Dear Citizens of Statesville:
The overwhelming outpouring of support from our community for the victims of Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina has been nothing short of extraordinary. In the face of such devastating loss, the spirit of Statesville has shone brightly, demonstrating our unity, resilience, and unwavering commitment to helping those in need.
In recent days, I have been in close communication with the Metropolitan Mayors Coalition, and after careful consideration, we have reached a consensus: It is time to temporarily pause the collection of physical supplies until a more coordinated relief plan can be implemented.
As the immediate need for physical donations shifts, I now ask that you consider continuing your support through monetary contributions. These funds are vital to sustaining the ongoing recovery efforts, and I urge you to direct your support to the following trusted organizations:
♦ The North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund – Helene
♦ American Red Cross: 1-800-RED CROSS or text the word “HELENE” to 90999 to make a $10 donation; DONATE HERE
♦ Emergency Disaster Services of The Salvation Army
♦ Feeding the Carolinas
♦ Samaritan’s Purse Disaster Relief
I want to take this moment to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone involved in the Hurricane Helene Airlift Relief at the Statesville Regional Airport. The dedication of the organizers and the tireless efforts of the countless volunteers who have worked around the clock since last Saturday has been a source of immense pride and inspiration.
To every individual and family who has generously donated supplies, thank you. Your contributions have made an immediate and tangible difference to those affected by this disaster. Your kindness reflects the strength of our community, and it is this spirit that will continue to uplift those recovering from the storm. The spirit of Statesville is strong, and we won’t stop until our neighbors have fully recovered and rebuilt their lives.
Together, we will ensure that our compassion and generosity continue to provide hope and healing. The road to recovery may be long, but Statesville’s spirit is unshakable, and we are committed to seeing it through until every neighbor has been restored.
Thank you for your unwavering commitment and for making Statesville a beacon of strength and hope.
Sincerely,
Mayor Costi Kutteh
Our son and his wife were missing/unaccounted for in Avery County for 7 days. When found on Thursday, they were very hungry. We have no idea whether the food eventually delivered to them came from local efforts, but we know firsthand that someone, somewhere in WNC is alive, nourished, and thankful for whatever help folks in Statesville and Iredell Co have provided. Our family hopes their road will be repaired enough w/in the next few days, so they can make their way here. Please heed Mayor Kutteh’s request as the needs in the high country are going to change significantly in the next few days/weeks as winter comes early there. The NGOs on the ground there are far better equipped and informed on how to meet them. They will need the financial resources to do it.
I completely disagree. Our government will provide little to no relief as was the case in Lahaina, Hawaii. Why won’t the government fly drones because they don’t want us to see the full extent of the devastation. FEMA has admitted they don’t have any money and the $750 they plan to give is a LOAN!! All their money has gone to house illegals. Citizens stepped in immediately when they saw the need. FEMA has just arrived. Why? The government is welcome to do what they can but don’t stop the people of this great state do what has been working thus far.
Karen Flory