BOONE, N.C. — In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, thousands of individuals across the state, nation and world reached out to support Mountaineers. The App State Disaster Relief Fund raised and distributed over $4 million in bridge funding for thousands of students, faculty and staff at Appalachian State University as they navigated significant losses and challenges from the storm.

More than 4,900 people across the state, nation and world contributed to the relief fund, representing 48 states and seven countries. A generous outpouring of support came not only from App State alumni and supporters across the region, but also from faculty, staff and fans at universities across the nation, as well as many other individuals, including 1,990 who had no prior affiliation with the university.

"Recognizing that ‘full recovery’ may take months or even years to come," said App State Interim Chancellor Heather Norris, "it is encouraging and inspiring to see the incredible progress our community has made together with the help of those who have contributed to the App State Disaster Relief Fund.”

Over 5,400 students, faculty and staff received bridge grants of up to $1,000 at the university’s Disaster Relief Hub, which operated from Oct. 1 until Oct. 18 inside the university’s Plemmons Student Union. The hub offered resources and support for faculty, staff and students with representatives from Counseling and Psychological Services, Case Management, Emergency Management, Financial Aid, Off-Campus Student Services, the Student Legal Clinic and the App State Disaster Relief Fund.

App State Dean of Students Judy Haas helped assist students, faculty and staff at the Disaster Relief Hub. Through her work at the hub, Haas heard firsthand accounts from App State students, faculty and staff who lost their homes, their means of transportation, as well as essential items due to the hurricane — including one individual who “walked out of their residence with the clothes on their back, and that’s it,” she said. The need among the Mountaineer Community was profound, according to Haas.

Among the hurricane-related challenges Mountaineers faced:

• Homes destroyed: Students, faculty and staff members were displaced from their homes across the High Country. In Boone alone, around 140 housing units, including apartments, were condemned due to severe flood damage.
• Transportation disrupted: Floodwaters and fallen trees damaged or totaled vehicles, leaving many without reliable transportation. Road closures worsened commutes, increasing travel times and fuel expenses.
• Repairs and replacements: Students and employees were burdened with the unexpected costs of replacing storm-damaged belongings and purchasing essential equipment such as generators. Homeowners faced the costly repairs of vital infrastructure, such as driveways, bridges and culverts.
• Lost income: Students with jobs missed work due to local business closures, transportation challenges, or the need to assist family, friends and neighbors with storm recovery efforts.

“I had one student who needed to replace his glasses,” Haas said. “Others needed help finding temporary housing or putting money down to rent a new apartment. Many students do not have rental insurance, or it does not cover floods. I met with a faculty member who lost all of her shoes, her appliances and all of her children’s toys because they were kept on the first floor. The list can go on, and the stories are real.”

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App State Disaster Relief Fund

Mountaineers are hurting from the impacts of Hurricane Helene. Students, faculty and staff are experiencing significant losses and challenges. Many have lost their homes and their transportation. While the full impacts are still unknown, we know of many who need help, and many who have offered to support them. If you would like to help, please use the link below, and thank you for supporting our Mountaineers in need.

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Area leaders focus on recovery from Helene

‘Unified approach’ key to recovery, says Boone mayor

Oct. 9, 2024

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene’s impacts to the High Country, leaders from the Town of Boone, Watauga County, App State and the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce have been communicating regularly, working together to respond to the needs of the community.

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Hurricane Helene’s impacts on the App State Boone campus

Oct. 2, 2024

App State shares images and video footage of the impacts its Boone campus has sustained due to flooding and storm damage caused by Hurricane Helene. The university is assessing and responding to damages while remaining focused on the safety and well-being of the campus community.

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About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, affordable education for all. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.