Hurricane Helene Updates
NOTICE: Please be patient and kind as long-term recovery efforts continue.
Damascus, Virginia was severely impacted by Hurricane Helene and recovery efforts are ongoing. However, due to an incredible outpouring of community support, nearly all local businesses have reopened and are eager to welcome you back to town.
We are resilient. We are rebuilding. We are OPEN.
Damascus, Virginia was severely impacted by Hurricane Helene and recovery efforts are ongoing. However, due to an incredible outpouring of community support, nearly all local businesses have reopened and are eager to welcome you back to town.
We are resilient. We are rebuilding. We are OPEN.
DONATE TO TRAILS TO RECOVERY
Trails to Recovery is a local nonprofit dedicated to supporting the people of Southwest Virginia after the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. 100% of donations go directly to residential home restoration, business recovery, and Virginia Creeper Trail revitalization in Washington County. Trails to Recovery has a fundraising goal of four million dollars to rebuild the affected communities of Alvarado, Damascus, Green Cove, Konnarock, Taylors Valley, and Whitetop.
Trails to Recovery is a local nonprofit dedicated to supporting the people of Southwest Virginia after the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. 100% of donations go directly to residential home restoration, business recovery, and Virginia Creeper Trail revitalization in Washington County. Trails to Recovery has a fundraising goal of four million dollars to rebuild the affected communities of Alvarado, Damascus, Green Cove, Konnarock, Taylors Valley, and Whitetop.
Virginia Disaster Assistance Team (VDAT)
VDAT is a team of trained local outreach specialists dedicated to supporting the community through this challenging time. They serve to connect survivors with vital resources and referrals, provide emotional support and a listening ear, foster community connections, and share valuable educational tools and guidance. This is a grant-funded program through Highlands Community Services, made possible through a FEMA/SAMHSA partnership. Need support? Call 1-833-442-7272.
VDAT is a team of trained local outreach specialists dedicated to supporting the community through this challenging time. They serve to connect survivors with vital resources and referrals, provide emotional support and a listening ear, foster community connections, and share valuable educational tools and guidance. This is a grant-funded program through Highlands Community Services, made possible through a FEMA/SAMHSA partnership. Need support? Call 1-833-442-7272.
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United Way Citizen Recovery Program
The CRP provides financial assistance for citizens who are recovering from Hurricane Helene. Funding will be provided as a payment directly to the business, vendor, landlord, or contractor that will be supplying your recovery efforts. CRP can assist with home and landscaping damage, education or home supplies, food shortage or loss, medical needs, and rent or utility assistance. More information.
The CRP provides financial assistance for citizens who are recovering from Hurricane Helene. Funding will be provided as a payment directly to the business, vendor, landlord, or contractor that will be supplying your recovery efforts. CRP can assist with home and landscaping damage, education or home supplies, food shortage or loss, medical needs, and rent or utility assistance. More information.
Damascus Recovery Timelines
- Virginia Creeper Trail, Abingdon to Damascus - OPEN
- HWY 91, Damascus to Mountain City - OPEN
- Appalachian Trail, VA/TN line to Elk Garden - OPEN
- US-58, Damascus to Whitetop - closed, estimated one year to completion by Nov 2025
- VDOT Bridge on Orchard Hill Road - closed, project expected to begin in Spring 2025
- Virginia Creeper Trail, Whitetop Station to Damascus - closed, US Forest Service restoration timeline pending
- "Trails to Recovery" Home Repairs & Reconstruction - residential repairs/rebuilds ongoing
Virginia Creeper Trail Updates
TRAIL OPEN: ABINGDON TO DAMASCUS
The Virginia Creeper Trail is NOW OPEN, from the Start to the Heart, Abingdon to Damascus. Our bike outfitters are providing rental and shuttle services for the Abingdon to Damascus section, about 17 miles. NEW! The Virginia Creeper Trail from Abingdon to Damascus is now open to E-Bikes as well, as of December 2024.
Find lodging, restaurants, and shopping at VisitDamascus.org.
TRAIL CLOSURE: WHITETOP STATION TO DAMASCUS
For public safety, the upper half of the Virginia Creeper Trail in Mount Rogers National Recreation Area remains CLOSED by Forest Order. The US Forest Service has completed the initial assessment of trestles on the upper half of the trail and has identified 18 destroyed trestles and 13 standing/damaged, as well as large sections of missing treadway. There is no access to the Virginia Creeper Trail past Damascus at this time. The US Forest Service has a webpage for sharing project updates with the public: Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail Reconstruction Project.
TRAIL OPEN: ABINGDON TO DAMASCUS
The Virginia Creeper Trail is NOW OPEN, from the Start to the Heart, Abingdon to Damascus. Our bike outfitters are providing rental and shuttle services for the Abingdon to Damascus section, about 17 miles. NEW! The Virginia Creeper Trail from Abingdon to Damascus is now open to E-Bikes as well, as of December 2024.
Find lodging, restaurants, and shopping at VisitDamascus.org.
TRAIL CLOSURE: WHITETOP STATION TO DAMASCUS
For public safety, the upper half of the Virginia Creeper Trail in Mount Rogers National Recreation Area remains CLOSED by Forest Order. The US Forest Service has completed the initial assessment of trestles on the upper half of the trail and has identified 18 destroyed trestles and 13 standing/damaged, as well as large sections of missing treadway. There is no access to the Virginia Creeper Trail past Damascus at this time. The US Forest Service has a webpage for sharing project updates with the public: Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail Reconstruction Project.
Trails to Recovery & Volunteer Opportunities
Please DO NOT show up in Damascus or the surrounding area expecting a walk-up volunteer project without being in contact with a project lead or property owner beforehand. As of January 2025, Trails to Recovery has already completed restoration projects on 52 homes in Washington County. The rebuild of several new homes will be underway soon. Follow along on the Trails to Recovery Facebook page. More information at trailstorecovery.com.
Please DO NOT show up in Damascus or the surrounding area expecting a walk-up volunteer project without being in contact with a project lead or property owner beforehand. As of January 2025, Trails to Recovery has already completed restoration projects on 52 homes in Washington County. The rebuild of several new homes will be underway soon. Follow along on the Trails to Recovery Facebook page. More information at trailstorecovery.com.
Construction & Recovery Efforts
- Documentation is key for insurance and FEMA claims. Be sure to take photos of affected areas/items and write down any relevant details such as item descriptions, model numbers, etc. As rebuilding begins, be sure to file all necessary permits with the town and county.
- To request volunteer assistance with cleanup and rebuilding, contact Tony Miller, Volunteer Coordinator, at tmiller(at)washcova.com or (276) 525-2443.
- Washington County Department of Building & Development Services: Building permits for the county and town apply to ALL construction and recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene. The county permit fee is waived for recovery-related projects and for the town permit a fee does not apply.
- Please reference the Damascus Zoning Map for floodplain areas. Maps, Plans & Reports (top of page).
- There is a 1-year waiver for storm-related storage containers. A completed zoning form is required for our Town records. Marty Berry, Code Enforcement Officer, can be reached at [email protected].
- Resource for Disaster Recovery: Avoiding Fraud, Virginia Dept of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR). For inquiries about licensed contractors, please contact Jeffrey Buckley, VA DPOR Investigations Supervisor, at [email protected] or (276) 608-7296.
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General Updates for the Damascus area
- Town Hall: Due to flood damage and ongoing remediation to Damascus Town Hall, town staff are displaced. Town Hall has temporarily relocated to the Damascus Motor Sales building, 786 North Beaver Dam Avenue. Open to the public on weekdays 10am to 3pm, closed on Wednesdays.
- Town Council Meetings are relocated temporarily to the Rock School Auditorium. View Public Notices.
- Town road closures: Local traffic only on Rutledge St, Appalachian Trail Dr, Legion St, Orchard Hill Rd, and Adkins St.
- Damascus Post Office has reopened! (as of January 27, 2025).
- The local stream level gauges can be found here: Laurel Creek (NOAA gauge), South Fork Holston (USGS gauge). Stay tuned to local media and weather reporting in the event of emergency alerts and flood warnings.
- Lost & Found for sentimental items is being organized by One Way Ministries. To drop off found items or check about lost items, contact Chuck Bolduc at 334-733-5405.
- Taylors Valley: Updates and fundraising efforts for the Taylors Valley community can be found at taylorsvalley.com . The community requests local traffic only at this time, no visitors or unassigned volunteers.
- Damascus Press Contact: Julie Kroll, Town of Damascus, recreation.director (at) damascus.org.
