Grace and Peace to you all!

Thank you all for your hard work and focus on the need of this time in our conference. We especially thank our Disaster Response Co-Chairs who you are hearing from today. Remember this, as Proverbs 2:6 says, "For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding." May you know that the Holy Spirit is working in you in specific ways because He has given you His wisdom for this situation in this time. We thank Jeff Brotherton and Greg Grabbs for making themselves available and for our churches and pastors across NC and beyond who have sent aid and made themselves available with the wisdom, understanding and grace needed right now. 

May God bless you!

A Word from Greg Grabbs, Co-Chair Disaster Relief of the NC Global Methodist Conference...

As western NC moves out of the first emergency phase, we now have the opportunity to send volunteers to help. Our current need is for ERT (Emergency Response Teams) assessment teams and area coordinators.

ERT assessment teams are critical for evaluating the needs of homes including muck-out, roof tarping, debris removal, tree removal, gathering of personal belongings, identifying critical needs, prioritization of volunteer work, and documentation. We will need these teams to be led by an experienced ERT member. Team leads will receive and coordinate work locations from local church contacts. 

Area coordinators are needed to identify and contact distribution centers, identify needs and capacity of storage, coordinate volunteers and deliveries, identify and contact churches for housing, showering, and food accommodation for volunteer teams.  These volunteers will need to be experienced in ERT work and leadership roles.  

If you have ERT volunteers please help us better coordinate deployment by providing any specialty skills (construction, electrical, plumbing, etc) or restrictions (unable to climb on roofs, etc) your team may bring and estimated number of volunteers on your team. Cook teams and prayer teams who also may be coming please specify your plans and number of volunteers.

Please email Paul Dunham at missions.ncgmc@gmail.com or Jeff Grabbs at outreachchair@concordchurchrox.org to volunteer.     

A Word from Jeff Brotherton, Co-Chair Disaster Relief of the NC Global Methodist Conference (located in Canton)...

Update: October 16

As we continue our journey of recovery, I wanted to share some key updates about our ongoing efforts. Later today, I’ll also provide insights on our path toward economic recovery.

First, the hours at the IP Sports Complex are changing. Starting today, the complex will be open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. We need volunteers to help unload, organize, and distribute supplies to those in need. If you are able to lend a hand, just come by during operating hours or call/text 828-734-0529. Please understand, the continued operation of this vital resource center depends on having enough volunteers.

I urge everyone to stay updated not only through Canton’s social media channels but also through Haywood County’s platforms. We are working closely with our neighbors across the county to ensure critical updates—like FEMA locations and bridge repairs—reach the people who need them most. The collaboration and shared support among our communities continue to give us strength.

As the weather cools, our community’s needs are shifting—but they are far from disappearing. Let’s remain mindful of our neighbors whose needs have changed with the season. I am especially concerned about those who still lack proper or long-term housing. If you or someone you know is facing housing challenges due to the flood, please reach out to me confidentially. No one should be left behind in this recovery.

We know that individual needs and economic needs are deeply intertwined. I’m proud that Canton, in partnership with Haywood County, is pushing for commercial debris to be included in the same pickup as residential debris. This initiative will help us clean up more efficiently, improve safety, and ensure no one is left out as we rebuild. We’re also making progress toward waiving fees and permits for those impacted by the flood—official updates and confirmation on this are coming soon.

Each day, we take steps toward a new reality—not just here in Canton and Haywood County, but across Western North Carolina. Some days, those steps feel lighter; other days, they’re more difficult. But no matter the pace, we move forward. We stumble sometimes. We grieve. Yet, through it all, we must remind ourselves that this path is worth taking. The fight is worth fighting. And the hardships, as painful as they are, are worth enduring.

As we rebuild, we must also honor the lives lost in this tragedy. Their sacrifice must become the standard by which we shape tomorrow—how we treat each other, how we unite, and how we build stronger, more compassionate communities.

Update on Donation Information

Manna Food Bank is closing the mass distribution site at the Farmers Market in Asheville. Multiple distribution locations are reporting they are no longer accepting deliveries as warehouses are at capacity.

At this time, financial contributions are the best form of help so that we may be responsive to the changing needs in the moment and be responsible stewards of needs and resources. The needs are great, but quickly changing from necessities to restoration. If you still have resources to deliver, please contact us or a distribution site before delivering to be sure they are receiving.

Online monetary donations can be made here!

Blessings!

The NC Global Methodist Conference Communications Team