we're okay - a quick Asheville update

and a list of places to donate

First off: we're okay. We're alive and safe and, as of yesterday afternoon, in Atlanta. 

A giant black oak tree fell down right next to our house but luckily did not hit us and we've been without power, running water, or cell service since mid-day Friday. 

It's surreal to experience how differently a hurricane scale disaster feels from the inside versus how its depicted in the news. Only upon reaching service and Internet did we start to understand the magnitude of what has happened. And still, I can't really fathom it. 

But I do know that the pictures don't do it justice. They can't capture how massive those trees feel and how miniscule they make the cars and houses they've crushed look by comparison. 

Videos can't hold the gushing water rushing down the French Broad, the strength of it barreling through one of my favorite parts of Asheville, the River Arts District.

Being there doesn't do it either, at least not yet.  

I'm having trouble feeling much of anything besides both gratitude and guilt for getting out. Though as many wisely told me yesterday on Reddit, getting out is the right thing to do if you can. Every person who leaves is one less person that needs supplies. 

A month ago I published a piece about Asheville. The joke of that piece was how quickly things were changing and how quickly I'd started to say “Not my Asheville” about all that change. 

A hurricane? In my Asheville?

Yes. A hurricane, in my Asheville.

Though we've been there for only four months, I feel now so much a part of that place. My neighbors? My coffee shops? My river? Whether others would call me an Asheville local is besides the point. What's true is how much I want to get back there and help.

And, strangely for a cynic like me, I feel some small amount of hope. Hope that if any city can get through this, it's Asheville. And hope that Lauren and I and our two little kiddos can do our small part in making that happen. 

We’re okay, but we are the lucky ones. So many people are not. People who haven’t been found, whose houses have been swept away, whose jobs are no longer there. It’s a tragedy that we are not yet close to comprehending. And yet all we can do is keep going and help.

One thing I remind myself: all feelings are okay and good - let em rip, but in the long run, I want to focus on the actions and feelings that are less about me (I’m so lucky, why did nothing happen to me, etc) and more on those that can help others (how can I do something good today).

Thank you to everyone who is reaching out and checking in on us – it means so so much. Many have asked how they can help: 

Places to donate

A very incomplete list I put together focusing on the most local on the ground spots. Ppl of Asheville who are reading this, if you know of other places, plz comment with deets!

• BeLoved Asheville - An all-volunteer org delivering homemade food and essential items into Asheville.

  • A message from them that I found nice to read: It’s heartbreaking to see our city in such devastation, but amidst the rubble, something beautiful is happening. Everywhere we go, no matter how damaged the area, we are greeted with smiles, gratitude, and hope. The love and solidarity we witness in every corner are overwhelming.

  • Also: All donations go directly to our projects as we have no paid staff

• Homeward Bound - working to help the homeless in Buncombe County

• Help River Arts District Artists Rebuild After Hurricane (GoFundMe)

• WNC Regional Livestock Center is working to recover displaced animals. Here’s a message from them on FB lol:

  • Dozens have asked and I am too technically challenged to figure out how to confidently add a donate button - so - Monetary donations for livestock relief and rebuilding supplies can be made to

    donate@cdro.us via Paypal or Venmo to @Yvonne-Cobourn-1.

    Label WNC Livestock flood relief -

    Thank you! 🐓

Here are a couple lists of places to donate to as well -

Asheville CitizenTimes — How to help Asheville, North Carolina storm and flood victims: Where to donate, what to do (and what not to)

ABC13 News - LIST: Resources, donations, food for Asheville community post-Helene