HopeMill is collaborating with other local nonprofits to help facilitate and fund a dual project in Yancey County this summer. We were introduced to Haley and her family when her Pappaw reached out asking for help fixing their home that was destroyed by the Cane River. When we arrived the first thing we noticed were tombstones, vaults, and caskets in what used to be their front yard. A privately owned cemetery with several family plots had been washed away by the roaring river during Hurricane Helene months prior, most of which have also suffered loss and destruction during Helene personally.
With tombstones now scattered along their yard and black mold now living in their home, Haley was trying her best to navigate not only losing everything but a very unique and sensitive situation. Her exact words, “I’ve been trying to tell people what happened here and they all look at me like I’m insane.” What people may not understand is that there are remote areas of Western North Carolina whose roads and bridges are still being repaired 8 months later. Haley’s family had been hiking in and out of the mountain 3 miles taking supplies to folks and trying to clean up through March. Our goal is to raise funding to allow them to reestablish a home and sense of normalcy.
After connecting with several family members of the decedents in this cemetery we have found that they are also looking for hope and assistance on what to do next. Their loved ones were laid here to rest peacefully and their final resting place here on earth was washed away. Some are even looking for their remains so they can be reburied. These were mothers, fathers, veterans, grandparents, and preachers who deserve respect. Our goal is to facilitate the restoration of this local cemetery with dignity and discretion while raising awareness of this unique situation. We are already working with county officials and family members in order to preserve what used to be a beautiful resting place by the river.
Ways To Help
By donating you will be assisting with funding a new single-wide trailer home, purchasing replacement tombstones, caskets, restoration services, and landscaping for the cemetery.
If you are an organization willing to provide in-kind services, donations, or volunteer consulting, please reach out to Amber McFetters at amber@hypemill.com.
We appreciate any and all support with this unique project and, as always, for allowing HopeMill to continue our long term relief work!