When the Waters Rose: Hurricane Helene’s Impact on Older Adults in District Three

District Three staff loaded cases of water into a truck to deliver to older adults who'd lost everything in the hurricane.

On September 27, 2024, Hurricane Helene swept into southwest Virginia with little warning, unleashing relentless rain and catastrophic flooding across the region. District Three Governmental Cooperative, an Area Agency on Aging that serves Bland, Carroll, Grayson, Smyth, Washington and Wythe counties and the cities of Bristol and Galax, found itself at the heart of the devastation.


The nearby town of Damascus, VA, was completely flooded.

Power outages lasted for days—and in some areas, weeks—leaving hundreds of older adults stranded without electricity, communication or access to food. More than 650 clients who relied on home-delivered frozen meals lost everything stored in their freezers. Roads were washed away, homes were flooded and some were even torn from their foundations.


Just one of many roads that were rendered impassable.

In response, District Three secured disaster relief funding from USAging to support the region’s vulnerable older adults. With these funds, the team purchased 750 cases of water and 10,000 shelf-stable meals. District Three staff braved impassable roads, often delivering supplies on foot. 


USAging's assistance helped to purchase 750 cases of water and 10,000 shelf-stable meals.

For many recipients, the arrival of food and water was more than just sustenance—it was a lifeline. Tears flowed not only for the aid, but for the compassion shown by those who walked through flood-ravaged terrain simply to check in and offer help.

—Chris Stone, Director of Aging and Disability Services, District Three Governmental Cooperative, Marion, VA