Verizon Cell on Wheels (COWs) remain in Town Center.
• The plans for the new Cell Tower are moving forward as planned and an updated timeline will be posted as an updated timeline is confirmed.   

POWER: 

• IMPORTANT: The breaker should be off in your home until the power is restored to avoid power surges.  
• Duke Energy: Power is being restored to 63 people in our area without power.  
• REMC: REMC advises that power has been restored for customers within 28746.  

WATER/SEWER SYSTEM:

• Lake Lure water and sewer bills have been suspended for the rest of 2024.
• Water has been restored throughout Lake Lure and the Boil Advisory has been lifted for all areas.  
• The Town, in coordination with the NC DEQ, lifted the No Flush Order on 10/28/24.
• There are still a few homes on the west side of Town Center that remain on a No Flush Order as additional repairs are made nearby.  These property owners have been made aware. We anticipate these repairs being made in the near future and updates will be provided here.  
• Plans are moving forward to rebuild a new Waste Water Treatment Plant on higher ground and outside of the flood zone. Repairs are being made to the existing plant.
• The Town is working closely with the NC DEQ on all water and sewer related projects.
• A Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) construction will start on November 11, 2024 and a planned conclusion will be November 22, 2024. 
  • The construction project will begin on November 11, 2024.
  • The planned conclusion of the project is November 22, 2024.
  • The installation of the PRV will require that the water be shut off for a period of time on 11/20/24.
  • Water flow will be re-established on the 20th at a later time.
  • A boil water advisory will be in place for those residents affected.
  • The advisory will remain in effect until a clean water test is returned.

Once the water has been turned back on November 20, 2024, the area in red will be under a Boil Water Advisory until further notice. The following are impacted areas:

• All Residents on Chimney Cliffs Drive
• All Residents on Marina Drive and Kilroy Drive
• All Residents or Businesses on Keeter Lane, Bottomless Pools Drive, Beach Street
• Residents/Businesses at 2825, 2813 , 2939 and 2975 Memorial Hwy
• The Lake Lure Inn & Spa, The Arcade Building, Scoops Ice Cream, Fae Nectar
• Town of Lake Lure Public Works Building

WATER/PERSONAL WELLS: Resources for assistance with testing and disinfecting personal wells.

1) Foothills Health District. Please click on the following link for Emergency Drinking Water Well Disinfection Procedures    http://www.foothillshd.org/images/forms/4000/4001/FoothillsHealth_WellWaterDisinfection.pdf 

2)  Broad River Water Authority: 828-286-0640 https://www.ncbrwa.com/ 

3)  James & James Environmental Management, Inc. 828-697-0063 https://www.facebook.com/jamesandjames1992/

TRASH/DEBRIS: 

• Town of Lake Lure Debris Pickup: Public Works crews removed 177 truckloads of debris and hard trash from Town homeowners in the past three weeks. The Town will continue to pick up debris and hard trash from all Town properties this Friday if it is placed at the right of way, near the road by Thursday evening.  Next week, online requests will resume for pick up.
• County wide Debris Pickup: Please place trees, limbs, stumps, and other plant debris loose along the edge of the road – do not bag it.  Stumps should be placed with other debris, not taken to the landfill. Over the next few weeks, crews will collect debris. Avoid placing debris near fire hydrants, water meters, mailboxes, or power poles.
• Shoreline Debris: Debris will be picked up from the shoreline once most of the lake debris is removed from the lake.  We cannot provide an estimated time when this will occur but stay tuned for updates.
• The dumpsters at Dittmer Watts are being removed in preparation for opening the park.
• Bill’s Creek Convenience Center remains open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday-Saturday. (Closed Wednesdays and Sundays) 
• Polk County Solid Waste (Transfer Station/Landfill): 828-894-3737, NC 9 HWY. 2 miles above Mill Springs.    
• Rutherford County Landfill: (828) 287-6125, 656 Laurel Hill Dr, Rutherfordton, NC 28139
• Burn Permits: Please check with Lake Lure Fire Department (LLFD) before doing any open burning due to the Wind Advisory.  Burn Permits may be obtained from the LLFD

YARD CLEANUP GUIDANCE AND ASSISTANCE

• The NC Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Waste Management has provided the following information regarding soil and sediment management during cleanup efforts.
• If you need assistance with home cleanup following the storm, please send a message to Communications@townoflakelure.com (Subject: Cleanup).

 STORM RECOVERY ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Swift evacuation by first responders saving countless lives 9/27/24.
• Countless rescues first responders during and following Hurricane Helene.
• Coordination with the Rutherford County Emergency Management during and throughout the storm.
• Dam assessment and stabilization immediately following the storm event 9/27/24-9/29/24.
• Communication with the Rutherford County EOC and FEMA for recovery immediately following the storm.
• Coordination with volunteer groups to provide hot meals, shower services, restrooms, and handwashing stations in strategic locations by 10/1/24. Christian Aid Ministries served 8,080 hot meals and assisted 43 homeowners with cleanup of their homes and property.  There were 164 volunteers and they spent 2,457 hours assisting our community!
• Creation of donation stations to disseminate supplies throughout town by 10/1/24. 
• Cleared Highways and Town roads within days of the storm.
• Restoration of water service throughout Town with water quality testing allowing Boil Advisory lifted 10/14/24 and 10/16/24 respectively.
• Rapid repair of power services throughout Town by Duke Power and REMC.  
• Establishment of temporary communications systems through Starlink (10 systems) and Cell on Wheels with AT&T and Verizon 10/16/24.
• Replacement of fiber to re-establish internet and cell service to the area 10/18/24. 
• Repair to the left abutment of the Dam by 10/27/24.
• Army Corps of Engineers contract signed with AshBritt to oversee lake debris and silt/sedimentation removal during a 160 day period of performance beginning 10/28/24.  Debris removal began 11/4/24.
• As of 11/6/24, 3,000 cubic yards of debris have been removed from the lake.
• Emergency repairs to the sewer system completed, allowing the "no flush order" to be lifted for most on 10/28/24.
• Reopening of the Dam Bridge on Buffalo Shoals Road on 10/31/24.

• The Town is committed to sharing details of the recovery process and as our comprehensive plans are developed, this information will continue to be shared broadly on the website and in Town Meetings.

ONGOING

• Emergency repairs to the sewer system.

• Constant removal hazardous debris from the lake as a top priority is ongoing.

• Removal of boats with emphasis on hazardous vessels first.

• Town officials are working to develop a comprehensive plan for recovery of the lake which will include dredging but the focus at this juncture is removing hazardous debris and silt removal.

MONETARY DONATIONS

Our community, along with many of our neighbors, has been devastated by the catastrophic flooding caused by Hurricane Helene. The Town of Lake Lure, NC is deeply grateful for the support our community has received.  We have had numerous requests to establish a mechanism for financial donations. Please click on the following link to donate to the Town of Lake Lure Storm Recovery Fund.  

https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/WXB6HYYE8Y5PJ

Additional options for monetary donations include the following: 

• Hickory Nut Gorge Outreach: https://hickorynutgorgeoutreach.org/one-time-donation/
• RHI Legacy Foundation will match any donation up to $50,000 at www.rhilegacyfoundation.com
• United Way of Rutherford County at www.unitedwayofrutherford.org
• Hurricane Helene – Força Foundation https://forcafoundation.com/hurricane-helene/
• Restore Lake Lure Fundraising Campaign: www.RestoreLakeLure.com "The Restore Lake Lure campaign seeks to bridge the gap between governmental support and personal sacrifice."

Questions

For questions, please email Communications@townoflakelure.com

 

UPDATE FROM MAYOR PETER O'LEARY

November 9, 2024

​Request for Qualifications

Chimney Rock Village is requesting proposals from qualified engineering firms to assist the Village with defining recovery activities and coordinate with State and Federal partners to prioritize recovery projects and maximize federal funding. Learn More.

 

Summary of Special Called Village Council Meeting | November 4, 2024

The primary purpose of the meeting was to review and consider contracts for the immediate construction of and replacement of Water and Sewer system assets that will
provide these services to the downtown business district and residences on the north side of the Rocky Broad River (Terrace Drive area). 

PROCUREMENT PROCESS: The Chimney Rock Village Council was brought up to date on the Standard Procurement Policies of the Village. The Village follows the NC Statutes when requesting bids and making significant purchases. It was noted that these were the policies that the Village had always followed but wanted to give notice these were also followed during the State of Emergency where applicable.

WATER/SEWER SYSTEM: J. Meliski, Village Engineer, presented two contracts for the Village Council to consider. These were to recognize changes in the prior project for updates and replacement of the sewer line with the restoration of both the Water and Sewer systems in the immediate downtown area. Currently, the Village has an allocation
from the NC General Assembly for $ 8,000,000 for the prior project and these documents will change this to allocate approximately $ 1,300,000 for Water restoration, including new water meters, and $ 6,700,000 for sewer construction. The Village has also requested some additional funds from various sources to complete this project and make emergency repairs. Village Council did consider and approved these two contracts so these projects can begin. No clear timeframe was announced but as soon as a construction timeline is determined, it will be posted.

NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORATION UPDATES: Representatives werepresent to answer questions from the Council and the public. Here is the information:
o TRAFFIC: There is too much traffic using the temporary road, especially west of
the downtown area. This has become dangerous and is impeding the work of NCDOT. They have very large equipment and an accident has occurred, fortunately, with no injury. Therefore, there will be very limited to no traffic during construction hours.

o BEST TIMES FOR PROPERTY OWNERS: The best time for access is when NCDOT is not working. They have agreed that they will not work Saturday’s after 2 pm and Sunday. This will allow safest passage. There may be other times during the day, and these will be around lunchtime. Please be mindful and understand the danger and the effort made to allow private property owner access to their property.

o ROCKY BROAD RIVER/ US HIGHWAY 74A/64/9 (Main Street): The US Corp of Engineers, NCDOT and other agencies continue to study rivers pathways and as of this date, there is no final determination for the final location of the river or the permanent road/highway.

o SOUTHSIDE BRIDGE: The work is continuing on the temporary bridge to Southside Drive. Once completed, the Village has arranged for Shields to clear as much debris as possible and Duke Energy will be restoring electrical power. The temporary bridge is scheduled to be completed later this week and the work in and around the community there will begin immediately. Property owners are requested to wait until it is announced that it is safe for entry. Please be patient and wait until the bridge is completed, debris removal cleared, and power restored before going to your property.
Note: Before you can have Duke Energy activate your power, you will need to schedule with an electrician and make sure your property is not a danger when turning on the power. Rutherford County Building Inspection Department will have to come and approve your property before Duke Energy can activate individual properties.
Suggestion: You may consider beginning planning for this but wait to set a final date. When bridge and area is safe and open, the Village will announce it so you can proceed.

o TEMPORARY ROAD vs Permanent Road: The representatives did share information about these two different roads. Currently, the temporary road is being constructed and will remain in place for Emergency Management purposes, private property owners and NCDOT. This temporary road will NOT be open for public traffic. There may be a later time when it could be used for additional limited traffic but that has not been determined. Planning and design are underway for the new road and there will be public input, including public hearings, so please stay alert for these meetings. The project for a permanent highway/road is on an accelerated schedule but will still take two or more years to complete. The temporary road will remain in use until such time as the new highway is completed and open.​​

​BUSINESS FINANCIAL SUPPORT

• https://www.mountainbizworks.org/helene/fund/
• https://lending.sba.gov/search-disaster/?disaster=NC-20007
• https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance
• https://www.disasterassistance.gov/get-assistance/by-category-or-agency
• https://www.usa.gov/disaster-financial-help

Assistance for Individual Property and Businesses

• On September 29, FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance is available to the state of North Carolina, including Rutherford County, to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by Tropical Storm Helene. The President's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals, including grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.  

 

• FEMA Disaster Assistance for Individuals and Businesses: Grants for temporary housing, home repairs, and low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses. Register online at DisasterAssistance.gov by calling 1-800-621- 3362 or by using the FEMA App.

 

US Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance: Loans for homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofits affected by the disaster. This includes:

• Home Disaster Loans: Loans to homeowners or renters to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and personal property, including automobiles.
• Business Physical Disaster Loans: Loans to businesses for repairing or replacing disaster-damaged property, including real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery, and equipment. Businesses of any size and private, non-profit organizations are eligible.
• Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL): Working capital loans available to help small businesses, agricultural cooperatives, aquaculture businesses, and non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their financial obligations during a disaster recovery period.

Give Wisely

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, many of us want to lend a hand to support the recovery of local businesses and community members. However, with the increase in donation appeals, it’s essential to ensure your contributions reach those who truly need it. Unfortunately, not all donation drives have clear guidelines, which can leave room for scams or mismanagement of funds. Here are some tips to ensure your donation goes to a legitimate and trustworthy organization:

1. Verify the Organization's Credentials

• Look for organizations with established histories, such as local community foundations, national charities, or Chamber of Commerce efforts. If the organization is unfamiliar, check whether it is registered as a nonprofit with the IRS.
• Websites like Charity Navigator, GuideStar, or the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance can provide insights into a charity’s track record and financial transparency.

 

2. Be Cautious with Crowdfunding Campaigns

• While many good-intentioned individuals set up donation accounts through platforms like GoFundMe, it’s important to understand that these sites do not have strict regulations or oversight on how funds are used. As a result, there is no guarantee that the money will go directly to those in need.
• When in doubt, it’s best to select non-profit organizations that have a long history of serving the community. These organizations are often more transparent about where funds go and are accountable to donors and the public.

 

3. Look for Transparency

• Reputable organizations are transparent about their spending. They should be able to clearly explain how funds will be allocated (e.g., how much will go directly to aid versus administrative costs).
• Check their website for detailed plans, progress reports, and information on the people they are helping. This openness is a good sign that they are using funds as intended.

 

4. Consider Local Organizations with a Strong Community Presence

• In times of disaster, local nonprofits, churches, and chambers often have the most direct access to those in need. Supporting these established entities can ensure that your contribution reaches your neighbors more quickly.
• Before donating, research or reach out to the Chamber of Commerce or local government offices for recommendations on trusted organizations involved in the relief effort.

 

5. Trust Your Instincts

• If something seems off, it probably is. Avoid high-pressure tactics, vague promises, or requests for unusual payment methods (like gift cards or wire transfers). Always take the time to do your research before making a contribution.

 

By taking these precautions, you can ensure your generous donation reaches the right hands, helping our community rebuild stronger after Hurricane Helene. Together, we can make a difference while protecting ourselves and each other from potential pitfalls.

 

CLICK HERE FOR FEMA RECOMMENDATIONS TO AVOID FRAUD