Covenant Presbyterian Church - Charlotte, NC

Update on Avery Partners

We are constantly in touch with our friends and partners in Avery County and they know Covenant is with them for the long haul to offer support, provide hope, and help to rebuild. To date, the Avery County Relief Fund has collected over $200,000, and we have a long list of congregants volunteering to help.

Here are some notes on our partners:

Reaching Avery Ministries (RAM)
Janet Milsaps, executive director, let us know that at this time they have had an influx of donations and are not in need of any items in the short-term. They know that they can count on us to provide donations when things slow down.

Avery County Habitat for Humanity
We have received the good news from ACHFH that their neighborhoods and houses fared well in the storm. No homes were damaged and there is minor tree clean-up needed. As most homeowners are not temporarily working because so many local businesses are closed, monthly mortgages will be an issue. We will stay in close contact to see how we can offer support.

Trosly Farms / The Liars Table
The bridge on their farm collapsed from flooding due to Hurricane Helene, and it was the only access to their property. A team of Covenant members showed up with a pallet of bagged Quikrete and 8-foot lengths of rebar to build a new bridge for our friends Amos and Kaci Nidiffer in Elk Park. If you’ve been to our Alternative Gift Market, you are likely familiar with their homemade products that we sell each year. Amos shared, “Kaci and I and the kids simply want to express our deepest gratitude for all the donations and help from your church. You guys have seen firsthand the devastation left in the aftermath of the flood. Honestly, the past week has been traumatic. Our community has a long road to recovery ahead. Your generosity and help reminds us that there are people rooting for us and I can't express how grateful we are.”

Crossnore Elementary School 
We spoke with Principal Matthew Bentley and he shared that the school was not damaged in the storm and all of the children are accounted for. However, nine of the families lost their homes, and three of the students’ grandparents died in the flooding. Principal Bentley shared that they are working to find temporary housing for the families, but everyone is in shock. The Fire Department and local churches are working together to care for these hurting families. They will eventually need appliances once they are housed, and he will call on Covenant to help with this need. Principal Bentley repeatedly asked for us to give them time – everyone wants to help now, but they need time. They are in crisis, the devastation that their county is facing is overwhelming, and they don’t yet know what they will need.
 
Collection Drives
Based on feedback from our Avery County partners, we are not currently collecting items at Covenant. As we hear of specific food, household supply, and clothing needs, we will share those specific requests.

As always, thank you for your generosity and prayers supporting our Avery friends. Come back to this blog for updates.