Hurricane Helene has impacted so many residents here in Western North Carolina. There hasn't been such a damaging storm in over 100 years. Most of us were caught off guard thinking a day cleaning up after some heavy duty wind would be the worst of it but we were wrong. The devastation in some areas is devastating. I was fortunate enough to not lose my hone. My damage is minimal compared to many here but still some of the damage is more than I cam handle and the assistance from FEMA being prioritized leaves many of us in a hardship just to pay for what collectively is minimal damage and yet still it is overwhelming. There is debris from trees that have blown over to lawn furniture and fencing. I have minor roof damage and because much of the wildlife has been displaced from mud and wind I have had oppossum take refuge in my attic and they have found it cozy enougj to start a family up there. The cost has been upwards if 2400.00 and they are still not out. I'm all for humane removal but at this point there has been damage from them trying to make a way into the living areas for food. My driveway was completely washed out and I was able to get 5 dumbstruck loads if gravel but still with the significant amount of damage and the rain still heavy enougj to wash it further away it needs to be scraped and the culverts that washed away replaced. FEMA is unable to help with that as it is a right of way and I do not own that part of the land but I am the only one to access it and I am responsible for maintaining it. Needless to say the estimates have been more than I can handle. They are anywhere from 4500.00-8000.00 and if it doesn't get done I will find myself walking up and down an 800 foot incline to the top of the mountain where my home is. My rear window of my vehicle has been damaged and the insurance won't cover it and I don't currently have home owners my septic field filled with water and damaged the floor in my bathroom and while it is recommended I have the leech field rerouted all I really am looking for is to repair the bathroom floor where water got underneath and has caused a Gia soft spot around the tub and I'm afraid it has compromised the foundation around it enough that the weight will cause it to collapse. Still I am more fortunate than some of my closest neighbors. I have been able to get some help from friends and church to do a few repairs but I am up on top of a small mountain and access due to the driveway is troublesome unless you have 4wd. It's not a comfortable place to be to seek for help outside of my own means but I have been encouraged by friends to do so. It will allow me to focus on regaining stability in everyday life. I live aline and as I am able to most of the repairs or have help the materials are addi g up and I have depleted my savings. I have packages I wanted to get to my grandchildren for Christmas and even that has had to be put on hold. O realize there are many people still struggling to get in and out of their homes to clean up and again I feel blessed to have shelter. Just a few miles from my home the small town of Chimney Rock where I have so many memories with my daughter has been completely desimated. It's gone. I am just hoping to get whatever help and support I can to maintain this hone I will probably live out my years in and it has already had minor repairs to keep up with before the storm. I thank all of my friends who have reached out to see if I an OK and that has been a comfort to me and I am grateful to have so many caring friends. I thank you for any contributions you are able to make and I will promise to follow up with pictures and costs so that you can see where and what your assistance has accomplished. Please continue to keep those who have been affected by this storm and other recent disasters in your prayers. You never know until something like this happens how much we are all connected a d need one another. None of us is really independant. I thank all the people who have assisted locally and nationwide to get our roads opened and our lights amd other services going again. It has been a tremendous effort. Thank you.
