Hurricane Helene brought widespread destruction to the southern Appalachian region in late September 2024. Rainfall totals of 20 or more inches resulted in historic levels of flooding and landslides while hurricane-force winds contributed to significant property and land damage. Homes and businesses as well as roads, bridges and electrical and water infrastructure were impacted. Residents in western North Carolina are continuing to rebuild with the help of groups like Sister-Corps.
During our week of volunteering we will partner with Fuller Center Disaster ReBuilders, who are doing both rebuilds and new home construction to make affordable housing possible in communities devastated by Hurricane Helene. Possible sites include Swannanoa, Black Mountain and Old Fort. Our volunteer jobs may include drywall, painting, trim work, flooring, ramps or other tasks as needed during the time we are working.
This project is a companion with the Sister-Corps Project in Eastern Tennessee which will occur in late October. You are welcome to join us for one or both projects and to even stay here in our part of the country between the projects to enjoy all that the Appalachians have to offer!
Team Structure:
Project Director: Beth Fry, 252-916-8487, sixfrys2go@icloud.com.
Assistant Project Director: Tammy Fuller, 509-370-3006, tammyfuller1958@gmail.com.
Teams: Approximately 4 teams of 5 volunteers each working at different job sites.
Project Dates:
Thursday, September 17, 2026: Advance team arrives.
Friday, September 18, 2026: Team Leads arrive.
Sunday, September 20, 2026: Volunteers arrive; Power Tool Safety Verification.
Monday, September 21 – Friday, September 25, 2026: Workdays.
Saturday, September 26, 2026: Break down camp and depart.
Accommodations:
We will stay in a lodge on the Montreat Conference Center grounds. The accommodations include bunk beds, showers, kitchen, dining/meeting rooms, large scenic porches and beautiful mountain surroundings. We will send details regarding the address of the lodge in early September.
Please leave pets at home in their safe, comfortable surroundings.
Registration Details:
Cost: $ 100, which covers accommodations and meals. Fee is nonrefundable but transferrable.
Meals: Our Meal Team will work diligently to accommodate specific dietary requests. We will provide breakfast and supper at the lodge and will pack bag lunches to take to our job sites. We will go into Black Mountain for dinner one night to support the local economy.
T-shirts: ***New Procedure*** If you have Sister-Corps t-shirts, you are welcome to bring them to wear at this project. Blue is for Project Directors; Red is for Medical Team Members; and Gray is for Team Leaders and Team Volunteers. Of note, we generally have 1 short sleeve and 1 long sleeve t-shirt per project. If you need to purchase t-shirts, please use the link below to order your new shirt(s). We will bring your new t-shirt(s) to the project.
Link to order T-Shirts
https://sistercorpnorthcarolina.itemorder.com/shop/home/
PAYMENT LINK: https://secure.myvanco.com/L-Z8HQ/campaign/C-16CGN
Next Steps:
1. Click the ‘respond’ button on this page to begin your registration process.
2. Complete the questions from the Project Director regarding skills and interests.
3. Pay the registration fee by following the payment link. Your spot is secured once your fee is paid. Note, fees are non-refundable, but they are transferable to the next person on the waitlist.
4. Join our Facebook group (2026.09 Western North Carolina Sister-Corps Project) for updates and community discussions. Information will also be communicated by email.
5. Complete the required background check once email to do so is received.
6. Get ready to do good work, have some fun and serve those in need. Hope you can join us!
