Western North Carolina Relief
Hurricane Helene Relief Updates
A year after Hurricane Helene made landfall, Mercy Chefs remains on the ground in Western North Carolina, providing meals and support to families still piecing their lives back together. Thanks to your prayers and generosity, our Beacon of Hope Kitchen continues to be a source of comfort and stability in the heart of the community.
When Hurricane Helene struck on September 26, 2024, it tore through Florida’s Big Bend and the Southeast with 140 mph winds and devastating flooding. Millions were left without power, shelter, food, and water. Mercy Chefs responded immediately, deploying to Asheville, NC, and Newberry, FL, to serve communities in crisis. We’re honored to continue serving this resilient community today as they work to rebuild.
October 22, 2025
Loving & Spreading Hope to Our Neighbors
Since the early days after Hurricane Helene, Mercy Chefs has partnered with Madison County locals Bill and Sharon to help feed their community. Today, more than a year later and through our Beacon of Hope Kitchen, they continue to deliver grocery boxes to families still rebuilding.
Their faithful service is a beautiful reminder of what it means to care and love for your neighbor. You can help us continue supporting families across Western North Carolina with hot meals and grocery boxes.
October 8, 2025
Carolina Mountain Strong
On the anniversary of Hurricane Helene, Mercy Chefs partnered with the George Shinn Foundation to host a powerful day of hope and healing for families affected by the storm. Even a year later, the need in Western North Carolina remains great, and our Beacon of Hope Kitchen continues to serve families rebuilding.
Watch the video to see how your support is bringing hope to this community, and help us continue feeding those who are still recovering today.
October 2, 2025
Nourishing Volunteers
In Black Mountain, CORE volunteers are working tirelessly to rebuild homes so families—many of whom still live in tents, campers, and temporary housing since Hurricane Helene—can finally return home. Each day, our Beacon of Hope Kitchen fuels these heroes with hot, chef-prepared meals while also serving the families who lost everything.
One year after the storm, recovery is far from over. We’re grateful to stand alongside volunteer groups like CORE, who continue to give their all for their neighbors in need. Join us in providing more meals and fueling ongoing restoration in Western North Carolina.
September 27, 2025
A Day of Strength & Community
Today, the George Shinn Foundation and Mercy Chefs hosted Carolina Mountain Strong, a special event marking one year since Hurricane Helene. Families came together to celebrate hope and healing with bounce houses, face painting, raffles, appliance giveaways, and a hot, chef-prepared meal. A professional photographer captured family portraits—precious keepsakes for many who lost their photos when their homes were destroyed.
This day honored the courage, strength, and spirit of these communities, reminding families that, even a year after the storm, they are not forgotten.
September 26, 2025
Remembering Helene One Year Later
A year has passed since Hurricane Helene struck the Southeast, leaving a lasting impact on many communities. Families who never expected such devastation are still rebuilding their lives, and the need remains great.
Mercy Chefs has never left. Through our Beacon of Hope Kitchen, we continue preparing and distributing thousands of meals each week to those affected by the storm. This kitchen has become a steady source of nourishment, hope, stability, and dignity for communities still healing.
Even now, grocery stores remain closed, food banks are stretched thin, and many families are still displaced. That’s why we remain committed to standing with Western North Carolina for as long as it takes, and your support makes this possible.
September 8, 2025
Gathering Around the Table
Valley Hope Church in Swannanoa, NC, opened its doors to neighbors in need when Helene made landfall nearly a year ago. What began as an immediate response has grown into a lifeline. Each Monday night, over 150 adults and children gather for a hot, chef-prepared meal.
Your faithful support allows our Beacon of Hope Kitchen to continue serving here, ensuring no family is turned away. This church has become more than a place to eat—it’s a place to heal, to rebuild, and to remember that no one walks this road alone. As Amy, Director of Discipleship, reminds us, “life is best lived in community around the table.”
August 19, 2025
Walking with Families Through Recovery
Kassie, a single mother, saw her world change overnight when Hurricane Helene swept through Western North Carolina. Severe water damage left her rental home filled with black mold, forcing her and her children to live in a small camper. With ongoing electrical issues, takeout became their only option—leaving her kids longing for the comfort of a home-cooked meal. That’s why Kassie and her kids began coming to Valley Hope Church, where our Beacon of Hope team serves hot, chef-prepared dinners on Mondays.
Nearly a year after Helene, countless families share similar struggles. We’re honored to continue standing beside them, feeding body and soul.
July 3, 2025
Feeding Veterans Long After the Storm
Dozens living at the Veterans Restoration Quarters were suddenly displaced and scattered across multiple shelters when Helene hit. After days without a proper meal, Mercy Chefs stepped in to feed them.
Nine months later, these veterans remain in temporary housing as they await a permanent home, but we continue to serve them daily through our Beacon of Hope Kitchen. Full recovery is still a long road ahead. Your generosity helps us keep feeding individuals and families, restoring their strength and a sense of normalcy.
May 5, 2025
A Pastoral Family's Call to Feed Their Community
Before Hurricane Helene, Pastors Keith and Chanda fed their community monthly. After the storm destroyed homes and roads, the need skyrocketed. “[T]hat shifted where we didn’t have enough availability to food,” Pastor Keith shared.
Mercy Chefs responded with our Beacon of Hope Kitchen, serving thousands of hot meals daily and delivering grocery boxes to help families prepare home-cooked meals. Though the storm has passed, recovery is ongoing. Your support restores hope, dignity, and stability across Western North Carolina.
February 11, 2025
"It Will Never be the Same"
Many families in Western North Carolina continue to feel the weight left by Hurricane Helene. Betty, from Black Mountain, lost her cousins in a landslide triggered by the storm. Even five months later, the sound of wind and rain still brings back painful memories of that day.
Mercy Chefs is providing more than just hot meals; we’re delivering Family Grocery Boxes through our Beacon of Hope Kitchen to help restore a sense of normalcy. Your donation provides essential pantry staples and vegetables, making a meaningful difference for those on the path to recovery.
February 3, 2025
Providing Dignity through Grocery Boxes
As Mercy Chefs continues supporting hurricane survivors in Western North Carolina, the need for food remains urgent. In addition to hot meals, we’re now providing Family Grocery Boxes filled with fresh produce, pantry staples, and protein—enough to prepare up to 50 meals. These boxes are offering families hope, dignity, and the security of knowing where their next meal will come from as they recover.
February 1, 2025
The Storm Passed, but the Need Remains
Four months after Hurricane Helene, devastation still casts a long shadow over Western North Carolina. Entire neighborhoods remain in ruins, with local grocery stores closed and families struggling to meet basic needs.
At Black Mountain Primary, teachers like Jillian continue to show up for their students—many of whom have lost everything. Mercy Chefs is honored to come alongside these local heroes, serving more than 53,000 hot meals through our Beacon of Hope Kitchen. Join us in bringing ongoing relief to those still rebuilding their lives.
January 31, 2025
Fueling Heroes in the Face of New Disaster
On January 30, the Crooked Creek wildfire broke out in Old Fort, NC, scorching more than 200 acres and threatening communities still reeling from Hurricane Helene. As firefighters raced to contain the blaze, our Beacon of Hope Kitchen sprang into action, preparing 200 hot, hearty meals to support their efforts on the front lines.
When we began our long-term feeding efforts in Western North Carolina, we didn’t expect to respond to another disaster so soon. But thanks to generous friends like you, we were ready to serve these heroes. Thank, once again, you for standing with us!
January 29, 2025
Expanding Our Relief Efforts in Black Mountain
We’ve expanded our Beacon of Hope Kitchen to a larger facility in Black Mountain, NC, enabling us to serve up to 5,000 hot meals each day to hurricane survivors in Western North Carolina.
What began with a small indoor kitchen for immediate relief has grown to meet the ongoing needs of families still facing hardship. This new space allows us to continue feeding body and soul, bringing comfort, stability, and hope in the wake of disaster. We’re so grateful for this blessing and for your continued support.
January 18, 2025
100 Days of Hope in Western North Carolina
It has now been more than 100 days since Mercy Chefs first deployed to Western North Carolina in response to Hurricane Helene. In that time, we’ve served hundreds of thousands of hot, chef-prepared meals to survivors and first responders, bringing nourishment, comfort, and hope.
Though the road to recovery is still long and uncertainty remains for many families, our dedicated chefs and volunteers continue to show up daily with hot meals and clean water. Your generosity fuels this mission, and we thank you for helping us serve hope, one meal at a time.
December 19, 2024
Spreading Holiday Joy in Black Mountain
In the wake of Helene, Black Mountain Primary and Elementary schools faced heartbreaking loss as many teachers, staff, and students were displaced by severe flooding. Mercy Chefs was honored to host a special Christmas celebration to bring comfort and joy to this resilient community.
This heartfelt initiative was inspired by the young people of Emerald Coast Fellowship, who received Mercy Chefs’ support after Hurricane Michael in 2018. Drawing from their own experience, these compassionate youth came together to uplift the children of Black Mountain with thoughtful Christmas gifts and notes. Learn more about this meaningful event here.
December 11, 2024
A Season of Hope
In Western North Carolina, many families displaced by Hurricane Helene still face harsh conditions, with some—like Joe from Swannanoa—living in tents as winter approaches. Joe lost his home to the floods and found some relief thanks to a generous camper donation.
This holiday season, we’re honored to serve hot, nourishing meals to Joe and others enduring hardship. You can help spread hope and warmth this Christmas by supporting our Beacon of Hope Kitchen as we prepare more meals to those still impacted by Helene.
November 29, 2024
Sharing Thanksgiving Meals in Burnsville
This Thanksgiving, in partnership with Higgins Methodist Church, Mercy Chefs served hot, chef-prepared meals and distributed essentials like coats and toys to families in Burnsville, NC, recovering from the storm. As the holiday season unfolds, Mercy Chefs remains dedicated to bringing hope and healing to these resilient communities.
Your gift today can bring comfort and joy to children and families still reeling from Helen’s impact. Thank you for making a meaningful difference!
November 12, 2024
Opening a Beacon of Hope Kitchen
This holiday season and beyond, Mercy Chefs is bringing hope, warmth, and comfort to communities still reeling from Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact. As cold weather settles across North Carolina, we’ve opened an indoor Beacon of Hope—a long-term recovery kitchen where we’ll keep serving those in recovery. Your support empowers us to provide ongoing relief and restore hope to families and children in need.
November 2, 2024
Thank You for Helping Us Serve 350,000+ Meals
Discover how our team delivered thousands of meals daily to Helene survivors—unloading a full 18-wheeler of groceries in just 48 hours and preparing beautiful meals. It’s been a tremendous blessing to serve over 350,000 meals to families in Western North Carolina and Florida. We’re deeply grateful to our dedicated team, incredible volunteers, and generous supporters who have made this lasting impact possible. Thank you!
October 28, 2024
Navigating the Long Road Ahead
Although water and power are slowly being restored, safe drinking and bathing water remain scarce. Families are still forced to fetch, boil, and carefully ration every drop. Schools remain closed, and bus routes continue to face heavy disruptions.
Laura, an Asheville resident of 18 years, volunteered alongside us for three weeks after Helene struck. She shared firsthand the ongoing struggles her community endures. As other aid efforts begin to wind down, Mercy Chefs remains committed to standing with the people of Western North Carolina throughout their long road to recovery.
October 22, 2024
A Day in the Life of a Mercy Chefs Deployment
In Asheville, our team begins each day at 6:30 AM, working together to prepare up to 14,000 hot, nutritious meals daily. It’s a massive effort made possible by God’s provision and the hands and hearts of our team and volunteers. As one team member shared, “It’s magic. It’s God…We’re constantly being lifted, and a way is made for us to do this day in and out.”
Mercy Chefs has served over 204,000 meals to hurricane survivors—but we’re not finished yet!. With your faithful generosity, we can keep showing up for those who need it most.
October 18, 2024
Pillars of Support
Hurricane Helene’s devastation in Western North Carolina—damaged roads, power lines, and cell towers—left many communities cut off and vulnerable. At first, we weren’t sure how we’d find the local support needed to reach those in crisis.
But schools, churches, and community centers mobilized immediately to help. They opened their doors as distribution hubs and rallied volunteers, allowing us to serve more families. We are deeply grateful for these pillars of support who made it possible for us to “just go feed people” throughout Western North Carolina.
October 17, 2024
There are No Wrong Turns
During a meal distribution, a Mercy Chefs staff member took a wrong turn and met Chef Clarence, a local chef who had been using his own resources to serve 240 meals a day to neighbors in need after Helene. Moved by his dedication, Mercy Chefs is now supplying him with daily groceries so he can focus on what he does best: feeding his community.
This unexpected encounter reminds us that local heroes are everywhere—and with your support, we can continue empowering people like Chef Clarence to make a lasting impact.
October 16, 2024
Teaming Up with Michael Waltrip to Serve
Professional NASCAR driver Michael Waltrip joined us in Asheville to support communities recovering from Helene. He rolled up his sleeves alongside our volunteers, plating meals and touring our mobile kitchen to see firsthand how we prepare and serve relief. Michael also generously donated cases of water for a local church to distribute. We’re deeply grateful for Michael’s time and commitment to our mission, standing with us in service to Western North Carolina.
A heartfelt thank you to all our supporters making this work possible.
October 13, 2024
Supporting a Hospital Community
When Mercy Chefs arrived in Western North Carolina, the need was immediate and overwhelming. A hospital in Asheville was forced to ration meals between patients and staff as resources dwindled. We stepped in to ensure daily meals were available, so healthcare workers could focus on caring for their community.
Since then, we’ve served more than 171,000 hot meals, with two dedicated teams working tirelessly across two states. With your continued support, we can keep delivering nourishment and hope where it’s needed most.
October 9, 2024
Feeding Body & Soul Through 133,000+ Meals
In the wake of Helene, a community in Old Fort, NC, faced devastating destruction. Our team went door-to-door to offer hot meals to those, like Brooke, grappling with the sudden loss of their homes. We lifted them in prayer as they shared their stories. For us, it’s more than just feeding the body; it’s also about the soul. Thanks to our faithful supporters, we have served over 133,000 meals, sending a message of hope and comfort to those affected by this disaster.
A second response is en route to Florida in response to Hurricane Milton.
October 8, 2024
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
We are deeply grateful for the support from our incredible volunteers, many of whom have traveled from out of state to serve Western North Carolina. We always say volunteers are the backbone of our deployments, the force multipliers who help us distribute thousands of hot meals daily. Thank you to our volunteers for being the hands and feet. Volunteer opportunities in Western North Carolina are available here.
October 7, 2024
Standing with Storm Victims Like Richard
Our team remains dedicated to serving Western North Carolina, providing relief to the hardest-hit areas where families have lost everything to mudslides and washed-out roads. We’ve met individuals like 82-year-old Richard, a lifelong Bat Cave resident, whose stories capture the deep impact of this devastation. Mercy Chefs has already delivered over 109,000 meals to storm victims. The road to recovery is long, but with your continued support, we can sustain this vital lifeline.
October 5, 2024
Partnering with The Bridge Church
In Hendersonville, NC, we partnered with The Bridge Church to serve children and families whose homes were devastated by the storm. One volunteer, after a falling tree struck her daughter’s room, is now helping feed her community. We’re deeply moved by the strength and resilience shown across Western North Carolina. You can continue providing critical relief to families navigating loss and rebuilding their lives through a gift today.
October 4, 2024
Providing 60,000+ Meals
Mercy Chefs is actively serving hot meals, water, and essential supplies like baby formula in Western North Carolina, including communities in Swannanoa and Flat Rock. Check our latest social media post for distribution times and locations.
In Florida, our meal deliveries are concluding, but the impact remains. To date, we’ve served over 60,000 meals. Thank you for partnering with us to feed body and soul across multiple states.
October 3, 2024
Meeting the Need for Safe, Clean Water
Clean drinking water has become one of the most urgent needs across Western North Carolina. With limited access, many residents have resorted to collecting water from the roads.
In addition to meals, Mercy Chefs is delivering safe, drinkable water to hard-hit communities like Black Mountain. As the region faces weeks without running water, your generosity is making it possible to bring this vital relief to small towns and villages from our base in Western North Carolina.
October 2, 2024
Delivering Meals to Georgia from the Sky
Mercy Chefs has been on the ground in Western North Carolina, distributing hot meals to families in Marshall, Hendersonville, and surrounding communities. For many, it was their first hot meal since Helene’s floodwaters devastated their homes and businesses.
In Florida, with the help of a generous local pastor in Newberry, our team used an airplane to fly meals to hard-hit Ashburn, GA. So far, we’ve served more than 42,000 meals in response to Helene. To help us reach even more communities still reeling from the storm, please consider donating today.
October 1, 2024
First Meals in Asheville, NC
Mercy Chefs is on the ground in Asheville, NC, serving our first meals—Southwest peppers and chicken over rice with coleslaw, buttered biscuits, fresh berries, and muffins—to hospital staff and rural communities, like Marshall, deeply affected by Hurricane Helene. With your donation, we can prepare even more meals and reach even more people in urgent need than we ever thought possible.
September 30, 2024
Reaching Nearly 20,000 Life-Saving Meals
Mercy Chefs is continuing our vital work in Florida, having distributed nearly 20,000 meals to families and the local fire department in Horseshoe Beach, where Hurricane Helene has devastated homes and buildings.
Our second response team is preparing to serve thousands of individuals and families impacted by the storm in Asheville, NC. This is one of our largest deployments yet, and your contribution is crucial to sustaining this lifeline.
September 29, 2024
Second Team Deployed to Western North Carolina
Mercy Chefs is mobilizing a second team to Asheville, NC, where Helene has caused devastation reminiscent of Hurricane Katrina. Severe flooding has left many stranded and without basic necessities like food and clean water. The demand for assistance is at an all-time high.
Your gift today will ensure we can bring thousands of hot, nutritious meals to devastated families across Florida and Western North Carolina.
September 28, 2024
Serving More Florida Communities
Mercy Chefs distributed lunch and dinner in Crystal River, Cedar Key, and Perry—Florida communities still recovering from recent storms like Hurricane Debby. In Cedar Key, our team met Sonya Jurdy, a retired schoolteacher returning home for the first time since Helene struck. She loved our meal and praised the carrots. Because of you, Mercy Chefs can extend relief efforts to more hard-hit areas beyond our relief operations in Newberry.
September 27, 2024
First Meals in Newberry, FL
Hurricane Helene struck Florida’s Big Bend with 140 mph winds, causing catastrophic flooding and power outages across the Southeast. Over four million customers have been impacted.
Mercy Chefs is partnering with Destiny Community Church in Newberry, FL, to launch relief efforts. We served our first meals after the storm—delicious Cajun chicken pasta, green beans, breadsticks, fresh berries, and muffins. Your generosity ensures we can continue serving meals in the weeks ahead.
September 26, 2024
Feeding the Frontlines Ahead of Helene
Hurricane Helene is set to make landfall today, September 26, as a Category 4 storm. Mercy Chefs is on the ground, ahead of the storm, with our fleet ready just outside the impact zone. We’re serving meals to first responders and troops in Bay County, FL, as they prepare to respond. Your support can provide much-needed meals within the first 48 hours after Helene hits.
Make a Donation
Make a lasting impact by providing immediate relief to storm victims. Just $3.50 can help deliver a hot meal to someone in need.
Become a Volunteer
If you’re local to Western North Carolina, join us as a volunteer at our Beacon of Hope Kitchen! Help distribute hot meals and groceries while making a lasting impact in your community.
