I just returned from a 24-hour trip to Swannanoa NC. I did not have much time to travel around, but from what I could see, there has been some progress in cleanup. I've been told that it's been tough to get out and work through the cold winter. Most of the businesses along NC 70 aren't coming back as far as I can tell. "Normal" will be different.

I heard from a family member that the Dynamite Coffee Roasters on highway 70 near black mountain has had 100% turnover since the storm. All of the employees working there have been displaced in some way. I can only imagine that a similar story has been told many times over throughout the region.

Through volunteer efforts and many generous actions, my wife's parents moved back into their home two weeks ago.

Take action when you see a need. No one is coming to save you, but you might be able to save your neighbor.

#wnc #helene