Hurricane Helene Updates

The Diocesan Office has been in communication with Camp Weed as well as our parishes impacted by Hurricane Helene.

On the parish front, early reports show that churches did not experience significant or severe levels of damage. Most churches have reported trees falling, considerable debris, and loss of power. Information is still being collected, but we are thankful that the damage appears manageable. Even though our churches didn’t experience severe damage, some communities, like Cedar Key, are in great need of assistance.

Regarding Camp Weed, structural damage also appears to be minimal, and all staff are safe.

However, the full extent of the damage is unclear and staff continue to assess the grounds as they can. Power lines are down and traveling across property is dangerous. Many trees have and will continue to fall, and power was just restored late yesterday afternoon. Camp Weed is evaluating roof, siding, and flood damage.

As assessments and recovery continue to take place, Camp Weed communications will be slow over the next week. Please join us in prayer as staff assess and recover—both at Camp Weed and at home.

In addition, as you’ve likely seen from news coverage, western North Carolina has experienced widespread and devastating damage. As we digest the catastrophic damage in our diocese and state, our hearts go out to the people of western North Carolina.

In addition to prayer, there are three ways you can support financially during this time of recovery:

1. Camp Weed: You may support Camp Weed’s clean-up here or via the button below.
2. Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina: Following the severe impact of the storm in North Carolina, the Diocese of Western Carolina has asked for support. You may donate here or via the button below. If you choose this option, select “Contributions – Indiv Unr” after the “To” line and write “Helene” in the Optional Memo box.
3. Episcopal Relief & Development (ERD): You may donate to ERD’s Hurricane Relief Fund to support all Episcopal partners and dioceses affected by catastrophic storms. Please find that donate link here.