Community Outreach
Hurricane Helene Reflection
By Jess Daily
Dear friends, family, and community near and far,
Words fall short of describing what has happened here, in the quiet, wistful part of the Appalachian Mountains in Western North Carolina. Yet, there is so much to say about the recent events that have shifted the consciousness of many of us living here. Many of you have reached out with care, concern, loving-kindness, and a desire to help. Others are curious about what life is like for us now and what exactly has happened.
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The storm has left its mark on our lands and our hearts, and it has also revealed the profound strength of this community. The devastation is real. Many have lost everything: homes, roads, bridges, familiar gathering places, schools, forests, many systems, and the normalcy of life—and there are wounds that will take time to heal. But in the midst of loss, something beautiful has emerged: a deep sense of unity, compassion, and resilience, and lots of good meals.
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It is humbling, to say the least, to witness the raw power of Nature. During these powerful times, I have felt compelled to bow before a force that holds more than the mind can grasp, sees beyond what the eyes can perceive, and beholds the power of the Great Mystery.
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For those of us living in these mountains, there’s a quiet strength that runs through the blood and waters of these lands, a connection to the land and nature that has only been amplified by the flood. It’s not easy, and the road ahead is quite long.
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But tragedy is not the only story unfolding here. In a world where so many things feel polarized and divisive, natural disasters have a way of bringing people together. Regardless of our ideologies, life experiences, or opinions, we stand united as a community. Every day, I hear stories of the exceptional—stories that speak to the depth of the human spirit.
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We have learned to take nothing for granted – power, water, road ways, internet, refrigeration, a ful garden, childcare. We have learned that the smallest gestures—helping a neighbor, offering a meal, listening without judgment—can make all the difference. We have learned that even in tragedy, there is grace. It has only revealed the depth of our hearts and our capacity to rise.
Each day is a step toward rebuilding and there are so many people who are working so hard to make that a true reality. So we continue to share stories, we share food, we share laughter, and we share tears. And in those moments, we are grateful and we heal.
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I have witnessed so much heart so much resilience that I can only hold on to the belief that, even in the face of hardship, there lies an opportunity to harness the power of unity, togetherness, and the power of the people. In the face of tragedy, we find empowerment, strength, and love. For many weeks, with no power, internet, or cell service, we sat together in candlelight—tired but enlivened after long days of answering the call to help. We took care of children, cleaned up, rebuilt, and shared stories, food, hugs, and gratitude.
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One of the things we have all expressed is gratitude—not for the destruction wrought by Hurricane Helene, not for the suffering, but for the shift in consciousness that has been awakened. It has allowed us to meet our neighbors, ease someone’s day or life, remember the power of generosity, be grateful for what we have, and recognize that, despite it all, we have more than we realize. We have each other.
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This does not take away the grief. So many places once mapped in my mind and heart are now gone. Some stories have brought me to my knees in anguish for the families who have lost so much. For many, there is a lot to heal from.
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The Appalachian Mountains are known as one of the safest places to live, and even after being touched by Helene, I still believe that to be true. I love these mountains, streams, and forests. These emerald mountains are rich in fertility, and though the river has taken on a new shape, we will learn to know it again. Home is where the heart is.
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Full of love and gratitude,
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Jess Daily
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