It has been weeks since Helene brought such devastation to Western North Carolina, and in that time, I’ve witnessed the impact on so many of our towns and communities firsthand. Especially the areas that were hit the hardest; the RAD, Biltmore Village, Swannanoa, Barnardsville, Chimney Rock, deep Fairview, Spruce Pine, and so many others. We were blessed at our home in Candler, with our animals and family pod – to only Be without electricity and water for 6 days, and have 2 feet of water in our crawlspace. That’s with a creek in our backyard, which turned into a small river. I felt so grateful for the blessings of commUnity and connection that has come out of these challenges.
And, the level of destruction across these beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains has been difficult to process—it feels almost beyond comprehension. Having lived here for over 11 years and have traveled our familiar roads, I’ve found myself, more than once, unsure of where I was in places I’ve known so well. My heart feels incredibly heavy as I continue to take it all in. I still haven’t given myself the space to grieve for the destruction in these mountains, and those who have lost their lives and homes.
The road ahead may be long and challenging, but one thing I know for sure: our community is strong and incredibly resilient. It has been such a blessing to witness everyone come together, embodying the true spirit of what it means to be a neighbor.
We’re on the path to recovery, and progress is being made every single day. Please continue to show your support for Western North Carolina. Support our small businesses, our restaurants, and our nonprofits. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference.
I’m here for you and ready to help with anything you might need. Whether you’re seeking vendor recommendations, brainstorming renovation ideas, or need assistance with tree clearing and debris cleanup, please feel free to reach out. We’re all in this together, and I’m dedicated to supporting you in any way I can. Together, we can rebuild Western North Carolina stronger and better than ever.
If you’re considering contributing financially to local organizations, please take a look at the following options:
BeLoved Asheville – https://www.
Mountain Pet Rescue – https://www.
Helene Rebuild Collaborative – https://hurricanehelenewnc.
Manna Foodbank in Asheville – https://www.
With Love and Gratitude,
Jason & the New Earth AVL Realty Team
