Hell or High Water: Hurricane Helene

It's us that must step in and save our communities after the devastation Hurricane Helene has caused. The storm brought catastrophic flooding, landslides, and powerful winds, leaving towns like Chimney Rock and Asheville almost unrecognizable. Roads were washed away, homes destroyed, and entire neighborhoods submerged. With power and communication still out in many areas, our neighbors are relying on each other for survival, collecting water from creeks and sharing what little resources remain. Now, it's up to us to rebuild and support one another as we face the long road to recovery

This picture inspires hope in our hearts. People fought through the downed trees and washed out bridges to fly a flag atop Chimney Rock again. It's the most iconic flag in western NC, and seeing it replaced is lovely. It's flying at half staff because we are all in mourning.

The

If you are impacted by the storm, click here.

If you can't find a loved one, text "PERSON" to 40403, or go straight to the form to fill out by clicking here.

The above pictures were shared widely on facebook, and we aren't sure who took them. The first shows Chimney Rock, which lost most of the downtown area. The second is Interstate 26. The third is Asheville, in the Biltmore Village, and the third is Unicoi Hospital, where 50 people had to be rescued from the rooftop. It's impossible to adequately describe the level of the damage. Some of it will never be rebuilt, and some of it will take years. 

This video shows Marshall, NC. The water reached the second floor of their historic jail. Marshall, a small town nestled along the French Broad River, is known for its charming downtown and rich Appalachian culture.

The historic jail, which once housed inmates decades ago, is now a symbol of the town's resilience and connection to its past.

Flooding from Hurricane Helene brought devastation to the town, with the river swelling beyond its banks, submerging streets and reaching the second story of this landmark. Marshall, a close-knit community, is now rallying to recover, as businesses and homes face overwhelming damage from the storm.

How to Help:

First, please don't attempt to travel into these areas right now unless you have a truck full of gas, water, and food. Even then, it's best to hook up with an agency that is helping, because these towns are under extreme duress and are being further stressed by visitors wanting to "check it out." Stop that. No checking it out, only helping.  There are, thankfully, a lot of organizations that are doing great work. We will try to highlight many of those, so that you know where to send your dollars and supplies. 

Fill out a form to volunteer with the United Way here. 

American Red Cross: Mobilized with shelters, food, water, and mental health services for storm victims across the region, the American Red Cross is playing a major role in the recovery efforts. To help, you can donate or volunteer through their website. Financial contributions will assist in providing shelter, meals, and other critical aid to those displaced by the storm. Visit redcross.org to get involved.

Manna FoodBank (Asheville): Manna FoodBank is providing food to those in need and is accepting donations and volunteers to help distribute supplies to flood victims. Monetary donations can be made through their website, and volunteers are encouraged to join the relief effort. Learn more at mannafoodbank.org.​

Hearts with Hands: Focused on distributing water, food, and other supplies, Hearts with Hands is coordinating large-scale relief efforts across the region. They are accepting both physical donations and volunteers to assist with distribution. To help, visit heartswithhands.org.

Samaritan’s Purse: Based in Boone, this organization is actively seeking volunteers to help with debris removal, tree work, and other tasks in affected communities. If you are interested in volunteering, you can sign up through their website. Donations to support their disaster relief efforts are also welcomed. Find more information at samaritanspurse.org​.

BeLoved Asheville: BeLoved Asheville is on the ground distributing essentials such as food, water, and hygiene supplies. They are in need of donations and volunteers for deliveries. Financial donations can be made via Venmo or PayPal, and more information is available on their website at belovedasheville.com​.

Haywood Christian Ministry: Offering emergency food assistance and collecting donations to support long-term recovery in Waynesville, this organization is accepting monetary donations through its website. Visit hcmnc.org to donate and help with recovery efforts​.

Diaper Bank: Babies Need Bottoms (Asheville): This organization is addressing the needs of families by providing diapers, wipes, and other essential baby care products. You can donate through their website or by purchasing items from their Amazon wish list. Visit babiesneedbottoms.org for more information​.

United Way: The United Way is coordinating relief efforts and supporting long-term recovery by accepting financial donations. They are also helping residents connect with various resources via their 2-1-1 hotline. To donate or learn more, visit unitedwayabc.org.​

To donate in Hickory, deliver to 2760 Tate Boulevard SE.

Mountain Mule Packers is a local organization that has certainly risen to the challenge at hand. They are leading teams of mules up the mountain roads that are otherwise impassible to bring people the supplies that they need to survive this tragedy. You can donate directly to them on Venmo, using the owner's account: Michele-Toberer. Call them at (910) 885-1402 or visit their site, mountainmulepackers.com. You can also email them at [email protected]

Other ways to help:

Financial Support
Donate to Reputable Organizations, like the ones above. Contribute to local charities, non-profits, or national organizations like the Red Cross that are actively involved in relief efforts. Support Local Relief Funds. Many communities set up specific funds to aid in recovery; donating here ensures funds go directly to those in need. Organize Fundraisers. Host events such as bake sales, charity runs, or online crowdfunding campaigns to raise money for affected families. Provide Financial Assistance to Individuals. Offer direct financial support to families or individuals you know who have been impacted.
Volunteer Efforts
Participate in Cleanup and Rebuilding. Join or organize volunteer groups to help clear debris, repair homes, and rebuild infrastructure. Offer Professional Skills. If you have skills in construction, medicine, counseling, or law, volunteer your expertise to assist recovery efforts. Assist Local Organizations. Volunteer with local non-profits, food banks, or shelters that are providing aid. Support Animal Rescue Efforts. Help local animal shelters care for pets displaced by the disaster.
Donations of Goods
Donate Essential Supplies. Collect and distribute items like non-perishable food, bottled water, clothing, blankets, and toiletries. Provide School Supplies. Help children return to normalcy by donating backpacks, books, and educational materials. Offer Furniture and Household Items. As families rebuild, they will need furniture, kitchenware, and appliances. Contribute Building Materials. Donate lumber, tools, and other construction materials for rebuilding efforts.
Providing Services
Offer Temporary Housing. Open your home to friends, family, or community members who have been displaced. Provide Transportation. Assist with transporting people to shelters, medical appointments, or to access other essential services. Childcare Services. Offer babysitting or daycare services to affected families needing time to manage recovery tasks. Laundry and Hygiene Facilities. Provide access to washing machines, showers, or restrooms for those without access.
Emotional and Psychological Support
Offer Counseling Services: If you're a mental health professional, provide free or discounted services to those coping with trauma. If you aren't, you can still provide a listening ear. Organize Support Groups. Create spaces where people can share their experiences and support each other. Community Activities. Host events that bring people together, helping to restore a sense of normalcy and community spirit.
Advocacy and Awareness
Spread the Word. Use social media and local media outlets to raise awareness about the needs of the affected areas. Coordinate with Local Authorities. Work with government agencies to understand specific needs and how to address them effectively. Encourage Blood Donations. Organize blood drives, as blood supplies often run low during disasters. Promote Emergency Preparedness. Educate others on how to prepare for future emergencies to minimize impact.
Support for Specific Groups
Assist the Elderly and Disabled. Offer tailored support to those who may have mobility or health issues. Help Farmers and Small Businesses. Volunteer to help restore farms or patronize local businesses as they reopen. Educational Support. Provide tutoring or educational programs for students whose schooling has been disrupted. Legal and Financial Guidance. Offer assistance with insurance claims, applying for aid, or financial planning post-disaster.
Other Ways to Help
Donate Blood. Blood banks may need replenishment to help injured individuals. Offer Language Translation. Assist non-English speakers in accessing resources and information. Foster Pets. Temporarily care for animals separated from their owners. Provide Internet and Communication Access. Set up Wi-Fi hotspots or lend devices to help people connect with loved ones and resources. Advocate for Policy Changes. Engage with local representatives to support legislation that aids disaster recovery and future prevention. Environmental Restoration. Participate in efforts to restore damaged ecosystems, such as planting trees or cleaning waterways. Create and Distribute Care Packages. Assemble kits with toiletries, snacks, and comforting items for distribution. Offer Employment Opportunities Provide job openings or temporary work to those who have lost their livelihoods.
Coordination Tips
Communicate with Relief Organizations Before donating goods or volunteering, check with organizations to ensure your efforts meet actual needs. Focus on Immediate and Long-Term Needs Balance efforts between urgent relief and supporting long-term recovery initiatives. Encourage Community Participation Mobilize your community, workplace, or social groups to amplify the impact. Stay Informed Keep up-to-date with reliable news sources and official communications for the latest on needs and safety information.

County Level Help

County-level help and resources are being compiled regularly. You can click on the maps below to open a google document for each county. You'll find up-to-date information there, and many people are editing these files to keep them current. The documents are maintained by [email protected], and you can write them with additional questions or information.

Alleghany

Ashe

Avery

Buncombe

Burke

Caldwell

Catawba

Clay

Cleveland

Cherokee

Graham

Haywood

Henderson

Jackson

Macon

Madison

McDowell

Mitchell

Polk

Rutherford

Swain

Transylvania

Watauga

Wilkes

Yancey

The Blue Ridge is Still Blue

By Carmen Eckard

The Blue Ridge is still blue—though the skies split wide,
Mountains, older than the bones of time,
Held strong in the face of fury—
Unshaken by the tempest’s cry.

These ridges, they breathe—
They know the wind, they’ve kissed the rain.
In the silence, in the storm,
They grow tall, rooted deep in the earth’s domain.

They’ve watched rivers rise—
swell and roar,
They’ve bent but never broken,
For they are more than stone—they are lore.

These mountains hold the tales of old—
Of battles fought, and valleys sown,
Of those who leaned against their might
And found the strength to carry on.

They whisper truths in windswept groves,
Their myths in every tree that grows.
More than rock, they cradle dreams,
More than land, they shape our seams.

 And we, the people born of these hills,
We carry grit in our blood—grit like steel.
Yet we have known the darkest days,
When homes were torn, and skies turned gray.

The floodwaters rose, the wind howled fierce,
Families scattered, hearts gripped by fear.
But through the terror, through the pain,
Our fire endures, like the mountain’s reign.

The fire in our feet, the moxy in our hands,
We rise, we rebuild—on this sacred land.
Our roots run deep as the trees that stand,
Together, we rise, together, we mend.

We are the knowledge of the old,
A people connected, a story retold.
But hear me now, and heed the sound—
These mountains may seem forever bound,
Yet the earth still shifts, the rivers surge,
Nature’s balance remains at the verge.
We cling to the ridges, trusting their grace,
But we must honor this sacred place.

For this rainforest, more precious than gold,
Is a cradle of life, both fragile and bold.
The Blue Ridge stands, yes, strong and true—
But it asks of us respect, anew.

As we rebuild, we must be wise,
Lest we forget what nature provides.
For the Blue Ridge is still blue—Steadfast and strong—and so are you.

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Western NC is full of Opportunities for Beautiful Hikes!

Our new issue is dedicated to all things camping and hiking, designed to inspire and inform your next outdoor adventure. The magazine is split into three comprehensive sections: "Where to Stay," which highlights the best campgrounds and hidden gems in various regions; "What to Do," featuring thrilling hiking trails, scenic spots, and must-try activities; and "Tips & Product Recommendations," offering expert advice, gear reviews, and essential tips to ensure you have the best possible experience in the great outdoors. Whether you're a seasoned explorer or a beginner, this issue has something for everyone.

Recommended Gear for Camping and Hiking

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Murder at Brightleaf Inn

Set in 1952 in the North Carolina mountains, the Brightleaf Inn is more than a picturesque getaway—it's the setting of a chilling mystery intertwining its eerie history with present dangers. Mystery novelist Margaret Holloway, seeking inspiration amid writer's block, becomes entangled in a real-life enigma when a guest dies under mysterious circumstances, marked by a single white rose. Joining forces with Detective Arthur Langley, they delve into the inn's secretive guests, uncovering motives, vendettas, and legends that bring them closer to the truth but deeper into peril. The inn, haunted by the legend of the woman in white and a past filled with ghostly sightings, takes center stage in a story that blurs the line between the living and the ghostly, hinting at a tragic love and betrayal cycle. As they race against a looming storm that traps them with a killer, Margaret and Langley must solve the mystery to avoid becoming part of the inn's dark history. 

Click here to Read or Listen

Rosemary's Remembrances

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