Asheville Rallies to Support First Responders Amidst Tropical Storm Helene Recovery
In Asheville, North Carolina, a heartwarming initiative is unfolding as local hotels step up to support the brave first responders descending upon the area to assist with disaster recovery efforts following the destructive impact of Tropical Storm Helene. This community-driven program is providing more than just shelter; it’s offering a much-needed refuge to those working tirelessly to restore order and safety.
A Warm Welcome
The Restoration Hotel, along with three partner hotels in the downtown area — Kimpton Hotel Arras, Aloft Asheville Downtown, and Moxy Asheville Downtown — have opened their doors to first responders, welcoming them with open arms. Instead of the usual arrangements, which often include uncomfortable sleeping conditions in places like gyms or jails, these heroes are now finding themselves in a comfortable and supportive environment.
Captain Don Eberhardt of the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office shared an emotional story reflecting on their initial plans. “First responders were prepared to sleep at the Buncombe County jail or on the floor of a gym. They were prepared for that,” he expressed during a heartfelt conversation with Governor Roy Cooper. It’s clear that the community is coming together to make a difference when it matters most.
Inspiration Strikes
The spark for this initiative ignited one evening when Eberhardt, along with his son Seth and staff from the Restoration Hotel, began brainstorming ways to transform the tragedy wrought by the storm into actionable support. “How can we take this tragedy and turn it around?” he recalled pondering. The answer was evident: provide a place where first responders could relax, recharge, and clear their minds.
Within just an hour of opening their doors, twelve first responders arrived, and their reactions spoke volumes. “They walked in and were just in awe,” Seth Eberhardt recounted, noting that many of them began snapping pictures of their new surroundings. The emotional relief on their faces was worth every effort from both hotel staff and community members.
Challenges and Triumphs
The Restoration Hotel has faced its challenges due to the aftermath of the storm. With no running water and limited public access, management quickly decided to transport water to keep facilities operational. Despite these struggles, the hotel’s power remained on, which put them in a better position than many affected in the region. Employees had started seeking shelter following what had been a hectic Friday hosting weddings and providing lunch service. When Seth brought his idea to his parents, it rapidly gained momentum.
Charlotte Rookley, the operations manager at the Restoration, took the lead and reached out to other local hotels, all eager to lend a helping hand. Each hotel committed to offering five rooms for first responders, showcasing a unified front in the battle against the hardships posed by the storm.
A New Kind of Accommodation
As Seth Eberhardt puts it, “This is more than your standard accommodations, to say the least. It makes this detail worth it.” The impact of the storm on the community has been devastating, but the outpouring of support and hospitality from local hotels has painted a different picture. It’s a reminder that amidst the rubble, Asheville’s spirit of compassion and resilience is alive and thriving.
With their comfort and well-being prioritized, these first responders can focus on the critical work ahead of them. This collaborative effort is a testament to the strong bonds within the Asheville community and highlights the importance of coming together in times of need.
Together, We Stand
As recovery efforts continue, the joint support from these hotels embodies the essence of community—a collective determination to uplift and protect those who serve. Someone once said that “tough times don’t create heroes; it is during tough times that heroes emerge.” In Asheville, those heroes are not just the first responders, but everyone who plays a part in helping one another through recovery.
