On September 26th, 2024, hurricane Helene, one of the most powerful storms on record, brought devastation and destruction to Western North Carolina. In addition to the lives lost, and the people who are still missing, there was no water, electricity, or basic services for a month, or longer. The storm wreaked havoc on property, buildings, critical infrastructure, and the environment. It has changed the lives of many here forever.
The people here are strong and resilient, however, many of their lives have been changed forever. The impact on the economy here has been devastating as well.
This video and the song behind it, The Cafe Near the Edge of Town, celebrates the loving community here that has come together and supported each other. The Cafe represents the places we gather to share our hopes, challenges, repair our world, and love each other.
Funding from the government and private sources is not sufficient and has all but dried up. Now, months after the disaster occurred, the community is struggling to return to normal, if it is even possible.
THE FOLLOWING LOCAL CHARITIES HAVE BEEN OUTSTANDING IN HELPING THE MANY WHO HAVE BEEN SEVERELY IMPACTED HERE IN WNC BY HURRICANE HELENE. PLEASE CONSIDER DONATING:
Beloved Asheville - https://www.belovedasheville.com/
Valley Strong Disaster Relief - https://www.valleystrongdisasterrelief.org/
Save Beacon Village (Swannanoa, NC) - https://savebeaconvillage.org/
Red Truck Men Rescue & Relief - Black Mountain, NC - https://redtruckmen.org/event/red-truck-men-rescue-relief-black-mountain/
Samaritans Purse - https://www.samaritanspurse.org/
Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry https://www.svcmblackmountain.org/
Please listen below and download the song FREE .
Special Thanks to Trailhead Restaurant, Black Mountain, NC and Michael Flanagan. owner and manager of the Café, and a great supporter of the local people.
Thanks also to Tonya Engelbrecht, Lookout Brewing, Black Mountain, NC for her wonderful community pictures following the hurricane. Lookout Brewing served as an amazing community icon in the aftermath of Helene.
