Asheville Comes Together to Heal After Hurricane Helene
Asheville, N.C. – It’s been a few weeks since Hurricane Helene swept through Western North Carolina, but the community here is rallying together as never before. With a heartwarming spirit of resilience and unity, local organizations have been lending a hand to those in need, but one church is stepping up in a particularly remarkable way.
Dedication in Action
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Asheville has assembled more than 90 volunteer crews to assist residents affected by the storm. Their efforts are focused on tasks such as mucking out homes, cutting through fallen trees, and providing compassionate support to those who’ve faced the devastation firsthand.
Paul S. Scott, a dedicated volunteer from the church, shared that he has deep ties to Asheville. “I grew up here, and I want to help rebuild the community I love,” he said, reflecting on the emotional weight of the aftermath. “Now that’s the mountain people for you — we may have a feud but something like this happens, that goes away. Because we take care of each other.” His words resonate deeply, encapsulating the spirit of community that is vibrant in this area.
Command Center of Compassion
The church on Sweeten Creek Rd. is more than just a place of worship; it’s serving as one of the command centers for Crisis Clean Up, a vital organization that is coordinating relief efforts. This platform is designed to improve collaboration, reduce duplication of efforts, and create a smooth experience for volunteers.
According to Kyle Gillett, the church’s Asheville Stake President, approximately 1,200 volunteers are currently working across various communities this weekend alone. “We are asking our teams to first, approach the family, give them an opportunity to tell their story, offer prayer if they would like it, and then get the work done,” Gillett explained. This compassionate approach ensures that those affected have a space to share their experiences, while also receiving the help they so desperately need.
Reaching Out to the Community
The volunteers are not just stopping at isolated tasks. Gillett emphasizes the importance of looking up and down each street to identify others who might be struggling. “We encourage team members to go and offer it,” he said, reinforcing the idea that being aware of the community around us can lead to vital assistance being provided where it’s needed most.
A Call for Support
The church plans to carry on this invaluable service with Crisis Clean Up in the coming weeks. Anyone in Asheville looking to connect with the church for assistance should reach out to their crisis clean-up hotline at 844-965-1386. Although the services are free, it’s important to note that due to the overwhelming need, availability is not guaranteed. The hotline will remain operational until Friday, October 25, offering hope and support for those looking for help.
Get Involved
If you feel moved to lend a hand, there are opportunities to volunteer through various organizations supporting these efforts. Interested individuals can find more information about volunteering on the justserve.org website. No matter how small the contribution may seem, every bit counts in this time of need.
Asheville stands as a shining example of resilience and compassion, proving that even in the wake of disaster, the bond of community can bring light to the darkest of times. Whether through emotional support or physical labor, the people of Asheville are coming together to rebuild their beloved home, one act of kindness at a time.
