A guide to supplies in the Swannanoa Valley

Local organizations offering resources in the wake of Helene

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
October 6, 2024

Various local businesses and organizations are offering a range of supplies and hot meals around Black Mountain and Swannanoa, in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene. Photo by Fred McCormick

As most residents throughout the Swannanoa Valley remain without power or water nine days after Tropical Storm Helene destroyed infrastructure across Western N.C., multiple local organizations are collecting and distributing supplies.

Services are available for meals, water distribution, trash disposal, basic supplies and additional resources. Below is a developing list of places to access provisions in the area:

Black Mountain Ingles (550 N.C. 9) - Food, water, ice and other necessities are available daily, from 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. Two 15-yard dumpsters, available through the Town of Black Mountain for residents needing to dispose of household trash, are open nearby. The dumpsters will not be emptied, Sunday, Oct. 6, according to town officials, who encourage those using to the service to be patient and prepared to show identification, demonstrating they are residents of the town. Follow the Town of Black Mountain Facebook page for additional information, daily updates and press releases.

Black Mountain Presbyterian Church (117 Montreat Road) - A variety of supplies, including food, water, non-perishable foods, household and hygiene products, are being distributed, daily, to people who need them. The church is accepting donations from 9 a.m. - 5 p..m , Sunday, Oct. 5. Items will be distributed from 1 p.m - 5 p.m. Follow the Black Mountain Presbyterian Facebook page for regular updates.

Ashley’s Kitchen & Bath (2950 U.S. 70) - The collection and distribution center, operated through the Black Mountain Presbyterian Church, offers various supplies, ranging from water, food, hygiene, cleaning and household goods. The site opens daily at 8 a.m.

Lookout Brewing, Co. (103 South Ridgeway Avenue) - Free hot meals and various supplies are available, daily, from 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. The Black Mountain business continues to collect and distribute supplies for anyone in need. Follow the Lookout Brewing Facebook page for additional updates.

The RailYard (141 Richardson Boulevard) - Several local restaurants are partnering to offer three free meals, everyday at the RailYard. The site will commence service from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 6. The initiative will also distribute supplies on-site. Follow the RailYard Blk Mtn Facebook page for additional updates.

First Baptist Church Black Mountain (130 Montreat Road) - Basic medical and mental health care are available. The facility will refill prescriptions, as needed, offer medical supplies and home wellness checks. A mobile charging station and Wi-Fi services are available at the site. Follow the First Baptist Church Black Mountain Facebook page for additional updates.

Black Mountain Pool (401 Laurel Circle Drive) - A small shower station is available for use, as residents are advised to bring towels and bathing suits. The facility is also serving as a distribution center, offering drinking water, non-drinking water and various supplies collected. The site is open from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sundays.

Tractor Supply Co. (125 Old U.S. 70, East) - Two 15-yard dumpsters, available through the Town of Black Mountain for residents needing to dispose of household trash, are open nearby. The dumpsters will not be emptied, Sunday, Oct. 6, according to town officials, who encourage those using to the service to be patient and prepared to show identification, demonstrating they are residents of the town.

Silverados (2898 U.S. 70) - Hot meals and an on-site clinic are available daily, from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., with the exception of Sunday, Oct. 6, for the public. Various supplies and hot meals are being distributed from the site, which also offers community prayer, daily at 12 p.m., showers and a barber. Follow the Silverados Facebook page for additional updates.

First Baptist Church of Swannanoa (503 Park Street) - A distribution center with supplies, ranging from water, food, diapers, first-aid, cleaning and other household supplies, is operating daily, with the exception of Sunday, Oct. 6, in the center of Swannanoa. The church distributed “double portions” of goods, Oct. 5, to supplement those accessing the service. Follow the First Baptist Church of Swannanoa Facebook page for additional updates.

Hearts with Hands drop-off (850 Warren Wilson Road) - The location is operating as the primary drop-off location for supplies in Swannanoa. Volunteers can register ah site, which is requesting women’s deodorant, travel size shampoo, shaving razors, toothbrushes, body wash, pull-tab canned soup, plastic jars of tomato sauce, breakfast and cereal boxes as its most needed goods. Follow the Friends and Neighbors of Swannanoa (FANS) Facebook page for additional updates.

Blunt Pretzels (120 Alexander Place) - Star link internet service, charging stations, pet food, water and hot meals are being distributed from the location, daily, from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Follow the Blunt Pretzels Facebook page for additional updates.

ArtSpace Charter School (2030 U.S. 70) - Hot meals, through Mercy Chefs Free Hot Meals Distribution, will be provided at the location, at 12 p.m. for lunch and 5 p.m. for dinner, Sunday, Oct. 6 through Tuesday, Oct. 8. Water and dry goods are also available at the site. Follow the ArtSpace Charter School Facebook page for additional updates.

Former Straightaway Cafe (1722 N.C.) - The site in Broad River is distributing supplies, including food and water, to are residents. A shelter is operating at the location, which has access to internet service, medicine and various essential items.