In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which killed more than 250 people across the Southeast, residents in Swannanoa, North Carolina are still struggling to rebuild. Kris Weil, who lost his home during the storm, miraculously survived by clinging to a tree with one hand while holding onto his dog with the other as floodwaters rushed through the area. Thanks to a rescue boat from Cook County, Illinois, Weil and his friend were saved after nearly six hours in the tree. Weil’s pregnant girlfriend was fortunately in the hospital before the storm hit, and she later gave birth to a healthy baby girl named Sage Nevaeh. Weil and his girlfriend are now staying in tents provided by volunteers as they work towards recovery.
Dara Cody, another resident of Swannanoa, was also left homeless by Hurricane Helene. She and her partner were forced to evacuate their home as the river behind it rose dramatically, destroying everything in its path. Since the storm, volunteers have been helping Cody and others in the community clean up and rebuild. Cody expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and generosity from strangers who have come to their aid. While they sleep in tents near their destroyed homes, they are hopeful for a brighter future, with Cody even considering a tiny home as a temporary solution.
Volunteers from Emerge Ministries, including Shannon Martin Easley from Louisiana and Judy Norris from North Carolina, have been instrumental in providing assistance to those affected by Hurricane Helene. The ministry has mobilized dozens of volunteers from around the country to help with cleanup and relief efforts in Swannanoa and other affected areas. Martha Hershberger and her husband, Roy, from Shekinah Christian Fellowship in Ohio have been serving hot meals to residents, estimating they serve between 1,500 and 2,000 meals per day. They have encountered numerous people who have lost everything and are in need of ongoing support as they recover.
Several volunteers from Ohio and Maryland have also traveled to Swannanoa to deliver supplies and services to those in need. They emphasize the long-term recovery efforts that will be required to help the community rebuild after the devastation caused by the hurricane. Barbara Kaufman, David Hawkins, and Michele Payton are among those who have provided assistance with cleaning damaged homes, recognizing the urgent need for support in the region. The volunteers are urging for more people to get involved in the relief efforts to ensure that those affected by the storm receive the help they need.
The impact of Hurricane Helene on Swannanoa and surrounding areas has been compared to a war zone, with many residents still sleeping in tents as they work to recover and rebuild in the wake of the disaster. The storm caused extensive damage across seven states and resulted in 26 North Carolinians being reported missing. Despite the challenges, the community has come together to support one another, with volunteers from across the country offering their assistance and resources to help those in need. The resilience and determination of residents and volunteers alike are helping to bring hope to a region that has been deeply affected by the devastation of Hurricane Helene.
