The devastation of Hurricane Helene in September brought destruction and heartbreak to the Diocese of Charlotte, North Carolina, where over 230 lives were lost and countless homes and businesses were destroyed. As residents work to recover, local parishes and Catholic Charities have been at the forefront of relief efforts, providing both spiritual and material support.
In Swannanoa, one of the hardest-hit areas, the Swannanoa River tripled in width, leaving homes flooded or washed away. The local parish, St. Margaret Mary, suffered roof damage but was spared major structural harm. “Of the parish’s 320 households, 10 were severely impacted, and five lost everything,” said business manager Claudia Graham.
Amazing
This is the Catholic Church’s response to helping the victims of Hurricane Helene, which has already claimed over 200 lives. The Catholic bishop of Charlotte in North Carolina, along with priests and laypeople, is actively involved in distributing aid.
Video: Catholic… pic.twitter.com/PTWP7gBJSg
— Sachin Jose (@Sachinettiyil) October 5, 2024
The parish created a hurricane-relief fund supplemented by Catholic Charities, which has been instrumental in aiding recovery. Donations have allowed the parish to provide free counseling, meet immediate needs and support rebuilding efforts. Graham noted, “Thanks to generosity, we’ve made strides, but recovery is slow.”
Help Survivors in Western North Carolina Recover from Hurricane Helene. Your gift will make a difference and help individuals and families rebuild their lives. You can make a Disaster Relief donation to Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte. Thank you.https://t.co/uIrryW9CIk
— Bro James Reiter, OFM Conv (@brojimr) October 7, 2024
Tourism, a vital part of the local economy, remains nonexistent. Many businesses, including grocery stores and larger chains, remain closed, leaving residents without jobs and resources. Graham highlighted free Thanksgiving meals and Christmas markets as efforts to bring some relief during the holidays.
The Hispanic community has also faced unique challenges. Antonio Garcia, Hispanic ministry coordinator, has been assisting families in rebuilding mobile homes and securing essential resources. Many in the community are uninsured and relied on jobs in hospitality that were wiped out by the storm.
Parishes like St. Eugene in Asheville have faced their own struggles. Without electricity for 19 days, the parish dealt with severe damage, including electrical fires and water contamination concerns. Despite these hardships, St. Eugene distributed $275,000 in relief funds and continues to serve hundreds of families through its Angel Tree Christmas program.
Help victims of Hurricane Helene by donating to Catholic Charities USA at https://t.co/DIwK7cEcrb
or those specifically in North Carolina by donating to Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte at https://t.co/XZtX0fyIVc
Thank you!
— St. Joan of Arc Parish (@StJoansMarlton) October 3, 2024
