Community Efforts Driving Asheville’s Hurricane Helene Recovery
DECEMBER 3, 2024
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, communities in and around Asheville, North Carolina have put their lives on hold to begin a long recovery process. The storm’s unprecedented flooding swept through with ferocity, leaving behind a trail of devastation that upended lives and erased entire histories.
For many residents, recovery will take years. Amid the destruction, a strong spirit of community and resilience prevails, as individuals and organizations have united from all corners of the country to support western North Carolina’s recovery. All Hands and Hearts (AHAH) has been active on the ground since the beginning, engaging the community in our relief efforts.
The road to recovery – scenes in Asheville after Hurricane Helene
AHAH welcomes and encourages local community members, many of whom have never engaged in disaster relief before, to join the effort in rebuilding and supporting their neighbors. In doing so, our teams of local and not-so-local volunteers speed up the recovery process while strengthening the communal bonds that are vital for long-term resilience.
Renell, who has called Asheville home for more than a decade, shares her perspective on joining AHAH’s relief efforts.
“Massive devastation happened here. We had everything from people who got very lucky, like myself — didn’t have any damage to my home, all my people are okay — to people who have lost absolutely everything. Their families, loved ones, every piece of memory they’ve ever had. We’re here with a woman today whose home has been in her family for four generations. Lots of history here; you can really feel it.”
Standing amidst the mud and debris, Renell found herself alongside AHAH volunteers, hauling out ruined belongings and preparing the space for the next phases of recovery: tearing down damaged infrastructure, sanitizing and rebuilding.
Renell was struck by how many familiar faces she encountered in the process.
“It’s amazing to be here, a few towns over from my hometown in Asheville, and still running into people we know. Everyone has come out to help.”
Removing belongings from hurricane-damaged home
Megan, another local volunteer who was born and raised in Asheville, discovered AHAH while she was already out in the community, determined to make a difference.
“Hurricane Helene came in and ripped through Appalachia unexpectedly. We’re here trying to make every bit of effort to restore people’s faith in community. We’re meeting people where they can’t keep up with the work that’s asked of them.”
Megan’s introduction to AHAH was serendipitous. After searching for ways to contribute to the massive relief effort, she joined the team and was immediately moved by the shared mission of AHAH’s volunteers.
“In one day, I’ve felt the resounding support from All Hands and Hearts. I never realized [so many people] were out there, traveling to help save communities — and now they’re here in mine.”
Asheville residents support hurricane recovery efforts
AHAH aims to empower local residents to become active participants in their community’s recovery. By providing training and support, AHAH bridges the gap between willingness and action, ensuring that even those with no prior disaster relief experience can contribute meaningfully. Our goal is to speed up the physical processes of rebuilding while helping to strengthen a collective resilience that lasts long after the immediate crisis has passed.
As North Carolina works to rebuild after Hurricane Helene’s intense devastation, the involvement of local volunteers continues to be the foundation of recovery. AHAH’s dedicated volunteers embody the profound impact of community-driven relief, reminding us that hope and healing are best nurtured together.
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