Below is a list of resources. More will be added as they become available.
For immediate emergency assistance, call 911.
Sections on this page:
FEMA Assistance for Homeowners and Renters
Homeowners and renters in Watauga County can apply for FEMA assistance after Hurricane Helene.
3 Ways to Apply for Disaster Assistance:
- Online: disasterassistance.gov
- FEMA App: Download the FEMA App
- Call: 1-800-621-3362 from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
IMPORTANT: Document your damages now! Photograph the damages and items you have to throw away. More information about how to apply.
Red Cross Emergency Shelter Closed
The American Red Cross closed its emergency shelter in Watauga County as of 10 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 10, and encourages members of the public who may need sheltering or other assistance to call 1-800-RED-CROSS (733-2767).
Non-Emergency Phone Numbers
- 828-262-2000 Appalachian State University’s Main Line
- Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- 828-268-6200 Boone Town Hall
- Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., hours subject to change
Counseling
Counseling for Students
If in the Boone area and experiencing an urgent mental health concern, call the Counseling Center at 828-262-3180 and select the option to speak with the counselor on call.
Let’s Talk
Free, informal and confidential consultations with a counselor. No appointment needed.
Monday - Friday
For additional mental health emergency resources, visit the Counseling and Psychological Services website.
Counseling for Faculty and Staff
If you’re a faculty or staff member experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 911 or the Daymark Recovery Services Crisis Line at 866-275-9552. (Boone) or Catawba Valley Healthcare Mobile Crisis Management 828-695-2511 (Hickory).
For support, referrals or to schedule a counseling appointment, contact Counseling for Faculty and Staff (CFS) at 828-262-4951. A CFS team member will respond to provide assistance or set up an appointment.
New River Light & Power
For power restoration updates, an outage map and information about disconnecting service, please contact New River Light & Power’s customer service.
Latest updates and information:
- Website: nrlp.batalaauto.com
- Facebook: @New River Light & Power
- Instagram: @New_River_LP
- X: @New_River_LP
Customer Service
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Speak to a representative: 828-264-3671
- Email: [email protected]
- Office: 146 Faculty Street Extension, Boone
Please note, all voicemails and emails received after business hours will be addressed as soon as possible.
Need to charge an electric vehicle? New River Light & Power’s EV charging station is available and free of charge.
Internet Access
Public Wi-Fi access points (asu-visitor) are available on App State’s Boone campus:
- Belk Library and Information Commons
- Blue Ridge Parking Deck (Stadium) — entire deck (no permit required after 5 p.m. and on weekends)
- Central Dining Hall
- College Street Parking Deck (Library) — top level (no permit required after 5 p.m. and on weekends)
- Plemmons Student Union
- Sanford Mall
Mountaineer Food Hub & Free Store
Appalachian State University’s Mountaineer Food Hub and Free Store is available to students, staff and faculty. The Food Hub serves as a means to address food insecurity and provides staple foods, fresh produce, bread, breakfast items and personal care products.
The Free Store is a means to conserve resources and provides interview clothing, winter gear, school supplies, household items and various other goods.
Academic Resources
- Message from Mark Ginn, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education — Logistical support and resources for the resumption of classes
- The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning for Student Success (CETLSS) shared Resources for the Return Teaching and Learning with faculty to assist with the return to classes after Hurricane Helene.
- The Office of Student Success offers a number of helpful resources for students, including academic advising, academic support, college success and career readiness resources, the University Writing Center and Testing Services. If you have other academic needs, please complete and submit this form, and a member of the Student Success team will follow up with you.
Community Resource Information
- Town of Boone: Boone and Watauga County Resources and Services
- Boone Area Chamber of Commerce: Watauga County Resource Information
- UNC Health Appalachian: Community and Employee Resources
- Catawba County: Hurricane Helene Updates
- The Chamber of Catawba County: Hurricane Helene Business & Community Resources
Volunteer Opportunities
Appalachian Medical Reserve Corps
Coordinating volunteers with state and national emergency response teams.
Sign up using this interest form.
Samaritan’s Purse
Tree work, debris cleanup, roof tarping and mud outs.
Sign up at spvolunteer.org.
American Red Cross
volunteerconnection.redcross.org/
Donation Opportunities
Funds
- App State Disaster Relief Fund: a fund providing assistance to students, faculty and staff in need.
- Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation: a nonprofit organization that manages and distributes funds and resources to further the development and welfare of Boone and Watauga County.
- North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund
- Quiet Givers: a local nonprofit organization serving Watauga, Avery and Ashe counties that operates as a hub to connect individuals with appropriate agencies, funds or grants.
Supplies
Find donation sites and a list of current needs on the Hurricane Helene Community Support Hub.