I’ve heard this phrase several times over the past 10 days: “Crisis and stress bring out the best in people and the worst in people.”

The damage caused by Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina towns like Swannanoa and Chimney Rock is horrific, but seeing the community come together has truly been inspiring. Neighbors are helping neighbors, and residents are volunteering all over town to help local nonprofits’ relief efforts.

Supplies are pouring in, but the challenge is getting supplies to people who are cut off from the world because so many roads are washed out. The answer: organizing groups to deliver supplies by foot, and dropping supplies by helicopter.

My West Asheville house escaped damage, thankfully, but so many friends and colleagues are in difficult situations. Two of Parks PR’s Asheville area clients are doing their part to help:

– The Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains is working with BeLoved Asheville on relief efforts, while getting the word out through outlets like the Asheville Citizen-Times (https://lnkd.in/e9EQfNGX) with tips for avoiding scammer contractors. In the coming weeks, Parks PR will be working with BABRM and the National Association of Home Builders to create resource materials for people looking to rebuild.

– The Land of the Sky Association of Realtors has been organizing supply pickups and deliveries, while helping its Realtor members navigate this challenging time. Parks PR is working with LOTSAR to have a continual stream of news and tips via e-blasts and LOTSAR’s social media channels (https://lnkd.in/eXyuMCuZ).

One of the best summations of the situation in Asheville I’ve seen over the past few days has been this episode of Al Jazeera’s The Take (https://lnkd.in/e_gAUHuH), which includes Megan Carroll of BABRM talking about BeLoved Asheville’s efforts.

How can you help? Consider donating to BeLoved Asheville (https://lnkd.in/eDvRhbJt), or other area nonprofits that are making a difference, like Brother Wolf Rescue (https://lnkd.in/etSKqs_E) or Manna Food Bank (https://lnkd.in/dEnShwga).