Barnardsville, N.C. — Community Unites After Hurricane Helene
The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has left its mark on the small community of Barnardsville in Buncombe County. As residents sift through the wreckage, a remarkable spirit of cooperation and determination is unfolding. Local volunteers, including the strong partnership with the Salvation Army, are stepping up to provide crucial support to those affected.
A Community Headquarters Takes Shape
In the wake of the storm, Barnardsville residents have organized a central hub to coordinate relief efforts. At this headquarters, the essentials for survival are provided: first aid, search and rescue operations, food and water distribution, as well as delicious hot meals. Jazz Maltz, a local resident, shared her experience, “As soon as the storm ended, we all came down to survey the damage and came together to figure out what to do.” With a sense of urgency, Jazz and her neighbors started cooking meals and gathering supplies.
The residents meet daily at noon, focusing primarily on gathering reports about missing persons. These discussions emphasize the collective strength of the community and the commitment to supporting one another during this challenging time. Fellow resident Chloe Lieberman also highlighted the immediate need for relief, recalling, “There were some folks that stumbled in who had hiked through the woods who didn’t have food and water and didn’t know when anyone was coming.”
Heartbreaking Losses
Across the street from the distribution point, Mike Goldsmith is coping with the impact of the storm on his property. Surveying what remains of his shed, he reflected on the emotional toll of the flooding: “I evacuated and came back on Friday evening to see what was left of my property, which was heartbreaking to me.” Despite his despair, the community around him is rallying with support and sharing in the grief of loss.
Words of Hope Amidst the Hardships
Even within the devastation, there are rays of hope. The local post office’s postmaster, Drew Mabry, expressed his desire to bring some comfort back to the community by delivering mail for the first time since the storm. “We’ve got a lot of medicines in here. People have been asking about that,” he noted. The connection to mail delivery, small but significant, represents a semblance of normalcy amidst the chaos. As Mabry put it, “Just hoping to bring a little bit of light to them.”
A Call for Volunteers
The noon meetings will continue for the foreseeable future as Barnardsville residents work together to restore their community. They are searching for volunteers with specialized skills, encouraging anyone who can offer medical assistance or other support to join their efforts. This call for help is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, communities can come together to uplift and empower each other.
Looking Ahead
As Barnardsville faces a lengthy recovery, the residents’ resilience shines brightly. The efforts of volunteers, coordinated through daily meetings and community support, are providing much-needed resources to those impacted by Hurricane Helene. Ultimately, it’s the unity and determination of the Barnardsville community that will drive their recovery forward, proving that even when faced with adversity, kindness and cooperation can help rebuild a brighter future.
