Hurricane Helene Update – Ways to support WNC and the High Country

Artwork by Snow in July Designs

Nineteen years ago, I was living in Slidell, LA. I grew up there and my ancestors all derive from southeast LA and New Orleans. We were hit by Hurricane Katrina and life was never the same. It’s surreal to be living through this experience again. That being said, the amount of support that Watauga has received is mind-blowing. Relief and supplies came swiftly due to the fact that *most* of the main highways in and out of Boone remained passable. Also, social media, the internet and the speed of information in 2024 versus 2005 has been nothing short of incredible. Facebook has remained a place where information is spreading like wildfire, and it’s working, help is going out to places in need. 

For those of you who are from here

I know that right now the trauma and devastation and loss are overwhelming. The place you know and love and grew up with as “home” is gone. It will never be the same. There will be a collective grieving process with those who deeply knew and loved the places and people that are now only memories. It will be a long process. It will be deep. It will hurt. But together, you will remember and you’ll never forget.

Photo credit unknown. If you know who took this photo, please let me know!

What’s happening on the ground

Boone, Deep Gap, Wilkesboro and Blowing Rock were not hit as hard as the outlying areas. Yes, there was destruction in those places. However, areas of Western Watauga, Northern Ashe, Avery, Mitchell counties and our southern neighbors are DEVASTATED. If you want to know the reality right now, it’s touch and go. Travel to Boone is possible and it’s serving as the main hub for more rural supply and drop off locations. Travel from the more rural drop off locations to those who are truly stranded is only possible via 4WD, ATV or foot travel. If you have access to an ATV or are capable of search, rescue and relief in remote areas, then there could be use for your manpower. However, dropping off supplies and helping in Boone is where many folks are going. Right now, many are being turned away so please know where you’re going and know that your help will be received. 

Ways you can help from afar

Churches and supply distribution centers are overflowing right now. Many are at capacity. That means that what we really need will be sustained aid and help in 3-6 weeks. When the first wave of aid ebbs and winter sets in, we will need more volunteers, supplies and help. This is not a drill. People will forget and the news will get old. However, winter here is long and cold and many will be without a home or power for months. 

As a business owner and someone who relies heavily on the influx of tourism in October, I’m concerned for the economy of the High Country. Right now isn’t a good time to travel here. We are devastated and trying to keep the roads clear for emergency and relief efforts. Yet, leaf season is upon us. We are all wondering how this will affect our ability to provide for our families through the winter. Many of us are scared. 

To support the local business you love, consider buying a gift card for future goods and services. From me, from your favorite restaurant, from a local coffeeshop or outfitter. Think about all the places you love and buy from them now for future visits. 

To support relief efforts, consider donating to local agencies in Boone like…

Hunger & Health Coalition
Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture
The Children’s Council of Watauga County
Hospitality House of Northwest NC
Watauga Humane Society
Boone Area Chamber of Commerce
Watauga County Immigrant Justice Coalition
Watauga Rescue Squad
High Country Community Health
High Country Caregivers

These are just some of the Boone and Watauga relief locations accepting donations. Each county has a variety of charities that are in high gear right now. Check out the resources and needs for our neighboring counties Ashe, Avery, Spruce Pine/Mitchell County, Caldwell, and Northeast TN Relief info.

Also, I’d like to include the go fund me’s for two families I know personally:

Angela & Christopher’s home and Robert & Lina’s home were destroyed during the storm. Both families barely got out with their lives. My heart is breaking for both of them.

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I’ve had many folks tell me that this disaster isn’t getting national news coverage. Please let the nation know that we are not okay right now. We need help. Will will continue to need help. Please support Western NC by donating to our aid now and visiting us in 2025. If you need information or images to share, reach out to me on social media.

A personal message from me…

From here, the most important thing we can do is stay resilient. This is a marathon, not a race. We have to care for ourselves when we aren’t caring for our communities. The emotion and grief will continue to hit us in waves and we will never forget the experiences we have now in these coming weeks and months. Give yourself grace.

I’m here for questions, resources to share, or just if you want to talk. I’m personally hanging in there and surviving, but it’s hard going through this again. The uncertainty is frightening. I can’t help in the ways I want to because I have a toddler. I’m grateful for our safety and that we didn’t get a tree through our house. I’m also open to travel to other parts of NC this fall and winter for sessions and I’m considering planning minisession in the Raleigh-Durham area in November/December.

I love our town and my community here. I left my first home after Katrina in the diaspora after the disaster. I won’t let Hurricane Helene wash me away. We will persevere and get through this together. #boonestrong

Photo me at a wedding on 9/21/24. We had no idea what was coming.