Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts

As we witness the devastation from Hurricane Helene in places so dear to us, we’re reminded that our sense of community extends beyond walls and is bound by ties stronger than zip codes. Myers Park Presbyterian Church is actively responding to the needs of some of the communities impacted.

Contributions: $132,150
Disbursements and allocations: $125,778

November 2024 Update

We are immensely grateful for the response to the Dedicated Offering in support of those affected by the devastation of Hurricane Helene. Together, our congregation raised over $130,000 to help families, individuals, and non-profits facing overwhelming challenges.

When we all give as one, it allows the church to do together what we cannot do alone. This collective generosity allows the church to make a significant impact. Recent allocations of the funds reflect our commitment to stand alongside communities in need:

• Presbyterian Disaster Assistance received $20,000. Their grants support churches and local organizations immediately, while also committing to ongoing relief efforts, including cleanup and rebuilding.
• Habitat Charlotte received $25,000, contributing to their immediate $500,000 commitment and long-term goal of $1 million for rebuilding efforts across Western NC.
• Feeding Avery Families received $10,000 to continue their work providing essential food and supplies to Banner Elk and surrounding communities.

This is in addition to the $80,000 allocated in early October to organizations on the front lines—providing food, heaters, blankets, portable showers, and other essentials.

We thank God for your generosity, which shines as a beacon of care and compassion for those in deepest need. Your faith in action is a true light of hope for all who are suffering in the aftermath of this disaster.

October 2024 Updates

We’re partnering with Black Mountain Presbyterian Church and Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church to purchase and deliver critical, time-sensitive supplies for disaster response and provide funding for their relief efforts.

• The community of Black Mountain and professional relief organizations have come together to centralize hot meal preparation and distribution, building on and supported by the good work begun by Black Mountain Presbyterian Church.
• Black Mountain Presbyterian Church has shifted focus to the spiritual and emotional care for residents of Montreat and Black Mountain, especially children and youth.
• Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church is distributing supplies and providing for the spiritual and emotional care of Blowing Rock.We continue to purchase and deliver time-sensitive supplies to this community. Most recently:
  • MPPC has purchased 20 propane heaters from Blackhawk Hardware for residents around Blowing Rock who are experiencing freezing temperatures and continued power outages.
  • Wool blankets and space heaters.
• Manna Food Bank serves over 100,000 people in 16 counties in Western North Carolina. All of their equipment and food in their main distribution hub was washed away. We’ve distributed funds to replace critical equipment used to feed thousands.
• The Appalachian Shower Project is placing portable showers throughout the region. We are funding three shower units with 3-4 showers each.

Gifts made to the dedicated plate offering through the month of October were marked for relief efforts.

Serving Our Neighbors

We provided emergency housing and meals at the Cornerstone for five PC(USA) Young Adult Volunteers (YAVs) serving at Hands and Feet of Asheville. They have now returned to the Asheville Area to continue their work.