Asheville Faces Recovery After Hurricane Helene
ASHEVILLE, N.C. — In the bustling River Arts District of Asheville, families are coming to terms with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, a storm that has significantly impacted the community, leaving many residents grappling with loss and uncertainty. Among those affected is the Banks family, who have seen their beloved 40-year-old family business, VJ’s Auto Service, swept away by the brutal storm.
A Heartfelt Loss
“We’ve lost everything that my dad’s worked 40 years for,” Tracy Banks shared, visibly shaken by the devastation. It’s hard to fathom how a place that held so many memories for the family could be gone in an instant. Tracy’s emotional journey reflects the true sentiment of a family shattered by unforeseen circumstances.
Devonna Brown, whose father-in-law owned the auto service shop, echoed this sense of disbelief. “We never thought that Thursday when we locked the doors would be the last time we’d ever walk in that black door,” she said, reflecting on the routine that now feels like a distant memory. For both families, the shop was not just a place of work; it was a cornerstone of their community involvement.
Decades of Dedication
For years, VJ’s Auto Service stood as a beacon of hard work, dedication, and community support. “Me and my brother both have worked for my dad since we’ve graduated high school,” Banks explained. It’s a family legacy entrenched in the idea of service—fixing cars and helping the people of Asheville.
But now, what once was a thriving hub full of laughter and engine sounds has turned into a scene of chaos. “Everything was flipped upside down, toolboxes and digging in mud to find just the littlest piece of tool, one of our sockets,” Brown described, summing up the task now ahead of them. The family is navigating through mud and debris, attempting to salvage what little they can, all while trying to discern the next steps forward.
Facing Evacuations and Uncertainty
As they grapple with the physical challenges, the emotional weight of the situation is compounded by the need to evacuate. Banks recalled being asked to leave their property. “If we didn’t, we would be stuck in for hours,” she said, indicating the severity of the situation. Though her father was resolute in staying put, the family ultimately complied with the evacuation orders, realizing that their safety was paramount.
Access to their area has improved as the recovery efforts progress, but the road ahead remains unclear. Banks described the current conditions: “They are making you tell exactly what location you’re going to. I even had to give a description of what my dad was driving into his shop today to even be able to get in.” This level of scrutiny reflects how much devastation has been caused, and the strict measures in place to ensure the safety of all residents.
What Lies Ahead?
The Banks family now faces an uncertain future riddled with concern. “That is how we have fed our kids for 30 years,” Brown said with a heavy heart. The shop was more than a business; it was a source of livelihood and identity for the family. “My son came home from the hospital to that shop,” she added, painting a picture of how entwined their lives are with VJ’s Auto Service.
Despite the overwhelming loss, a ray of light shines through the darkness. “I do still have my whole family,” Banks noted thoughtfully. “We do still have life, and there are several out here that don’t.” For the Banks and Brown families, though they mourn their lost business, they hold on to gratitude for their safety and the support of their community.
As Asheville begins to heal and rebuild, the spirit of its residents shines through. While Hurricane Helene may have taken much, it has also ignited a fervent hope for renewal and resilience in the face of adversity.
