Anxiety and depression are expected to rise
Plus: Demand for wells increases; Buncombe County Schools to reopen Friday; Canton mill sale in limbo; Channing Tatum surprises relief volunteers in Asheville
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The past few weeks have taken a toll on mental health in Western North Carolina. People have lost family members, friends, homes and businesses, and driving through some of the harder hit areas this weekend, not much has changed. Debris and mud are still piled along roads and riverbanks, supply distribution sites are still in full swing, and many people are still figuring out what’s next.
The risk of anxiety and depression is high, experts say. The state released a list of therapists offering pro bono services to Hurricane Helene victims, WLOS reported.
While the stress, uncertainty and loss is felt by people of all ages, I’ve thought often about the younger children who may not fully understand. Do they know what’s happened? Are they looking forward to returning to school? Will they know what the gaps mean when attendance is taken on that first day back?
Silverados, a bar and live music venue in Black Mountain, has been transformed into a collection and distribution site. This photo was captured of a volunteer helping load a family’s car. (Photo courtesy of Rey Castillo Jr.)
I’ve also thought about the teenagers, like my brother, who understand a little better and spent those first few days after the hurricane worried about the friends who couldn’t be reached by phone, stressing until they finally received word that they were alive and safe. People on the outside who couldn’t reach their friends and family members in Western North Carolina experienced that same feeling.
Are they alive?
Nobody should have to go through that. I imagine it’s something they’ll think about every time they hear rain hitting their windows, which is why seeking therapy during this time is important.
North Carolina Health News reported on displaced families, many from Asheville, gathering in Chapel Hill last week to learn about ways to cope and heal from the trauma caused by Hurricane Helene. Nivee Roy, a licensed professional counselor from Charlotte, told N.C. Health News that addressing the trauma in the early months following a disaster is crucial.
“Kids are people. They’re little people, but they’re people nevertheless,” Roy said. “They have feelings and emotions, and because this disaster was so monumental in its dimensions, it’s sometimes so hard to comprehend.”
Many children will return to school later this month (if they haven’t already). Let’s hope it will create a sense of normalcy as the region continues to heal. —Lindsey Banks
Here’s the latest news from the mountains:
Potable water still a challenge: Demand for drinking water wells has surged in Buncombe County. Over 100 well-drilling permits were filed in early October, with Asheville City Schools beginning to install wells as a backup water source. Well-drilling is a complex process, requiring permits and specialized equipment, and costs anywhere from $12,000 to $28,000. (North Carolina Health News)
Potential ‘mass exodus’ of food service workers: With damaged housing and job losses, many workers in Asheville’s hospitality industry are considering leaving, potentially affecting the local economy. The high cost of living and limited affordable housing, combined with storm damage, have strained the service sector. (Asheville Citizen Times)
Officials caution heating homes: As temperatures drop, North Carolina officials are urging safety precautions for heating homes to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning from improper use of gas or wood-burning heat sources. Residents should use only dry, seasoned wood, generators and fuel-burning devices should never be used indoors, and vehicles should not idle in garages. (WFAE)
Farming communities jolted: In regions like Cruso and Crabtree, farmers have lost harvests, livestock and topsoil, with fields left littered with debris, rocks and fallen trees. The Mountaineer looks into the challenges faced by families like the Hargroves, who lost a member to the flood, and others who are struggling to recover, rebuild fences and find new ways to cultivate their damaged fields. Despite the losses, many remain determined to rebuild and continue farming.
Buncombe County Schools reopening: Buncombe County Schools will resume classes on Friday (Oct. 25), operating on a two-hour delay until Nov. 1 to adjust to new bus routes. All 45 schools have power, internet and non-potable water, with drinking water being delivered. Staff returns Wednesday (Oct. 23), and the first semester is extended to Jan. 24, 2025. Asheville City Schools will restart on Monday (Oct. 28). (Blue Ridge Public Radio)
Canton mill in limbo: Canton, a town in Western North Carolina, faces renewed challenges after Helene damaged its closed paper mill and wastewater facility. A potential buyer of the mill, E.J. Spirtas Group, is reconsidering the purchase and seeking price reductions due to storm-related damage. Legal disputes between Pactiv Evergreen and Spirtas continue over the sale and redevelopment of the mill. (Carolina Public Press)
An embalmer worked by flashlight as the floodwaters rose: Lonnie Denny, an embalmer at a funeral home in West Jefferson, talked with The Charlotte Ledger about what it was like trying to tend to the deceased as the flooding was happening.
Trump visits Swannanoa: During his visit to Swannanoa yesterday, former President Donald Trump criticized FEMA’s response to Helene. (Asheville Citizen Times)
More state relief: The N.C. General Assembly is expected to convene Thursday for a one-day session to consider additional storm relief measures.
Celebrities hand-deliver supplies to Western North Carolina; Channing Tatum, Lainey Wilson
A truckload of supplies arrived at the WNC Farmers Market in Asheville on Wednesday. Among the donated items brought for nonprofit MANNA Food Bank — a star-studded surprise.
Actor Channing Tatum hand-delivered the supplies and helped relief volunteers unload the truck.
“He jumped right in to work with our crew, handing out food and resources,” MANNA Food Bank CEO Claire Neal said on Facebook. “It was wonderful to see all the smiles he brought to the families at the WNC Farmers Market distribution.”
Channing Tatum helped distribute supplies in Asheville on Wednesday. (Photo courtesy of MANNA Food Bank Facebook)
Tatum, known for “Magic Mike,” “Step Up” and “21 Jump Street,” was in North Carolina filming a new movie called “Roofman” in the Charlotte area, the Charlotte Observer reported.
On Monday, country music star Lainey Wilson hand-delivered supplies to the Chimney Rock village, WBTV reported.
“The Village is appreciative of efforts to bring awareness and support to our community,” a spokesperson from the sheriff’s department said.
Other celebrities including Dolly Parton, Tom Brady, Morgan Wallen, Taylor Swift, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds have donated to relief efforts, too, according to this list from Forbes.
Photo of the day: When treasured possessions become debris
People’s possessions that were carried away by floodwaters are now referred to as “debris.” Toys are among them. (Photo courtesy of Rey Castillo Jr.)
WATCH: A WLOS reporter documents the devastation in Swannanoa more than 3 weeks after Helene
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Lindsey Banks is a staff reporter with The Charlotte Ledger. Reach her at lindsey@cltledger.com.
How to help
Many organizations have deployed groups across the region, tasked with distributing food, water and supplies. You can donate to their efforts at the links below.
Hearts with Hands, a local disaster relief organization, has a donation page to provide food, supplies and water.
United Way of North Carolina has established a fund to help residents affected by the flooding.
MANNA Foodbank, which serves 16 counties in Western North Carolina, is accepting food, supplies and monetary donations. The organization’s warehouse on Swannanoa River Road in Asheville was damaged by the hurricane.
The American Red Cross is accepting donations to help residents in the Southeast.
Samaritan’s Purse, which is headquartered in Boone, is scheduling volunteers to help with debris cleanup.
Operation Blessing has a donation page to provide food, supplies and water.
E4E Relief, a Charlotte-headquartered provider of emergency financial relief programs on behalf of corporations, is accepting donations for their newly established Hurricane Helene Community Fund, offering financial support to individuals with long-term impacts from Hurricane Helene.
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Executive editor: Tony Mecia; Managing editor: Cristina Bolling; Staff writer: Lindsey Banks; Business manager: Brie Chrisman