Black Mountain Bounces Back Together
Black Mountain, a vibrant little town in the heart of North Carolina, is rallying together as it recovers from the impacts of Tropical Storm Helene. Residents and town officials alike have embraced the sentiment of “Black Mountain strong,” a phrase that has truly become the heartbeat of the community during these challenging times.
Community Drives Relief Efforts
At The RailYard, a local hub of activities, the Black Mountain Presbyterian Church has transformed its space into a distribution center where families can swing by to grab essentials like food, water, and clothing. The church is not just handing out necessities; they are also serving up hot meals every day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jacob Churchman, one of the dedicated volunteers helping out with logistics, mentioned how uplifting it has been to see the community rallying together. “Black Mountain has been incredible,” Churchman noted with a smile, recognizing the strength that has surfaced during this crisis.
With the storm leading to widespread outages of power, cell service, and even water across town, daily life has been upended for many. Fallen trees and downed power lines blocked several roads, but residents have been resourceful and resilient in navigating the aftermath. While some parts of the town are getting back online with their utilities, others remain in the dark.
Updates and Community Events
On October 10, the town organized a community lunch in Town Square, complete with activities for children, to provide updates on the ongoing relief efforts. Town Manager Josh Harrold addressed attendees, emphasizing that while Black Mountain is reconnecting to Asheville’s water supply, this water should only be used for flushing toilets until further notice. “We are going to persevere and we will overcome this,” Harrold declared, instilling hope in everyone present.
Even as locals use the limited water for essential functions, Harrold assured the audience that crews are poised to identify and fix leaks—an essential part of getting the system back up and running smoothly. Support from public works teams remains essential in navigating this situation. Police Chief Steve Parker expressed pride in the community’s response and encouraged residents to remain vigilant yet assured, “we’ve seen nothing but safety and security” throughout the recovery efforts.
A Community United
Fire Chief John Coffey shared similar sentiments, saying that the department has transitioned from the initial safety measures into full-blown relief efforts aimed at rebuilding the community. “We are wanting to… continue to push that mission forward,” he said, highlighting the collaborative efforts to aid not just Black Mountain but neighboring communities as well.
Stories of Resilience
Among those receiving support at The RailYard was Mary Shirley Mitchell, who shared her family’s experience of waiting for their rental home while living in an RV when the storm hit. Despite their challenges, she was taken aback by the generosity of the community, mentioning, “The way that people have come together is insane.” With food, water, and childcare being offered by numerous locals, she expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support, highlighting the silver linings amidst the dark clouds.
In another impactful gesture, Kevin Bates, from the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry, shared that their organization has been on the frontlines, ensuring they provide support promptly. “We gave everything away” in the immediate aftermath, he said, adding that the ministry plans to reopen for financial assistance on October 15. Bates emphasized the importance of continuing to offer aid, noting they will be conducting wellness checks on the community long after the storm’s impact is felt.
Continuing the Fight
As recovery efforts continue, it’s clear that the community spirit in Black Mountain is unbroken. Residents like Churchman are a testament to this resilience, opting to volunteer tirelessly despite personal hardships, saying, “It’s hard to complain when you see the good around you.” With everyone coming together, Black Mountain’s story is one of courage, collaboration, and a shared commitment to thriving in the face of adversity. The journey may be lengthy, but with each passing day, the town is proving it will emerge even stronger.
