Storm Forces Evacuations and Brings Community Together in Hendersonville
Hendersonville is buzzing with chatter about the recent impacts of Storm Helene, which swept through western North Carolina, leaving its mark on both the land and the people. This unexpected storm has shook up life in the area, especially for those within the correctional facilities that found themselves without electricity and water.
Inmates Relocated to New Facilities
In total, over 2,100 inmates had to be moved from their institutions due to the storm’s damage. Specific facilities that were affected included the Avery-Mitchell Correctional Institution in Spruce Pine, the Craggy Correctional Center in Asheville, the Mountain View Correctional Institution in Spruce Pine, the Black Mountain Substance Abuse Treatment Center for Women, and the Western Correctional Center for Women in Swannanoa.
As part of this emergency response, many of the relocated individuals have found their way to the Alexander Correctional Institution in Taylorsville. This transition is part of a greater plan to ensure their safety as the storm passed and the facilities began the long road to recovery.
Keeping the Faith
In the midst of this turmoil, members of the prison ministry in the Diocese of Charlotte have been stepping up to continue their outreach to these inmates. David Coe, who is currently the temporary coordinator of prison ministry, shared that they were right in the middle of preparations for a retreat when the storm hit. The sudden need to evacuate brought unexpected challenges as inmates were scattered across the state.
“The inmates have been distributed throughout the state, and we understand most of them will stay at their present locations until their respective institutions are back up and running,” Coe explained. “As a result, we’re trying to locate as many of the people we’ve been working with as possible.”
Challenges in Outreach
Unfortunately, tracking down all of the displaced inmates may not be easy, especially given the wide-reaching effects of the storm. The damage to institutions, particularly in Spruce Pine, has complicated the situation for everyone involved.
But the ministry team is keen on keeping the spirit of the program alive. A group of inmates at Craggy Correctional had recently started exploring their faith under the guidance of Father Patrick Cahill from the nearby St. Eugene Church. They were delving into topics such as liturgy, reconciliation, and the Eucharist, providing a sense of hope and purpose amidst the chaos.
A Continued Commitment to Recovery
Coe is also striving to reconnect with the Residents Encounter Christ program at Alexander Correctional, where the focus remains on faith-based recovery initiatives. He has been visiting Craggy every Wednesday to lead a Christ-centered 12-step program, and he is eager to maintain that connection to help the men battling addiction. “We want to see if the chaplain at Alexander can re-organize that group of about 26 men so they can continue their efforts to be set free from drug and alcohol addiction,” Coe stated passionately. “They’re wonderful men who are sincere about being set free.”
A Bright Spot Amid the Storm
Cold, hard winds may have blown through parts of North Carolina, but there is a silver lining. Coe noted the resilience of the core volunteers within the prison ministry program who made it through the storm safely.
Families hoping to contact their loved ones who have been moved can find assistance through the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction. Communication during these challenging times remains vital as everyone works to adapt to their new circumstances.
Even in the aftermath of a storm that has caused significant disruption, the spirit of community and support shown through the prison ministry demonstrates that hope can indeed flourish, no matter the odds stacked against it.
