Old Fort Strong
The Old Fort Strong Fund is Camp Grier’s community relief initiative, created in response to the widespread damage caused by Hurricane Helene. More than 100 homes in Old Fort were damaged or destroyed, and the Fund exists to mobilize resources quickly and support long-term recovery for families, small businesses, and the local economy.
The Old Fort Strong Endurance Festival became the Fund’s primary fundraising engine when it launched at Camp Grier on December 7, 2024, produced in partnership with Pisgah Productions and Tanawha Adventures. In its first year, participants and supporters raised $942,279 — contributing to the more than $2.5 million raised to date.
Stories of Impact
Neighbor 1 - Home Rebuild
Neighbor 2 - Total Home Loss and Transitional Housing
This neighbor had a family home that was completely flooded and ultimately had to be torn down. They still carried a $70,000 mortgage on the destroyed structure, making rebuilding financially out of reach. Old Fort Strong paid off the mortgage and helped assemble contributions from more than 20 different funding sources to cover the $215,000 total cost of the rebuild. Over 70 volunteers helped with demolition, lot clearing, and construction. Now in its final stages, the family is expected to move back in before winter—restoring both their home and their stability.
Neighbor 2’s home was completely washed away, leaving their family of seven displaced with minimal FEMA support and no insurance coverage. While long-term rebuild resources were being secured, Old Fort Strong purchased tiny home units to ensure the family had safe transitional housing. The Fund also sent the family's five children to summer camp to provide comfort and normalcy during an incredibly difficult year. A partner organization has now committed to rebuilding their permanent home, with construction expected to begin soon and completion projected for 2026. This coordinated support ensures their family can stay rooted in Old Fort while rebuilding their lives.
Neighbor 3 - Bridge Destruction & Full Access Loss
Neighbor 3 lost the only bridge providing access to their home when Hurricane Helene destroyed it. The home had taken on significant flooding and mud, but no repairs could begin until the bridge was rebuilt. Old Fort Strong funded the full bridge replacement, covering the $50,000 gap needed to restore access. This investment unlocked their flood insurance benefits, enabling the remaining repairs to begin. By removing the single biggest barrier to recovery, OFS ensured this McDowell resident could move forward with rebuilding both their home and their daily life.
Transparency Matters
We have distributed approximately $1.7 million so far to support over 74 families. Below is a breakdown of the percentages:
-
Mortgage Relief: 19.84%
-
Rebuilding/Repair: 59.06%
-
Replacement Vehicle: 15.26%
-
Administrative Costs: 5.84%
