Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts Continue

Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts: A Community United in Action

The Aftermath of Hurricane Helene

Hurricane Helene relief efforts began with the Asheville Satsang on October 1, 2024, just days after Hurricane Helene struck Western North Carolina on September 27. Hurricane Helene was considered not just a weather event but a geological event, as its impact has permanently altered the topography. The landscape, rivers, and terrain of the mountains have been forever changed due to over 1,500 landslides and historic flooding. The economic impact is estimated at nearly $60 billion for North Carolina alone. The loss is immeasurable, and full recovery will take years, if not decades. Mountain culture is deeply tied to the land, mountains, and rivers, making the generational impact profound and far-reaching. 

A Message from Amma

Amma recently reminded us at her South India tour stop in Nagercoil:
"Every calamity, be it a pandemic, natural disaster, or climate change, urges humankind to cultivate three things: Cooperation, Companionship, and Communion. We need to live in cooperation with our fellow human beings, in companionship with Nature, and in communion with God. Failure to do so—even a little—will negatively impact all aspects of our lives."

Coordinating Initial Outreach Efforts : Providing Food and Essentials

The initial stages of outreach involved Br. Ramanandamrita Chaitanya, Keshav Kumaran of MA Center Atlanta, and Rahul Pillai, Disaster Relief Coordinator for AYUDH. 

On October 14, 2024, Asheville Satsang (of MA Center) organized a Seva Day (A day of service) with Br. Ramanandamrita Ji and volunteers of MA Center to distribute food and household essentials in collaboration with Beloved Asheville, a local non-profit. Later that day, we visited the Ayurvedic Institute in Asheville to donate rice, lentils, quinoa, fresh vegetables, and blankets, followed by heartfelt devotional singing and time spent with the community. Additionally, we were able to donate more rice, gently used blankets, and winter coats to the Institute for further distribution. 

Expanding Donations Through M.A.Centers’ Relief Fund

In November, we expanded our donations thanks to the Hurricane Helene Relief Fund, which was established and posted on us.amma.org webpage. With this support, we donated 10 Buddy Heaters with propane and 10 CO₂ detectors to a remote mountain town resource center at Bowman Middle School in Mitchell County, facilitated by James and Teri Whittle from MA Center. 

Partnership with ‘Mission Sheds’ 

That same month, the Asheville Satsang partnered with “Mission Sheds,” a local initiative led by Ed and Barbie Johnson, a family driven by a mission to assist families left with nothing. They construct 8-by-10-foot wooden sheds with a locking door, metal roof, window, heat source, and essential supplies. Asheville Satsang donated 10 additional Buddy Heaters, propane tanks, and CO₂ detectors for these sheds. The sheds are then delivered free of charge via large tractor-trailers to locations between 30 minutes and two hours from the Johnsons’ home. Hundreds of volunteers from numerous states have come together to build these “Mission Sheds.” Our contributions reached mountain families in Barnardsville, Clyde, Canton, and Asheville. 

Bringing Comfort Through Letters of Encouragement

Also in November, 100 “Circle of Love” letters, notes, and cards were sent from MA Center volunteers across the country, including Canada, to many including local North Carolina community members. Asheville Satsang members received and distributed these cards to individuals in need of encouragement. These messages provided great comfort, especially to those living alone or without basic amenities due to the storm. 

Winter Scarves Donation: A Warm Gift of Love

In December, New York Satsang member Eka Reilly hand-knit and donated 30 winter scarves to “Mission Sheds.” The scarves, featuring beautifully textured patterns in various colors, arrived just in time for the cold months when many still lacked adequate heating. Barbie Johnson of “Mission Sheds” shared that she distributed the brighter-colored scarves to the Asheville folks and the more subdued colors to the farmers.

New Supplies: Providing Laundry Detergent

By February 2025, we had added laundry detergent to the list of supplies provided inside each “Mission Shed.” This unexpected but essential item has been especially appreciated by families, as the devastation from landslides, mudslides, and flooding has destroyed countless homes, vehicles, workplaces, and possessions. Access to laundry detergent helps maintain cleanliness and dignity during these difficult times. We hope to continue supplying more and are actively seeking new ways to raise donation support. 

There is no end to the need, and just today, a New York Amma friend reached out to donate beautiful clothes for babies and toddlers," shared Devika Kucharczyk of the Asheville Satsang. 

Providing Paper Plates and Cups for Displaced Families

Additionally, we have been able to fulfill the need for paper plates and cups, which are now included in the “Mission Sheds” to help families eat properly, as running water remains unavailable for many. These sheds are often placed on the recipient’s property where their home once stood before being condemned or washed away. Many have transitioned from living in tents to residing in their “Mission Shed.” 

"They are thankful for just a little shed. Even if we gave them nothing, they’re thankful. I’ll never forget them," said Barbie Johnson after delivering a “Mission Shed” to a family affected by Hurricane Helene. 

Media and Social Presence Strengthen the Relief Efforts

Initially, local fire departments helped identify those in greatest need, but as media coverage expanded, the relief effort grew organically through news and social media platforms. "As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. Seeing images of people standing in front of their new sheds filled with supplies—some of which we contributed—is very meaningful for our Satsangs. You can feel the people's hearts smiling and their relief," shared Smita Hanley of the Asheville Satsang. 

Ongoing Challenges and the Road to Recovery

However, even after four months, the reality of recovery remains stark. As one local resident expressed: 

"It’s really hard. It changes you. I never thought I’d have to worry about people freezing to death in this country."

Last week, 30 volunteers who had been building and delivering “Mission Sheds” were able to take a well-deserved break and enjoy locally cooked meals on our donated biodegradable paper plates, along with warm beverages in our sustainably sourced paper cups. 

Continuing the Relief Mission

Inspired by Amma’s message of love and service, volunteers from the Asheville and New York M.A.Centers continue to support this ongoing relief effort.

Our initial funding came from Amma Hurricane Helene Relief donations, organized with the help of MA Center Atlanta. The primary beneficiaries are the people of Western North Carolina—families of poor or modest income who have lost everything. The relief efforts span a vast geographical area, and we hope to reach even more people in need.