So many have been impacted in mountain communities after the remnants of Tropical Storm Fred pummeled the region with severe weather, including record rainfall last week. 

Five people have died, and one person still remained missing as Monday morning, officials said. So far, preliminary assessments of the destruction of more than 200 structures, 10-15 bridges are damaged or destroyed along with multiple roadways, totaling up to hundreds of millions of dollars in damages.

People in mountain communities and beyond have sprung into action to help those in need of disaster relief assistance. 

Emergency officials launched a website, www.recoverhaywood.com, which will serve as a place where residents can find help for storm recovery. 

There is a shelter for flood victims at Canton First Baptist church, located at 74 Academy Street in Canton. 

An emergency shelter was available at Tuscola High School, but has closed, and officials recommend anyone else who needs shelter assistance call the help line number. 

 

Other resources may be available too, but here is a quick list of where you can find or give help if needed from Haywood County Emergency Services officials: 

  • A helpline is in place for anyone seeking assistance related to the storm. The helpline number is 828-356-2022. The hours of operation are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m Monday - Friday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday - Sunday. Those in need should call 828-452-6666 after 5 pm Saturday and Sunday.  
  • Residents with immediate life-threatening needs should call 911, otherwise use the helpline number for all other needs.
  • Types of assistance available through the helpline: missing person information, food, housing assistance, special needs assistance, special needs assistance, volunteer or donation opportunities, other storm-related needs

     Anyone seeking to donate items for the recovery effort are encouraged to take them to the following locations.

    Where to donate items: 

           List of goods needed: www.recoverhaywood.com

  • Helping Haywood: 289 Industrial Park Drive Waynesville
  • HCC Small Business Building: 144 Industrial Park Drive
  • Please do not take donations to Bethel Baptist, they are out of space.

     These locations are distributing items to those need: 

  •  Bethel Baptist Church: 5868 Pigeon Rd, Canton - clothing, children’s clothing, food, water, toiletries
  •  Canton First Baptist Church: 74 Academy Street ,Waynesville - food, water, toiletries
  • Faith Community Church: 289 Industrial Drive, Waynesville - food, water, toiletries

    Those affected by storm damage will find meals are available at Bethel Baptist Church: 

  •  5868 Pigeon Rd, Canton, NC   

    Clean-up help: 

  • Cleanup help: call 828-222-3975  
  • Damage assessment: Assessors are on the ground now working on completing their task. If you need to report damage you think they might miss please call 828-356-2022.
  • Debris Removal: Contractors will begin the debris removal process no later than Monday. Demolition materials will be removed first, followed by vegetation. Please sort piles for removal.