Hurricane Helene Updates
NOTICE: Please be patient and kind as recovery efforts in Damascus continue.
Damascus, Virginia was severely impacted by Hurricane Helene and assessments and repairs are ongoing. However, due to an incredible outpouring of community support, many local businesses have reopened and need your continued support.
We are resilient. We are rebuilding. We are OPEN.
Damascus, Virginia was severely impacted by Hurricane Helene and assessments and repairs are ongoing. However, due to an incredible outpouring of community support, many local businesses have reopened and need your continued support.
We are resilient. We are rebuilding. We are OPEN.
DONATE TO THE DAMASCUS STRONG DIRECT FUND
Damascus, Virginia is facing a long road to recovery from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene. Downtown and low-lying areas experienced significant flooding. Local trails are damaged and closed to the public, including the upper half of the Virginia Creeper Trail and the Appalachian Trail north and south of town. The Town of Damascus has set up the 'Damascus Strong' Direct Fund, which will allow donations to go where they are needed most. Please specify designated giving to Direct Fund, Virginia Creeper Trail, Downtown, or Emergency Services. For employer matching funds, the Town of Damascus EIN is 54-6001242. Checks may be mailed to PO Box 576, Damascus VA 24236. Donations are also accepted at any Bank of Marion/Bank of Damascus branch.
Damascus, Virginia is facing a long road to recovery from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene. Downtown and low-lying areas experienced significant flooding. Local trails are damaged and closed to the public, including the upper half of the Virginia Creeper Trail and the Appalachian Trail north and south of town. The Town of Damascus has set up the 'Damascus Strong' Direct Fund, which will allow donations to go where they are needed most. Please specify designated giving to Direct Fund, Virginia Creeper Trail, Downtown, or Emergency Services. For employer matching funds, the Town of Damascus EIN is 54-6001242. Checks may be mailed to PO Box 576, Damascus VA 24236. Donations are also accepted at any Bank of Marion/Bank of Damascus branch.
Donate Building Materials for "Trails to Recovery"
Thank you for your generous donations of supplies to aid the community with immediate recovery needs! The donation center has closed and can no longer accept supply donations. Please redirect these donations to local nonprofits or to other affected areas. Moving forward, our greatest in-kind need is for building materials: plywood, drywall, 2x4s, etc. Contact Tony Miller at tmiller(at)washcova.com or (276) 525-2443 for questions and to arrange drop-off of building material donations.
Thank you for your generous donations of supplies to aid the community with immediate recovery needs! The donation center has closed and can no longer accept supply donations. Please redirect these donations to local nonprofits or to other affected areas. Moving forward, our greatest in-kind need is for building materials: plywood, drywall, 2x4s, etc. Contact Tony Miller at tmiller(at)washcova.com or (276) 525-2443 for questions and to arrange drop-off of building material donations.
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 - county property assessments and 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. Let’s reverse the ride! Bike outfitters are providing rental and shuttle services for the Abingdon to Damascus section, about 17 miles. For over 100 years, the Virginia Creeper has been a vital connection between our communities. We are open for business and our trail communities need your continued support. Find lodging, restaurants, and shopping at VisitDamascus.org.
NEW! The Virginia Creeper Trail from Abingdon to Damascus is now open to E-Bikes as well, as of December 2024.
Parking: Abingdon trailhead, Watauga, Alvarado Station, and the Damascus Town Park.
Restrooms: Abingdon trailhead, Alvarado Station, and the Damascus Town Park.
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. There is no access to the Virginia Creeper Trail past Damascus at this time. 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. The restoration timeline has not yet been announced. More information and updates on Mount Rogers National Recreation Area.
TRAIL OPEN: ABINGDON TO DAMASCUS
The Virginia Creeper Trail is NOW OPEN, from the Start to the Heart, Abingdon to Damascus. Let’s reverse the ride! Bike outfitters are providing rental and shuttle services for the Abingdon to Damascus section, about 17 miles. For over 100 years, the Virginia Creeper has been a vital connection between our communities. We are open for business and our trail communities need your continued support. Find lodging, restaurants, and shopping at VisitDamascus.org.
NEW! The Virginia Creeper Trail from Abingdon to Damascus is now open to E-Bikes as well, as of December 2024.
Parking: Abingdon trailhead, Watauga, Alvarado Station, and the Damascus Town Park.
Restrooms: Abingdon trailhead, Alvarado Station, and the Damascus Town Park.
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. There is no access to the Virginia Creeper Trail past Damascus at this time. 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. The restoration timeline has not yet been announced. More information and updates on Mount Rogers National Recreation Area.
"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. Follow along on the Trails to Recovery Facebook page.
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. More information at trailstorecovery.com.
For groups or skilled labor:
Please contact Tony Miller, Volunteer Coordinator, at tony.miller(at)washcova.com or (276) 525-2443.
For individuals, sign up to volunteer with rebuilding efforts:
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. Follow along on the Trails to Recovery Facebook page.
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. More information at trailstorecovery.com.
For groups or skilled labor:
Please contact Tony Miller, Volunteer Coordinator, at tony.miller(at)washcova.com or (276) 525-2443.
For individuals, sign up to volunteer with rebuilding efforts:
- BGAV Impact Missions continues to respond in Damascus, Virginia and surrounding areas. They are completing the cleanup and chainsaw jobs we know about currently and shifting to repair and rebuild as damaged homes dry out. Teams will continue to serve in Damascus until all home repairs are completed. Volunteer teams who serve there will focus mostly on construction rather than cleanup. Get more information and sign up to volunteer with this group at impactmissionsmovement.org.
"The Blessing Park" Supply Donations
One Way Ministries is accepting donations of food, water, cleaning supplies, hygiene items, and more at 1119 Extract Street. No more clothing donations at this time. Donated items are available to residents. Current needs are updated regularly on the One Way Ministries Facebook page. The Blessing Park is open on Saturdays, 10am to 4pm, in January and February.
One Way Ministries is accepting donations of food, water, cleaning supplies, hygiene items, and more at 1119 Extract Street. No more clothing donations at this time. Donated items are available to residents. Current needs are updated regularly on the One Way Ministries Facebook page. The Blessing Park is open on Saturdays, 10am to 4pm, in January and February.
FEMA Assistance/Washington County Disaster Recovery Center (DRC)
The Washington County Disaster Recovery Center by Food City has closed. To contact FEMA: Call 800-621-FEMA (3362), online at DisasterAssistance.gov, or through the FEMA app on your smartphone. More information: FEMA Rumor Response.
Virginia 211: Find local resources. Call 211, chat, email, text or search to get help.
The Washington County Disaster Recovery Center by Food City has closed. To contact FEMA: Call 800-621-FEMA (3362), online at DisasterAssistance.gov, or through the FEMA app on your smartphone. More information: FEMA Rumor Response.
Virginia 211: Find local resources. Call 211, chat, email, text or search to get help.
Small Businesses
- "Damascus Strong" has joined the Washington County Business Challenge and will be awarding two $5,000 prizes to two new start-up businesses that locate in the Town of Damascus, in addition to the existing awards. The deadline for the Business Challenge is coming up soon - apply by January 14. More info and apply online.
- Washington County has set up a Small Business Relief Fund with a simple application process. Affected businesses are encouraged to apply. Application Form.
- Region A.H.E.A.D. Small Business Recovery Relief: Affected businesses in Washington County are eligible to apply for funding from the Flood Local Business Recovery Fund if you are an existing business whose operations have been severely impacted by the September 2024 flood. More information.
- The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers disaster assistance for homeowners, renters, nonprofits, and businesses of all sizes affected by Hurricane Helene. The SBA has an office at the Virginia Highlands Small Business Incubator (VHSBI) in Abingdon. More information.
- Assistance for Farmers: For agriculture related losses due to Hurricane Helene, contact Phil Blevins at the Washington County Cooperative Extension Office at 276-646-6309.
Construction & Recovery Efforts
- Roadside debris removal crews are still working in Damascus and have resumed in early January. If you have storm debris that needs to be removed from your property, please separate and place it at the edge of your property *as soon as possible.* This service is provided by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. Debris removal is free and available to everyone impacted by Hurricane Helene while these crews are still in town.
- If you need assistance getting debris to the road, please email [email protected] so we can connect you with a volunteer group.
- All debris must be accessible from public roads and should not block drainage ditches. Do not bag debris unless clear trash bags are used. No household trash, hazardous waste, electronics, large appliances, or large structures. Put your debris into separate piles of the following categories:
1. Vegetative debris like branches, limbs, logs, trees, and bushes.
2. Damage/demolition materials like drywall, wood, insulation, siding, furnishings, and roofing materials.
3. Tires
- 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
- County Taxes: The Washington County Commissioner of the Revenue is offering Hurricane Helene Tax Relief for real estate and personal property taxes. More information and application forms.
- Town Taxes: 2024 second half real estate and 2024 personal property tax tickets were mailed in early December. The payment deadline has been extended until Jan. 15, 2025.
- 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 will be relocated temporarily to the Rock School Auditorium. View Public Notices.
- Town road closures: Local traffic only on Rutledge Street, Appalachian Trail Drive, Legion Street, Orchard Hill Road, and Adkins Street.
- Damascus Post Office is expected to remain closed through winter until repairs are completed. Mail for PO Boxes may be picked up at the Post Office in Abingdon. The blue dropbox outside of the Post Office is still in use for outgoing mail.
- 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.
