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.
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:
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:
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.
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.
Foothills Digest is a quarterly magazine which seeks to invigorate the sense of community, honor the traditions, and highlight the beauty and resolve of the Foothills region of NC, while giving voice to the art, movements, and leaders who will shape our future.
Each of our themed issues is a deep dive into a particular aspect of the culture of our region. With a strong focus on creating a beautiful printed piece, you can be sure you'll be impressed once you hold an issue in your hands.
We are sold in most grocery chains across western NC, and can be found in most Publix stores across the state. Our content area is generally focused on the foothills of North Carolina and the history of the Southern Appalachians.
Foothills Digest is telling the stories of western North Carolina. From history, to current culture, with a focus on art, nature, and good food, we think you'll find reading our magazine enjoyable. We will always think print is the best way to enjoy our stories, but we also want to share them more widely. In that spirit, we'll be regularly posting stories that you can find right here!
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.
To see more delicious recipes and drink ideas, click here.
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.
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Burlon Craig metal print by Jon Eckard
$100.00 – $150.00 -
I’ll Throw an Appalachia T
$15.50 – $20.00