We will continue to monitor recovery efforts in North Carolina after Helene

KITTY HAWK, NC – Just six weeks ago, 25 counties in western North Carolina were hit by one of the most impactful natural disasters in the area’s history, Hurricane Helene. But the devastation is still fresh in the minds of many.

“Personally, I didn’t watch any news or watch any videos or photos for the first two and a half to three weeks. I couldn’t do it and keep moving forward at the pace,” said Elizabeth Brazas, president. and CEO of the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina.

“Quick water rescue meant getting people off the roofs of their houses and onto dry land. Areas that were not normally floodplains were then significantly damaged by water,” said Kevin Jones, who lives just outside Asheville in Swannanoa.

View related coverage: Local rescue teams and organizations come together to help Helene

Local rescue teams and organizations come together to help Helene

“I remember looking up in the distance and seeing a river where there is no river,” said Brandon Ford, who lives in Boone.

25 provinces were affected. The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina represents 18 of them. More than $29 million has been donated to them and approximately $7 million has been distributed to affected communities through grants.

“I’m signing a letter with a $2 contribution from someone in the Bronx, who I think is a child. And then the next contribution is 150,000 from a family fund in Missouri. It was just amazing,” Brazas said.

View related coverage: The Outer Banks community steps up to support areas affected by Hurricane Helene

The Outer Banks community is taking action to support areas affected by Hurricane Helene

Support has also come from the Outdoor benchesa community that is no stranger to hurricanes.

“We immediately felt a connection with the people of western North Carolina, and it shows in the responses. We were able to send more than $56,000 to support several organizations in western North Carolina, and we plan to make a year-end donation as well,” said Chris Sawin, president and CEO of the Outer Banks Community Foundation.

On the receiving end of the relief, people hope they are not forgotten.

“We are only now beginning to realize the actual economic impact of this hurricane here. People who didn’t have much to begin with have now lost their homes and don’t really have a good way to rebuild and repair,” Ford said.

View related coverage: Legitimate organizations to donate to for Hurricane Helene relief

Legitimate organizations to donate to for Hurricane Helene relief

“There are still people without power, without water, without internet, and that has been more than four weeks. Some roads and towns have disappeared. So every day we learn that there is more need and the extent of the damage and the need,” Brazas said.

“The supplies are great, but in the future we’re going to need a lot more people who are willing to put their boots on the ground and reach out and say, where can I help,” Jones said.

An important question for a community on a long road to recovery.

Western North Carolina communities continue to be in need. Some organizations in the affected areas include the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, WAMY, FARM Café And Hospitality house.