Community members in Asheville come together to support local businesses during recovery after Hurricane Helene.
Asheville and Buncombe County are grappling with the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The storm caused widespread flooding, impacting local businesses and leaving over 270,000 residents in need of aid. With many entrepreneurs shifting to online sales to survive, community support becomes crucial as businesses navigate significant challenges, including loss of revenue and operational disruptions. Lawmakers are advocating for federal assistance to help with recovery efforts during this difficult time.
Asheville and Buncombe County are feeling the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which unleashed its fury on the area on September 27, 2024. The storm brought with it not only havoc and chaos but also severe flooding that’s left the community scrambling to pick up the pieces. With an official death toll teetering towards 100, it’s clear that this natural disaster has left a significant mark on the lives of many residents.
Approximately 270,000 residents are currently relying on aid, as the water supply remains offline with no clear timetable for when it will be restored. The strain this has placed on everyday life is palpable, with local businesses now facing an uphill battle for survival. Many entrepreneurs are turning to the virtual world in a push to maintain their operations, eager to recover amidst the decline in tourism.
Local businesses like the handcrafted jewelry manufacturer Soulku are doing their best to stay afloat. Employing about 20 mainly stay-at-home mothers, Soulku is ready and equipped to ship their delightful products beyond Asheville. The need to keep their operations moving is crucial not just for them but for the local economy at large.
Across the region, approximately 21,300 people are employed in manufacturing roles. Moonlight Makers, known for their funny apparel, has resumed their national shipments once again, while other brands, such as Everyday Oil and Pirani, are finding ways to salvage what they can and adapt their business models post-flooding.
The beloved Hi-Wire Brewing is facing significant challenges, as the destruction of the public water supply poses a potential months-long downtime for their brewing operations. Over at French Broad Chocolate, the factory is intact, but without a dependable water source, they are brainstorming alternatives, including trucking water in for production.
Meanwhile, the iconic 12 Bones Smokehouse has had to consolidate operations after seeing their River Arts District location go down to the storm’s wrath. While they’ve managed to reopen their south Asheville spot, they had to regretfully lay off employees. Reports show that the revenue for 12 Bones has plummeted by about 35-40% since the hurricane, with significant hurdles presented by ongoing insurance claims related to business interruptions and food spoilage.
Looking at the bigger picture, local lawmakers are advocating for more federal assistance to help businesses affected by the hurricane. There are talks of reviving programs similar to the Paycheck Protection Program, which could be a lifeline for many struggling businesses.
The road to recovery may be long and fraught with uncertainty, but local businesses hold hope that community members and tourists will return to support them during the slow winter months. Many are looking for assistance beyond the holiday season, which is critical for their survival. A GoFundMe campaign has also been set up for the employees of 12 Bones to aid those in need during this challenging time.
As Asheville continues to recover from the dual blows of Hurricane Helene and the prior challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, the spirit of community is as important as ever. Supporting local businesses not only helps them survive but strengthens the entire region as it embarks on the path towards recovery.
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