Resilient Communities
By: Ty Mcfarland, Director of Communications for NCLCVF, city of Raleigh, NC & 2024 Fellow
Folks across the state are struggling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and will be for a while. Communities and families all throughout Western NC experienced unfathomable devastation. Boone and Asheville received a lot of news (for good reason); but there were a lot of areas that weren’t seen before the storm and still haven’t gotten the spotlight. Climate disasters like these exacerbate the inequities underserved communities face every single day.
And that is why our work as fellows is so important. Not only are we learning and growing as part of this fellowship, but we are becoming advocates for environmental justice.
As we experience more climate disasters, we will not only need to improve our communities’ resilience, but also address the root problem: our dependence on fossil fuels. This will take both local, national, and global change; which could take a while.
What You Can Do
We can listen and comfort our friends, neighbors, and/or family members. We can donate our time when it is helpful. We can gather and deliver supplies when approved. We can vote for leaders who share our values and represent our communities. We can commit to becoming environmental and community leaders in our time on boards and/or commissions. We can donate to local and regional organizations helping to rebuild these communities.
Hurricane Helene has taught us that nowhere is safe from climate disasters. It is my hope that as we graduate, we will take what we’ve learned and build truly resilient communities.
Here are some ways to give today:
- North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund
- American Red Cross Hurricane Helene Relief
- Fuel Helicopters to Save NC Mountain Communities
- West Burnsville Baptist Church to provide supplies for the victims of Hurricane Helene
- PATH (serving Yancey and Mitchell– indicate hurricane relief on your donation)
- Fork Mountain Fire and Rescue
- Feeding Avery Families
- Junge Aviation and Relay Service
