Community members collaborating on recovery efforts in Swannanoa after Hurricane Helene.
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In the wake of Hurricane Helene, sisters Beth Trigg and Mary Etheridge-Trigg have been pivotal in rallying community support in Swannanoa, North Carolina. They have transformed Beth’s home into a refuge for the displaced and established a supply hub, helping locals collect essential items. Their efforts have led to the formation of ‘Swannanoa Communities Together,’ which focuses on long-term recovery and resource accessibility for residents affected by the storm, underscoring the importance of community solidarity in tough times.
Swannanoa, a quaint town located in Western North Carolina, has found itself grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which left significant damage in its wake. The storm has devastated countless homes, uprooting lives and bringing forth a desperate need for community support and recovery efforts.
In the face of this natural disaster, two local sisters, Beth Trigg and Mary Etheridge-Trigg, have emerged as beacons of hope and resilience. With a heart for their neighbors, they have spearheaded remarkable initiatives that have pulled their community together during this trying time. In fact, many residents have reported that nearly half of their neighbors lost their homes due to the storm, underscoring the urgency of these efforts.
Upon witnessing the destruction around them, Beth Trigg opened her doors to create a refuge for those who had been displaced, transforming her home into a central hub for “neighborhood mutual aid.” This initiative has attracted locals seeking shelter, comfort, and camaraderie in the aftermath of the hurricane. The sisters have diligently conducted welfare checks in the area, ensuring that nobody falls through the cracks during this challenging period.
Recognizing the overwhelming demand for resources, a supply hub was established at the Jasper Apartments, conveniently located at 2121 U.S. 70, in a former hair salon. This hub has become a lifeline for those in need, as residents can now collect essential items and resources necessary for their recovery.
From these community support efforts, the Swannanoa Communities Together organization was born, a testament to their initiative and the collaborative spirit of their neighbors. This dedicated organization aims to provide continued support and resource access to the residents of Swannanoa, addressing the dire needs for emergency shelter and housing. The sisters recognize that recovery is a long-term endeavor and emphasize the importance of creating sustainable systems to help their neighbors thrive once again.
Mary Etheridge-Trigg, in her passion for helping others, developed a tracking system to locate available housing options within Swannanoa Valley and nearby East Asheville. This system has become crucial for displaced residents desperately seeking a place to stay. With the storm exacerbating an already extreme housing shortage in the area, this resource is proving to be invaluable.
Carmen Ybarra has joined the effort to create educational materials and provide assistance to Spanish-speaking residents, further broadening the reach of Swannanoa Communities Together. This organization continues to build the necessary infrastructure to support ongoing recovery efforts, adapting as the needs of the community evolve.
In a remarkable show of solidarity, several hundred thousand dollars have been raised through Venmo to assist families affected by the storm. However, the need for assistance continues to grow as families come forward seeking help after their FEMA hotel vouchers have expired. This situation highlights the critical ongoing challenges that families face in their recovery journeys.
The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has marked a total housing meltdown in Swannanoa, and the repercussions of this disaster are expected to echo through the community for years to come. As locals continue to struggle with basic needs, the importance of organizations like Swannanoa Communities Together becomes increasingly clear. Their dedication to helping those in need has fostered a sense of unity and hope that the residents can lean upon during this uncertain time.
Operating Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., the Swannanoa Communities Together hub stands ready to serve its residents, sharing resources and opening the door to recovery. With every effort, the sisters remind their community that while the road ahead may be tough, together they will find their way back.
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