Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

In the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene, communities in western North Carolina have mobilized to provide relief to those affected by the storm. The storm, which made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane in Florida on September 27, has been one of the deadliest in U.S. history, with over 190 fatalities reported across six states. In North Carolina alone, more than 96 people lost their lives.

Father John Putnam of St. Mark Church in Huntersville was among the first to respond, organizing supply drives for essential items like diapers and canned goods. By September 28, parishioners had delivered supplies to remote mountain regions.

Dan Ward from the Diocese of Charlotte described the devastation after speaking with Margaret Beale, principal of Immaculata School in Hendersonville: “There is damage everywhere. Trees are down. Houses and roads are washed away.”

Monsignor Patrick Winslow emphasized the diocese's commitment to aiding those impacted: "From priests and parishioners... everybody who could help should help." Bishop Michael T. Martin expressed solidarity with victims: “We stand with you... we are lifting you up in constant prayer.”

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper called Helene "one of the worst storms in modern history" for parts of the state. More than half of the Diocese of Charlotte’s counties have been declared federal disaster areas.

Catholic Charities launched an online donation site that raised over $650,000 from donors nationwide by October 3. Executive Director Gerry Carter stated that their focus extends beyond immediate aid: “Our real impact is on the longer-term restoration of lives.”

Claudia Graham at St. Margaret Mary Church coordinated relief efforts despite damage to church property. Supplies were distributed through established routes in Swannanoa and Waynesville.

Mike Graham’s diner served as a supply drop zone while Father Paul McNulty provided spiritual support and essentials from his church overlooking a flood-affected business district.

Efforts continued throughout affected areas with parishes organizing supply drives and providing necessities like water—highlighted as crucial by Mike Miller from Asheville Catholic School due to shortages.

Principal Beale reflected on community resilience: “We are such a strong community that we’ll come back from this.”