Greensboro Native Steps Up for Community After Hurricane Helene’s Devastation
In the heart of Greensboro, a sense of community and resilience is epitomized by one of its own – Graham Sharp, a banjo player, guitarist, and vocalist with the popular bluegrass band, Steep Canyon Rangers. Recently nominated for a Grammy Award for their album “North Carolina Songbook,” Graham’s heart lies firmly in both his music and his community, especially following the destructive path of Hurricane Helene through western North Carolina.
Turning Passion into Action
Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc in areas close to Graham’s home in Asheville, and while it may have disrupted his life, it also ignited a fire within him to help those in need. Graham and his wife chose to spend their 20th wedding anniversary volunteering for the MANNA FoodBank in Asheville, a heartwarming way to celebrate their love while making a positive impact. Prior to that, they worked with their local church, Westminster Presbyterian, collecting essential supplies airlifted into the hardest-hit areas.
“It felt strange to be out of Asheville when so much help was needed, but the surrounding communities have been vital to the recovery so far,” Graham expressed, clearly having a deep-rooted bond with his hometown.
Collective Efforts Show Community Spirit
Graham highlighted the initial challenges of getting supplies to those in need due to blocked roads. Fortunately, his son, a pilot, introduced them to Operation Airlift, which was mobilizing from the Greensboro airport. The supplies collected at Westminster are still coming in and are crucial for the recovery efforts.
The Reality of the Aftermath
Graham’s own home felt the effects of the storm, though he was quick to acknowledge that their situation was “far short of the brutality that came to the region.” He recalled dramatic images on social media that will linger in his mind, especially as his parents required rescue from their cabin in Boone. “My brother drove down from Chapel Hill to bring them back,” Graham shared, reflecting on the extreme conditions most faced.
When it became possible to navigate through Asheville after the storm, they were struck by the view of the French Broad River, unrecognizable as it flooded surrounding rooftops. “You couldn’t even tell where the river normally flowed,” he said, a stark reminder of the overwhelming destruction.
Resilience in Adversity
In the face of such challenges, Graham’s neighborhood has showcased a remarkable capacity for resilience. With power restored, folks are still grappling with water shortages. “People are carting around jugs and tanks of water,” he noted. Neighbors have come together to create makeshift solutions, such as a pump at a nearby creek for flushing toilets and outdoor showers to help everyone maintain a sense of normalcy.
“Without any information or way to connect with the ‘outside’ world, we had to look after each other for a couple of days,” he recounted, highlighting how communities often tighten their bonds during times of crisis. “Roads in and out of the neighborhood were blocked, and a bridge was washed away.”
Back in Action
Once the access was cleared and news spread that major routes were open, Graham and his family were quick to jump back into action. Fortunately, they filled their gas tank beforehand and made it back to Asheville, where their true work began.
“When we got back to Asheville, there’s really not much else to do except pitch in however you can,” Graham said, highlighting a sentiment shared by many. Helping distribute supplies on their anniversary just felt like the right thing to do. “We wanted to make the day meaningful amidst all that’s happening,” he added.
As Graham Sharp continues to support his community through this tough time, it’s clear that his dedication extends far beyond music. His love for his hometown and desire to make a difference shines through, reminding us all of the power of kindness and the strength that lies in community.
