MountainStrong Recovery & Resilience Fund

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, MountainTrue is dedicated to addressing the urgent needs of our community. With our deep roots in the area, strong partnerships, and a collaborative approach, we are committed to tackling the immediate crisis and laying the groundwork for a resilient future in Western North Carolina and the Southern Blue Ridge.

What We’re Doing

When Hurricane Helene hit, MountainTrue was there — meeting immediate needs, delivering critical supplies, and setting the stage for a resilient recovery. From hot meals and clean water to pollution testing and clearing fallen trees, we quickly mobilized our team and resources to support communities across the region.  

• We served over 3,000 meals with a mobile grilling operation, distributed clean water, and delivered food and supplies to remote areas.  
• We set up a drive-thru emergency supply center at our Saluda office, offering essentials like food, hygiene products, baby supplies, and fuel. We mobilized faith networks to bring food, medicine, clothing, generators, and fuel to hard-hit areas in Mitchell and Yancey counties.
• We partnered with LG Electronics to provide mobile laundry services in Asheville.
• Assisted El Centro with FEMA applications and organized supply deliveries for mobile home communities in Henderson County.
• Delivered medical supplies by ATV in the High Country.
• Hired and mobilized professional chainsaw crews to clear debris, aiding home and park access.
• Coordinated extensive cleanups with heavy equipment and hundreds of volunteers — clearing more than 400,000 lbs of debris from rivers and streams across our region.
• Provided free well testing and water filters to hundreds of affected families.  
• Collected and analyzed soil and water samples to track pollution sources and assess well water safety.

Our Road to Recovery

MountainStrong 2025 Agenda

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, MountainTrue is committed to leading the recovery of our region with a vision to rebuild stronger, safer, and better prepared for the impacts of climate change.

Debris Clean-Up and River Restoration

MountainTrue will mobilize thousands of volunteers and lead a major debris clean-up to restore river health and support affected communities. We are also advocating in Raleigh for a Clean-Up Works Program to employ displaced workers and funding to restore recreation infrastructure — such as paddling access, trout streams, and fisheries — that are critical to our region’s economy.

Holding Polluters Accountable

We are committed to holding polluters accountable for contaminants released during Helene, using water and soil sampling, enforcement, and litigation as needed. We will leverage the data we collect to address public health risks in partnership with health agencies and organizations.

Dam Removal for Flood Safety

To reduce flood risks, we are pushing for significant state funding to remove hazardous dams and increased support for the Department of Environmental Quality’s Dam Safety Program to ensure timely dam inspections and repairs.

Better Land Use in Floodplains and Steep Slopes

MountainTrue is leading efforts to rebuild with a focus on safety and reducing future flood and landslide risks. We are advocating for updated floodplain maps, stricter land-use ordinances and steep slope construction limits, and a Floodplain Buyout Fund to secure high-risk sites.

Stable and Climate-Resilient Housing

With housing needs heightened by Hurricane Helene’s impacts, we’re prioritizing programs and reforms to help people move out of temporary housing, support both new and existing residents, and protect housing-insecure populations. We are advocating for updated building codes with the latest flood prevention standards, upzoning for more homes in areas above floodplains, increasing funding for housing assistance programs, and helping families secure safer, modern manufactured homes.

Transforming Floodplains into Public Green Space

We are urging the General Assembly to reinvigorate the NC Land and Water Fund to help convert high-risk floodplain properties into parks and riparian lands. We are also advocating for counties and municipalities to establish sustainable Open Space Conservation Funds and prioritize the acquisition and transformation of floodplain areas into safe, green spaces.

Restoring and Climate-Proofing Our Forests

Hurricane Helene inflicted severe damage on Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests, with tree falls, landslides, and disruptions to roads and trails. To build climate resilience, we are advocating for climate-responsible forest stewardship. We will map and assess impacted areas, advocate for eliminating timber roads along steep slopes and in floodprone areas, and selectively support salvage logging where it can reduce future flooding and fire risks.

Ensuring Proper Staffing of State Public Lands Agencies

North Carolina Forest Service workers and firefighters are essential to disaster response and wildfire management. We are advocating for full funding and competitive salary adjustments for the North Carolina State Forest Service to address staffing shortages and to attract and retain skilled, experienced staff, ensuring our region is better prepared for the challenges ahead.

Expanding and Empowering a Faith-Based Network of Caring

Faith-based congregations and organizations were among the first responders to meet community needs after Hurricane Helene. MountainTrue’s Creation Care Alliance aims to strengthen this vital network by providing enhanced organizing training, communication tools, and resources to promote collaboration and resource sharing, empowering these groups to respond even more effectively.

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