Devastation in Western North Carolina

[sadlebred]

For those that may not know, Hurricane Helene slammed into the Upstate of SC and Western NC earlier this week. Most of the region is without power and may be for weeks or months. They are still in "rescue" mode and can't even think about recovery yet. Many of my friends and family are in the entire affected area. Thankfully they are ok--they may be without power or not able to get out the road---but they and their houses are ok. One friend saw her neighbors' houses floating down a river that was at a 500 year flood stage. Her car was destroyed, but they are ok. In WNC many are cut off from any resources because roads are out, tens upon tens of thousands of trees are down, interstates are closed, flooding is still receding, and there is no way to get to them. Please consider donating if you can. I'm posting a webpage with some good local and regional places to donate to that will go to the victims of the hurricane (and not elsewhere).

Another friend was in WNC but was able to get to Charlotte this afternoon. They made the decision to go to Costco, load their truck up, and go back with supplies for her local town. They donated almost $900 worth of water, food, and goods. (so proud of my cycling club ladies for donating to this within minutes of finding out about it.) The local sheriff's dept. told them what the needs were and where to drop them off.

www.wfmynews2.com/article/weather/severe-weather/ways-to-help-donate-support-western-north-carolina-asheville-boone-hurricane-helene-relief/83-0830dd9c-6675-4737-bc3e-097fff5eb436

This is the worse devastation I've ever seen in the region. I'm grateful ATL was spared for the most part, but my heart is with the people in my old stomping grounds.

[ssmjlm]

It is awful. A sorority sister is outside Asheville and their house is ok, but their old townhouse they rent is flooded.

They have been posting when they can how to help, since her network is pretty large.

[Jalapeñomel]

I’m so sorry.

[Deleted]

I have students from the area, and some haven’t been able to get in touch with their parents and have no idea if everyone is okay.

[orval]

The devastation is unbelievable. This video just shows a tiny portion of it.
www.wsoctv.com/news/local/chopper-nine-flies-over-hurricane-helene-damage-across-nc/3GUL6XEYQJHY7JVBTBI5XHBRGA/

My sister was able to get out of Hendersonville and is here in Charlotte. Some of her flooded neighbors are staying in her house that did not flood. They have no power and on boil water orders until that collapses.
scout8 is safe and trying to make her way with her family to Charlotte.

[blondemoment123]

Does anyone have any suggestions for organizations to donate to? Red Cross?

[sunshineluv]

This is where I am from, and my entire family lives. My parents, sister, and in laws are safe and accounted for. We have not heard from my husbands grandparents (3 of them) or his sister. His one grandmothers house is flooded a few inches and she’s not there, she has her oxygen machine and her cat with her, which makes us optimistic she is in a shelter or hospital. The others we have zero insight on and can’t get to them. It’s heartbreaking. My in laws are keeping the kids right now while we are on a trip (we fly home tomorrow), and the loop that keeps going through my mind is that they don’t know where there parents or daughter is at. They are keeping it together for now.

[underwaterrhymes]

I’m so sorry for everyone affected by this.

World Central Kitchen does great work and is already in many of the communities affected.

I say this a lot, but when you’re making donations, be sure not to earmark your gifts for specific disasters. This creates administrative hurdles and if they get more money than they can spend in a certain community, those funds go unused unless they can get the donor to release them for alternative use.

[scout8]

Sept 29, 2024 10:29:26 GMT -5 sunshineluv said:

This is where I am from, and my entire family lives. My parents, sister, and in laws are safe and accounted for. We have not heard from my husbands grandparents (3 of them) or his sister. His one grandmothers house is flooded a few inches and she’s not there, she has her oxygen machine and her cat with her, which makes us optimistic she is in a shelter or hospital. The others we have zero insight on and can’t get to them. It’s heartbreaking. My in laws are keeping the kids right now while we are on a trip (we fly home tomorrow), and the loop that keeps going through my mind is that they don’t know where there parents or daughter is at. They are keeping it together for now.

If it helps, there is very little cell service here. So, hopefully, they are ok and just unable to communicate.

[sadlebred]

Sept 29, 2024 9:18:03 GMT -5 blondemoment123 said:

Does anyone have any suggestions for organizations to donate to? Red Cross?

Some are in the link I posted in the OP. You can always donate to the Asheville, NC Food Bank if you aren't sure. I'm not big on donating to national organizations because you don't really know which disaster the money is going towards. I prefer local charities/organizations.

More organizations that are local: www.wfae.org/energy-environment/2024-09-29/hurricane-helene-in-the-carolinas-how-to-help-donations-and-resources

This is another good local WNC resource to donate to: www.lovingfood.org/our-work/#where-we-serve

[sadlebred]

Sept 29, 2024 10:50:17 GMT -5 underwaterrhymes said:

I’m so sorry for everyone affected by this.

World Central Kitchen does great work and is already in many of the communities affected.

I say this a lot, but when you’re making donations, be sure not to earmark your gifts for specific disasters. This creates administrative hurdles and if they get more money than they can spend in a certain community, those funds go unused unless they can get the donor to release them for alternative use.

Looks like they are already on the ground.

www.facebook.com/foodconnection.co/photos/world-central-kitchen-has-arrived-and-will-begin-serving-meals-at-noon-on-monday/966598025494211/?paipv=0&eav=AfYt3xEymfyyy5fnlXbr-R4m7lHCEaKvCRS2mT5ftAQ7v70vd15A5uxj0KPw2t6ecj8&_rdr

[rubytue]

www.samaritanspurse.org/ Is based in Boone, and they have set up a large oxygen tent on the ASU campus for anyone on oxygen who needs it. At ASU has opened their dining hall ti the whole community for food. My extended family (dads side) is from/in Boone. We haven’t heard from anyone since Thursday evening. Though, since my father passed 5 years ago, we don’t keep in close contact, so my step mom and I are unlikely to be on the list for folks to check in with until things calm down. If that makes sense.

I’m not generally a fan of overtly religious organizations, but this is a case where I’m choosing the local organization.
samaritanspurse.org/article/pray-for-those-in-helenes-path/

[cricketwife]

operationairdrop.betterworld.org/ Airdrop support

[mcppalmbeach]

My heart is heavy. We are from Florida so of course hurricanes strike fear in our hearts. But our other love is WNC and the upstate of SC. My grandmother was from Hendersonville and my best childhood memories are there, Dh and I went to college in the upstate and we have spent quite a lot of time in Boone and looking to possibly retire there.

[katb]

My DD is in Cullowhee. She was able to leave yesterday and go to GA - Mariette/Atlanta area with a friend. Her college has water and is doing a great job of taking care of those on campus and in the area - opening up food/water/showers to the surrounding communities. It is devastating and her classes are cancelled for this week and quite imagine maybe the week after. That being said, I am not sure how we will get her back as the status of Asheville airport is in question.

[wildrice]

Sept 29, 2024 20:30:29 GMT -5 katb said:

My DD is in Cullowhee. She was able to leave yesterday and go to GA - Mariette/Atlanta area with a friend. Her college has water and is doing a great job of taking care of those on campus and in the area - opening up food/water/showers to the surrounding communities. It is devastating and her classes are cancelled for this week and quite imagine maybe the week after. That being said, I am not sure how we will get her back as the status of Asheville airport is in question.

Liking your post that your DD is safe - I know you were worried! I hope she can get home soon.

[sadlebred]

katb Marietta is safe...life is normal in north ATL. She'll be ok here if she has to stay for a bit.

[katb]

Sept 29, 2024 22:48:12 GMT -5 sadlebred said:

katb Marietta is safe...life is normal in north ATL. She'll be ok here if she has to stay for a bit.

Thank you.  She is flying out of Atlanta to BWI on Tuesday.  Their planned fall break starts 10/11 - I think she will likely stay up here until fall break is over - 10/19.   We may have to drive her down or figure out a way for her to get to campus from Charlotte.  The problem is that is about 3/4 hours away from campus - even if Asheville airport opens up- right now, there is no gas and limited roads.  But 3 weeks is a long time so it may be possible then.  I don't think she could rent a car becuase she isn't 25.

 

[blondemoment123]

Sept 29, 2024 19:08:44 GMT -5 sadlebred said:

Sept 29, 2024 9:18:03 GMT -5 blondemoment123 said:

Does anyone have any suggestions for organizations to donate to? Red Cross?

Some are in the link I posted in the OP. You can always donate to the Asheville, NC Food Bank if you aren't sure. I'm not big on donating to national organizations because you don't really know which disaster the money is going towards. I prefer local charities/organizations.

More organizations that are local: www.wfae.org/energy-environment/2024-09-29/hurricane-helene-in-the-carolinas-how-to-help-donations-and-resources

This is another good local WNC resource to donate to: www.lovingfood.org/our-work/#where-we-serve

Thank you!

[wildrice]

Sept 30, 2024 8:16:45 GMT -5 katb said:

Sept 29, 2024 22:48:12 GMT -5 sadlebred said:

katb Marietta is safe...life is normal in north ATL. She'll be ok here if she has to stay for a bit.

Thank you.  She is flying out of Atlanta to BWI on Tuesday.  Their planned fall break starts 10/11 - I think she will likely stay up here until fall break is over - 10/19.   We may have to drive her down or figure out a way for her to get to campus from Charlotte.  The problem is that is about 3/4 hours away from campus - even if Asheville airport opens up- right now, there is no gas and limited roads.  But 3 weeks is a long time so it may be possible then.  I don't think she could rent a car becuase she isn't 25.

 

I wonder if they will go virtual for the rest of the semester - I can't imagine things are going to be good there for a while  

[midwestmama]

My heart is heavy with all of the devastation I've seen on the news/social media of homes, towns, and roads flooded and/or washed out. Praying for all impacted and those who are still waiting to hear from family in the area.

Thank you for those who provided organizations to donate to. I also was not aware to earmark to the specific disaster, so I will make sure to do that.

[scout8]

As of now, we are being told electric will be restored by the end of the week, but I am skeptical. Water will take several weeks.

[brooke77]

I finally heard from my BFF who lives in Asheville. I had not heard from her since Friday when she said things were getting really bad. She said cell service is extremely limited. They are without power and water. Luckily her house is OK, but her neighbors were not so lucky. I was so worried. It’s just devastating.

[rubytue]

Heard from my extended family. Cousin confirmed everyone is safe, town is devastated. But at least everyone is ok.

[sadlebred]

Sept 30, 2024 9:45:29 GMT -5 wildrice said:

Sept 30, 2024 8:16:45 GMT -5 katb said:

Thank you.  She is flying out of Atlanta to BWI on Tuesday.  Their planned fall break starts 10/11 - I think she will likely stay up here until fall break is over - 10/19.   We may have to drive her down or figure out a way for her to get to campus from Charlotte.  The problem is that is about 3/4 hours away from campus - even if Asheville airport opens up- right now, there is no gas and limited roads.  But 3 weeks is a long time so it may be possible then.  I don't think she could rent a car becuase she isn't 25.

 

I wonder if they will go virtual for the rest of the semester - I can't imagine things are going to be good there for a while  

I'd look into flying into Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport near Greenville, SC. It's just under 2 hours from Cullowee. It's a regional airport-much larger than Asheville but smaller than Charlotte. It's easy to get in and out of. Or even ATL. We are about 4 hours from Cullowee, too. The roads in North Georgia are fine, and it seems from Google Maps that less roads are blocked coming through NGA. I think in 3 weeks many more roads will be passable, but you may be going all back roads from Charlotte. DM me if you want some further details. Like I've said before, this entire region is my old stomping grounds.

[katb]

Sept 30, 2024 20:40:24 GMT -5 sadlebred said:

Sept 30, 2024 9:45:29 GMT -5 wildrice said:

I wonder if they will go virtual for the rest of the semester - I can't imagine things are going to be good there for a while  

I'd look into flying into Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport near Greenville, SC. It's just under 2 hours from Cullowee. It's a regional airport-much larger than Asheville but smaller than Charlotte. It's easy to get in and out of. Or even ATL. We are about 4 hours from Cullowee, too. The roads in North Georgia are fine, and it seems from Google Maps that less roads are blocked coming through NGA. I think in 3 weeks many more roads will be passable, but you may be going all back roads from Charlotte. DM me if you want some further details. Like I've said before, this entire region is my old stomping grounds.

Oh good to know.  We have only dealth with Asheville.   All her flights in the past have been Asheville - Charlotte- Baltimore.  But if we have to figure out other transportation options, Greenville may be an option

[pinkdutchtulips]

Sept 29, 2024 9:18:03 GMT -5 blondemoment123 said:

Does anyone have any suggestions for organizations to donate to? Red Cross?

Pink Hill Chiropractic in Pink Hill, NC is accepting donations (food, water, batteries, disposable plates/utensils, blankets, tarps). 

[cuadrado]

Sept 29, 2024 9:18:03 GMT -5 blondemoment123 said:

Does anyone have any suggestions for organizations to donate to? Red Cross?

Here's a list of resources: 
www.bpr.org/bpr-news/2024-09-28/list-ways-to-donate-and-help-flood-victims-in-western-north-carolina-after-hurricane-helene

[FastHands]

Sept 30, 2024 21:14:36 GMT -5 katb said:

Sept 30, 2024 20:40:24 GMT -5 sadlebred said:

I'd look into flying into Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport near Greenville, SC. It's just under 2 hours from Cullowee. It's a regional airport-much larger than Asheville but smaller than Charlotte. It's easy to get in and out of. Or even ATL. We are about 4 hours from Cullowee, too. The roads in North Georgia are fine, and it seems from Google Maps that less roads are blocked coming through NGA. I think in 3 weeks many more roads will be passable, but you may be going all back roads from Charlotte. DM me if you want some further details. Like I've said before, this entire region is my old stomping grounds.

Oh good to know.  We have only dealth with Asheville.   All her flights in the past have been Asheville - Charlotte- Baltimore.  But if we have to figure out other transportation options, Greenville may be an option

From what I've heard, Greenville was hit hard too, so you may want to be sure getting there is feasible.

[msgoose]

Oct 1, 2024 16:13:30 GMT -5 FastHands said:

Sept 30, 2024 21:14:36 GMT -5 katb said:

Oh good to know.  We have only dealth with Asheville.   All her flights in the past have been Asheville - Charlotte- Baltimore.  But if we have to figure out other transportation options, Greenville may be an option

From what I've heard, Greenville was hit hard too, so you may want to be sure getting there is feasible.

Lurker from Greenville chiming in. GSP airport is open. We have a lot of trees and power lines down that will take months to clean up, but our roads are mostly open (with some traffic lights still out, but being restored pretty quickly).

We took a hard hit, but nothing compared to the devastation in Western NC, so we are thankful and looking for ways to help them.