Mountain Rescue NC responds to KM crisis with clean water, other supplies
- Staff Reports
- Aug 1, 2025
- 3 min read
KINGS MOUNTAIN – As the community faces an urgent water crisis, Mountain Rescue NC has stepped in to provide relief for businesses and residents of Kings Mountain with clean water, essential supplies and emergency assistance to those affected by this issue.
Founded in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Mountain Rescue NC was created to help communities recover from situations like this, and much worse.
The city’s water problems started late last year with a foul odor and has since intensified enough for the city to release a statement in July blaming organic matter after public outrage by residents and business owners.
"Mountain Rescue NC was founded to help people rise above the storm —whether that storm is a natural disaster, a personal crisis, or a community emergency. Right now, the citizens and business owners of Kings Mountain are facing a critical need: they can't safely use their water. That's not just an inconvenience — it's a crisis," said Founder and CEO of Mountain Rescue NC, Jennifer Fredell-Saucier.
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Fredell-Saucier, who was born and raised in Kings Mountain, knows firsthand how strong, resilient, and tight-knit the community is, stating, “But even the strongest among us need help sometimes. That's why Mountain Rescue NC is stepping into provide clean water, essential supplies, and immediate support to our neighbors. When our community is hurting, we don't wait. We rise."
As part of their ongoing commitment to support the community during this critical water crisis, Kings Mountain residents are invited to visit the Mountain Rescue NC Warehouse and Distribution Center located at 1740 Fallston Road, Shelby, NC 28150 on Saturday, Aug. 2, and the following Saturday, Aug. 9, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., to receive cases of free bottled water.
The crises continues as the need for clean water is at a boiling point in the city.
“This week alone, we’ve received over 350 requests from families and businesses in need of clean water in my hometown of Kings Mountain,” noted Fredell-Saucier. “That number is a powerful reminder of how urgent this crisis is—and how much our community is relying on each other.”
This past Thursday teams delivered water directly to Kings Mountain restaurant owners who have been struggling to serve their customers due to the lack of clean, safe water options.
“I’m incredibly blessed that Mountain Rescue NC can be here to help, but we can’t do it alone,” she explained. “We are currently accepting both monetary and water donations, and every single contribution helps us meet the growing need. When our neighbors call, we answer—and we will continue to show up, together and rise above the storm.”
Community members in need of assistance, or looking to contribute, can visit www.MountainRescueNC.org or follow the organization on social media for real-time updates, donation opportunities, and volunteer needs.
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