UPDATE: We will continue bumping this thread to keep the communication lines available.
...”I live in the Western part of the US; reading these comments is like listening in on a (telephone) party line. This is the first I’ve heard firsthand live reports from the people directly affected. For the first time there is no canned, approved spoon fed mis-information delivered by the faceless and unaffected paid to be there.”….
Which is exactly the reason we keep this thread going!
As the areas in Eastern Tennessee, Western North Carolina and the Western gulf coast of Florida continue recovery operations from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, our thoughts are with those who are still impacted and dealing with the long-term recovery process.
If you have stability and the ability to communicate, we are wondering how you guys are doing.
Can we get a Standing Ovation for our hardworking Linemen? pic.twitter.com/jyP2hmbqub
— Still🏝️Roaming (@roaming_rn) October 17, 2024
Working with several ground groups, we have sent toolboxes and resources into the area for the arduous tasks that remain. There are many who feel overwhelmed; just know our thoughts and deepest prayers remain with you. It will get a little better every day.
Resourceful teams (mostly electrical restoration experts) who learned quickly after they helped the Puerto Rico Mountain areas in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria are doing amazing work reaching some of the more isolated areas. These are good friends with a git-r-done approach.
Eastern Tennessee power has mostly returned; however, approximately 23,500 of the 1.5 million customers that lost power, just in the Western North Carolina area still lack electricity as of today, according to Poweroutage.us. Additionally, there are still about 365,000 Floridians without power.
The power restoration in the dense mountain forests of WNC is slow going, some roads and bridges are completely washed away. According to the Associated Press report, “The crews aren’t doing what they typically do, which is a repair effort. They’re rebuilding from the ground up,” said Kristie Aldridge, vice president of communications at North Carolina Electric Cooperatives {link}.
There are widespread rumors and disparate reports of the overall death toll, at last count was well over 200. Anecdotal reports from people in the WNC region put the death toll much higher but are difficult to confirm. We do not want to spread rumors, yet we simultaneously accept this close to the election there is an unfortunate incentive for both federal and state emergency management officials to keep the death toll numbers hidden.
The bottom line is a concern for everyone in the impact areas. Therefore, ground reports are the most valuable. How are y’all doing?
Dear God of grace and strength, in the midst of uncertainty, fear and change we turn to You for stability and strength. Please grant us the wisdom and fortitude to navigate the unknown, the courage to face challenges, and the faith to trust Your divine plan.
Heavenly Father, let Your unwavering presence be our anchor in the aftermath of these storms. Grant us the resilience to face the challenges of recovery with grace and hearts filled with purpose. May we continue to find, patience, stability and fellowship in Your eternal love.
Thank You for guiding us through these uncertain times. In Jesus blessed and loving name we pray. ~ Amen.
The searches for the dead continue to help bring closure to families and respect to the dead…the government and military nowhere to be found.
Excellent story about Red Neck Air Force–Savage Freedoms Defense.
https://www.theepochtimes.com/article/meet-adam-smith-the-green-beret-behind-north-carolinas-redneck-air-force-5758552?utm_source=epochHG&utm_campaign=CFP&src_src=epochHG&src_cmp=CFP
I thought I saw an estimate of damages in Appalachia running into the neighborhood of 35-40 BILLION on here the other day, but now I can’t seem to find it. If so; that is a BARGAIN PRICE compared to the money dumped in Ukraine and Israel. Has ANYONE heard President Trump address this situation AT ALL???
Strike that…I just stumbled across an estimate of $160 BILLION dollars, along with an estimate of 220 dead (yeah…right) and 600 still missing. Quit pissing away money on Ukraine and Israel (Middle East), and get to work AT HOME!
You mean other than his personal donation of millions, his work in raised other 10s of millions, and his comments about how fubar Fema is?
Until he is inaugrated and in office, he can’t even start to correct the governmental agency issues…
Just found this website. I’m still amazed how much work needs to be done in Western North Carolina and how big the needs are. I did come across a group out of hickory that seems to be doing a lot of work getting supplies where needed.
AA Pet Taxi & Transport, LLC they are based out of Hickory and transporting supplies across all effected areas based on needs. Only leaving to groups and organizations where fema can’t take and with people who are truly in need. I think the contact name was Andy 704-472-3704.
I’ve been in touch with Andy at AA Pet Taxi. He answers the phone. I donated. He sent me photos and videos of proof of delivery to volunteers. He’s the real deal in my opinion, as are many, many other groups and individuals listed here on CTH. THIS thread is THE place to find updates and ways to help. Just look back at page after page for examples of private sector groups getting the job done. The government has failed these victims.
Happy to report I finally reached out to Andy. Some kids’ winter coats are on their way to him, misc. hats and gloves to follow. Just wish I could afford a chainsaw. Told him I was prompted to call because of comments made by “the boot lady.” Took him just a moment to connect that dot:)
This is a bald faced lie by the ‘director’ – there are billions of unspent $’s from past events + an entire fiscal year’s worth budget.
Too, it would help if they didn’t spend several hundred million setting up worthless FEMA camps.
Then there are the thousands of campers and RVs that could be housing the thousands of people in need of shelter that are sitting and growing weeds, unused and wasted like those from the past were.
You’re right. I saw them. I took vacation days off from my day job and visited this government RV storage location in Florida. We begged for these RVs for the families we are trying to help. We told them we had a 103 yo WWII veteran who lost his home to #Helene and who needed shelter. Our collective tax dollars paid for these RVs but our efforts to secure even 1 of these “government RVs” for a WWII Veteran was fruitless. “He lives in a floodplain…that’s against regulations…sorry we can’t help you or him”. We learned a valuable lesson that day. We only have each other and can get things done more quickly and efficiently by working together, people helping people is how the good work gets done. We found a veteran rv donor and the WWII veteran who recently celebrated his 104th birthday now has shelter.
At risk of seeming profoundly narcissistic, I really needed to read that. Yesterday I bought up every new hat and gloves set for kids that I stumbled upon at a closeout sale. Then I backtracked here to find a church that could distribute them. Seems like many places are down to cash donations only, or chainsaws and generators, so I felt like my efforts were paltry. Thank you for posting this reminder. I’ll backtrack until I find a church that can use these. items.
Never give up, never think whatever you do doesn’t matter – it does, even if it twas only a prayer 😉
Go to the linked webpage of the post from the previous page, there are shipping addresses for the coat drive – I’m fairly sure hats and gloves would be welcome too.
https://theconservativetreehouse.com/blog/2024/10/21/western-north-carolina-eastern-tennessee-and-west-coastal-florida-check-in/comment-page-12/#comment-11286469
The leader of PSTT provided sworn testimony today on the hill about FEMA being the total disaster it is. They didn’t allow him to speak, but put his written testimony and supporting data into the official record.
While waiting to testify (before he was taken off the list for some strange reason…), he captured this:
” Our efforts continue to help those affected by Hurricane Helene by providing immediate relief of supplies and rescue and recovery.
We have one of our permanent bases of operation set up at:
Maynard Electric
117 Dugout Circle
Morganton, NC 28655
Contact Ronnie Maynard to coordinate your drop off: 828-403-0483
“We would like to thank Ronnie Maynard JR. for his coordination with our team.
The site has over 70,000 SQ.FT, of open storage space available to take contributions. Equipped with loading docks and forklifts to unload your donation.
The site has a landing zone for helicopters as well.”
This is why at various locations fire teams have been set in place…
He made a really valid point about the traffickers. Go to Minute 1:00. “American resolve,” indeed!
The camps…
Contact Us | Congress.gov | Library of Congress
U.S. Senate: Contacting U.S. Senators
I wish thousands of Americans would flood the phone lines of our respective representatives, and just flat out ask what the h&ll are these buildings for? And also ask why the buildings can’t be used, right now, for those living in tents?
Another recent disaster that was very suspicious…
You’re not going to believe this (yes, you are) but the incident commander for the Maui fires was just picked up for r*ping a 12 year old child….and we already know what kind of blackmail the Deep State uses to control people, so there’s that piece of the puzzle.
Speaking of….is the public just never going to get answers on “why” they shut off the hydrants, never used their warning siren system, and sent people in the wrong direction to die on purpose?
Keep in mind this is the fire chief, the police chief was the one that got a lofty raise for moving there after being the incident commander for the Las Vegas shooting cover up, and the Sheriff that was in charge of that same shooting is now magically Nevada’s governor somehow despite being hated by even his own party.
Gee, you’d almost think our out-of-control corrupt government coordinates these all these suspicious things on purpose, or something?
Student Journalist Does the Heavy Lifting Legacy Media Won’t – Calls Out CNN’s Abby Phillip and MSM for Failing to Cover Abandonment of Hurricane Helene Victims
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2024/11/student-journalist-does-heavy-lifting-legacy-media-wont/
Share your burden with out Lord and Savior – despair not.
God works in mysterious ways 😀
Often it takes a major event in someone’s life before they see the light…
More CONFIRMED cases of Western North Carolina Hurricane Helene victims HAVING THEIR KIDS TAKEN AWAY
“I was just with a woman that they took her 3 children, and one of them is autistic. I said, where are they gonna put them? So they’re gonna separate them, put them in foster homes”
“They closed down the food pantry for us, so she couldn’t get food to people. — People are saying that the media is saying that that’s not true, that they’re not shutting down food. They didn’t shut it down. They took it over”
So FEMA shuts down places giving aid to people and then Joe Biden/ Kamala Harris Admin comes in and takes their kids when they can’t support them…
The stories about “DHS taking kids away from parents” you’ve been hearing from people in #WNC are NOT a conspiracy theories.
Here’s how it works:
a) Your 3-generation family home sits on 52 acres deep in the Appalachian mountains, it’s not much but it’s always been home.
b) Helene hits and trees fall through your living room, kitchen, and heavy rain destroys everything you own.
c) You and your kids set up a campsite outside the home your family has been in for generations and believe it’s worth staying and rebuilding.
d) You submit an application to FEMA at a local library computer to get that $750 everyone has been talking about.
e) It’s been a couple of weeks, you’ve been able to get some serious work done with the help of your neighbors and local church members, things are progressing.
e) One day, out of nowhere, FEMA shows up. They do that because you filled out on the application that you were “displaced from your home” and they are coming to check on you.
f) FEMA sees you are in a tent / makeshift shelter combo using the remnants of your home.
g) They declare that this living situation is unsafe and that you need to either move to a shelter or submit an application for a FEMA housing unit.
h) You obviously submit an application for a temporary home from FEMA.
i) Unfortunately, FEMA is so slow at their job, you’ve waited two weeks to receive any temporary housing unit and they are still doing paperwork.
j) Sadly, during this time period someone from FEMA during the application process pinged DHS that there is a family with 2 kids living in a “unsafe situation”.
k) DHS workers are rightly concerned about whatever could be occurring and drive up into the mountains to check on the family and are horrified to see a family living in a tent.
l) They talk to the parents and declare that their kids cannot live like this, that they need to leave at once or be forced to deal with the legal process.
m) The parents are angry, scared, and confused. They try explaining to the DHS workers that FEMA said they could get a temporary housing structure on their land and they have just been waiting for it to arrive while they rebuild.
n) The discussions get heated and the parents who are scared that their kids are about to be taken away from them, get hostile and demand that DHS leave immediately.
m) DHS submits paperwork that the parents were hostile and keeping their kids in an unsafe living situation. That paperwork now lives in the legal system forever and is referred to the authorities.
The complexities of what is happening in #WNC cannot be overstated.
The story above, though paraphrased from things I’ve heard, illustrates how a family just wanting to live a quiet life can be become embroiled in the legal system, even by people who mean well and want to help.
What a wonderful way to start the day… Some Happy News. I can only imagine what this means to these families. I’ve seen the destruction. I’ve talked, hugged and prayed with survivors… but to know what a relief this must be to this family… I can only imagine.
This is what I have been talking about. How do these people rebuild when the land they own is gone. How does a 77 year old couple start over on 712$ of SS a month. When a situation breaks the rules you change the rules to help people. Not point to a section of law and say sorry.
CAMpahs…
Forecast is up to 6″ of snow tomorrow night…
I can’t even put into words how horrific the devastation is in Swannanoa NC.
People in tents EVERYWHERE, freezing.
FEMA is literally nowhere to be found.
An image that gives a sense of scale for some of the wood piles that keep showing up in pictures…
To Camper World
Dear Mr. Lemonis,
My name is Wendy Patterson, I’m a resident of North Carolina and I write to you today to ask you to consider being a part of a new program to provide Rv’s to the 300 people on a waiting list who need shelter after Hurricane Helene.
I’m not asking you to give these RV’s to them but allow for crowdfunding for them using your outdated inventory, 2023 and 2024 that have already been reduced.
If you would be interested in being an active participant in this endeavor to provide shelters with a heat source to the victims of Hurricane Helene, please reach out to me so we can discuss the details.
The users on the X platform are very generous people and if we ask them to contribute to pay for specific RV’s, I’m sure that they will be more than willing to support their fellow Americans in their time of need.
Sincerely,
Wendy Patterson
Wendy, thank you for taking a leadership role in addressing the awful situation. It’s clear that our government organizations are failing to address and solve this situation. It’s individuals like you and the many others who are speaking out are the real leaders. As you may be aware we operate a couple of stores in the area and our team members have been dealt similar blows. My first priority is and will always be to ensure that our team members are safe, stabilized and have their income continue regardless of what happens in matters outside their control. We have done that. Second we are in coordination with the national guard who has been base camping at our facility in Marion, NC. The men and women of the NG have been exemplary. Lastly, it is our civic responsibility to be good members of the communities we operate in. We are permitted to do business and for that we are grateful. This hurricane season has been terrible as the west coast of Florida all the way to the mountains of NC have been ravaged. I’m disappointed with our current administrations unacceptable response and can still see the mismanagement of FEMA as we have been sellers to them of thousands of units over the years. We are aware of the units sitting throughout the southeast idle and are baffled by the lack of urgency to move them, which isn’t difficult. We are also working to see what can be done quickly to our Marion property which has the space to house up to 200 units. Since the national guard has been there it’s been hard for us to repair the massive damage to our infrastructure including our massive campground which the power grid was destroyed. What would be incrementally ideal, particularly going into cold temps would be to find hotels/ motels that we could rent to ensure water, electric and heat. Without power RVs would be like ice boxes and not ideal for the anyone. I would like to personally contribute $50,000 to the campaign to find those hotels and motels where I could pay those bills while other contribute at levels they at comfortable with. I would ask that you and others help mobilize that campaign and help find those motels/hotels for families to stay at. I will dm you my cell phone so that I’m more easily reachable.
This country was built on great people like you and others who are taking this initiative and your work is worth far more than my money. Thank you for being part of the solution that “we the people” are solving when our current administration is failing .
Using one’s voice to affect aid…through his children God can perform miracles.
To @WyndhamHotels;
My name is Casey Lynn, I was an employee/auditor of yours for 6 years & I write to you today to ask you to consider being a part of the relief efforts for Hurricanes Helene & Milton. I’m asking if you’d wish to join myself & many teams to provide shelter.
Temporary shelter across the areas hardest hit where families are reduced to living in tents and are also facing winters rapidly approaching & harsh conditions. I know Wyndham has many properties across WNC and other areas where I and others would crowdfund the cost of the Shelter that maybe your properties can help provide. We have also obtained a corporate company backing with a sizeable donation to get these folks remedies in expedited fashion. I humbly ask you to consider joining us in securing shelter for those who desperately need our Help & a roof over their head. I know what Wydnham can do for the community and what we once did for my own. I was proud to work for Wyndham and I’ve been a part of the initiatives that I believe we can now offer the survivors of these tragic storms. I know it is a big request But it is also one of the last remaining possibilities where red tape, government overreach, and loss of time are minimized or removed from the equation.
Please feel free to DM me for my personal cell or other forms of contact. I hope to speak with someone soon.
Thank you.
Wrong link in the first one…
This legend Shawn & I are gonna be teaming up to not only replace what these lil guys lost at Black Mountain Children’s Home. We are also bringing Santa with us!
Please watch the video, hit the Amazon links below, & help us make an unforgettable Christmas for the kids!
To note: a YUGE thank you to @wurthee1 & hubs for makin this idea come to life! We will work together to see the goal set by Shawn is met + to add a touch of magic by bringing Santa & love to the area! Together we achieve so much! Please read the info, watch the vid + share!
DROP OFF LOCATION FOR TOYS, TOOLS, CAMPERS, RVs, BUILDING MATERIALS & MORE;
1137 RIVER ROAD LIBERTY GROVE RD, NORTH WILKESBORO, NC 28659.
ANY DONATIONS WILL HELP & VOLUNTEERS WELCOME!
A humble suggestion re: kids’ coats — Anchor had a link to Amazon, coats were $26 each. Belatedly realized I might buy the same quality or better on eBay, for less. That way I got the coats and helped small businesses to keep going. Yes, one has to spend time looking for deals, but they’re out there. Saved enough to end up buying another coat. All new with tags attached. Any kid with siblings understands “hand-me-downs.” (I was the youngest of four, so I know.) I just think it’s important that these children receive something brand new, meant just for them.
I just got off the phone with Mr. Ronnie Maynard, who I “found” thanks to one of Harrison’s posts. Mr. Maynard oversees a 70,000 SF facility which is accepting donations. They have a landing zone for helicopters to make deliveries to those still stranded on mountains. In some areas, the debris is 20 feet high and is 40 acres wide.
I asked about the most pressing needs at this time. No surprise — winter clothing for kids, including thermal underwear. A gentle admonition: new garments only, not used.
Here is the contact info:
Maynard Electric
117 Dugout Circle
Morganton, NC 28655
828-403-0483
Mr. Maynard is close to getting non-profit status. You can find him with pictures of his relief efforts on Facebook.
Maynard Electric Company, LLC | Morganton NC | Facebook
Image from his Facebook page: a somewhat tattered American flag still flying amidst the hurricane rubble, with this message:
“After the storm the American Flag is battered but it still stands! It also stands because of the Veterans that have served to protect her! Here is a shout out to all our Veterans! Thank you for your service and we love You!”
If you want to contribute monetarily, they are building tiny homes for people in tents. This is especially significant because a tent means losing custody of children, while a tiny home counts as a house. They’ve gotten the cost of a tiny home down to $2000. That’s impressive because Cabins4Christ has them at $5000.
Now I’m off to find kids’ thermal underwear at hopefully bargain prices:) CC, wish me luck!
You can do it! Here is what I did that worked (in a small town, but . . .). Ask for a manager. Tell them your cause. Show them your phone with a link or two to the story. Ask if they have any way possible to give you an additional discount? In my case, the store shipped directly to NC but I feel that I got lucky, or maybe had an angel! Good luck!
In conversation with Mr. Maynard earlier this week, he mentioned that a makeshift medical center is being opened – the community connected with a doctor volunteering his time. They have no medical supplies yet, just the doctor:)
I asked if we might donate new OTC items, the sort of things one might typically buy for an at-home First Aid kit.
YES!
I mention this because it’s pretty expensive to ship items to NC – $93 to ship toys, so I donated them locally instead. But aspirin and throat lozenges and whatever are light packages. One could also buy OTC online and have the items shipped directly, often for free.
Just a thought to keep the donations going. I rather like the thought of my purchases stocking a new medical center, even if that “center” is only 20 x 20 feet inside a tent!
Thanks! I have more OTC than I can use.
My household will be Santa for a family with FIVE kids. It was all arranged for us by Andy of AA Pet Taxi.
The family home was flooded but they are still living there. The parents asked for a few things for the children, but nothing for themselves. Andy will personally deliver to them. Most items, we will buy, wrap, and ship. However, he has The Boy Scouts and others to help him with wrapping, etc., if that be the case.
Andy’s telephone number is 704-472-3704
He has other families, singles, couples, with needs. I was provided a list of very helpful specifics and a telephone number for the mom in case of questions. One can see the hurricane relief efforts on his Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/people/AA-Pet-Taxi-Transport-LLC/61561764163166/
First Responder calls from the impact of Helene. It’s not an easy listen, but necessary.
“Stabilized” they said…
One of numerous confirmations regarding the horrible, heart wrenching events told here:
https://theconservativetreehouse.com/blog/2024/11/23/november-23rd-2024-presidential-politics-resistance-day-1405/#comment-11333143
An important update. The actual update starts at the 2:30 mark. The first 2 1/2 is background information about Ralph regarding his experiences lending understanding.
Due to the importance of getting to the bottom of this – going to repost this here (is in Sunday’s Presidential thread as well).
There have been a number of questions raised and various insinuations made about the person that released the story regarding the child dying in the cold. Note that the person who released that information at the beginning said they had affidavits and records. The person that made the accusations is basing it on an unofficial discussion they had with a police officer, who said they had no record of the death (which is quite possible even if it is true). Would also note that there is no disputes regarding the repossession of the RV – nor the long list of despicable actions by the local, state, and federal government.
In response to the accusations against him, he has stated that the proof will be shared on Fox News tomorrow.
For myself, I’m not bouncing around like a pinball between various statements – nor drawing any conclusions until this thing is settled. I suspect that will occur NLT than Tuesday, after time has passed from the new segment on Monday. My suggestion everyone else do the same and not allow yourself to be tossed about by the winds.
There are a ton of very good eyes on this situation. For Frank’s sake, hope he has verifiable proof…
Update from Jason Ward on WNC
There are dozens of groups made up of people that have banded together with one purpose in mind – helping their fellow Americans. They all depend upon volunteers and support from the people. One that has been around for quite some time and is native to NC is Samaritan’s purse, shown in this news video – but they are ALL indispensable to the people in need as none can be everything to everyone – it’s a TEAM effort.
“…but they are ALL indispensable to the people in need as none can be everything to everyone…”
“I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything; but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.” — Edward Everett Hale
I seem to get messages in pairs. Two pennies on the sidewalk. Two reminders about fishes and loaves. And now these two quotes, one of which is from you.
Thank you for being in the indispensable category. I pray that others will find their way to this thread.
So, nearly TWO MONTHS later:
Army tackles Hurricane Helene aftermath at Lake Lure, North Carolina | Watch
That’s just moving the debris. Wonder how they’ll deal with the toxins in the water. Two months earlier items similar to this were seen floating down a river:
On the subject of propane tanks, a four-pack refill is fairly inexpensive and can be shipped directly to relief volunteers. It’s 30 degrees in NC. Survivors are still living in tents while FEMA reps live in heated RVs.
Can we please get propane tank refills to North Carolina?
Bernzomatic 4-Pack Green Steel Propane Tanks – Portable and Disposable for Outdoor Propane Appliances – Made in USA 346244 at Lowes.com
Credit to CTH poster, Leavemygunsalone, 11-24-24 Presidential Thread.
Remembered the event, not the entire story.
An example of the left’s disturbed minds – and an excellent rebuff.