SWANNANOA, N.C. (WTVD) -- Survivors of Hurricane Helene are increasingly coming together this holiday season to reflect on both their losses and the kindness they have received during their tough times. Volunteers from the National Mental Health Alliance have been tirelessly building tiny homes for families who were heavily impacted by the storm. Each unit, equipped with insulation, mini-fridge, and microwave, costs approximately $6,000 to construct. Orlondo Morris, one of the recipients, expressed deep gratitude saying, "I keep struggling to come up with the words to give the thanks to these people who have been here from day one.” At this point, 20 people have already moved to these tiny homes, with about 20 more families waiting for their turn as volunteers work around the clock to accommodate this urgent need.
Meanwhile, businesses are also trying to recover from the storms’ impacts. Ingles Market reported nearly $35 million in damages, with significant hits to their sales figures, particularly during the fourth quarter. Total net sales for the quarter ending September 28, 2024, saw numbers plummet to $1.4 billion from $1.58 billion a year earlier. The storm's effects on Buncombe County included catastrophic flooding, power outages, loss of communication, and extensive road closures. Robert P. Ingles II, the board chair, noted, "After Hurricane Helene impacted our communities, I am proud of how not only our associates came together, but our entire region." Currently, four of their stores remain closed but are expected to reopen throughout 2025 as rebuilding efforts continue.
NOAA satellites captured the widespread destruction caused by Hurricane Helene as it forced its way through the southeastern regions of the U.S. When it made landfall as a Category 4 storm, it wreaked havoc across Florida's coast, leaving houses demolished and trees uprooted. The intense winds reaching 140 mph shocked many, with scores of lives lost across several states. The aftermath of the storm saw over 49,000 residents still without power as authorities worked to restore services. Susan Scoggins, who ran her coffee shop in North Carolina, lamented about her destroyed building, stating, "My hope was to be a little safe haven for people to come to after the hurricane passed. But now, the building is just gone."
Hurricane Helene presented unique challenges; even before its arrival, parts of the Southeast were already drenched. The combination of pre-existing moisture and this powerful hurricane resulted in historic flooding, causing rivers to overflow and landslides to destroy roads, complicate rescue efforts, and leave many residents cut off from assistance. Governor Roy Cooper conveyed the gravity of the situation, stating, "This has been an unprecedented storm... it's requiring an unprecedented response."
Further compounding the disaster, the River Arts District in Asheville has been heavily impacted as well. Artists like Philip DeAngelo have begun returning to their studios after months of recovery. DeAngelo, who offered his space to displaced artists, emphasized the significance of community during such hard times. He declared, "There really wasn't a lot of thought to it; I mean, it was just instinct, and we're glad to do it.” Jeffrey Burroughs, president of River Arts District Artists, mentioned the need for long-term recovery efforts, emphasizing their plans for securing safer locations to mitigate future flooding issues. Burroughs remarked, "We don’t want people to lose hope. We want them to know they’re loved.”
On the ground, organizations like Emergency RV are making significant strides through their recovery efforts by providing housing solutions. Woody Faircloth, the founder, detailed how they deliver restored motorhomes to families needing shelter post-disaster. “We delivered a beautiful fifth-wheel camper to a family of six who were previously living under terrible conditions,” Faircloth noted. With 700 families still on waiting lists for housing, the demand for assistance remains high.
Meanwhile, Utah residents raised over $73,000 during local fundraising campaigns aimed at supporting the recovery URL of Hurricane Helene. Sarah Pettit from Associated Food Stores commented, "Whenever we see a need, we want to help. Our wonderful guests wanted to help with this effort.” The funds garnered were utilized to distribute basic necessities and support recovery efforts throughout the impacted states.
Despite the challenges posed by potential rainstorms on the horizon, recovery efforts are poised to continue as communities strive to emerge from the disaster stronger. Many are still grappling with feelings of loss, yet they find solace and strength through the support of their neighbors and organizations committed to seeing the recovery through. With the promise of warm meals, shelter, and community initiatives, there remains hope for those affected by the significant devastation of Hurricane Helene. These recovery efforts exemplify how solidarity and support can light the way even amid overwhelming darkness.
