Hurricane Helene early response
What America is known for was on full display.
As first time early responders, it quickly became clear that local humanitarian aid organizations are a great way to find the most dire locations needing immediate support for the bare necessities….food, water, and shelter.
It was simply overwhelming to see people from the affected communities, volunteers arriving from all corners of the United States, and humanitarian organizations and community centers all coming together for one single purpose….to help people in need. There was no discussion of political party affiliation, religious beliefs, or whether someone was an immigrant or a citizen. Everybody worked together to help everyone in need. This is the America that I know. When people need help, Americans are there for them, both here in the United States and in the rest of the world.
Big Ivy Community Center in Barnardsville, NC
Vital local humanitarian organizations
This is our first time as early responders to a natural disaster. Initially, trying to find out where the hardest hit areas were located was a challenge; however, we managed to hook up with Elizabeth Porter, a local humanitarian organizer with www.humanitariantraining.org Elizabeth guided us to some of the hardest hit areas including, Barnardsville, Fairview and Canton….exactly where we needed to be. 700 Waterfilters are enroute from Florida. They are being hand delivered and expected to be in Asheville, NC tomorrow morning. Our dear friend Linda who is keeping our dog Sanuk had no power and electricity last week in Tryon, NC. She said if she had to choose between the two. She would pick water.
Phase 1: Immediate relief for those in need.
Phase 1 of Care4oneAnother Helene Relief effort is winding down. We had great collaboration with Waves For Water Clean Water Corp, to deliver Sawyer Faucet and Bucket filters to people in Canton, Fairview and Barnardsville North Carolina. In an heroic effort, Janiece Marquez (Waves for Water) drove 700 filters from St. Petersburg Florida during the evacuation of Hurricane Milton to get the filters to Asheville in time. Other Waves for Water members came as far away as North Dakota and Texas to support.
professionals and Volunteers willing to deliver filters to those in need.
