Hurricane Helene Devastates Asheville, Sparking Community Spirit and Resilience

Hurricane Helene’s Impact in Asheville and Beyond

Asheville, North Carolina, is known for its stunning mountain scenery and vibrant community. However, the tranquility of this beloved city was shattered when Hurricane Helene swept through the Southeast, leaving a trail of destruction and severe flooding in its wake. The chaos began around 7 a.m. on September 27, and by the time the storm had passed, many residents like Justin Thompson and his family were left grappling with its consequences.

A Family’s Decision to Evacuate

For Thompson, 33, evacuating was not a matter of politics or public opinion; it was a decision made out of necessity to keep his 8-month-old son, Carter, safe. Loaded into their family car, Thompson and his wife, Rebecca, hit the road for Charlotte, where they have family support. “It was pretty scary,” Thompson recounted about their experience during the storm. They spent the night huddled in their basement, listening as the winds howled outside.

The Aftermath and Community Spirit

When the storm cleared, the damage was evident. Upon surveying their yard the next day, they found over a dozen fallen trees, with one even crashing onto a neighbor’s house. Fortunately, their home escaped flooding, but they faced a dire situation: they quickly ran out of supplies amid the chaos. With limited access to food, clean water, and power out all around them, deciding to leave for Charlotte became increasingly urgent.

It wasn’t an easy journey. Roads were blocked, and cell service was non-existent, keeping them unaware of the broader devastation around the city. As they crossed the French Broad River, the scene was heart-wrenching. “It was devastating, very sad, to see the city that you love… in that condition,” Thompson reflected, expressing dismay at the plight of the community. “I feel like we’ve spent so much time there, grown up there,” he added.

The Unexpected Connection

In Charlotte, things took a surprising turn for the Thompson family. A friend who works for the North Carolina Governor’s office reached out, suggesting they share their experience with Vice President Kamala Harris during her visit on October 5. Thompson described the encounter as “an incredible experience” that felt intimate, with just his family and one other family present. “Hey, it’s Kamala. How are you?” was how the vice president began her call to check on them. That personal touch left a lasting impression on Thompson.

Supporting the Wider Community

The conversation with Harris turned to the critical need for federal support for the small businesses that are vital to the economy of Western North Carolina. Thompson, who works for a community development financial institution focused on small business investment, stressed that “that’s going to make or break the recovery at this point.” The overall sentiment shared by many like Thompson is that while Asheville is in the spotlight, it’s essential to focus also on the broader community outside of Asheville, including small towns and rural areas grappling with the impact of Helene.

Looking Ahead

While families like the Thompsons are grappling with the present challenges, the community is resilient. Volunteers, local organizations, and emergency responders are working tirelessly to assist those affected by Hurricane Helene, ensuring that relief efforts extend to all corners of Western North Carolina. As recovery begins, Thompson’s focus remains on the wellbeing of the community rather than the individual hardships they faced.

As we move forward from this natural disaster, the collective spirit and strength of the communities in Western North Carolina will be what ultimately brings them back from the brink.