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In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, within The Cliffs communities of Western North Carolina and South Carolina, and beyond have come together in a powerful display of resilience, generosity, and strength. The stories that have emerged from this disaster are not just about the destruction left in the hurricane’s wake, but about the unwavering spirit of neighbors and strangers alike, all working toward recovery and rebuilding. Clearly, the road ahead is still long, but these communities have already shown what it means to stand together.
The community of Swannanoa, NC was hit hard. A local woman living along the Swannanoa River was in her home swept away by the rushing waters. Clinging to the last piece of her home, a rafter, she was carried down the river for thirty minutes before finally reaching a shoreline where she was rescued by a group of people who had ventured far out to pull her to safety. Her home, her belongings, and her sense of stability were all gone. Like so many others, she now faces the massive challenge of rebuilding her life from scratch.
Carolyn, the Director of Sales at Fairview Custom Homes, shared reflections from friends and residents in The Cliffs Communities who had been on the ground and directly involved in the recovery efforts. One friend recounted his connection with a group called the "Red Truck Men," a faith-based organization from Charlotte. These men, many of whom are veterans, began their relief efforts at First Baptist Church in Black Mountain, North Carolina, and have since moved to a local music venue, The Railyard, to accommodate the growing need. The group has been tirelessly organizing distribution centers, dispatching volunteers to clear roads, and providing meals to those in need.
What stands out in this story and others like it, is the unwavering humanity behind it all. Volunteers equipped with chainsaws and heavy machinery are not just clearing roads. They were and still are restoring access to families who were trapped by floodwaters, debris, and mudslides throughout the mountains. In some areas, helicopters had to drop supplies like food and water because the roads were still impassable. While some progress has been made, many regions remain isolated, and the recovery effort will extend for months, if not longer.
The devastation caused by Hurricane Helene isn’t just physical. One of the most sobering stories comes from another volunteer who has been working to load planes with essential supplies. She recounted a moment when, instead of loading the usual medical supplies or warm clothing, she was asked to prepare body bags and body tags for transport. It was a stark reminder that not everyone survived the storm, and for some families, this is not just a time of rebuilding—it’s a time of mourning. As she reflected, “This is only the beginning of a long road ahead.”
In Asheville’s The Cliffs at Walnut Cove community, residents faced an extended period without water or power, adding to the daily challenges left in the wake of Hurricane Helene. With limited access to basic necessities, the community relied on the generosity of volunteer groups who brought in much-needed supplies. Day after day, teams delivered water to ensure that families had access to clean drinking water until utilities could be restored. This sustained support made a critical difference, as neighbors and volunteers stepped up to help meet essential needs, showing that even in the darkest times, the spirit of community shines brightest.
Amid the devastation, there is an overwhelming sense of solidarity. In neighborhoods across the region, people were stepping up to help one another. In Taylors, SC, groups of neighbors have banded together to clear fallen trees, lay tarps on damaged roofs, and share whatever resources they had—whether it’s a ladder, a generator, or food. Carolyn herself experienced this sense of community firsthand when neighbors lent her a freezer to save her food and shared ice to help her make it through the day. These small acts of kindness may seem insignificant in the face of such widespread destruction, but they were the lifeline for many. They helped keep spirits high and made the communities stronger.
The larger response from volunteers and organizations was equally inspiring. Groups like the “Red Truck Men” were putting their lives on hold to serve those in need, and donations continued to pour in from all over the region. Everything is needed—blankets, warm clothing, cleaning supplies, infant necessities—and the need isn’t expected to let up anytime soon, as many people lost everything. As the fall is coming to a close and winter months approach, some are still without power or proper shelter and will face new challenges, making it all the more important for communities to continue their efforts.
Fairview Custom Homes has also stepped up to help where possible. The company’s owners took to the streets with chainsaws, clearing roads and ensuring that no one in their communities was left stranded. This small gesture is a reflection of a larger truth—that recovery is a collective effort, and everyone has a part to play. Whether it’s through manual labor, donations, or simply offering a word of encouragement, every contribution counts.
As the weeks have gone by, signs of recovery are well on their way. Along Highway 25, linemen, tree removal services and trucks carrying supplies continue heading north to serve the hardest-hit areas. This contrast between destruction and recovery offers a glimpse of hope amidst the devastation Helene created. The Cliffs communities & many miles of surrounding areas were shaken by the storm and are finding their footing once again and will continue to help others find theirs.
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