Q1 2026 Hurricane Helene Recovery Update: Diocese of Western North Carolina

Written by The Rev. Kelsey Davis, Bishop's Deputy for Disaster Response & Recovery

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Nearly a year and a half after Hurricane Helene swept through Western North Carolina, the Diocese of Western North Carolina continues to walk alongside families, congregations, and communities on the long road to recovery. Here is a snapshot of our first quarter 2026 impact across our key focus areas.

Household Recovery

Our family coordination efforts in Yancey, Mitchell, and Buncombe Counties resulted in supporting eight households. We strengthened how we care for families by updating our intake, recovery planning, and case closure processes. These improvements help ensure that every household receives consistent, dignified support from first contact through case closure. Four additional households were served through unmet needs referrals, addressing persistent and complex needs such as roof installation, plumbing connections, utility support, and rent assistance.

Spiritual & Mental Health Support

Carolina, a therapist supported through our partnership with All Souls Counseling Center

This quarter, spiritual and mental health care reached individuals across the region in meaningful ways. We launched a partnership with All Souls Counseling Center, supporting two licensed therapist positions, one serving the Bat Cave area at the Church of the Transfiguration, and one serving the Burnsville community through Reconciliation House and First Baptist Church. Together, they reached more than 54 individuals through individual counseling sessions, a Grief and Loss group, and community engagement. An additional 140 individuals participated in spiritual resilience programming in partnership with St. James Black Mountain.

Congregation & Community Recovery Grants

13 grant Congregation & Community Recovery Grant applications were received and evaluated by our CCRG Committee. We will announce the CCRG awards in our second quarter report. Stay tuned for full impact details at the end of the year on the good work of our local parishes participating in this grant program in our 2026 CCRG Impact Report!

Institutional Strengthening

Five diocesan staff members completed a Disaster Chaplaincy and Religious Literacy Certificate training in New York City, and 23 diocesan participants completed a Psychological First Aid primer, building a more skilled and spiritually grounded network for the recovery work ahead. Planning is also underway for three Deanery Community Resiliency and Preparedness Days later this year.

Collective Impact Since January 2025

Since this work began, the Diocese has served 601 households and 3,200 individuals across 10 counties, trained 311 change agents, and built 21 partnerships. (Numbers updated quarterly as of April 13, 2026.)

We are grateful for the continued generosity, prayer, and partnership that makes this work possible. Recovery is a long journey, and we remain committed to walking it together.

With Gratitude & Hope, 

The Rev. Kelsey Davis