Asheville Comes Together to Help Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts
Asheville, North Carolina, is buzzing with activity as the community rallies together to assist those affected by recent Hurricane Helene. This powerful storm has left numerous residents unaccounted for, and volunteers are stepping up to help bring information and closure to worried families.
Rallying Volunteers at the Register of Deeds Office
At the Buncombe County Register of Deeds office on College Street, dozens of compassionate volunteers are showing up each day to assist families impacted by the disaster. The office has received an astonishing 12,000 requests for help. Many residents are desperate to check on their loved ones who have not been reachable in the wake of the hurricane. With more than 11,000 requests still needing attention, the office is calling on more community members to lend a helping hand.
A Call for Assistance
Paul Choi, a volunteer overseeing the outreach efforts, explained, “We have identified as a priority, people who have been out of touch.” He acknowledges the high number of unaccounted individuals is daunting, but reassures the community that many of these requests may stem from a lack of cell service. As days passed after the storm, communication lines were strained, which made it difficult for families to connect with one another.
“So far, we’ve resolved about 1,000 cases,” Choi said proudly, though he knows there’s still much work to be done. “Today, we have approximately 3,000 names that we have ready to go out the door,” he adds, emphasizing the urgency and necessity of the ongoing search.
The Role of the Community
The initiative has attracted over 200 volunteers so far, but it’s clear that more hands on deck are needed as the recovery efforts ramp up. The volunteers are reaching out to various places, from Swannanoa to Black Mountain, to gather information and locate those still unaccounted for. What’s inspiring is that individuals like Ibarra, who already have confirmed their loved ones are safe, still feel compelled to step up and help others in need.
Continued Support from Local Organizations
Local organizations are also doing their part to assist the community during this challenging time. The Bissell Pet Foundation has partnered with the Asheville Humane Society, helping to fly pets to other shelters. This is a critical relief effort, as many families are also grappling with the wellbeing of their furry companions.
Schools and Other Services Impacted
In addition to the challenges the residents are facing, several school districts across Western North Carolina have declared that they will be closed indefinitely. This decision highlights the widespread impact of Hurricane Helene on various aspects of daily life, further spurring the communal response to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort.
How to Help
If you’re interested in helping with the ongoing recovery efforts or want to report an unaccounted person, you can reach out via email to register@buncombecounty.org or contact the office during business hours. Every little bit helps, and your support could make a significant difference in bringing peace of mind to families during this tumultuous time.
As Asheville continues to endure the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, it’s heartwarming to see the community come together, ready to assist those in need. With each volunteer that joins the effort, the hope to reconnect loved ones grows stronger.
