Months after Helene, Western NC is still in need. Here’s how to help
Although it’s been months since Hurricane Helene devastated many North Carolina mountain towns, residents and local businesses are still struggling to get back on their feet in a region that relies heavily on tourism.
With a decline in visitor numbers and travel dollars, and federal aid nowhere in sight, the future remains uncertain for many in the area.
But there are ways to help from afar, especially when it comes to supporting local shops, restaurants and other businesses. Purchases, online fundraising efforts and sharing calls for action can all make a difference.
We’ve compiled a list below of businesses seeking help and other ways to pitch in. Even more shops, restaurants and art galleries in western North Carolina that are open to visitors or have online stores can be found at shopwnc.com.
If you don’t see your favorite spot on the list, please let us know at charlottefive@charlottefive.com, and we’ll get it added.
Western NC businesses in need
The Bier Garden
Location: 46 Haywood St, Asheville, NC 28801
Staff at the Bier Garden in Asheville experienced lost wages on top of personal loss as a result of Hurricane Helene. A Go Fund Me page was set up by operating partner Nathan Wardell, but its goal is far from being met.
“This is the most dedicated and determined staff that have been out in the community during this disaster to help out their neighbors, friends, and families ... now between this and COVID times, they (and I) need your help,” he wrote. So far, Wardell has raised $1,340 of his $8,500 goal.
Black Mountain Cider & Mead
Location: 104 Eastside Drive, #307, Black Mountain, NC 28711
Flooding damaged Black Mountain Cider & Mead’s building during the hurricane, leading the cidery to lose equipment, along with supplies and product. Although the cidery has since reopened, you can still donate to help via Venmo or Go Fund Me.
It recently released a batch of LE DELUGE, a cider made from West Virginia apples donated after the hurricane. The label reads, “Born of floodwater, chaos, and an unexpected gift.”
Burnsville Candle Company
Location: 132 W Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714
Burnsville was hard hit by the storm, losing many roads and businesses. Fortunately, Burnsville Candle Company was able to reopen in November, but you can also order candles online.
New options include its Spring Equinox 2025 candle, along with Sea Salt & Orchid, Cherry Bomb and Haldi Doodh “Golden Milk” scents.
Chimney Rock Brewing Company
Location: 461 Main St., Chimney Rock, NC 28720
Mars Hill-based Mars Theatre Brew Co.’s sister brewery, Chimney Rock Brewing Company, is gone after Hurricane Helene. There is nothing left where the brewery once stood.
Owner Scott Spruill posted a Go Fund Me, with hopes of setting up a new model that could help save the company. Fortunately, Mars Theatre has reopened, but “without them (Chimney Rock Brewing) it will be difficult to continue without your help,” he wrote. So far, $6,101 has been raised of its $20,000 goal.
Chimney Rock Gemstone Mine
Location: 397 Main St., Chimney Rock, NC 28720
Chimney Rock Gemstone Mine has yet to reopen since Helene, and extensive repairs are needed to get the mining and jewelry attraction operable once more.
Owners Matt and Michelle Banz also own RiverWatch Grill, which was also damaged by the storm (details below). Contributions to a Go Fund Me set up by the family will go toward the restoration needed, as well as helping the mine’s team members. So far, the mine has raised $4,575 of its $15,000 goal.
Euda Wine
Location: 164 Commerce St., Suite 10, Old Fort, NC 28762
Euda Wine’s winery and inventory suffered major damage, although the winery has since reopened.
If you still want to support Euda, options include “buying wine online or joining our wine club,” the winery posted on Instagram. If you don’t want to order from the selection that includes cabernet sauvignon, merlot and rose, you can also purchase a gift card.
French Broad Chocolate Factory & Cafe
Location: 821 Riverside Drive, #199, Asheville, NC 28801
The storm caused flooding outside of French Broad Chocolate Factory & Cafe, leaving the shop without water and power, and taking several weeks before the team could start making chocolate again.
To continue showing support, you can purchase chocolate online. Inventory is constantly being updated, but the Asheville chocolatier has items like Mother’s Day boxes, bonbon subscription boxes, hot chocolate and chocolate bars. The store also has an online fund.
Folkwear Patterns
Location: 1185 Charlotte Hwy, Fairview, NC 28730
Folkwear Patterns has a studio in Asheville’s River Arts District that managed to remain open without damage. While staff and the community are trying to rebuild tourism, if you’re in need of clothing fabric or sewing supplies, consider purchasing something through its online store.
Headwaters Outfitters
Location: 25 Parkway Road, Rosman, NC 28772
Headwater Outfitters’ shop and Forks of the River Taproom were affected by flooding, which caused damage to the retailer’s compound. Since then, it has reopened for taproom visits and float trips. You can also shop the online store or purchase a gift card for a future excursion to support the small business.
Helen’s Restaurant
Location: 99 NC-226, Bakersville, NC 28705
Helen’s Restaurant, the oldest restaurant in Bakersville, was completely destroyed in Hurricane Helene and will not be allowed to rebuild on the same property. Co-owner Donna Stafford’s nephew started a Go Fund Me campaign for the owners, asking for a modest $5,000 to help them recoup just a tiny bit of their life savings — but they have not yet reached that goal.
The NuWray Hotel
Location: 102 Town Square, Burnsville, NC 28714
The NuWray Hotel was built almost 200 years ago and is North Carolina’s oldest operating hotel. Owners James and Amanda Keith planned to reopen in September 2024 after a complete renovation. However, the hurricane left the hotel without power or running water. The space was briefly repurposed to supply community members with shelter, relief support and hot meals.
On May 30, the hotel will invite guests for a ribbon cutting ceremony and barbecue to celebrate their restoration and grand re-opening. To show your support and book a stay, visit its reservations page.
Old Marshall Jail Hotel + Zadie’s Restaurant
Location: 33 Baileys Branch Road, Marshall, NC 28753
The Old Marshall Jail Hotel and Zadie’s Restaurant were among the places devastated in Marshall. Zadie’s was completely destroyed, owner Josh Copus wrote on a Go Fund Me page for both places.
The businesses are nearing their goal of raising $135,000, but aren’t quite there yet.
On Your Bike
Location: 133 South Main #104, Marshall NC 28753
On Your Bike Coffee & Cycles has re-opened the cafe and coffee shop side of the business, but owner Andrew Webber told CharlotteFive that “due to shortfalls in our goFund me, we are not yet able to do much with our bike shop.” The shop set a goal of raising $75,000, and $54,565 has been raised.
He continued: The windows and walls in our place did not hold and all or our bikes, parts and cycling retail were lost to the river. Our mechanic faced a heavy tool loss from his 40 year collection. We are located on the south side of Marshall (the side which disappeared). Webber is also pursuing grant opportunities.
The Orange Peel + Rabbit Rabbit (now Asheville Yards Amphitheater)
Location: The Orange Peel: 101 Biltmore Ave., Asheville, NC 28001
Location: Asheville Yards: 75 Coxe Ave., Asheville, NC 28801
Asheville’s live music scene took a hit during the storm, and The Orange Peel and Rabbit Rabbit needed to close and cancel shows. Fortunately, both businesses have since reopened and have an extensive line-up for guests to look forward to. Check out their respective Instagram accounts for up-to-date information.
Shirt Sleeves Coffee
Location: 222 Whitson Ave., Swannanoa, NC 28778
Shirt Sleeves Coffee had just gotten ready to move from a mobile arrangement to a brick-and-mortar shop when the storm crushed much of Swannanoa.
Owner Daniel Lancaster is now planning a grand opening May 15. From afar, you can still purchase roasted-to-order coffee beans, stickers and gift cards from the online shop.
RiverWatch Grill + Riverwatch Coffeehouse and Gift Shop
Location: 379 Main St., Chimney Rock, NC 28720 and 375 Main St., Chimney Rock, NC 28720
RiverWatch Grill, a staple in downtown Chimney Rock since 1998, remains closed. Though our beloved RiverWatch is still standing, it is deeply wounded and in desperate need of help to recover,” wrote Shelly Banz of RiverWatch on its Go Fund Me page.
Donations will go to building repairs, equipment replacement and support of the RiverWatch family. So far, the grill has raised $25,201 of its $35,000 goal. Italso launched a pop-up shop and food truck at the Tryon International Equestrian Center while repair work is underway.
Star Diner (now Star Taco)
Location: 115 N Main St., Marshall, NC 28753
Star Diner in Marshall was completely submerged in floodwaters during Hurricane Helene, and now has shifted gears.
Owner Kate Sonoskus has a Go Fund Me up and running, with $48,113 of its $50,000 goal raised. It also rebranded and turned the former Main Street cafe into a new restaurant, Star Taco.
Switzerland Cafe and General Store
Location: 9440 NC-226A, Marion, NC 28752
Switzerland Cafe and General Store has been sold, and it reopened on April 1. New owner, Hoyt Johnson of Big Lyn Lodge, is keeping much of the staff and most of what customers will remember in place, while also adding “a few new things.”
When you’re in the area, stop by and browse the general store to support the longtime community fixture.
Willow Hill Soap Company
Location: 429 N Main St., Hendersonville, NC 28792
Location: 80 Park St., Canton, NC 28716
Both of Willow Hill Soap Company locations (in Hendersonville and Canton) were closed for a while after Hurricane Helene.
Now, you can visit either location or make online purchases of candles, soaps, bath bombs, beard care and more. Its products are made without harmful ingredients, so you can feel good about gifting them.
Other ways to help Hurricane Helene victims
To further support ongoing relief efforts, consider donating to the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army or World Central Kitchen. The following state and local organizations are also still accepting donations:
The Hunger and Health Coalition is continuing to help ensure food and health access, including medication and other related supplies, to state afflicted communities.
The Manna Foodbank has been serving 16 counties in western North Carolina and is dedicated to providing food to those still in hunger across the region.
The Mountain Projects are helping to build homes for those have been displaced and have not yet received funding to rebuild.
The North Carolina Community Foundation Disaster Relief Fund has been providing grants to communities impacted by disasters and are still struggling to recover.
The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is continuing to accept monetary donations for hay purchases, which will support local farmers and their livestock.
Don’t forget to purchase your “Mountain Strong” hurricane relief T-shirt through the Mast General Store. $10 from each T-shirt sale will be donated to ongoing relief efforts.
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Mooresville’s Soul Creations is also continuing to sell a hurricane relief candle, available in a variety of scents. All proceeds will support of the rebuilding of Old Fort Elementary in McDowell County, which was destroyed by Hurricane Helene and is still not open.
The Village at Robinson Farm Market will have reusable cotton tote bags available for sale. Proceeds will be donated to western North Carolina farmers who are still struggling to regain footing after the hurricane, many of whom provide produce to the market. The Village at Robinson Farm is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through October.
Southern Distilling Co. is also trying to help give back. The distillery has selected eight single barrels that are available for purchase at their location in Statesville or through local ABC stores. For every bottle purchased, $5 will be donated to the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina.
From May 16-28, Mac’s Speed Shop will donate $1 from every pork sandwich sold from National Barbecue Day through National Brisket Day at all Mac’s locations. The campaign will direct those donations to the North Carolina Community Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fund.
Heidi Finley contributed.
This story was originally published May 8, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
