09/27/2026
Two years ago today, Hurricane Helene changed our community forever.
For some, Helene feels like something that happened a long time ago. For others, recovery is still very much still happening today.
There are families still working every day to rebuild their lives. Some are still waiting to know where they will live. Some are still navigating damaged or lost homes, financial uncertainty, recovery programs, grief, and decisions they never expected to have to make.
And through all of it, people showed up.
Responders, volunteers, neighbors, churches, businesses, agencies from across North Carolina and beyond came to help. They served strangers and loved ones alike and helped carry this community through one of the hardest periods in its history.
To the medics, firefighters, rescue personnel, law enforcement officers, 911 dispatchers, public works crews, volunteers, community partners and neighbors who served others during Helene, thank you.
Two years later, our team is still working every day to help McDowell County recover. The work looks different now, but it still matters.
Anniversaries can also bring back stress, grief or emotions that catch us off guard. Some people may feel completely okay. Others may still be carrying pieces of what happened. There is no single timeline for recovery.
Check on the people around you. Check on the people who showed up for everyone else. And if today feels heavy, reach out to someone you trust.
Help showed up two years ago. And help is still here.
