Disaster Relief Volunteer Housing
High Country UCC opened as a disaster relief host site in the Fall of 2025, almost 12 months after Hurricane Helene hit Western North Carolina. Though the work in our community has shifted over time, we still see so many folks in need of support.
In the video below, you’ll get more information about our site and see the space we have available. We employ a Volunteer Coordinator to work with groups to make sure they have everything they need and to connect them with jobs in the local community while they are here. We hope you’ll consider bringing your group to help this amazing community of ours.
Lodging and Meals
Our space offers a mix of relaxation and fun after a long work day. During the week, very few activities happen in the church building, so groups will be able to utilize all our indoor and outdoor resources.
Sleeping areas will be tailored to your group size and preferences, but we provide air mattresses for up to 20 people. In order to keep costs low and ensure that our resources go back into our community, volunteers are expected to provide their own bed linens or sleeping bags as well as toiletry items, towels, and pillows.
Volunteer groups are responsible for their own meals. Our space includes a good sized kitchen with two electric ovens/ranges, a fridge, dishwasher, deep freezer, microwave, toaster, large capacity coffee maker, and plenty of cooking utensils, cutlery and dishes. Spices, seasonings and other staples left behind by previous volunteers may be available but are not guaranteed.
Some groups prefer to check out the many excellent restaurants in the Boone area. We have a list of local places to check out that we will provide in your welcome packet.
Group Requirements
Fees: The cost per group member is $60 to cover our utilities and cost of materials provided to groups. If folks in your group are unable to pay, there is a sliding scale option.
Maximum Group Size: Most volunteer weeks are capped at 20 participants. Larger groups will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Skill Ratio Requirements: All groups are required to have at least one skilled person (a professional or accomplished hobbyist) for every ten participants. For example, a group of 20 must have at least two skilled volunteers.
Age Ratio Requirements: All groups are required to have at least one adult for every five participants. For example, a group of 20 must have at least four adults.
Our Gathering Spaces
Kitchen
This space includes a refrigerator with freezer, two ovens with ranges, and plenty of utensils, bowls, and serving ware. Please note our ovens and fridge have been updated since this photo was taken.
Rooms for Sleeping
If your group would prefer to be in separate spaces, there are 3 rooms that can accommodate air mattresses.
Our Sanctuary
A fully flexible space with chairs and tables to set up and comfortable rockers and other chairs. Can be used as sleeping space, also.
Shower Trailer
The outdoor shower trailer is just a few steps from our back doors, so it’s easy for groups to access. There are 4 showers, and the water is heated.
Our space is open for groups in 2026 beginning mid-March. With few exceptions, our hope is to have groups arrive no earlier than Sunday afternoons and leave no later than Saturday mornings. For smaller groups, different accommodations may be possible.
Check the calendar below to see our availability and then submit a reservation request at this link.