Asheville's Struggles: How You Can Help

InfoThis is a summary of the following YouTube video:

We went to Asheville, NC to Help, and its WORSE , much worse

Bikes and Beards

Oct 5, 2024

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Autos & Vehicles

Severe impact and aid challenges in Asheville

  1. The video discusses the severe impact of a natural disaster on communities in East Tennessee and the Asheville area, with some towns completely wiped out and isolated, making it difficult to deliver supplies.
  2. The narrator is in Middle Tennessee, which was unaffected by the disaster, and is working with others, including Jimmy from Jimmy's World and Seth Alvo from Burn Peak, to gather and deliver supplies to the affected areas.
  3. There are significant logistical challenges in delivering aid, as many roads have been destroyed, and there is a risk of trailers being stopped and raided, highlighting the need for careful planning and security measures.
  4. The narrator emphasizes the need for essential supplies such as fuel, water, and non-perishable foods, particularly those with pop tops, as many people lack can openers.
  5. Access to the northern part of North Carolina from Tennessee is possible, but not via the interstate, and resources like fuel and groceries are available there, unlike in the Asheville area where supplies are scarce.
  6. The narrator and their team are coordinating efforts to gather resources from areas with available supplies and bring them back to the affected regions.
  7. There is a mention of the dangers faced by aid workers, including the risk of vehicle hijacking in remote areas, and the need for security, such as carrying guns, due to the lack of communication and desperation in smaller cities.
  8. Travel to the affected areas is complicated by the destruction of roads, requiring detours and making it difficult to reach destinations quickly, with the possibility of having to spend the night due to full hotels and long travel times.
  9. The team decides to stop outside North Atlanta for the night due to the challenging travel conditions and plans to continue to the drop-off point the next day, hoping to meet up with Seth.

Support and supplies needed for disaster relief

  1. The journey to the affected areas was challenging due to blocked roads and heavy traffic, with many places experiencing power outages. Diesel was available at some locations, but gas was scarce as people used it for generators.
  2. Edneyville has become a hub for evacuees from severely affected areas like Chimney Rock, Lake Lure, and Bat Cave. First responders are active, and the public is advised to avoid these areas to let them work efficiently.
  3. Asheville is heavily impacted, but smaller communities suffer more due to lack of communication and resources. Many can't access gas or cash, and their homes are destroyed, leaving them in dire need of basic supplies.
  4. The most urgent need is for internet access to improve communication. Mobile Starlink setups are suggested to help people connect. Essential supplies include gasoline, easy-to-open food, personal hygiene items, and morale boosters like toys.
  5. Volunteers are encouraged to bring supplies to accessible locations like firehouses or churches. Cash donations are crucial as they can be distributed to those in need who can't access ATMs.
  6. Meeting victims of the disaster highlights the severity of the situation, emphasizing the importance of community support and the need to prioritize helping those affected.

Community aids Asheville with essential supplies

  1. The community is actively involved in providing essential supplies to those in need in Asheville, NC. Volunteers are bringing gasoline, baby formula, and other necessities to distribution hubs where people can pick them up.
  2. There is a significant demand for baby formula, as many parents are struggling to find it due to shortages. Volunteers have managed to significantly increase the supply, helping many families in need.
  3. Gas stations and grocery stores are facing shortages and long lines, making it difficult for people to access basic necessities. The distribution hubs are working efficiently to meet these needs, with supplies quickly being distributed to those who need them.
  4. Volunteers are continuously adapting to the changing needs of the community, such as providing propane and lunch meats as new necessities arise. They are also considering the emotional needs of children by providing stuffed animals.
  5. The volunteers are aware of the dangers involved, such as potential robberies, but remain committed to their mission. They are focusing on reaching the outskirts of the most affected areas, which are often overlooked.
  6. Efforts are being made to collect and distribute a variety of food items, including deli meats, bread, hot dogs, and burgers, to ensure that people have access to meals. These supplies are also being distributed to rescue workers.
  7. The operation is well-organized, with volunteers coordinating the collection and distribution of supplies efficiently. They are making sure to maximize their resources, such as fuel, to cover as much ground as possible.

Challenging journey to deliver aid

  1. The group is attempting to deliver aid to North Carolina, facing numerous road closures and detours. They are determined to reach their destination despite the challenges.
  2. Road conditions are unpredictable, with some roads being closed and others opening, causing confusion and delays in their journey.
  3. The team is committed to delivering supplies, even if it means arriving late at night or leaving the supplies on the roadside if necessary.
  4. They encounter difficulties with large vehicles like tractor trailers getting stuck on narrow roads, further complicating their route.
  5. The group is forced to backtrack and find alternative routes multiple times, wasting significant time and running out of daylight.
  6. Communication issues arise as they struggle to get directions due to lack of server connection and unresponsive contacts.
  7. Despite setbacks, they remain determined to find a way to North Carolina, even considering potentially reckless routes.
  8. Power outages are widespread in the area, with 280,000 customers affected, highlighting the urgency of their mission to deliver aid.

Community unites amid Asheville disaster challenges

  1. The ongoing search and rescue operations in Asheville, NC, are hindered by landslides that have washed out bridges, leaving hundreds of people unaccounted for. This has resulted in isolated pockets of people and boil water advisories in effect until further notice.
  2. Volunteers, including the narrator and their companions, have been actively involved in relief efforts, despite challenges such as misleading GPS directions and blocked roads. They drove all night to return home, emphasizing the urgency and dedication involved in the relief work.
  3. The community, including churches and fire stations, is playing a crucial role in the relief efforts by providing facilities and distributing supplies. This highlights the strong community spirit and collaboration in the face of disaster.
  4. The narrator notes the difficulty in accessing the affected areas around Asheville, NC, due to road closures and misleading GPS information. This has complicated the delivery of aid and supplies to those in need.
  5. Despite the challenges, the community's response has been commendable, with local businesses and individuals stepping up to provide essential resources like water. However, the demand for resources remains high, and continuous support is needed.
  6. The narrator reflects on the potential long-term impact of the disaster, suggesting it could be one of the most catastrophic hurricanes in recent decades. They stress the importance of ongoing support as media attention fades and people return to their normal lives.

Community-driven aid efforts in Asheville

  1. A well drilling company successfully drilled a new well at a church and school, tapping into clean underground water and installing a filtration system. This well now provides tens of thousands of gallons to the community, and the company plans to continue drilling more wells.
  2. The initial goal of the visit to Asheville was to assess the situation and deliver supplies. The need for more supplies was evident, prompting plans for future visits and calls for additional help from others.
  3. Five key ways to help the community were identified: prayer, monetary donations, supply donations, volunteering, and direct involvement. Prayer is emphasized as a powerful and accessible form of support.
  4. Monetary donations are encouraged to be directed to Wings of Compassion, an organization founded by Jimmy from Jimmy's World, ensuring that 100% of donations go directly to helping people without bureaucratic overhead.
  5. For those interested in donating supplies, it is advised to connect with local groups and organizations on the ground to determine specific needs, rather than assuming what is needed. This helps in efficiently delivering the right supplies.
  6. Volunteers are advised to prepare for logistical challenges, such as longer travel times and the need to bring their own gas and food to avoid depleting local resources.
  7. For those wanting to volunteer directly, it is suggested to connect with local radio stations or organizations to find opportunities to get involved on the ground.

Listen, prepare, and coordinate before helping

  1. The radio station serves as a central hub for information, operating 24/7 with radio hosts providing updates and needs of the community. Listeners are encouraged to tune in for a couple of hours to understand the situation and prepare accordingly.
  2. Listeners are advised to call in and communicate their availability and resources, rather than showing up unannounced, to avoid becoming a hindrance or a victim themselves. This ensures that help is directed where it is most needed without causing additional strain on resources.
  3. The radio station facilitates connections between those in need and those who can help, with people calling in to express specific needs like generators or other supplies, and others offering what they can provide, such as access to a well.
  4. Potential volunteers are encouraged to listen to the radio before traveling to ensure they are well-prepared and informed about the current needs and situations on the ground.
  5. The speaker mentions the possibility of organizing another trip to the affected area, indicating a need for more supplies and skilled volunteers, and encourages people to stay informed through community posts on YouTube and a text group.
  6. The importance of prayer and continuous support for the affected individuals is emphasized, highlighting the ongoing need for community assistance and solidarity.