Hurricane Helene Work Retreat

Southern Dharma has been working tirelessly in our communities to provide goods and services needed after Hurricane Helene devastated the area. Many people are still in need of skilled workers, including those who have experience with carpentry, plumbing, chainsawing, and debris clean up. We are offering this program as an opportunity to deepen our practice of generosity, build community, and support the resilience work that Southern Dharma has been offering in our communities after the wake of the hurricane.

We are seeking skilled workers for this retreat, including those who have experience with power tools, carpentry, plumbing, chainsawing, and debris clean up. This program is not appropriate for individuals with mobility issues or active injuries.

Volunteers are encouraged to arrive when they are able and stay as many nights as they would like from Wednesday, November 6th to Sunday, November 17th, no need to stay for the entire volunteer week. Minimum length of stay is two nights. After you complete registration, please fill out this form regarding your skills and desired length of stay:

Hurricane Helene Work Retreat Information Form

Each day will begin with group meditation practice and flow into community work. Meals will be provided, as well as free unstructured time and optional socializing. We will observe partial silence (after 10pm through breakfast). No prior meditation or retreat experience is required. There will be ample time to enjoy the natural beauty and seclusion of the retreat center.

Our work will be guided by partner organizations in Madison, Yancey, and Buncombe Counties. Participants will be organized and sent to work at various sites depending on the day. All volunteers must be capable of lifting 50 pounds and be comfortable moving over uneven terrain. Specific skills in carpentry, chainsaws and landscaping are especially needed. Participants should plan to bring indoor and outdoor work clothes, water-repellent work shoes or boots, indoor shoes or slippers, an outdoor hat, rain gear, and plenty of clothing layers to keep warm and comfortable through weather changes and fluctuating autumn temperatures. You may bring tools if you have them.

Lodging will be assigned based on the requests or needs expressed during the registration process. It is likely that all participants will be housed in the Lodge on the 2nd and 3rd floors.

Fees for this program are sliding scale ($50 suggested minimum contribution per night). Upon departure, you will be invited to make a voluntary dana contribution to our ongoing hurricane relief efforts.

We no longer require COVID-19 vaccinations to attend our programs, but do still require testing. We require all registered participants to present negative results from a Covid test performed in the 3 days prior to the start of your retreat AND that you consent to being tested upon your arrival at Southern Dharma. Any rapid antigen test is acceptable for testing, including over-the-counter at-home tests.

Thank you for your understanding as we work to ensure the safety of our staff, teachers, retreatants, and larger community!

All registrations are subject to our new 2024 cancellation policy. All retreatants must review and agree to this policy upon registration.