Asheville Shivers: Winter Weather Hits Amid Ongoing Disaster Recovery
Asheville, known for its vibrant arts scene and stunning natural beauty, finds itself blanketed in snow today, as a winter weather advisory spreads throughout Western North Carolina. While many would typically celebrate a snow day, today’s weather is a chilling reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by families still recovering from recent natural disasters.
Heaters and Housing Needs
With high winds expected along with the snow, residents are reminded of the critical need for heating and temporary housing for hundreds of displaced individuals. Many families are still living in tents and camper vans, struggling to stay warm in this wintery weather without consistent electricity.
In response, local nonprofit Beloved Asheville has been instrumental in distributing heaters to those in need. Over the past month, in a thoughtful effort, they have handed out more than 1,400 heaters from their base at Highland Brewing in east Asheville. “We recognize that many people need heaters with power, while others require gas heaters due to power outages,” shared Ponkho Bermejo, a co-director of the organization, highlighting the stark reality many are facing.
In nearby Swannanoa, Pastor Josh Brown of Restoration Church mentioned that his team managed to place 55 families in shelters and distributed between 7,000 and 10,000 heaters. The visuals of the struggles are vivid; he recalls a family that approached the church wearing only shorts and flip-flops, underscoring the urgency of the situation. The winter weather is not just a seasonal change for these families; it’s a life-threatening challenge.
Waiting for FEMA Aid
Many families are anxiously waiting to hear from FEMA regarding assistance. In Haywood County, local leaders mentioned they have identified 40 to 60 potential sites for temporary housing to help speed up the placement of displaced families. In the meantime, FEMA has begun issuing vouchers to facilitate hotel stays for those without a roof over their heads.
Community Shelter Efforts
Recently, the Red Cross has closed all six of its temporary shelters in Buncombe County. However, they continue to support a long-term shelter in Asheville operated by Western Carolina Rescue Ministries, which is currently providing shelter to around 50 residents. The Red Cross has assured the public that they are ready to reopen shelters if the need arises as winter continues to unfold.
The Call for Donations
As the community rallies to support those in need, many organizations are asking for donations. If you can contribute, consider supporting Western Carolina Rescue Ministries, Beloved Asheville, or other local nonprofits that are dedicated to helping those affected by this ongoing crisis.
Statewide Recovery Efforts
Looking at the bigger picture, a new disaster recovery bill was passed by the North Carolina legislature this week. However, local lawmakers from both parties expressed frustrations, stating the $227 million bill does not provide immediate relief necessary for the affected communities. Governor Cooper is calling for $25.57 billion in federal aid to bolster recovery efforts, though concerns remain about the timing of such requests without thorough damage assessments.
In discussions surrounding FEMA, Administrator Deanne Criswell has requested additional funding as lawmakers scrutinize the agency’s response to the crises. Rep. Chuck Edwards raised concerns about the slow response and logistical issues. Criswell defended the agency’s efforts, citing staffing and financial constraints as critical factors impacting their efficiency.
Water Crisis Update
In a bit of relief for residents, the 52-day water crisis in Asheville has finally come to an end, with clean drinking water restored to approximately 160,000 residents. However, lingering worries about lead contamination have led over 4,000 residents to request lead-testing kits, as concerns mount about aging plumbing systems in older buildings.
Understanding Road Closures
As recovery efforts continue, approximately 295 roads remain closed across North Carolina due to storm damage, with the majority of closures occurring in Western North Carolina. While over 1,066 of the 1,352 damaged roads have reopened, the impact on daily life remains significant.
In an effort to boost community spirit, residents in Marshall recently hosted the “Dirty Broads fashion show” to honor local artist Lois Simbach, who lost her home in the storm. The unique event showcased creativity, with clothing made from personal protective equipment.
Wrapping It Up
The backdrop of snow brings to mind the resilience of Asheville’s community, as they continue to support one another while navigating a time of crisis. Together, through community effort and generous hearts, Western North Carolina is embracing hope and strength in the face of adversity.
