On Friday, September 27, 2024, I lost contact with my brother. He is in his second year at UNC Asheville and as my family lost power and my sister reached out to him, checking in, we realized he had been cut off from the world. The heavy flooding, landslides, fallen trees, and all-around destruction had left the campus in a terrifying state of dismay. Many of the residents of Asheville and its surrounding areas were without food, water, shelter, power, or cell service. There was no way to get in contact with my brother as we watched the news, looking into the situation to find what we could do.  

That night, my sister had been emailing and speaking to family members of students who also go to UNC, this led her to information on students who had hiked miles to the nearest fire station with cell service, through torrential downpours and intense conditions just to be able to get into contact with their parents. These students made it possible for us to be notified of the whereabouts of my brother. The next day, first thing in the morning my dad was able to drive up there and after hours of wadding through the demolished roads and completely leveled towns like Chimney Rock, we were finally able to bring him home.  

This is a lucky story. People are dying, and without the proper equipment to help them, they will continue to. Western Carolina is in distress as the current death toll from Hurricane Helene reaches over 100 people. In Asheville alone there are 739 people currently experiencing homelessness, 219 Unsheltered, meaning camping, sleeping in cars, or otherwise on the street. This means that the people who do not have the resources to survive these conditions are at higher risk of not.  

So how do we help?  

The American Red Cross is one of the most well-known and powerful relief teams when it comes to helping people affected by Hurricane Helene. The best thing you can do to help would be donating or spreading awareness.  

These shelters are not ready to handle an influx of goods like blankets, food, and other necessities. Also, most shelters are given discounts on these goods so by donating, your money will go further.  

If you cannot donate, spread the word. Educating yourself is the first step but knowing what is going on and not doing anything about it will prolong the situation. Western North Carolina needs help. Towns have been leveled. Chimney Rock, the historic Biltmore estate, there are entire communities all under several feet of water. Western North Carolina has been destroyed, it will be a long time before the roads are reconstructed.