Resilient Recovery NC was created by Jim and Rebekah Artman, of Lake James community, specifically to provide local disaster support following Hurricane Helene, the September storm that claimed 104 lives and caused widespread destruction in Western North Carolina.

The all-volunteer group is making an impact in the community through aid distribution, road and bridge repair, tree removal for safe access, home construction for displaced families, and environmental restoration. As they began their assistance efforts, an immediate need was identified for an easily accessible facility to serve as a storage facility, distribution center and equipment depot.

The organization initially began receiving supplies and storing them at 700 E. Court Street, Marion, but space quickly became limited with the outpouring of support. The Artmans began reaching out to find a solution.

Eventually, Givens Affordable Communities, the low- and middle-income housing division of nonprofit senior living organization Givens Communities, learned about Resilient Recovery NC’s need for storage and a ready solution was found at the Clinchfield Mill, which had the capacity and availability.

The mill, also in Marion, was constructed in 1917 and originally served as a textile mill, employing hundreds of workers, and was later utilized by a local textile logistics company. Givens Communities purchased the mill in 2022 after receiving a $3 million grant from the Dogwood Health Trust. The master plan is to preserve the historic integrity of the site and rehabilitate the mill into affordable senior affordable housing. Givens Communities has applied for federal housing funding and is awaiting award announcements.

Recognizing the need and following encouraging discussions, Givens Affordable Communities representatives Teresa Stephens, Vice President of Affordable Communities, and Andrew Crosson, Project Development Coordinator, quickly set things in motion to make the Clinchfield Mill available to Resilient Recovery NC at no charge.

“Givens Communities’ values are ‘People Passionate, Make a Difference, Power of Community, and Do What’s Right’,” said Stephens. “We felt a partnership with Resilient Recovery NC hit all four values. This is an opportunity to use our facility and help our family, friends and neighbors in Western North Carolina, while we await federal housing funds.”

In the meantime, the mill currently serves as Resilient Recovery NC’s central logistics hub providing efficient organization and distribution support to endpoint relief centers across the region.

“Our mission is simple: to ensure our neighbors in need are supported, whether it’s through a roof over their heads, a safe road to travel, or supplies to rebuild their lives,” said Jim Artman. “The mill serves as a symbol of resilience and unity, showing how an old building can take on new life in service to its community. In the mountains, where neighbors rally in times of need, Clinchfield Mill stands tall—not just as a piece of history but as a cornerstone of hope and recovery.”

Resilient Recovery NC is shifting their focus from supply distribution to home and infrastructure repair and construction, as they continue their work on mitigating Helene’s significant impact on the region.

For more information about Resilient Recovery NC or to make a donation, go to www.resilientrecoverync.org.

To learn about Givens Communities, their outreach programs and affordable senior housing communities, visit www.givenscommunities.org.