Expecting only a couple of days off from work or school due to heavy rain, many of us stayed home in Asheville, North Carolina — a city often called “climate-resilient.” Few of us imagined the devastation that was coming. As the rain poured endlessly, some people were forced to climb onto the roofs of their homes as they floated away in floodwaters. Others, like those in riverside encampments, had to flee the rising waters, while many were stranded without internet to check on loved ones. As bad as any hurricane can be for people impacted, the effects on the local ecosystems is just as devastating. An unwelcome contribution to already existent, severe problems. Speculation is that these natural disasters will become more frequent and severe with the warming climate. As we grapple with the immediate aftermath, it's clear that these events are not isolated incidents but part of a troubling pattern.

The storm affected everyone, regardless of their income or social status. But as the rains stopped and everyday life was disrupted, Asheville’s strong sense of community shone through. Our normal every-day lives were put on pause, allowing for people to come together to help one another, showing how mutual aid could create hope in such a difficult time. Neighbors volunteered for tough tasks like flushing sewage for affected homes, checking on those who were missing, and removing toxic mud from damaged buildings.

Firestorm Books, located in West Asheville, was one of the resource hotspots that were quick to step up. They organized a strong community effort by pooling and distributing resources, making daily announcements, and sharing updates to keep people informed. This was just one example of the many first responders who made a difference while residents waited for federal relief. All over the city, people came out to support one another. They got to know their neighbors, asked strangers if they had what they needed, and cooked meals to share with those who had little left. Volunteers worked tirelessly to restore damaged areas like the River Arts District.

Marina Shtatlender, who lives at the South Slope Woodbury Apartments, shared her story of getting to know almost everyone in her complex during the storm. With the entire city cut off from the internet and other basic services, the residents in her mountaintop community came together. They pooled resources, made trips for gas, shared food, and spent evenings singing around a campfire. Marina said, “I moved here at the start of the pandemic, and let me tell you, COVID lockdowns turned social people into introverts. If it wasn’t for this hurricane, I would have never met all these beautiful people I didn’t even know I live with!”

BeLoved Asheville, a non-profit known for feeding the hungry and building homes for those in need, began their work before the rain even stopped. Founders Amy Cantrell and Ponkho Bermejo quickly found shelter for displaced families and shared their powerful stories. The organization went above and beyond to help the Asheville community. In one of their Instagram posts, they described helping a man who lost everything: “’You are us. You are family,’ I said as he stood in the RV we’d just gifted him after he lost everything to Hurricane Helene. His face lit up, his soul lifted, as he found the vinyl collection and musical instruments awaiting him—a piece of his heart restored” (@belovedasheville). Each heartwarming post of theirs is worth reading.

These are just a few examples of the incredible acts of kindness that happened across Asheville. As climate disasters become more common, these stories remind us of our shared humanity and the strength we find in coming together as a community. In a world where politics, bias, and financial status often divide us, it’s important to hold onto these moments. They show us that even in the face of devastation, we can rely on one another to survive and thrive together.