The Lowcountry of South Carolina and the mountains of Western North Carolina share a unique bond, despite their immense geographical differences.
The common thread that ties these regions together is the spirit of their residents – an appreciation for nature, from the beautiful beaches in the Lowcountry to the gorgeous mountain landscapes in Western North Carolina. This past year, this bond was strengthened in a way nobody saw coming.
Aerial view of Swannanoa River flooding Biltmore Village in Asheville, NC
The nation was taken aback by the powerful Hurricane Helene, with high winds and flooding impacting areas typically shielded from such disasters – the mountains. While those in the Lowcountry are somewhat accustomed to threats of hurricanes, we watched in disbelief as our mountain neighbors faced one of the most devastating storms in recent history. In the aftermath of tragedy, as communities sifted through debris, assessed the extent of damage, and mourned their losses, many others found themselves grappling with how to help.
For Sea Pines residents Vicki Becker and Adrien Butter, the next step was clear. The next right thing to do was to jump in their car and drive to the mountains, ready to help any way they could.
Adrian Butter unloading cases of water at Valley Strong Disaster Relief Center’s distribution hub at Silverados in Black Mountain, NC
Becker and Butter adore all things Lowcountry and high country and for years have enjoyed the best of both worlds. They spend half the year on Hilton Head Island and the other half at their mountain house in Fairview, North Carolina, located in Buncombe County, just 10 miles from Asheville.
Fairview was one of the areas hardest hit by the storm, which brought widespread flooding, landslides, and major damage to homes and the entire community. Becker, who was on the island at the time, vividly remembers that day. “I was in constant communication with our house manager, Angie,” she recalled.
It was shocking for Becker to hear about the storm’s power from a distance. Who would ever expect a hurricane to hit the mountains?
Swannanoa River flooding on Tunnel Road in Asheville NC
When Becker and Butter made it up to the mountains to assess the damage, they were thankful that their house remained intact, but Becker couldn’t ignore the devastation around them. “We could see mudslides from our back deck,” she said. “Entire homes were completely washed away.”
Having already faced the heartbreak of Hurricane Matthew on Hilton Head back in 2016, Becker understood the pain and suffering that the people of North Carolina were enduring.
The couple made four trips from Hilton Head Island to Buncombe County over the next month, delivering new and donated items to those in need. They brought water, nonperishable foods, clothing, blankets, coats and boots, and monetary donations collected from friends and neighbors in Hilton Head, as supplies were scarce. Becker described the situation as witnessing entire neighborhoods and towns “living in limbo.” Residents struggled to replace basic necessities like clothing, and every aspect of life felt uncertain.
Hurricane Helene not only left many without shelter but also forced residents into transitional housing, which was limited and hard to find. With an already precarious housing situation exacerbated by the aftermath of the storm, local organizations stepped in to offer support. Through their numerous trips, Becker and Butter forged connections not only with their Fairview neighbors but also with various organizations dedicated to relief efforts. Becker said she is passionate about helping her neighbors because if they hadn’t had their home on Hilton Head and if their North Carolina property had been extensively damaged, they might have found themselves living in a tent or an RV.
Flooding by one of the many streams washes out a road in Western North Carolina
One organization in particular has been specifically meaningful to Becker and Butter. The congregation of Covenant Community Church, led by Pastor Sam Burleson, transformed an unused parcel of land in front of the church into an RV park, The Village at Covenant Community, for those in need of housing. They are currently prepared to accommodate up to 30 families. The community has rallied together, and Becker said that 36 RVs were donated for families to use.
Pastor Burleson and the congregation are working closely with local school districts to identify families who require housing assistance. This is a massive collaborative effort between the school district, the church, and the local township, as The Village seeks donations and assistance with electrical and water hook-ups. Given the extensive cleanup required after Hurricane Helene, some families might find themselves needing to reside in The Village for years to come.
The Village has become a beacon of hope for Buncombe County residents. Although the effects of Hurricane Helene are devastating, organizations like Covenant Community Church show the power of the kindness of strangers and, Becker said, it has motivated her to seek out organizations that can provide a “tangible and compassionate response.”
One of the many landslides during hurricane Helene severely damages a roadway
From the Lowcountry to the High Country event
Western North Carolina has a long road ahead and, while many of their organizations are making great gains, the needs are vast and they need more help. As a result, Becker and Butter joined forces with a group of other Hilton Head locals to create a fundraising event, From the Lowcountry to the High Country, to bring awareness of the devastation left behind by Hurricane Helene.
Cathie Rasch, event chair, has worked tirelessly to help those who have been affected by the storm. She is driven by the extensive homelessness in Buncombe County and feels a deep concern for those who have a “new normal.”
“In Buncombe County, right now ‘normal’ may be living in a tent, a camper, or a tiny house,” Rasch said. “I can’t imagine trying to live with my children in any of those situations.”
Photo from Live Storm Chasers Facebook post, taken by Marcia Martin
From the Lowcountry to the High Country will be held April 8 at 5:30 p.m. at Providence Presbyterian Church, 171 Cordillo Parkway on Hilton Head. This event is a call to the community to come meet five organizations that are directly assisting hurricane victims in North Carolina.
“We want to raise awareness of the struggles of the people in the mountains in hopes that our Lowcountry neighbors will reach out to help our neighbors in Western North Carolina who are in desperate straits,” Rasch said. The event is backed by a strong group of volunteers who are keenly aware of just how dire the situation is. Rasch and her team encourage islanders to come to the event to learn more, and to help by donating to provide essential relief, housing assistance, and rebuilding efforts.
Donations will benefit Valley Strong Disaster Relief, Fairviewstrong.org, Covenant Community Church, Rotary Club of Asheville, Rotary Club of Hilton Head Island.
For more information contact Vicki Becker at (412) 230-7601 or vbecker1960@gmail.com.
