Community Comes Together in Asheville After Storm
Asheville, a city renowned for its vibrant spirit and close-knit community, faced a challenging situation over the past week following a thunderous storm on Friday, September 27. When the winds settled and the rain stopped, residents stepped out to survey the damage, only to find their homes in need of urgent support, especially for the most vulnerable among them.
Assessing the Damage
After the storm, my partner Justin Mitchell and I ventured into our neighborhood in the East End/Valley Street area. Our community is home to several apartment buildings along Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, where many of the residents have spent their entire lives. Among them are many elderly individuals and some who have mobility challenges, further heightening the urgency to address their needs following the flooding.
One of the buildings, the Mountain Springs Apartments, is just across from our driveway and houses around 40 residents. By Sunday, the situation became evident: our community’s water infrastructure had not improved and residents had no means to flush their toilets. We knew we needed to help.
Creativity in Crisis
With buckets in hand and some bins lent from a friend, Justin and I began gathering creek water to assist our neighbors. Our first mission was simple but essential: provide fresh water for the toilet flushes. It was clear that a solution was needed, and quickly!
By Monday, more help arrived in the form of our new neighbors, Dennis Seely and Laura Misner, who brought along a small sump pump. Hearing the reassuring sound of running water behind our building, we sprang into action. Equipped with long extension cords and hoses, we began the process of pumping spring water from the Mountain Springs into tubs and recycling bins, marking the beginning of a water delivery system that would extend through several neighborhoods.
Growing Community Efforts
Before we knew it, word had spread, and residents from nearby 1 Miller St. jumped in to support the effort. They turned on the pump to offer water to neighbors who came by with containers, making a visible impact as the community rallied together. By midweek, Dennis and Laura returned, this time with a more powerful sump pump, dramatically increasing our water delivery capabilities. We managed to fill a 60-gallon rain barrel which was a game changer!
As the week unfolded, donations poured in, including a used IBC tote tank from a generous community member. This cube-shaped container became another vital resource, and my family was happy to contribute with another IBC tote during a supply run. By the end of the week, as our posts circulated on social media, an additional four IBC totes were donated, allowing us to set up even more flush water stations along Martin Luther King Jr. Drive at other Mountain Springs Apartment complexes.
Building an Efficient System
With these additional resources in place, our efforts continued to expand. We constructed flush water stations where anyone passing by could fill up for crucial bathroom needs. As the week progressed, Dennis and Justin put in long hours improving the system to ensure the flow of spring water was as efficient as possible. They worked tirelessly to ensure we filled the tanks quickly while we maintained our deliveries to neighbors who needed help.
Resilience in Community
This recent storm was undoubtedly a challenge, but the strength and resilience showcased by our Asheville community were astounding. It takes a village, and thankfully, in times of crisis, our village steps up. We’ve all learned that even amid adversity, kindness prevails and neighbors truly look out for one another.
As we continue these efforts, we remain connected and committed, ensuring that everyone has access to the basic necessities in tough times. Here’s to hoping for clearer skies and continued unity in the days ahead!
