ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Nathan Garrison, a 75-year-old Air Force veteran, stood in a hotel parking lot watching loader trucks clear rubble from a road that once led to his home. The trucks scooped up debris, tossing it into their beds in a scene that seemed endless. “I lost everything,” Garrison said as he flicked Marlboro ashes from his beard. “All my belongings ended up in the trash.”
More than two months after Hurricane Helene displaced thousands in western North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, the federal government’s $500 million cleanup effort appeared to be struggling. The hurricane claimed the lives of at least 223 people in the Southeast, half of them in North Carolina.
In the aftermath, entire neighborhoods remained abandoned, with homes reduced to rubble. Residents like Jeff Davis, 62, adapted to living amidst chaos and uncertainty. Many have left town due to the challenges of daily life without basic necessities like potable water.
In Biltmore Village, once a bustling tourist destination, only empty lots and damaged buildings remain after the floods. The devastating impact on businesses and the local economy has been profound, with over 100 small businesses in Asheville permanently closing due to damage and declining revenue.
City officials and business leaders expressed concern over the significant loss in revenue during what would typically be a busy tourism season. Explore Asheville’s president, Vic Isley, estimated nearly $600 million in revenue losses for Buncombe County this winter.
The county’s unemployment rate has soared to 8.8%, highlighting the economic toll of the disaster. State and federal agencies have been working diligently to provide aid and support to the affected communities since the storm struck in September.
In Swannanoa, a rural community severely impacted by the hurricane, entire residential blocks were deserted and numerous homes were destroyed. Fire Chief Anthony Penland stated that there is no timeline for the completion of the cleanup efforts. Currently, nearly half of the 10,129 displaced households assisted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have been accommodated in temporary shelters such as hotels, apartments, and mobile homes across the state. The remaining households have already secured long-term housing arrangements.
Although the temporary housing program was set to conclude on December 12, federal authorities assured that FEMA caseworkers would not require individuals to vacate their temporary accommodations and would expedite the process of finding them permanent shelter. FEMA has allocated $262 million for individual rental aid and home repairs for survivors in North Carolina, with an additional $274 million designated for infrastructure repairs and debris removal. Further financial assistance is anticipated, although the exact amount remains undetermined.
Local officials expressed gratitude for the aid received but emphasized the necessity for additional support to restore Asheville, Biltmore Village, and surrounding areas to their pre-disaster state. A plea for $25 billion in funding was made by North Carolina officials, including Mayor Manheimer, during their visit to Washington to address President Joe Biden and members of Congress. The request includes provisions for repairing homes, roads, bridges, and other infrastructure damaged in western North Carolina.
Swannanoa, a community of 5,000 residents near Asheville, experienced significant devastation, with Fire Chief Penland acknowledging the prolonged cleanup process ahead. Tissica Schoch, a Swannanoa resident, noted the solidarity that emerged among neighbors in the aftermath of the storm. Similarly, Jessie Dean, the owner of Asheville Tea Company, recounted the substantial losses incurred due to the flooding, including the destruction of her manufacturing facility and assets totaling $500,000, highlighting the lack of flood insurance.
Efforts to address the long-term effects of the disaster are ongoing, with a focus on providing essential aid and support to affected individuals and communities.
Annie’s building was decimated by another warehouse occupied by the Asheville Tea Company. “I’m still processing,” said Dean, who established her business eight years ago. “It was so shocking and traumatic.” She is determined to rebuild her business not just for herself but also to exemplify the resilience and determination of the people of Buncombe County. “There was never a question about that,” Dean emphasized. “It’s challenging to remain resilient and strong.”
For those who were already struggling with homelessness prior to the disaster, the situation has become even more dire. Orica Hamilton, 35, was one of approximately a dozen individuals still residing at a shelter located inside a Gold’s Gym. However, this temporary refuge is slated to close by the end of the month. “It’s quite stressful,” expressed Hamilton, who was couch surfing before the hurricane struck. “I currently have nowhere to go.”
