Help 8 Western NC Families Restore Safe Access to Their Homes

Recent flash flooding in Western North Carolina overwhelmed a rural creek crossing that provides the only vehicle access for approximately eight households. Two large culverts beneath the road were overtaken by the force of the storm, and the roadway washed away entirely. The damage has left these families without normal vehicle access to and from their homes.

For them, this is more than a damaged road.

It is their way home.

The photos below show the damaged culverts and washed-out creek crossing that once provided the only vehicle access for these households. Floodwaters overwhelmed the structure, eroding the embankment and leaving residents isolated. What was once a sturdy road is now a deep gap — a stark reminder of how quickly access to homes can disappear.

Several households are affected, including older residents, disabled individuals, families with limited resources, and a parent with a young child beginning the school year. With the road crossing gone, some residents are relying on a temporary makeshift pedestrian path over the washed-out area just to reach transportation on the other side.

Everyday things that once seemed simple — getting to work, school, medical appointments, grocery stores, and other necessities — have suddenly become much more difficult.

And just as importantly, these homes need a safe and dependable route for emergency access. This area has no cell phone service, and if the power were to fail — which cannot be restored quickly because utility crews cannot reach the site — residents would have no contact with emergency services at all, not to mention wells would not provide water. A medical emergency, fire, or accident could become life-threatening simply because help cannot be reached.

To make matters worse, just a few miles away in McCaysville, GA, a state of emergency was declared because of the very same storm system. However, North Carolina has not declared a state of emergency, which means our community is not eligible for any state assistance — no emergency road repair, no disaster relief funding, and no temporary support. These families are on their own.

Why We Need Help

An engineer has evaluated the site and recommended pursuing a permanent bridge solution rather than simply replacing the failed culverts. Initial bridge estimates range from $85,000 to $105,000, a cost far beyond what these few households can reasonably manage on their own — especially with many residents being elderly, disabled, or living on fixed incomes.

We are actively gathering detailed estimates, engineering information, permitting requirements, and every possible source of assistance. But without state support, the financial burden falls entirely on the residents and the kindness of others.

Your donation will directly help restore:

• Emergency vehicle access

• Utility service access (power, internet, etc.)

• Safe passage for residents

• Reliable communication in case of crisis

• A permanent, engineered bridge solution

How Donations Will Be Used

Funds raised will be used only for legitimate expenses connected with restoring safe access to these homes. Depending on the final engineered solution, expenses may include:

• Engineering & design

• Surveying

• Permits

• Bridge materials

• Concrete, stone, and aggregate

• Hauling

• Grading & site preparation

• Contractor labor

• Equipment costs

• Inspections

We intend to keep careful records of all money received and expenses paid, and we will provide updates as the project progresses.

Whenever practical, project funds will be paid directly to engineers, contractors, suppliers, permitting agencies, and other vendors rather than distributed as cash to individual households.

Transparency Matters to Us

Any cost figures shared during this process will remain estimates until engineering, permitting, design, and contractor pricing are finalized.

If grants, donated labor, materials, or other assistance reduce the final project cost, we will update the fundraiser accordingly.

If the project is completed for less than the amount raised, we will communicate clearly with donors about the final accounting and how any remaining funds will be handled. We will not redirect funds to unrelated purposes without explanation.

We want everyone who gives — even $5 — to know that their generosity is being treated with care and respect.

Why We Are Asking

Asking for help is difficult. But this is a situation where a small group of families is facing a problem much larger than what they can reasonably solve alone.

No one expects to suddenly lose the road that connects them to the outside world.

Our hope is simple:

To restore safe, reliable access home.

If you are able to give, thank you so much.

If you are not able to donate, sharing this fundraiser may help just as much. A share could reach a contractor, engineer, business owner, grant organization, equipment operator, or someone else who has exactly the kind of help this community needs.

Every donation, every share, every donated material, and every helping hand brings these families one step closer to having a safe road home again.

Thank you for caring about our small Western North Carolina community.