Stories

Today was a big day as we continue to deploy our resources, volunteers, and supplies to those in need. Our direct support applications are open on our website. We received requests for assisting with bills, transportation, housing, and heating supplies. The general consensus from the initial applications is that their jobs are gone – restaurants are closed, tourism jobs are on hold, and the economy is rocked to the core. During COVID, these same issues existed, but the government was providing support to individuals in need. Today, the support is on us. Individuals that care and put others first.

Success for us is defined by the support we provide. We are directly impacting lives by receiving real time updates from the boots on the ground, responding promptly with the necessary goods, and most importantly projecting what those needs will be. We have been fortunate through this campaign to raise funds for continued support over the longevity of this disaster. These funds are not used for overhead, they aren’t used to pad pockets, they are used to directly support the families impacted by Helene in Western North Carolina.

How can it only be Tuesday?! We have had a busy start to our week. The Avery County Airport is hopping – helos, planes, trucks, ATVs, volunteers, all working in unison for a common goal. Distribute donated goods as quickly as possible to those in need. Today we achieved a large goal of ours in meeting local representation that share our values and our mission. We understand that supplies will be needed for a long time, with some areas not expected to get their power back on for 2–3 months. The churches and community centers play a crucial role in providing space to keep supplies for longer than a two-week

It is amazing to me to receive emails from all across the globe – following our progress, sending supplies, and participating in any way possible. There is a general sense of helplessness, even for those of us that are in this every day supporting the people in our community. At times, the missions feel so big, yet so small in the grand scheme and scope of this disaster. We are focused on providing relief – food, water, shelter, communication, while also determining what assistance is the most sustainable for the long-term.

Today is officially one week since the launch of our campaign. None of us would have expected to experience a life-changing moment, had you asked us at this point a week ago. We have learned a lot – both positively and negatively. We have adapted. We have responded to every challenge that has been thrown at us. We have supported the community in a time of need with the determination to make a difference.

Our week continued into Saturday, what we expected to be a calmer day, most certainly was not! We had helos in the air from the moment we stepped on the tarmac. Missions are critical at this point providing specific medications to individuals in needs, warm weather clothing as the seasons begin to change, and necessary food and water continue to be scarce in pockets of communities.

Your donations to our organization, Hope Mill, this week have turned a small non-profit into a legitimate player in the disaster recovery mission of our state. We have been in regular contact with state and local officials impacting where, how, and what is being distributed to those in need. Because we are nimble, connected and stubborn, we have fought through the difficulties agencies throughout the state (intentional or not) have placed on distributing aid to those that need it.

What a week it has been. We are exhausted, but we are inspired. In every town we touch down, we see endless support from neighbors caring for one another. Their resolve is endless, and we are beginning to see the light at the end of the first tunnel. Basic needs are being met, access to food, water and medicine is becoming more common. The air traffic over the mountains is astounding. If you have a plane and are in the state of North Carolina, it feels like you are heading to one of the airports near the recovery efforts. The pilot community has delivered in exceptional numbers and the impact is real.

We are absolutely humbled by the outpouring of support that continues to bless our mission. Your donations are allowing us to add fuel to helicopters, planes, and trucks that are working endlessly to deliver supplies to those in need. Donations are allowing us to fill gas cans, carry generators, provide equipment to the front line workers pushing the boundaries of how hard humans can work to fulfill their mission. These men and women are heroes. The heroes that could easily get down the mountains, enjoy electricity and running water, the things I take for granted while writing this.