Swannanoa: A Community Comes Together After Tropical Storm Helene
In the quaint town of Swannanoa, nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, life has taken a tough turn following the devastating impacts of Tropical Storm Helene. But through the challenges, the spirit of the community shines brightly as residents start to band together to rebuild and recover.
A Heartfelt Response from Hearts with Hands
One shining beacon of hope during this trying time has been the local organization, Hearts with Hands, which has emerged as a lifeline for many. The team, led by Greg Lentz, president and director, is working tirelessly to provide aid and support. Currently, they are processing an astounding 5,000 meals each day for first responders and emergency workers. Their operations don’t stop there; they’ve gathered hundreds of volunteers each day to assist in sorting essential supplies at their warehouse in Swannanoa.
“That’s what we’re doing from this hub here,” Lentz explained with a sense of purpose. “Bringing it in, processing it, and then trying to get it right back out the door.” The organization is also putting together food boxes, hygiene kits, and cleaning supplies while distributing much-needed items like water, diapers, wipes, pet food, and more.
Comfort Stations and Water Resources
The organization has even gone the extra mile by setting up comfort stations at the local Ingles, offering showers, water, bathrooms, and laundry services to those in need. They are currently procuring 275-gallon water tanks that will serve as water sources within affected communities. These tanks will be regularly refilled, ensuring that everyone has access to clean drinking water.
Lentz describes his work with Hearts with Hands as “a calling.” He shared his motivation, saying, “Just to love on people and share the love of Christ with them, let them know somebody’s here in their community that’s going through the same thing they have.” This sentiment highlights the deeply personal nature of their mission: “I’m here. This is me. This is us. We’re local, and we’re here trying to help our people in our community.”
Community Heroes Stepping Up
Stories of kindness abound as residents, like Black Mountain-based entrepreneur Judi Melton, take it upon themselves to help those in need. On a recent trip around town, Melton filled her car with clothes and blankets and made stops to deliver socks at the comfort stations before heading to Blunt Pretzels in Beacon Village, where hot meals were being served. “It’s important to remember the smaller towns,” she commented. “If your house was flooded and your car was flooded, how are you getting to these big sites to get stuff?”
Personal Stories of Resilience
Another resident, Dreama Wilson, shared her own experiences of loss and community support following the storm. Her home was affected by rising waters, as the creek in her front yard swelled to “at least five times wider.” Despite the damage, the kindness of her neighbors and strangers from far-off places has been heartwarming. “People are so kind. It really brings out the kindness in people,” she said, reflecting on how neighbors came together to pull out her waterlogged carpet.
The Power of Community Resilience
In light of the situation, Melton started a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds to assist those impacted by the storm. While it’s clear that food and water have been delivered generously, she wants to focus on purchasing other essentials like clothing and shoes, especially in less common sizes. As she goes about meeting people and sharing supplies, she feels the empowering connections created during these challenging days. “For that 10, 15 minutes or whatever it is, you kind of block out what’s going on because you’re having these human interactions,” Melton reflected, with a smile illuminating her face.
The resilience of Swannanoa’s residents in the face of Tropical Storm Helene has revealed a deeply interconnected community. Neighbors helping neighbors, organizations stepping up to meet needs, and the common goal of rebuilding showcases what it truly means to come together in times of crisis.
