Where Watauga County residents can go for hurricane relief resources after Helene

*Note: WFDD will update this page with news of additional resources available for Watauga residents.

Watauga County residents are experiencing power outages and catastrophic flooding due to Hurricane Helene.

Many are in need of shelter, food, water and other resources. Residents are urged to avoid unnecessary travel (this map documents road closures in the area) but for those in need, here are locations offering support during this time: 

Appalachian State University

In coordination with the Red Cross, an emergency shelter has been set up for students and community members at the Holmes Convocation Center on Appalachian State University's campus located at 111 Rivers Street. The shelter has food, water, electricity and dry beds available now.

App State's American Red Cross Club is also working to coordinate transportation for people to campus. Those in need can call 980-256-0950. 

Off-campus students, faculty and staff in need of shelter should call 1-800-RED-CROSS (733-2767).

Additionally, the Central Dining Hall on App State's campus is offering free food until Sunday. 

F.A.R.M. Cafe

F.A.R.M. Cafe is open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. serving hot meals. The restaurant, located at 617 W King St., also has a supply of bottled water, nonperishable foods and paper goods.

Watauga High School

Watauga High School is a pick-up location for water, food, cleaning supplies, toiletries, paper goods and other household items. The school, located at 300 Go Pioneers Dr., will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday. 

Water donations can be sent directly to the high school. Other donations can be sent to The Summit Pickleball, located at 278 Industrial Park Dr. 

District officials say they are working to get feeding and supply sites at several schools.

Churches

Cornerstone Church, located at 1100 E King St., is collecting food, water and hygiene products to distribute to residents in need. 

Boone United Methodist Church, located at 471 New Market Blvd, is offering breakfast Monday through Friday from 8-9 a.m. The Boone United Methodist Preschool will also be offering emergency child care for essential workers/volunteers and families who need assistance through Oct. 4. For more information, email preschool@booneumc.org.

Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, located at 3505 Bamboo Road, will be distributing food and water on Tuesday from 3-7 p.m. 

Fire Departments

The Todd Volunteer Fire Department is offering water and internet access to residents in need following the catastrophic impacts of Hurricane Helene. 

According to a social media post, the department also has chargers for phones and car batteries. Visitors will be able to take a hot shower there as well. 

The department is located on the border of Watauga and Ashe counties. It is accepting donations of baby care supplies, adult diapers, feminine care products and dog food.

Other fire departments distributing water and supplies include: Stewart Simmons, Cove Creek, Zionville, Beaver Dam, and Shawneehaw. 

Amy Diaz covers education for WFDD in partnership with Report For America. You can follow her on Twitter at @amydiaze.