health foundation hurricane relief information
As our community continues to recover from the impact of Hurricane Helene, I would like to take a moment to thank everyone who has stepped forward to support relief efforts on the Highlands Cashiers Plateau. The storm may have passed, but the challenges left behind are still very much present for many of our neighbors.
But hasn’t it been incredible to see our community come together to help those here and nearby? Churches serving hot meals 3 times a day, volunteers ensuring linemen had clean clothes, businesses and nonprofits working together to gather supplies and drive them to our neighbors in WNC, Bryson Grading immediately asking where they could clear roads: amid disaster, the Plateau community gave mountains of support.
Those first few days following the storm, I spent lots of time at the Highlands Rec Park, which turned into the community hub for those seeking a place to charge a cell phone, Wi-Fi to reach out to friends and family from afar, and a hot shower. But even more than a place for the essentials, it was a place to gather and connect. I repeatedly overheard neighbors offering to clear trees, share generators and food, take in pets, and help find loved ones who had not been contacted yet. Lestor and his team made the gym a home for all of us, keeping the Rec Park open 24 hours a day!
At the Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation, we have been working diligently to address critical needs and connect organizations with necessary resources. However, the road to recovery is long, and our work is far from over. There are still families displaced. Local businesses have suffered tremendous losses, and many residents are facing uncertainty about the future.
I urge our community to continue coming together as we move forward. There are numerous ways you can contribute, whether through volunteering, donating to local relief funds, or supporting businesses that have been affected. Every little bit helps as we aim to ensure that no one is left behind in the recovery process. We are also positioned to be a strong support for our neighbors throughout WNC facing major devastation.
Thank you to everyone who has already contributed their time, resources, and compassion. Your generosity is a testament to the resilience of our Plateau, and I am confident that with continued support we will emerge from this disaster stronger than ever.
Charlotte Muir
Executive Director, Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation
The needs in our region are vast and urgent in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. If you are looking for a way to support those affected by this disaster, consider making a donation to the Health Foundation’s Hurricane Relief Fund. Every dollar you contribute will play a crucial role in rebuilding our communities and providing essential aid to those who have been impacted.
This October, Executive Director Charlotte Muir joined Leslie Manning of Pisgah Legal Services and TJ Smith of the International Friendship Center in facilitating discussions with local leaders to continue coordination of the recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene. With the Town of Highlands recovering well, the emphasis now is on planning for the longer-term recovery and how we can support residents impacted by the storm.
We were delighted to collaborate with The Village Green at their 2024 Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival. The Village Green generously contributed 10% of the vendor booth fees and earnings from their Cashiers Christmas Ornament sales to our Hurricane Relief Fund. Additionally, Health Foundation staff actively collected donations and shared information about the Health Foundation’s recovery commitment. We also want to thank the Cashiers Valley Rotary Club for collecting donations and supplies at the Leaf Festival to support the relief efforts.
Thank you to the members of High Hampton and the participants in their 2024 Member/Guest Tournament for supporting our Hurricane Relief Fund. The generosity and support will make a tremendous difference in our relief efforts. It also gave Charlotte the opportunity to meet the club’s mascots Ed and Fred.
The Highlands Emergency Council is distributing food and a variety of home items to community members who have experienced significant losses during the storm. The Health Foundation is thrilled to assist the Emergency Council in obtaining a $25,000 grant to enhance resources and food supplies. Additionally, we aided in packing meals and organizing their headquarters on Poplar Street in Highlands.
Members of the Health Foundation have been diligently working to support the relief efforts across the Plateau. There are so many of our area organizations contributing with supplies and volunteers to assist those affected most by the storm.
