The Beauty of Asheville and Its Transformation After Hurricane Helene
First and foremost, my family and I are safe. Thank you to everyone who reached out over these past few days. We really appreciate all the kind words and support. We never expected this all to happen in our mountain town. The Asheville we know and love has changed. Hurricane Helene swept through Western North Carolina, leaving behind a trail of destruction and ultimately changing the lives of all its residents.
Today, I wanted to take a moment and speak on Asheville’s beauty and most importantly, the resilience of its residents as well as share some photos of Asheville’s beauty I have captured throughout the years.
Asheville has always been a nature lover’s paradise. From the majestic Blue Ridge Parkway to the countless rivers and streams, the area is a visual masterpiece. Every season brings its own charm, but autumn in Asheville is something special. The fall foliage paints the mountains in fiery reds and brilliant oranges, attracting photographers, hikers, and tourists alike.
This autumn will be different.
Beyond the landscape, it’s Asheville’s people that make it truly beautiful. The city thrives on a deep sense of community and shared love for the environment. Whether through local farmers' markets or neighborhood festivals, Asheville residents know how to come together. This unity has never been more evident than in the wake of Hurricane Helene.
The Devastating Impact of Hurricane Helene
Hurricane Helene hit Asheville hard and no one was expecting it to be so horrific. The once calm rivers swelled, flooding homes and many small businesses. Tree-lined streets now bear the scars of fallen branches and uprooted roots. Beloved trails have been washed out, and the vibrant fall colors that usually blanket the mountains have been dulled by the storm’s heavy winds and rain. The transformation is utterly heartbreaking.
As businesses closed and homes were damaged, the impact of Helene was felt deeply by Asheville's residents. Families have been displaced. The restaurants, shops, and attractions that once buzzed with life are now working tirelessly to rebuild. Yet, even in this adversity, there is hope. Asheville’s spirit remains unbroken, and the community is coming together to support one another.
How Asheville is Rebuilding and Recovering
In true Asheville fashion, the community has rallied in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Neighbors have opened their homes to those in need, and local businesses are pooling resources to help with cleanup efforts. Volunteers have hit the streets, cleaning debris, and offering hands-on help wherever possible. It’s this spirit of generosity and togetherness that makes Asheville’s recovery a collective mission.
Restoring Asheville to its former glory will take time, but the process has already begun. With a focus on rebuilding damaged infrastructure and supporting local businesses, the community is slowly regaining its strength. Nature, too, is beginning to heal—trees are being replanted, and the rivers are slowly returning to their natural flow. Asheville is showing the world that while the hurricane may have changed the landscape, it hasn’t broken the town’s spirit.
How You Can Help Asheville Recover
Now, more than ever, Asheville needs the support of those who love this mountain town. If you’ve ever enjoyed the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains or felt the warmth of the Asheville community, consider giving back. Donations to local disaster relief funds can go a long way in helping families rebuild their homes and businesses. Every contribution counts, no matter how small.
How to Donate
Here’s a list of some local organizations with boots on the ground that would greatly appreciate donations:
BeLoved Asheville
On-the-ground volunteers are collecting and distributing a wide array of supplies.
Cash donations can be sent via: Venmo: BeLoved-Asheville or PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/belovedasheville
Operation Airdrop
The group is focusing operations on North Carolina after it aided Helene victims in Florida. Pilots and volunteers will deliver essential supplies and food to disaster-stricken areas in the mountains.
United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County
The non-profit helps residents connect to a wide array of resources via it's 2-1-1 hotline. The local United Way plans to help with immediate natural disaster response and long-term support for flood victims.
Donations can be made online here.
Asheville’s beauty may have been altered by Hurricane Helene, but its heart remains strong. This town, nestled in the mountains, will continue to thrive, thanks to its resilient community and the support of those who love it. If you want to help Asheville recover and preserve its charm, now is the time to act. Donate, volunteer, or spread the word—every effort makes a difference. Let’s come together to ensure that Asheville continues to be a place where nature and community can flourish side by side.