Aid for Green Mt., NC Families Impacted by Hurricane Helene

4-2-2025 UPDATE:

THANK YOU to each of you for your generous support!

I thought you might appreciate an update:

The Whitson Green Mountain General Store has been gutted and rebuilt from the studs. Volunteers have come from around the country to help rebuild the store and Whitson family home.

Two of my cousins have had to demolish their homes and start from scratch and another cousin has significant damage. Three different families lost most if not all of their belongings - the loss of family heirlooms and keepsakes hurt the worst.

They are all BONE tired after working non-stop since the hurricane. They have received little support from state and federal entities and are rebuilding with their limited resources, grit, what volunteers and non-profits provide. Yet, they remain grateful for what they have and all the kindness that has been sent their way.

This was a 500-year event.

Here are a few links to media coverage and social media that includes members of the Whitson family and helps tell their story:

The money you have so graciously donated has been used to help each of my family members hardest hit by Helene. I am personally and deeply grateful to all of you who have supported them in this fundraiser!

If you are looking for a summer mission trip and want to help with reconstruction, my cousins could always use more hands - contact me directly and I will connect you.

THANK YOU!

ORIGINAL POST

The community of Green Mountain, North Caroline where our mother grew up and many of my cousins still live, (Yancey County), has been devastated by flooding caused by Hurricane Helene.

We believe all of our people are okay. However, lives were lost in the community; we are still waiting to hear from 4 of our family members. We are awaiting further detail as well from the National Guard for a full update.

Roads and bridges have also been washed away so it is difficult to provide relief to those who most need it.

The destruction is widespread. Homes have been devastated and left uninhabitable, businesses ruined, and personal belongings washed away or buried in a sea of mud.

Many of our people now have nothing but the clothes on their back. They have no electricity and are difficult to reach by emergency services. It will likely be 3 months before electricity is restored to the area and who knows how long it will take to rebuild roads and bridges.

The funds raised will provide basic emergency items needed for members of the OC Whitson family and others in need in the Green Mountain area. Many of them can't even leave their homes due to roads and bridges being washed out.

We realize emergency services will be provided and insurance checks will be written for those who had flood insurance (not everyone does).

Funds on this platform will provide immediate food, temporary shelter, clothes, toiletries, and other urgently needed basics and will be put to highest and best use.

Currently, 3 and maybe 4 Whitson family homes have been left uninhabitable along with the Whitson General Store.

Thank you in advance for anything you feel called to contribute.