It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Museum of Haywood County History at the Shook-Smathers House in Clyde, NC gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Clyde, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I am a current client of this provider I like the caregiver they give us. They always”
“I am a current client of this provider I'd like to see the communication improved. The”
“such a good environment everyone’s so kind so easy and welcoming !!”
“I am a current client of this provider They need to be better at communication and”
“Lindsay was the most helpful and professional individual I have ever worked with. Highly recommended!!”
“I can’t say enough wonderful things about Lindsay at Always Best Care. She is kind,”
“I am a current client of this provider I didn't like different caregivers coming all the”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are responsive when I”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that the agency is responsive. I am”
“Lindsay was amazing to work with. She made the whole process so much easier. She”
“Hiring process is amazingly easy, absolutely friendly environment, they care about what your needs are.”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are showing up. We set”
“I am a current client of this provider I had a caregiver come to my home,”
“I am a current client of this provider Maybe the selection of employees could be improved;”
“I am a current client of this provider They are very reliable. They provide transportation. They help”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are easy to work”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are always on time. They”
“I am a current client of this provider They help with the needs that we have. It”
“I am a current client of this provider I like my caregiver. They've made my experience positive”
“I am a current client of this provider I feel comfortable with them so far. I don't”
“ABC has provided care for my client for 5-6 years. They have been great! Melisa”
“Always Best Care for Seniors has served my clients well based on feedback received. They”
“I am a current client of this provider Belinda has done everything I have asked and”
“I am a current client of this provider They are courteous, polite, kind and hard-working. It helps”
“I am a current client of this provider I liked the intake interview lady. Mary, the”
“I am a current client of this provider I like the caregiver they give us. They always come out once a while to make sure everything is okay.”
“I am a current client of this provider I'd like to see the communication improved. The people they have sent have been pretty good. They make it positive by taking care of my daily needs.”
“such a good environment everyone’s so kind so easy and welcoming !!”
“I am a current client of this provider They need to be better at communication and scheduling. The caregiver is amazing; the issue is with the office staff having high turnover and not being reliable. The caregiver has helped the most by giving my dad transportation to go to places like the grocery store, and she offers companionship.”
“Lindsay was the most helpful and professional individual I have ever worked with. Highly recommended!!”
“I can’t say enough wonderful things about Lindsay at Always Best Care. She is kind, compassionate, and truly goes above and beyond to make sure her clients feel comfortable, respected, and well cared for. Her professionalism, patience, and genuine concern for others really stand out. Knowing someone like Lindsay is there gives families real peace of mind.”
“I am a current client of this provider I didn't like different caregivers coming all the time, but we just have one now, and that's good. The days that the caregiver comes are good for us.”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are responsive when I have questions or concerns. I like having one caregiver. I don't know what they could improve on.”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that the agency is responsive. I am out and about, and I don't have to be with the client.”
“Lindsay was amazing to work with. She made the whole process so much easier. She went above and beyond to help us.”
“Hiring process is amazingly easy, absolutely friendly environment, they care about what your needs are. Orientation was quick and painless which is always a PLUS in my book! 10/10 recommend if you are looking for that 1st step into the healthcare field without all the extra certifications and such!”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are showing up. We set up a plan of care, and the plan has been executed very nicely.”
“I am a current client of this provider I had a caregiver come to my home, whom I liked very much, and they took her away. Since then, I have had a bunch of different ones come in, but I need one like that caregiver I liked. They do things for me that I can't do for myself anymore.”
“I am a current client of this provider Maybe the selection of employees could be improved; I don't know for sure. Explain to them that you don't need a cell phone at work. I appreciate them letting me stay in touch with them or them staying in touch with me.”
“I am a current client of this provider They are very reliable. They provide transportation. They help with anything she needs, depending on the day.”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are easy to work with and they are good. They have been great with dealing with her.”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are always on time. They have helped me the most with light housekeeping.”
“I am a current client of this provider They help with the needs that we have. It gives me time to go to the grocery store.”
“I am a current client of this provider I like my caregiver. They've made my experience positive by sending me Barbara.”
“I am a current client of this provider I feel comfortable with them so far. I don't have any problems getting things done when the caregivers show up.”
“ABC has provided care for my client for 5-6 years. They have been great! Melisa and Autumn have given extra effort and care to assist with managing my client's needs. I don't know how I would have made it without them.”
“Always Best Care for Seniors has served my clients well based on feedback received. They take the time to assess the needs of caregivers and care recipients alike and establish a detailed person-centered plan of care that addresses the care needs and wellbeing of the care recipient. This approach builds rapport and confidence with the caregiver and emphasizes respite for the caregiver while meeting the care recipients’ needs.”
“I am a current client of this provider Belinda has done everything I have asked and more. Belinda has gone above the call of duty.”
“I am a current client of this provider They are courteous, polite, kind and hard-working. It helps keep him interactive with people.”
“I am a current client of this provider I liked the intake interview lady. Mary, the nurse, is very encouraging. Their presence is helpful because I can't be there.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Town of Clyde Park in Clyde, NC with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Valé 243 Southern Italian Kitchen or visit Salisbury Civil War Prison - Guard Garrison, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Clyde, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Clyde, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Clyde, NC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Clyde McPhatter, a falsetto-voiced pioneer of early rock-and-roll, who launched his highly influential but short career in the churches of Durham, will soon grace an North Carolina historic marker on the streets where he first learned to sing.Born in 1932, McPhatter grew up in a Baptist family in Durham’s Hayti neighborhood, where he sang solos in the choir at his preacher father’s church, Mount Cavalry Baptist, but he soon moved to New York, formed a gospel group based in Harlem — The Mount Lebanon Singers.Li...
Clyde McPhatter, a falsetto-voiced pioneer of early rock-and-roll, who launched his highly influential but short career in the churches of Durham, will soon grace an North Carolina historic marker on the streets where he first learned to sing.
Born in 1932, McPhatter grew up in a Baptist family in Durham’s Hayti neighborhood, where he sang solos in the choir at his preacher father’s church, Mount Cavalry Baptist, but he soon moved to New York, formed a gospel group based in Harlem — The Mount Lebanon Singers.
Like many crooners of his era, McPhatter followed the powerful draw of secular music, and he lent his voice to the early 1950s blend of rhythm and blues. This combination of gospel soulfulness and free-spirited, sexually charged energy led the country into a new rock and roll era.
A young Ernie Barnes would recall sneaking into the segregated Durham Armory to get a glimpse of McPhatter with his doo-wop Dominoes, describing the scene he saw on the dance floor, so bold for the era it seemed sinful, but not so audacious he didn’t move along.
“What I observed was the no inhibition, no self-consciousness or rigidity, just fluid movement while the music punctuated every bump and grind,” said Barnes, according to a 2018 story in The News & Observer. “I stood among the dancing with my mouth dropped.”
The scene that burned into the teenager’s mind that day would become “The Sugar Shack,” a 1976 painting known for its appearance first on a Marvin Gaye album and then accompanying the closing credits to the 1970s TV show, “Good Times.”
McPhatter was just 20 when Atlantic Records president Ahmet Ertegun knocked on his door in Harlem, fresh from seeing much the same show that Banks saw. In a few months, McPhatter would lead a new group, The Drifters, and release “Money Honey” as a boisterous, chart-topping single for 1953.
Those Drifters would go on to record a string of classics in the 1960s, but without McPhatter, who lasted there only a year before getting drafted. He sold his share of the group, scored a few more solo hits, but largely faded as tastes changed in the 1960s.
He became active in the Civil Rights Movement, once refusing along with Sam Cooke to perform in a segregated hall in Atlanta. He was later named to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, both on his own and as an early member of the Drifters.
In 1993, he appeared on a postage stamp, prompting a recollection from performer Don Anderson in Durham, who met him in their early days starting out in New York.
“He had a great voice,” Anderson told The N&O, “and he was a real showman. If there were two or three people around, Clyde was on. ... To me, at least, he was a star.”
Clyde McPhatter’s marker will be dedicated at 3 p.m. Monday at the intersection of Pettigrew and Mangum streets in Durham.
Sign inTuscola MountaineersVarsity Football Waynesville, NC1.3kFollowers26-27Overall8-1Conference5-1 (2nd)NC Rank562026-27 V. FootballTuscola Football Schedule2026-27Last GameHome • ConferenceTuscola8-1East Henderson1-8Tuscola8-1Fri, 10/30 @ 7:30pmEast Henderson1-8Report ScoreView MatchupLive scores provided by Charles O. GreenOverall8-10.889 Win PctConference5-12nd Mountain Eight...
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Tuscola MountaineersVarsity Football Waynesville, NC1.3kFollowers
26-27
Overall
8-1
Conference
5-1 (2nd)
NC Rank
56
2026-27 V. Football
2026-27
Last Game
Home • Conference
Tuscola8-1East Henderson1-8
Tuscola8-1
Fri, 10/30 @ 7:30pm
East Henderson1-8
Report ScoreView Matchup
Live scores provided by Charles O. Green
Overall8-10.889 Win Pct
Conference5-12nd Mountain Eight 4A/5A
Home3-1Away5-0Neutral0-0
PF380PA137Streak2W
* Conference** Playoffs*** Tournament
| Date/Time | Opponent | Result | Watch | Game Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/217:30pm | vsRobbinsville | W 23-0 | Box Score | |
| 8/295:00pm | vsCherokee | W 55-21 | Box Score | |
| 9/47:30pm | @South Caldwell | W 47-6 | Box Score | |
| 9/117:30pm | @North Henderson* | W 48-6 | Watch Replay | Box Score |
| 9/187:30pm | @West Henderson* | W 56-28 | Box Score | |
| 9/257:30pm | vsSmoky Mountain* | W 41-13 | Box Score | |
| 10/27:30pm | vsFranklin* | L 42-33 | Box Score | |
| 10/97:30pm | @Pisgah* | W 21-0 | Box Score | |
| 10/237:30pm | @Brevard* | W 56-21 | Box Score |
| Date/Time | Opponent | Tickets | Watch | Game Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10/307:30pm | vsEast Henderson* | View Matchup |
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CLYDE, N.C. (WLOS) — Volunteers at Wider Circle Pigeon River Cooperative are preparing meals for neighbors in need. The Clyde program began after Helene and has now served more than 100,000 meals, according to the organization.Wider Circle serves hot meals Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m., at Clyde Central United Methodist Church, located at 410 Charles Street. Meals are available to eat in or take out.Volunteer Jerry Evans said the meals make a difference for people who have little else."It means a wh...
CLYDE, N.C. (WLOS) — Volunteers at Wider Circle Pigeon River Cooperative are preparing meals for neighbors in need. The Clyde program began after Helene and has now served more than 100,000 meals, according to the organization.
Wider Circle serves hot meals Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m., at Clyde Central United Methodist Church, located at 410 Charles Street. Meals are available to eat in or take out.
Volunteer Jerry Evans said the meals make a difference for people who have little else.
"It means a whole lot to somebody that don't have anything," Evans said. "And there's a lot of people that really need this."
AS SNAP ENROLLMENT DROPS, WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA FOOD PANTRIES SEE SURGE IN DEMAND
The program serves more than 300 meals a day, and ministry director Denise Teague said demand is growing. She said people are worried about changes to public benefits, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and unsure how to navigate them.
"It's a scary time because people have been counting on the SNAP benefits and on their Medicaid to be able to survive," Teague said.
For people who don't qualify for food benefits, Teague said, community meal programs can offer another place to turn.
"People are scared, people are unsure what's going to happen, and trying to figure out how to navigate and how to move through," she said. "We're trying our best to gear up for that."
Teague said the program will need more food and volunteers if demand continues to rise. Wider Circle says it has received a matching grant that could help raise up to $20,000 through mid-December.
"Without community support, our friends and neighbors without SNAP benefits will suffer, and so will our community at large," Teague said.
CLYDE, N.C. (WLOS) — Helene showed how critical it is to have a reliable water supply during a disaster. A new project in Haywood County aims to help provide a more reliable system county-wide."The interconnect goes both ways; [it] connects two separate water treatment plants into a county-wide emergency interconnect system," said Robert Hites, Haywood County water interconnect project coordinator.During Helene, the County faced many issues, one being getting water to residents in both Canton and Clyde....
CLYDE, N.C. (WLOS) — Helene showed how critical it is to have a reliable water supply during a disaster. A new project in Haywood County aims to help provide a more reliable system county-wide.
"The interconnect goes both ways; [it] connects two separate water treatment plants into a county-wide emergency interconnect system," said Robert Hites, Haywood County water interconnect project coordinator.
During Helene, the County faced many issues, one being getting water to residents in both Canton and Clyde.
FLOOD PROTECTIONS, EMS RESOURCES EXPANDED IN HAYWOOD COUNTY AFTER HELENE
"If we can interconnect two million gallons a day, we can provide Canton with emergency water when they have damage to their water system or a drought or a fire, and the opposite is true. Canton can provide Waynesville with water if we have a catastrophic loss of water," Hites said.
Waynesville, which is already connected to Maggie Valley's water system, is known for having a strong water system, even helping Asheville out during Helene.
"I know that some of our dairy farmers were able to use their tankers, because those tankers are very clean and they were able to use those milk tankers to put water in to take it to Mission Hospital," said Kevin Ensley, Haywood County Commissioners chairman.
According to McGill & Associates, Clyde and Canton had a bulk water purchase agreement, but the interconnection between the two systems was severed during Helene. Now, the new water interconnect will help to connect Waynesville to Canton and Clyde's waterlines.
"It connects at the reservoir drive tank in Waynesville and goes cross-country to a new tank, and that tank is located on a high spot, and there will be a booster pump that pushes that water into Clyde, where Clyde is interconnected with Canton," Hites said.
McGill says Clyde's interconnection with Waynesville will potentially be 37,200 lineal feet of 12-inch waterline along Ratcliff Cove Road, which will include two booster pump stations, giving the waterline extra pressure to push more water. The interconnection from Clyde to Waynesville will also include a 750,000-gallon water storage tank at Clyde Gap on Ratcliff Cove Road.
According to McGill, the project also includes an additional waterline interconnection between Canton and Clyde. This connection will potentially include 23,100 lineal feet of 12-inch waterline along Stamey Cove Road and NC 215 and two booster pump stations. The interconnection will also include a 750,000-gallon water storage tank at Stamey Cove Gap.
As the project proceeds, costs have come into question.
"The project budget is 19 million dollars. The three towns have gotten state revolving loans in the amount of 17 million dollars," Hites said.
Below are the amounts each town was allocated through the state revolving loans:
Although the loans helped to provide the majority of the costs, there is still a shortfall of $2 million, which the county is helping to fill.
"They had a budget shortfall, and Haywood County had received money from an appropriation from the General Assembly from Tropical Storm Fred, and the money was for economic development, and so we were able to use that part of that grant that we got from the General Assembly to fill in this budget shortfall," Ensley said.
HAYWOOD COUNTY REVIEWING PUBLIC COMMENT ON PROPOSED WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS
Using a portion of the grant, the project is now fully funded, allowing for the county to take the next steps.
"We opened proposals for engineering design yesterday [Sept. 30, 2026]. The committee will review the proposals tomorrow [Oct. 2, 2026] and each town will take the recommendation of the committee to their boards for approval," Hites said. "Once that's done, we'll negotiate a contract with the successful engineering firm, bring those contracts back, and once that's done, the engineers will start the work of drafting a preliminary engineering report required by the state revolving loan."
Once the report is completed and the state approves of the route and design concept, the county will start with the design plan, with construction starting within eight to 12 months of that. Hites estimates that the project will take nearly three years to complete.
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