Standing in the wreckage of Hurricane Helene, Jason Putnam, Head of School at Asheville Christian Academy, recounted to Fox News the experience that he and so many others in the school community have faced due to the storm’s devastation. ​

“It’s difficult with no power and no water,” he shared. “For many days, we went without cell service.”​

The school, located in Swannanoa, NC, endured tremendous floodwaters that deposited homes and cars onto their sports fields. In his first year as head of school, Putnam rallied with school leadership and local relief agencies to meet the needs as best he could.​

“Our tagline is Christ in everything, and so we try to put Him at the center of everything we do,” he reflected. “Our school has received an outpouring of support from schools all over the United States… it’s so heartwarming to receive such support and prayers during a difficult time.”​

After several days, things are starting to move forward.​

The school is scheduled to begin at two offsite locations in late October. Clean up is progressing as the school works with FEMA and the EPA on land clearing. ​

They have been in touch with a general contractor for rebuilding, as well as with vendors to assess furniture and fixture needs. Athletics and fine arts will be resuming as the school has found host sites for those activities.  ​

While there are many positive developments, Putnam shared that he is still trying to find temporary homes for staff who remain without water and/or power. ​

He shared that prayer is their biggest need. “Please pray that God continues to meet our daily needs,” he said.

View Update 10/29/24

Update 11/20/24

Asheville Christian Academy, located in Swannanoa, NC, endured tremendous floodwaters from Hurricane Helene that rushed the school, depositing homes and cars onto its sports fields. In his first year as head of school, Jason Putnam rallied with school leadership and local relief agencies to meet the needs as best he could.​

In the weeks following the storm, Biltmore Church graciously opened its doors at two of its campuses to host the school, including in-person classes and chapels.

On Asheville Christian’s campus, renovations are underway, including new flooring instillation, painting, and mitigation on the grounds and fields. School leadership anticipates that faculty will be able to move back into their classrooms over Christmas break, prepared to resume classes on campus January 7.

“Our tagline is Christ in everything, and so we try to put Him at the center of everything we do,” Putnam reflected. “Our school has received an outpouring of support from schools all over the United States… it’s so heartwarming to receive such support and prayers during a difficult time.”​

While there is much to be grateful for, the school is still in need of prayer and support.

If you wish to contribute to the school’s Disaster Relief fund, you can visit the website, or you can purchase items off of the school’s Amazon Wishlist.