07/12/2026
Written by our NC Advocate who is also a Helene survivor
It's breaking my heart to read the messages that come in every day from families asking for help. The hardest part is knowing there are so few resources left to offer.
When people reach out, they are swallowing their pride. Many others never ask at all—they simply go without because they're too embarrassed or have lost hope.
I have personally met people surviving on little more than canned vegetables from food pantries because that's all they have. I've seen elderly residents give up and move into nursing homes because they can no longer afford to live independently. I know of a mother who is considering giving up custody of her children because, after paying for childcare, she cannot earn enough to provide for them.
In my 56 years in Western North Carolina, I have never seen suffering like this.
Yes, places like Lake Lure, Swannanoa, and Asheville received national attention after Hurricane Helene. They absolutely deserved help. But there are countless other communities whose stories were never told. Their homes are still damaged. Their lives are still shattered. They are still waiting.
The messages keep coming, but because donations have dropped so much, I am reaching the point where I can no longer help these families. That thought is devastating, because I know some are losing hope.
If you are able, please consider making a donation. Every dollar helps provide food, essential supplies, and support to families who have nowhere else to turn.
Please share this post, even if you can't donate. Someone in your network may be able to help us reach another family before they give up.
Thank you for caring.
https://givebutter.com/c/HopeforHelene?fbclid=IwdGRjcATAurNjbGNrBMC6rWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHiOEwm7u3bqQ3RQgqpCJIi455aMJWDWujO8PDVExbPVf0D6W5XC7U8r2MC84_aem_XsSy8wZSUTWrFify7sdNtA
