Nearly three months have passed since Hurricane Helene carved through the southeastern United States, leaving behind scenes of destruction and despair across North Carolina. The mountainous region, particularly Asheville and its surroundings, stands starkly transformed as recovery efforts continue amid increasing unemployment and business closures.
The Air Force veteran Nathan Garrison, 75, witnessed the devastation first hand. "I lost everything," Garrison said, detailing how trucks removed rubble from the blocked road leading to his home. More than 223 people perished due to the hurricane, with about half of those casualties occurring within North Carolina. The casualties and widespread destruction have left entire blocks where homes once stood either reduced to rubble or abandoned, according to local officials.
After the storm hit on September 26, efforts were swiftly activated by local and federal agencies to mitigate the damage. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has worked with nearly 10,129 displaced households, ensuring almost half have found temporary shelter. Despite these efforts, the visible impacts of Helene still linger, with tree stumps, household appliances, and trash remaining scattered on roadsides throughout the state.
With typical winter months expected to attract millions of seasonal visitors to Asheville, the region's tourism-dependent economy faces unprecedented challenges. The mayor of Asheville, Esther Manheimer, reported shocking statistics: over 100 small businesses closed, and the region’s unemployment rate skyrocketed to 8.8%, up from 2.5% just months prior.
Impact on events typically drawing tourists has been significant as well. Seasonal activities like the beloved gingerbread house competition have been canceled, putting added financial pressure on the local economy. Vic Isley, president of Explore Asheville, expressed despair over the expected loss of nearly $600 million this winter due to lack of tourism. "We need more visitors to come and support our local businesses," Isley said, highlighting the pressing need for economic recovery.
Meanwhile, community members are banding together as they navigate the consequences of the storm. Residents like Jeff Davis, who estimate half of his apartment complex's inhabitants have relocated permanently, are experiencing firsthand the societal impacts of displacement. "This situation is enormous," Davis said, capturing the emotional weight many have felt since the hurricane.
Swannanoa, another area severely impacted by the hurricane, mirrors this experience with entire residential blocks left empty and many homes demolished. Among these devastated neighborhoods, community bonds are being forged anew. Tissica Schoch, whose home survived the storm, has turned to advocacy for her neighbors, stating, "Being displaced from your home, you don’t have the same level of dignity or privacy you’re used to." This sense of community is one silver lining amid the destruction.
Local businesses are feeling the sting of the storm's aftermath as well. Jessie Dean, owner of the Asheville Tea Company, reflected on her $500,000 loss as her building was swept away by the floods. "It was so shocking and traumatic," Dean remarked. Her resolve, like many others, remains steadfast as she plans to rebuild, embodying the resilience of those impacted by Helene.
Community support has emerged as businesses like NASCAR and Lowe's Home Improvement rally financial assistance efforts targeting storm recovery. Their $12 million partnership has constructed 17 temporary homes, with plans for 100 more on the horizon. NASCAR community relations director Julie Yenichek noted, "From a Lowe's standpoint, we said: 'Okay, if you can bring the builders, we can bring the products.'" This initiative is heartening for residents seeking stability after the disaster.
Those who find themselves homeless during this crisis face even more dire circumstances. Orica Hamilton, displaced from her previous housing situation, expresses her anxiety over upcoming challenges. "I don’t have anywhere to go at the moment," Hamilton shared, shedding light on the troubling situation facing the homeless population exacerbated by Helene.
Artistic recovery has taken shape through initiatives such as the pop-up exhibit organized by the Historic River Arts District, now relocated to Atlanta after devastating losses to local galleries. Kim Hundertmark, the executive director of the RADA Foundation, shared the exhibit's remarkable success: about $20,000 worth of art sold within four weeks, providing much-needed relief for deprived local artists.
While the recovery process remains diligently underway, the road to restoring Asheville and surrounding areas seems long and fraught with hardship. Local leaders, including Mayor Manheimer, are advocating for federal assistance, asking for $25 billion to refurbish damaged infrastructure, homes, and public spaces. "This was an abnormal hurricane because of landslides, massive flooding, wind damage, and large amounts of debris," Manheimer explained, advocating for increased support from federal agencies.
The upcoming months will reflect the recovery efforts across the region, with communities exhibiting remarkable resilience and solidarity. Though despair weighs heavy among many residents, the hope for rebuilding and returning to normalcy remains alive, fueled by shared experiences and community ties as they navigate the challenges forged by Hurricane Helene's catastrophic impact.
