Opportunities From: Sister-Corps

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!

 

Three rivers-the Pigeon, Nolichucky, and French Broad-run through Cocke County Tennessee.  Catastrophic flooding of these rivers from Hurricane Helene damaged or destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses throughout the county.  Long term recovery is estimated to take several years.  Cocke County is in Northeast Tennessee, bordering North Carolina to the Southeast and is situated along the I-40 Corridor.  A significant portion of the county is within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Cherokee National Forest. Sister-Corps will partner with the Cocke County Long Term Recovery Group to assist in rebuilding Cocke County and the city of Newport Tennessee.

This project is a companion with the Sister-Corps Project in Western North Carolina which will occur in late September.  You are welcome to join us for one or both projects and to even stay in our part of the country between the projects to enjoy all that the Appalachians have to offer!

Team Structure:

Project Director:  Cathy Miller    (276)492-4363.     cathymiller6691@gmail.com

Key Dates:

Thursday 10/22/26: Advance team arrive

Friday 10/23/26: Basecamp Coordinator, Inventory Lead, Work Team Leads, and Medical Team arrive

Sunday 10/25/26: All other volunteers arrive; Power Tool Safety Verification

Monday 10/26/26- Friday 10/30/26: Workdays

Saturday 10/31/26: Break down camp and depart

Housing and Meals:

We will be staying at Carson Springs Baptist Conference Center located at 1120 Carson Springs Road, Newport TN 37821in Pine Lodge.  This will be bunking-style accommodation(all lower bunks) with bathrooms and showers in the center of the lodge.  There will also be 5 campsites available on a first come first serve basis so if you are traveling in your RV and prefer a campsite, please let me know ASAP.

The Food Service Team from Carson Springs will be preparing our meals for us and will be happy to accommodate any allergies and/or special dietary requirements.

Cost and Requirements:

-Project fee:  $95 This includes accommodation and meals only and is nonrefundable but transferrable.

Pay Project fee here:

https://secure.myvanco.com/L-Z8HQ/campaign/C-16CGR

-*** New Procedure***

T-Shirts: 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 the Medical Team; and Gray is for the Team Leaders and Team Volunteers. If you need to buy t-shirts you can do that with link below.  We generally buy 1 short sleeve and 1 long sleeve but will leave that to your discretion. Please let Cathy know if you have any questions.

T SHIRT LINK:

https://sister-corpstennessee.itemorder.com/shop/home/

-Please leave pets at home in their safe, comfortable surroundings.

Next Steps-Checklist

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(2026.10 TN Cocke County 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.