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PAYPAL

Hurricane Helene Relief in Western NC and Eastern TN
Hurricane Helene Relief in Western NC and Eastern TN

$2,720

Raised

Donations

$10,000

Goal

STAY UP TO DATE with our efforts by visiting our website! 


https://sowgratitude.org/helene-relief-updates


UPDATE: 

We are now transitioning into initiatives focused on farmland and ecosystem recovery. Our next objective is to begin collecting soil samples and sequencing the DNA from flooded agricultural areas. This effort will help us create a comprehensive map of the flooded zones, analyze the DNA of the soil, and assess the ratio of beneficial to harmful species, alongside their functions. With this information, we can develop a protocol to share with farms and landowners aimed at restoring soil health and enhancing cellular respiration. Your contributions will support solutions for flooded land, helping farmers return to cultivating nutrient-rich vegetables.


Additionally, we will continue to address the everyday needs expressed by the three main churches we are collaborating with in Fairview and Swannanoa, NC, as well as Del Rio, TN.

UPDATE: 

In our work across Eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina, we have pinpointed several areas that are in dire need of support. One significant location is near Fairview, NC, where many individuals have lost everything, and tragically, many lost their lives. We are collaborating with a local church to assist 530 elementary school children and to help a family that requires home repairs.


In the Hot Springs area, the town is receiving support, but we are focusing on two families who are in urgent need of help and have not yet received the assistance they require. Meanwhile, in Eastern Tennessee, we are partnering closely with the Department of Family Services to bring holiday cheer to two families who have lost everything; however, they still have each other.


We invite you to reach out if you can volunteer and assist on the ground. As we approach winter, we are also seeking monetary donations, as the needs are constantly changing, and storage space is limited. Many organizations and churches will be closing or leaving the area for the winter months, but Seeds of Wellness Inc. will remain active, along with the churches we are collaborating with.


Please feel free to contact us for further information or if you have any questions.

_________________________

Hurricane Helene severely impacted regions across Florida, as well as parts of Georgia, South Carolina, and made a detrimental impact in North Carolina and Tennessee. I plan to travel through Tennessee during the week of October 1, with the intention of reaching Hot Springs. However, many bridges are out, and roads are blocked. The community in this town exhibits remarkable resilience, coming together in ways that are truly commendable. Unfortunately, like many mountain towns, a significant portion of the population has lived on generational land and lacks insurance coverage.



Hot Springs, NC, holds a special significance for me. I discovered this hidden gem one snowy evening while driving up the mountain from Asheville to Tennessee. It remains largely undiscovered by many, with a population of approximately 540 residents who often go overlooked. The town is steeped in history and community spirit.


Notably, Hot Springs is one of the few towns in North Carolina through which the Appalachian Trail passes directly. Numerous individuals living along the trail come into town to procure supplies. The local businesses are predominantly family-owned, featuring a gas station with above-ground tanks where payment is made inside. The hardware store operates on an honor system—customers can place large orders, provide their names, and return later to settle their accounts. The town is literally a single traffic light town. 


While I could elaborate on the unique qualities of this town, the time for action is now. We have established several immediate goals and will expand our efforts as we assess the community's needs.


As we travel through Tennessee, we will evaluate the requirements of smaller towns, such as Del Rio, which currently lacks a cell tower, as we make our way to Hot Springs—assuming the roads are passable.

Our main goals are as follows:

  1. Deliver essential supplies and assess the community's needs.
  2. Mobilize the delivery and distribution of basic supplies, including toiletries, food, water, and clothing.
  3. Coordinate logistics for volunteer groups to assist in the cleanup and rebuilding efforts.
  4. Partner with local companies and vendors to facilitate applications for rebuilding assistance for residents in the affected communities through Seeds of Wellness, Inc.

As we implement each goal, we will keep our donors informed of additional needs, volunteer opportunities, and provide updates with photos documenting progress.


Surrounded by national forest on all sides, this town is currently isolated and in urgent need of assistance, support, and prayer.