Community Comes Together in Black Mountain as Recovery Continues After Helene
Black Mountain, a small but vibrant town nestled in the foothills of North Carolina, is currently in the midst of a significant recovery effort following the devastation brought on by Hurricane Helene. Many residents are feeling the impact of fallen trees, flooded homes, and disrupted lives. Yet, in the face of adversity, the spirit of community is shining through as neighbors unite in a heartwarming display of support.
Information Center Established
To assist residents in navigating the challenges posed by the storm, the town has set up an information center at the Black Mountain Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center, located at 201 East State St.. This hub has become a critical resource where residents can find vital information and updates regarding recovery efforts. Additionally, the town is holding daily briefings at 3 p.m. in Town Square, where hundreds of residents gathered on September 30 to hear updates from local officials.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Among those attending the briefing were Abra Johgart and Bob Meriwether, who shared their personal challenges during this difficult time. A tree had fallen on their home, causing water to flood “half the house.” Despite these overwhelming circumstances, Johgart expressed gratitude for the community support, saying, “Our neighborhood has been very helpful coming together to try to help each other out.” Their story resonates with many as residents share supplies and keep one another informed about the latest developments.
At the local Ingles store, others like Dustin Padgett and Christina Durant are facing similar hardships. For them, it’s not just food and water they need but also provisions for their children. Padgett, emphasizing his priorities, said, “My priority is taking care of my babies.” Though they are currently stuck and trying to get down the mountain to Marion, Durant remarked on the heartwarming experiences they’ve witnessed as the community has rallied together, stating, “It feels good to see everyone stepping up.”
Emergency Services Hard at Work
In a briefing on September 30, Fire Chief John Coffey reported that all 26 firefighters in Black Mountain have been working tirelessly since September 26 to prepare for the storm and assist those in need. They have conducted hundreds of rescues in the aftermath of Helene, with a special focus on areas prone to flooding, like Flat Creek and North Fork. The support from other agencies was also acknowledged, as Coffey noted, “I don’t know how I’ll ever be able to pay them back.”
Police Chief Steve Parker added that while the town is facing shortages of fuel, food, and water, it’s important that assistance comes in a staggered fashion to ensure supplies last over the coming weeks and months. He emphasized, “We want to make sure that everybody’s fed over time.” Town Manager Josh Harrold echoed these concerns, pointing out the pressing need for fuel to continue emergency services operations.
Personal Stories of Struggle and Community Resilience
In the visitors center, Hope Burk shared her harrowing experience of her home being crushed by a tree in the Charmeldee Acres neighborhood. “My husband got out of bed 30 seconds before a tree crushed our bedroom,” Burk recounted. The communal response has been uplifting, with neighbors coming together to lend support to one another during this tragic time.
For Lisa Hicks Kinney, staying active in helping her community is a way to cope with her own trauma. “You gotta make lemonade,” she said with a smile. Having spent years as a nurse, she finds comfort in being useful. “Helping people makes me feel useful, and I don’t have to dwell.”
Despite the damages and turmoil, there is a prevailing sense of unity among residents. Meriwether noted, “It feels to me that Black Mountain is really pulling together. People are really interested in helping other people.” The resilience and camaraderie displayed in the face of such adversity serves as a testament to the spirit of Black Mountain, showcasing just how strong a community can be when it comes together to support one another.
