Avery County's Recovery Hits a Roadblock

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Avery County is facing a new challenge. With bridges washed away, over 20 residents are cut off from emergency services. This mountainous county, home to 18, 000 people, has already seen 400 residents displaced and 120 homes destroyed or severely damaged. Recovery efforts, like building temporary housing and clearing debris, have been slow. Some residents are living in hotels, with family, or in campers on their properties. Robin Ollis, founder of Bridges for Avery, worries about families and the elderly being stranded.

The hurricane's impact is still felt, with sadness and confusion lingering. Across the Southeast, Helene has taken 223 lives, half in North Carolina. Western North Carolina has seen tens of thousands displaced, with $500 million spent on cleanup. In Buncombe County, $600 million in travel revenue is expected to be lost. Asheville has seen over 100 small businesses close due to damage or declining revenue.

Actions