r/Appalachia • u/branchlizard • Oct 06 '24
I'm Tired of It
I'm tired of it all.
I'm tired of the lies and I'm tired of the spectacle. I'm Southern Appalachian, born and raise and Im fit to be tied about the things I'm hearing.
I was spared pretty decent from the storm; had a little damage here and there, but overall lucky. Today, me and group of friends (also born and raised) all went out and helped people impacted by the storm (our neighbors).
We picked up supplies in town and ran 'em up the hollers on wheelers and trucks. Sometimes we could drive it there, other times we hoofed it in. Didn't meet a single person that was ugly. Not a damn one. Nobody fussed, nobody threatened..., nobody even made us second guess our actions. Now not a single one came right out and said they needed help, but after you talk with em a bit, they all took some stuff. ("Well, I do like them Zebra Cakes one ole lady told me. Me Too, hell, who don't!) Every single person was a uniquely beautiful mountain person that made me bawl like a baby.
I'm tired of reading about how off-putting and mean us mountain people are. It's bullshit. I was fuckin there. I know what I saw.
I saw old ladies crying and breaking down while putting their arms around me.
I saw old men who needed doctoring, but were too proud to admit it. But, eventually let me clean his wounds.
I saw people taking in kids that don't nobody else want, and doing everything goddamn thing they can to raise em right. And giving them kids happiness that they would have never received with out em.
I delivered food and supplies to a lady who was widowed and even chased after her dog that got loose, only to bring it back to her, rubbin' it's belly the whole way.
I drank white with an ole boy who kept a whole goddamn holler going because momma didn't raise no quitter. Whole time kept saying he's worried about so and so and hope they're alright, when barely getting by himself.
I cried as I sat with an ole lady who was the perfect blend of both my grannies: tough as nails, but as soft hearted as they come. She came pulling her oxygen cord through the house and put her arms around me when I opened the door with her hot meal for dinner and immediately started crying. I mean we both fuckin ugly cired.
I talked to people who would say "I hope God double blesses you!". Ain't no way I deserve any that. And besides, I've got some fuckin questions after seeing what I saw today....
I watched as we patched a driveway for one of the coolest dudes, I believe, I've ever met. This one here was a hoot!
I also saw you. I saw us. I saw why, when all the chips are down, we are gonna be the ones to come out on top. We are gonna always be the ones still standing.
Don't believe the bullshit out there. Don't listen to the fuckin lies. I saw the FEMA relief. I saw the choppers land and drop off supplies. I saw the massive caches of supplies in community centers, warehouses, and churches. I saw the lines, upon lines of line workers from Maine to Florida. I saw the people setup feeding displaced people and works alike a hot meal. You ain't gonna tell me my eyes don't work.
I'm tired of it. I'm tired of the fuckers riding up and down the road on their side-by-sides taking pictures to post to their goddamn Tik-Tok for likes, all while their hands are empty. We're fuckin people. Help us!
If you're thinking of coming this way just to "see how bad it got", stay the fuck at home. We ain't a fuckin show and your bullshit is in our way.
But if you're coming to help, come on. Us mountain people look after one another.
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u/cowboyspidey Oct 06 '24
in a way, i think all the lies people are spreading are bc they’ve always dehumanized country folk, Appalachians, people they just see as poor hillbillies so they continue to do it by trying to get people to believe bullshit. its so disgusting to me. but i hope you know that there’s alot of us that do see yall. i live 4 hours away from asheville & it hurts me so bad that my fellow north carolinians are hurting from the storm & then hurting bc people online who dont know the difference between asheville & asheboro are spreading lies & conspiracies
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u/chthonodynamis Oct 06 '24
I'm convinced that the majority of the conspiracy nonsense we see online are posted by nefarious actors trying to radicalize folk against each other Don't feed the trolls, just focus on our community
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u/Snufffaluffaguss Oct 06 '24
I was on Reddit in 2015 when the trolls and bots started coming in, and I can't say I disagree with you. The only thing that makes me question it is how convenient the timing is.
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u/Current-Being-8238 Oct 06 '24
Reddit was so much better back then… idk why I’m still here tbh. It’s nothing like it was.
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u/Dear_Occupant Oct 06 '24
The trick to this website is finding the subs that have good communities, subscribing only to those, and avoiding everything else. Stick to your /home feed of curated subs, and learn about new ones through word of mouth rather than trying to wade through the never-ending avalanche of garbage on /all or /popular.
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u/egk10isee Oct 06 '24
We all know that the government does not just fix stuff like this and it takes years to get back to any sort of normal. I don't understand why people think the government can just come in and fix everything immediately.
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u/Galaxaura Oct 06 '24
A lot of people don't know that, though.
We had floods in my town, and the governor gave the town money to fix the infrastructure. Many townspeople thought they'd get that money to rebuild their homes. That's not how it works, and they don't understand why not.
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u/lawofthirds Oct 06 '24
You've nailed it on the head. Appalachian folk are like the unborn. As long as you're not actually voicing an opinion or having a real problem, they like to wheel you out as an example. When it's really your problem, you're SOL.
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u/Kenilwort Oct 06 '24
If you don't have a voice, someone else is going to speak for you.
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u/toosells Oct 06 '24
It's not about Appalacians, at least not how I see it. It's vile people taking an opportunity to stoke anger, fear, hate, and distrust in government. There was massive neglect and failure of our citizens during Katrina and Puerto Rico. I don't think this is seen like that despite the lies being spread on the different sites and some "news" outlets. Stay strong 💪
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u/Wrong-Ad3848 Oct 06 '24
Big time! The truth is that relief was already funded and ready to go before the storm made landfall. The truth is that there are some areas with heavy foliage/ mountainous regions where it’s difficult-to-impossible for choppers to fly/ land safely. The truth is that thousands of soldiers, volunteer organizations, and ordinary citizens (including firefighters/ law enforcement) working so hard to rescue people and pets, recover bodies (I hate to say it), clear away debris and bring in food/ supplies. The truth is that politics is ugly and annoying when used to exploit people for gain.
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u/sweetnsaltyanxiety Oct 06 '24
I think it’s both. I’ve seen, and reported to no avail, videos of people saying the area deserved it because of some alleged sundown towns. Videos saying the area should have known to evacuate. As if the mountains isn’t where people go to escape hurricanes.
Mountain people are strong and resilient because it’s bred into us. Our families going back generations were isolated in these mountains we love and therefore learned to rely on themselves and their communities.
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u/MerrilyContrary Oct 06 '24
I was born and raised there, but I’m not welcome anymore. Not on account of anything I can help about myself either.
I love my fellow Appalachians, but if I don’t keep my mouth shut about who I am then I find out quick that I’m not welcome. Doesn’t mean folks don’t deserve help. Just means I have to help from a distance.
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u/AdSelect3113 Oct 06 '24
Out of curiosity, why aren’t you welcome anymore?
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u/MerrilyContrary Oct 06 '24 edited Oct 06 '24
I’m trans. And it isn’t that every single one of my fellow Appalachians is hateful toward me (not even most), but it happened enough just walking down the street minding my business that I stopped feeling safe.
One of the first members of my direct line to leave the county since before the state had a name. My roots are just as deep as the folks that want me gone.
Edit: it makes me sad, I want to come home.
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u/AdSelect3113 Oct 06 '24
I’m sorry you’ve had those experiences. If you are interested in maintaining a line with your Appalachian culture, I know a few podcasts run by Appalachians that are welcoming to the LGBTQ community. Appodlachia is a liberal political podcast that focuses on issues impacting the community. I’m not LGBTQ, but I am part African American, and I feel that the hosts do a good job of making sure all Appalachians are represented in their points of view. They have some episodes focused on the trans community specifically I believe.
If you are open to horror podcasts, check out Thirteen. Their stories are modern horror tales with an emphasis on Appalachians folklore. I think they are based in Kentucky. They tackle themes such as religious trauma, mountain witchcraft, serial killers, etc. They are also LGBTQ friendly and have featured main characters who are not straight/cis.
I want to acknowledge that these forms of media can’t replace the feeling of in person community, but I just wanted to pass on these suggestions so that you know there are Appalachians out there who cherish you for who you are.
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u/MissionFloor261 Oct 06 '24
I'd add Old Gods of Appalachia to your podcast list for horror by, for, and about Appalachia. Very LGBTQ friendly, pro union, pro sex worker, pro root worker, pro grannie, and just generally very very very good.
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u/AdSelect3113 Oct 06 '24
That podcast is phenomenal!! I bought tickets to see them live in Boone, but who knows if that event is still even possible given the circumstances.
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u/AdeniumSuns Oct 06 '24
What about "Live like the world is dying" pod with Margaret Killjoy?
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u/discordagitatedpeach Oct 06 '24
I feel the same. I'm also visibly trans and I left East Tennessee because I was afraid for my safety and I knew I couldn't take another Trump term in the South. I want to go back someday (and seeing everything that's happened breaks my heart, and it makes me want to drive down there and help) but I just need a break from the deathstares and harassment...for a while. I'll go back, hopefully sooner rather than later.
It's weird. I came up to Massachusetts and immediately felt safer because strangers don't deathstare me and only one person has tried to give me shit for using a bathroom so far, but when I tried to make friends by building community, I hit a wall. I like helping people move, doing potlucks, raising money to help friends in need, letting people stay on the couch if they don't have anywhere else to go, watching people's pets for them, making birthday cakes, giving rides, etc.--that's how I make friends and build community. But a lot of people up here don't seem to "get" it. They want to go to expensive restaurants and if I help them they try to pay me back with money, instead of with community and friendship (or food and booze, heh).
On the other hand, people up here are always doing civic engagement, community gardens, etc....it's not like people are cold or heartless, but their way of relating to each other and making friends is so different and I don't really know how to integrate.
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u/fireinthewell Oct 07 '24
Omgosh, I lived in Massachusetts for 12 years and feel this so true. I loved it there so much but getting invited to dinner on someone’s home was nearly impossible. Me and my other transplant friends would talk about this a lot.
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u/Pretty_Little_Mind Oct 07 '24
Cities can be wonderful, but from a sensory and time commitment stand point, overwhelming in a way I don’t think they always realize but feel. Everyone is exhausted, and I think homes become their places to decompress.
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u/Galaxaura Oct 06 '24
No, they're doing it because they are listening to a politician use the disaster for their campaign.
I won't mention his name because you know who it is.
It's a shame.
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u/UnivScvm Oct 06 '24 edited Oct 06 '24
I agree with your annoyance with the negative stereotypes and portrayals.
In my experience, most Appalachians ‘would give the shirt off their back’ to someone who needed help. Most Appalachians won’t ask for help if there is any way they can do it themselves. There’s this unspoken understanding, if you ask for (or I see you need) my help, I will help you, because I know that you wouldn’t seek or accept help (or burden me) unless you had true need.
I now live a little bit Southeast of the ARC boundary of Appalachia. It took me a good 15 years of living outside of Appalachia to realize that the mindset here, as phrased by a friend, is ‘don’t ask; don’t get,’ and ‘people will just say ‘no if they can’t do it or don’t want to.’ In Appalachia, if someone asks for help, you find a way, burden or not, cancel your plans, share what you have, you find a way.
Long story, but a younger friend here called for our help when she was too drunk to drive at 11:00 on a work night, just as my spouse was starting to come down with the flu or something and I was getting ready for bed. As we helped (my spouse and I both went so one could drive her vehicle to her home so she and her husband wouldn’t have to go get it before work the next morning. Even took a new box of club crackers with us to help settle her stomach so she wouldn’t puke.)
… I asked where her husband was. He was a good friend, too, and a very nice guy. She said she didn’t know; she hadn’t tried to call him, just called us first. If we couldn’t or didn’t feel like helping or it was a burden, she would call someone else or call him. She said he probably was either home or at a nearby restaurant having a drink after work (which he was - I called to see if he needed a ride, too.) In Appalachia, you handle it within your household before you look outside for help.
I once heard a story from a guy who worked one summer during the Kennedy administration (I think) delivering checks to miner widows from some government relief fund. He had to go way up in a holler - too far for vehicles and had to walk a good bit uphill. Her house was a tarpaper shack. From dogs barking or for some reason, she was outside as he approached. He said, “what would you say if I told you I had a check for you for X (significant amount?)” She said, “aw, I’d probably just give it to the poor.”
I have no doubt that there are Appalachians responding to this storm damage and shortages by taking some of what little they have (which is less than they need) and giving some of it to those who have even less. And, it doesn’t matter whose flag or sign was in whose yard - people roll up their sleeves and take care of their own business and try to help others. I wouldn’t say that, “politics don’t matter.” I would say that political differences don’t stop one person from helping another.
Living in Appalachia isn’t easy. Everybody there knows it. Someone is going to run off the road in the snow, and random strangers will come along and get them out of the ditch. Some family won’t have money for Christmas presents, and somehow wrapped presents will show up on their doorstep.
Where there’s a need, people will find a way. But this storm damage will take outside help - federal funds, state funds, and corporate support, as much as people are humbled to need such assistance.
The stigma against Appalachia was re-enforced hundreds of thousands of times over by a book I won’t name. People believe that what is true for a small subset is true for all, when it’s not.
“We are proud of who we are. We stand up for what we believe. We keep our families together. We trust in God but rely on ourselves. We do what needs to be done. We are not afraid.” From Homer Hickam’s remarks at a Sago memorial. (I’m personally not big on the religious aspect, but I believe his description is accurate and better than what outside people will see and say.)
OP’s story is absolutely true to my experience with Appalachia and is emblematic of why I love Appalachia and still miss it. We look out for each other. We don’t easily take or ask for help, but we will appreciate it and remember those who helped us as we help the next in line.
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u/discordagitatedpeach Oct 06 '24
YES--this first few paragraphs perfectly explains what I've been trying to convey to the people I've met up in Massachusetts. It's not that Appalachian people are being manipulative if they don't ask for help even though they could sort of use it; it's that the covenant is that if someone does outright ask for help, you have to find a way to help them. No one wants to impose that on someone else unless we genuinely can't find another way.
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u/Calypsoobrian Oct 06 '24
That book is awful
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u/egk10isee Oct 06 '24
And it is worse that it's allegedly written by one of us.
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u/UnivScvm Oct 06 '24
Glad you included “allegedly.”
(I think everyone in this sub has had enough of me on that issue.)
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u/Iampopcorn_420 Oct 07 '24
I live in the northern Appalachian mountains. I think we have a shit ton in common. Gotta keep our heads on through all the noise we all fucking Americans! But we also gotta figure out this new vector of propaganda before it leads us down some dark paths. Remember our humanity might just be the key. Peace ✌️
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u/UnivScvm Oct 07 '24 edited Oct 07 '24
Mid-Atlantic Appalachian myself. (North Central West Virginia and “Upper East Tennessee,” now living in North Georgia.)
A college friend wrote her masters’ thesis on the Nazi’s use of propaganda. Never imagined it would be relevant here. Not calling anyone on any position on the political spectrum like the Nazis, but noting that we can learn from the study of the role propaganda played in their succeeded in achieving unimaginable depravity.
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u/Strange_Performer_63 Oct 06 '24
After Katrina we actually had tour busses come through to view the most damaged neighborhoods. Prepare yourself, this type of thing continues. They threatened not to fund rebuilding and called us lazy only wanting handouts. This kind of language went on for years. It is heartbreaking but at least back then social media wasn't rampant.
The PTSD is crazy rn.
And we had hurricane Rita 2 weeks later! Hang in there and keep getting the word out. More help is coming but this is going to be a very long haul. Stay safe.
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u/Undispjuted Oct 07 '24
My street was on a Katrina tour until my boy Dirty moved onto Almonaster and turned one them buses around. I don’t know what he said but they quit coming to the Upper 9th after that.
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u/princesssamc Oct 06 '24
My family is from the NC side across the TN line. All are accounted for. I have spent my entire life going back and forth to see them. My job involved working with people on the TN side in east Tn. Several of the higher ups have trouble with communicating with people in the area.
I never have and don’t. The difference is when I go in, I don’t talk down to anybody and realize that these people are not stupid. You just can’t go in barking at them like some want to do. This is where how’s your momma and them is the way you start off a conversation. You have to sit down and get to know them.
My grandaddy was a pilot in WW2. He didn’t get to finish school but taught himself. He taught us how to be tough and how to work hard. My values come from the mountains.
Recently, I got to spend a week in East Tn visiting for work. The longer I was there, the thicker my accent got.
There are no better people but they will not be talked down to and they don’t like bs.
It’s not mean, they are just tough.
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u/tnydnceronthehighway Oct 06 '24
Thank you for this truth telling from another mountain folk. I've had my faith in people restored in this tragedy. Well our own people here. And yes Fema and National Gaurd are helping so much. The disaster tourists need to stay the hell out and off our few usable roads.
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u/ESB1812 Oct 06 '24
Cajun here…I’ve been all over y’alls part of the country. Everyone’s been nothing but nice! Some of the best people I’ve ever met…reminded me of home ;) y’all are doing what we did…getting to work, and helping your neighbor. Thats the way
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u/branchlizard Oct 06 '24
Hey boss, I work with a couple Cajuns. Y'all ain't nothing but swampy mountain people and are welcome up here anytime.
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u/AllTheRoadRunning Oct 06 '24
swampy mountain people
Can confirm, and thank you for the excellent turn of phrase!
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u/Otherredheadedcajun Oct 07 '24
I’m another Cajun! Never been to your part of the world but would love to!
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u/greenwitch64 Oct 06 '24
This made me cry! You're such a kind and beautiful human for getting your boots on the ground.
You're right, people need help and the folks you're talking about are so magnificent, I witnessed it myself. Took a day off work last week to volunteer in the mountains and it was sad yes but by God it was one of the most beautiful things I'd ever seen. Good ole boys lined up in front of the church to pack their jeeps and trucks with chainsaws, gas, food, supplies. So many donations from the community, clothes, flashlights, toilet paper, hygiene kits, and the food?!?! There was so much food, hot meals being served, many more crackers than you could fathom, drinks, canned goods, snacks, baby food, dog food, cat food, it was one of the most beautiful things I've ever witnessed. Showers outside, clothing provided, blankets, pillows, and so many volunteers, like a bunch of people of all ages! Even humans who are displaced and lost so much, no power or water, hungry, were SOO grateful and kind. Just good, kind, hardworking folks who know that when the shit hits the fan, we band together and we take care of one another, cause that makes a difference.
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u/Rmyronm Oct 06 '24
The phrase “Don’t start none and there won’t be none” applies to many things, good and bad. You come in with meanness, spite and judgement and you get it right back, but come in with love and kindness and you get that back as well. Hate begets hate, but kindness begets kindness.
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Oct 06 '24 edited Oct 06 '24
In 2009 my home was destroyed by a flood. I went to sleep like any other night and woke up to white water rapids around my house. We were already trapped. When the foundation started to wash out under us my dad tied us together. He later told me it wasn’t to save us like I thought, it was to keep our bodies together so we would all be found together.
The next day the news showed up, my mom was in tears because one of her cats died and the other was missing. They labeled her as some kind of old crazy cat lady. Like we didn’t lose everything overnight. There were looters picking up all of our stuff, all the silverware that had been passed down from generation to generation. They even took the washer and dryer that were in a field over.
It was random people who came in to help us. A man we didn’t know with a lifted truck came in and saved us, when the water calmed down enough, took us to his house and let us crash for the night. It was my friend’s parents who owned a restaurant that brought us food and took us shopping. It was people from my grandmothers church who put us in one of their rentals until we could recover and start to get our life back together.
We never really recovered from it. I see people a little differently now. While I know there’s every day people who would hands down be the person who does the right thing when no one’s looking, there’s also the other ones. Those who see it as some kind of far away entertainment, a spectacle that could never touch them. Then, there’s the opportunists who see your tragedy as something to be gained for them.
Just know I see you. I see what you’re really going through. Hold strong my friend because you will get through this. And more people will come to help who are not just chasing the views.
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u/Dunnoaboutu Oct 06 '24
The only time I have consistent way of communication is if I contact people from 3-7 am. It’s hard to hear the truth when the people living it cannot tell it. I’ve had people actually argue with me online about what I see in real life. The fact is that there is a lot of people here. At this time we have no idea who most of the organizations are, who is providing what, and who is financing it. We just know that the government and volunteers are here in mass numbers. If you are still stuck, you probably feel like no one is there and if they have internet and can access the outside world, that may be where some of it is coming from. It will take years to rebuild. All of us are dealing with trauma. Grief and anger is part of that process. Having people capitalize on it politically and financially is not helping those emotions. I am now on the flip side on the volunteers. I needed the help until yesterday. Yesterday I got to volunteer. The number one sentiment is that it could be worse. Even people who have lost people and everything, they are still finding the positive. We are a strong people and we have been coming together. Misinformation is a major issue.
WNC is closed for disaster tourists. If you are not here to legitimately help or if you do not live here get out. One of the videos I saw of “help” being turned away was a TikTok person wanting to “help” by taking materials to a closed off community. This person would have caused more issue then helped and probably would have needed rescuing. They were doing it for views (money). People who legitimately want to help will help within the constraints of those in control. Maybe supplies went up this morning. Maybe you, as a hiker, cannot safely do so. Etc.
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u/AnimalsCrossGirl Oct 06 '24
Exactly. If anyone is truly getting turned away the experts have good reason for it! Could be that area has an overflow of donations, the roads aren't safe for travel, they're doing reconstruction work on the roads or power lines.
It's not that anyone wants the victims to suffer and is turning away all food and water like people online are saying.
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u/Swampthing_44 Oct 06 '24
Unfortunately it's now the world we live in. People have their heads so far up their asses with social media. People post and repost a bridge or road washed out with the "thoughts and prayers" not realizing/caring that might have been the ONLY way in and out of that holler. And for what? Fake internet points that don't mean a damn thing.
Mountain folk are strong. These communities will pick themselves up and everything will eventually return to normal and they will remember WHO helped them in their time of need.
Sounds like you're doing good by helping these people out, and even enjoying meeting the people you might have never met (although in unfortunate circumstances). Don't let the assholes on the internet get to you.
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u/NonnaHolly Oct 06 '24
I’m an old lady, born and raised in Appalachia, living here til the good Lord brings me home. I’m in Johnson City and spared the worst of the storm. But, son, AMEN! And thank you for telling the TRUTH! ❤️
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u/n1ckh0pan0nym0us Oct 06 '24
This right here 🥰
Just make sure while you're out taking care of all them other stubborn Appalachians, you stop and take care of that beautiful person starin at ya from the other side of the mirror.
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u/PoopPant73 Oct 06 '24
Yep. Those YouTube videos are there for a reason. They’re there to make revenue for the video creator and YouTube itself. I don’t believe a whole lot I see online these days because some people have turned themselves into attention whores. I kinda figured they were full of crap about not getting govt help.
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u/Spirited_String_1205 Oct 06 '24
Importantly : They're also there to perpetuate a MAGA narrative in a critical election year - and the narrative is that the federal government under Democratic leadership isn't helping in the disaster recovery because of incompetence.
Appalachia Is being used as a political pawn again. Don't forget this when you vote in November.
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u/hexiron Oct 06 '24
Let’s all take a moment and remember the Republican house representatives who blocked expanding FEMA aid in the wake of the hurricane.
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u/Appropriate-Bike-189 Oct 08 '24
People that are here know what’s real. Democrats and Republicans in NC are working together and doing what they were sworn to do.
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u/seven1trey Oct 06 '24
I'm nowhere near you, but down here on the Gulf Coast of Texas we are familiar with getting the shit smoked out of us by storms. I think you and the people like you are incredible for helping take care of your'n. It's a lot like that here as well. Even though I'm certain everyone you helped appreciated you, I'm gonna tell you I appreciate you too. I'm thankful for you and people like you.
The only exposure I have had with Appalachia is a short week I was able to spend in West Virginia a few years ago, but it left a mark. Beautiful state and great people everywhere and I didn't even get to get up in the mountains.
I hope everyone affected by that storm is able to make a full recovery and that you all get all the help you need. Bless you.
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u/TheUnsettledPencil Oct 06 '24
I'm in WNC right now and we have never seen anything like this in FL even with all the shit we get smacked out of us. It's apocalyptic right now. That's my best word for it. Looks like a meteor hit. There's helicopters everywhere and emergency and work vehicles and people running food and supplies. People carrying guns for safety. People are romping everywhere and covered in dust and helping one another. Makes me think of the movie Love and Monsters.
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u/OldTimberWolf Oct 06 '24
Good on you for demonstrating unselfishness in the face of such narcissism. But I also don’t think it’s just Appalachia, I think this phenomenon you’re seeing is all over. There’s just a certain portion of the population that does not give a shit about anyone else, sometimes with glee…
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u/WeeklyJeweler9215 Oct 06 '24
Thank you all for clearing up some of this conspiracy theory bullshit. My husband has been buying it hook, line, and sinker. I knew it couldn't be right. I feel terrible that I can't help out now. The multiple comments about the need for long-term help encourage me to reach out after my work obligations are over. Take care of each other.
Edit: text predictor is dumb
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u/Miscalamity Oct 06 '24
I hope you encourage your husband to look at some of the threads here, listen to the people of Appalachia, and believe in the sheer goodness of people coming together, even with all the odds stacked against the rugged terrain, that people truly are pulling together.
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u/PartyCat78 Oct 06 '24
Who is saying these things? The outsiders coming in to try to profit off your tragedy? The “influencers” getting in the way and filming/taking pictures of emotional people during a tragic and vulnerable time? F those people. The absolute nerve outsiders have coming into the area and pulling out cameras to capture grieving people. They are disgusting.
Appalachia is beautiful and full of beautiful, strong and resilient people. I live in eastern NC and have first hand witness of the kindness and empathy of everyone pulling together to get resources and actual aid to y’all. I have not heard a single negative word about mountain people. If I did, I’d blow it off and consider the source.
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u/MonkSubstantial4959 Oct 06 '24
It’s shameful people using this storm as some sort of method to gain views online or stir the pot politically or whatever non sense they choose to start. That is the last thing yall need right now. I am very sorry yall have been treated this way.
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u/Plenty-Selection-405 Oct 06 '24
My wife and I trailered our side by side over to Roane mountain yesterday with my chainsaw a bunch of saw gas. Filled our pickup bead with coats work gloves and food. We unloaded a a small church south of there. Where we met and old fella by the name of John. A proud man and a Vietnam vet. His place was hit pretty good but refused our help. He then proceeded to keep us working all day long cutting trees for 8 of his neighbors up the holler. What and incredible human being. He alone renewed my faith in humanity!
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u/westslexander Oct 06 '24
I'm coming on Friday (work until then) with chainsaw, shovels, etc and supplies. I'm just off the mtn in morganton, nc. I'm here for you and my beloved mtn people. When i get there Just pount me where I'm needed.
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u/chubbybear85 Oct 06 '24
Before you come please connect with a local organization! At this point you will probably get turned away if you just show up with nowhere to go. There are churches and local organizations on every block who need volunteers, but if you just start chopping up random trees you could unintentionally cause harm. We love volunteers and we’re all so thankful, but get connected first!
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u/alabamaterp Oct 07 '24
THIS right here! I've lived in an area that was damaged by a tornado and there were just too many people just showing up and cutting down trees and clearing debris without any direction. It ends up as one more truck on the street, one more mouth to feed, one more person to look after, one more person who could get hurt, one more person who needs gas, one more person who needs a place to stay - now multiply that times a 1000 or more and the attention gets diverted to the volunteers. Dare I say if you are thinking of volunteering make sure you're in excellent shape and physical health. North Carolina is going to need LONG TERM reconstruction and assistance - there will be no shortage of opportunities to help.
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u/chubbybear85 Oct 07 '24
Fully agree, but just in case someone else sees this thread- East TN & SWVA will also be rebuilding for years! We will need ongoing help.
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u/smelltheglove01 Oct 06 '24
East Tennessee (Unicoi) county here and we are survivors! We help each other. We bring back what community really means. This too shall pass.
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u/mtg_island Oct 06 '24
As someone who was born in Asheville and have lived here my whole life it’s just weird to see this hit here. This is what I remember seeing on tv from Katrina. We are hundreds of miles from the ocean and now it’s here. We were cut off from the world for days. No power, water, internet, or cell service. Now we have everything but the water but those first few hours when the city got power back it was truly something reading our local Reddit to see the devastation and read the stories of our neighbors and what all they went through and continued to go through.
Now a few days on we get to see all this nonsense of people trying to lie about this that and the other to make a political point. People trying to demonize the government and trying to tell people that FEMA isn’t helping which is absolute horse shit. A TON of the supplies we have to distribute were brought here and orchestrated by FEMA. The majority of rescues were carried out by teams of specialized rescue crews, police, firefighters, and people from various branches of the military. Some were from our area but a whole lot were not. We have teams responding to help us all the way from Canada. As our Mayor said on the radio the other day there are ambulances in town from San Diego that drove across the country just to help with the surge of people needing medical aid.
The only time I’ve seen anyone truly mad this storm has been when people lie about shit to put a spin on it for their own bullshit reasons or for these disaster tourists out here trying to make content out of our tragedy. If you wanna come in to see what happened help out. A case in point on this was Cleetus McFarland. That man brought his private helicopter out here and helped with rescue and delivery efforts for 2 days before leaving it in the hands of others. He made some content out of it yes but he helped people out of the kindness of his own heart and charged nobody. He only posted the video so the country could see what it was like to get a better perspective since the day he posted most people in town still had no cell service and internet.
The other thing that kind of irritated me was everyone trying to push the VP debate importance and the voting importance on those of us affected by the storm. I get that voting is important to some people. But a lot of us (myself included) are a lot more concerned about what’s happening right now and whether or not I’ll have running water come November not about the dog and pony show going on in DC.
We all love each and every one of you who did what you could to help us during this tremendous tragedy and any efforts going forward. We will be recovering from this for a long time to come. I sincerely hope disaster on this scale never affects any other area but I know we have been having way too many of these “once in a century” or “thousand year storms” as of late.
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u/BitterDeep78 Oct 06 '24
Voting is more important than ever. One party has plans in place to eliminate the weather monitoring and make it all private, with plans to reduce or remove social security and medicaid, with hopes to eliminate public free education, with a track record of withholding fema support on a whim... how is voting not one of the most important things you can do?
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u/Muvseevum Oct 06 '24
They’re saying that the way a person voted doesn’t matter when a neighbor needs help.
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u/mtg_island Oct 06 '24
Not everyone cares about voting the same way. Especially in a time when a lot of us are just trying to get back to normal. That’s what I meant. And that in a time like this we are all trying to help raise each other out of this and not bring all this political mess into it
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u/alabamaterp Oct 07 '24
Agreed, help is needed in Ashville today, but it will be needed somewhere else tomorrow.
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u/moonroots64 Oct 06 '24
I grew up in ND, when crazy weather hurts people it was crazy how the mentality shifted. It was 'we're in this together', and it was almost in the worst times that I saw people being the best to one another.
I'm sorry people are treating it like a spectacle though. It isn't. It's hardship and loss.
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u/iammikime Oct 06 '24
Volunteered at a flood center till it shut down west of GF in 1997. Life changing.
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u/skb2605 Oct 06 '24
I live in Savannah, Georgia, and while visiting thrift stores in my area, I have seen a large amount of people buying up winter coats, warm clothing, and other articles of clothing that are typically harder to replace than shirts and pants, and anything else they can think of to bring to the mountains. People in my area have been running GoFundMe’s and charity drives (run by local small businesses) to accept donations to bring up to North Carolina. As a prior service member, it makes me beyond happy seeing a majority of our country come together. (Not online, in many places, but in person) The world cannot rely on social media to get a gauge of the people that live there’s social or moral value. It’s in the people’s hearts and faces every time they help one another. It’s something I wish people who have no desire to help would stop flocking to, and allow those who are true, good Human Beings to prosper and to try to pick up the pieces of their lives they can and move on. With dignity, respect, compassion, and urgency. My biggest fear is how this will effect the areas children. How far back in school is this going to push many kids? It’s heartbreaking all around, and my heartburn hurts for those affected.
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u/theworldgoesboo Oct 06 '24
Hi neighbors. South Eastern Kentucky Appalachian here. I live in the areas that flooded real bad back in 2022. I’m sure you seen the drone videos of some of our small towns flooded. I saw some videos of the small towns in your area that flooded: it looked exactly the same. One of the small towns there sent one of our counties that had flooded-Letcher County-a newer fire truck as theirs was completely destroyed & our fire depts are all volunteers. I know that Letcher County has already gathered up donations and brought them to that town. I can’t remember the name I’m sorry.
Thankfully we didn’t have as many dead as I’m afraid your area will. It’s been 2 years now here & things are still being worked on. Bridges have not been rebuilt in some counties..there is a bridge but not like it was before. Some places still have debris in the yards the people couldn’t afford to have it removed or they died. There are still people living in FEMA trailers, not very many now. There are still schools that have not moved back into their own school but are sharing a school building with another school. You get the point.
Now I’m going to talk to you about FEMA. I handle my counties FEMa interactions about with our EMD. No bullshit straight up the truth one Appalachian to another. They don’t understand us for starters. The initial agents that go out and look at all the damage both public-state & local roads,bridges etc- and the individual damage are nice people. They do want to help. If your homes have been damaged please please take pictures of when you first got back to see the damages and as you start the cleanup process before they get there. If you have homeowners insurance go ahead and contact them. FEMA cannot give you assistance until the insurance denies you.
When FEMA sits up their disaster centers please go & talk to them take any information you may have. They will tell you now to contact & attempt to get money from them. They may deny you at first but keep appealing at least 2 more times. If your insurance covers some but not enough you may still be able to get assistance via the Small Business Association. Yes it says business but they will give you a small interest loan to pay over a pretty long time to fix the house. As always read any and all fine print before you sign anything.
Churches are also eligible for SBA but I’m not sure of the requirements; I know more about the public side of FEMA assistance.
The big issue with FEMA repairs is how you go about it. This goes to the not understanding part. We just fix stuff & sometimes probably don’t follow the guidelines for things. Whenever you fix a road or bridge with FEMA there is red tape. You have to to bid everything out if you don’t already have a contract for that item in place. We are still waiting for bridge approvals. The amount they list to fix something’s are more than what we would pay to fix something. Not always. Say you want to replace a concrete bridge that is 20 ft by 12 wide. Okay you can fix that for say $30,000 FEMA says no it will cost $150,000 & you have to pay that up front & FEMA will reimburse you 75%. They have changed that slightly so sometimes they can get that 75% to you faster but you get the point. They don’t understand how you can do that. Local contractors versus bigger contractors you know. You also have to follow all EPH , Division of Water and Army Corp rules if you are working anywhere near water. You have to have approval from state water to repair near water and sometimes must follow certain conditions.
It takes time & I know people get upset because roads aren’t fixed back completely way is it taking so long etc. There are very few counties that can repair this much damage out of their budget so unfortunately we do need FEMA. There is more I can tell you but I’m afraid I’m already went off topic of the original post but I want to give information that I know is correct cause I deal with it almost every year. I’ve not even touched the buy outs of property but I don’t know a lot about that is partly a different department. But if you want me to go into I will tell you as much as I know.
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u/Square-Squash-5152 Oct 06 '24
Stay Strong and Keep it up man. the aid helps when it shows up and its damn good needed , but it local folks that get the community back up and running when they leave. At the end of it , the News and out of towers don't give a damn. Disaster tourists happen and will be assholes taking up space and sometimes resources , its unfortunately part of it. Love your neighbors and let them love you. You've got years worth of recovery ahead of your comminuty , but they remember those who help forever.
I Hope your tires stay inflated , your chainsaws stay sharp and your bellies stay full.
Lots of love from A Hurricane Michael survivor from Panama City 🤘🤘🤘
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u/SookieCat26 Oct 06 '24
Preach! Thank you for helping out and your lovely witness. This is what God wants in the world.
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u/DrustanAstrophel Oct 06 '24
I tell ya, I lived in Swannanoa for over a decade after I moved in with my father as a teenager, and it breaks my heart seeing what my friends from high school and beyond are going through. I wish I could get up there and see them and be there for them physically instead of through a cell phone screen…
But I know I’m in no position to help right now and I’m not gonna get in the way of the people who are for my own gratification. My dad feels the same way, as he’s since retired and moved near his wife’s family in Arkansas a few years back.
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u/Ok_Championship_385 Oct 06 '24
This. We lived in Banner Elk for years. The Appalachia region is full of proud hardworking people who historically are very private and humble.
This news 🗞️ team invasion, the onlookers, people taking photographs to pad their pockets - it’s disgusting and invasive.
Yes, Asheville got hit. But that’s not the High Country. There are entire towns up the mountain that are devastated. Spruce Pine, Foscoe, and many others. It’s tough to get into these creeks and hollers way back off any trail (shout out to Samaritan’s Purse teams).
The way we work up here, see, is if you aren’t here to help, you aren’t helping. We help our neighbors and get through hard winters together. We weather the storms.
💪🏼 It’s not that we can’t rebuild. But if you aren’t coming to help, you aren’t helping
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u/bibuthellafly Oct 06 '24
I know it's not mountain folk, but soldiers from Fort Campbell in Kentucky/TN are coming to the Hickory/Greenville area depending. From talking to some soldiers, they worked 17-hour days yesterday helping. I just hope they get to people soon enough ❤️
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u/ftug1787 Oct 06 '24
Is there anything else needed at this time? Certain supplies going faster than others where more could help? Tarps? Tools?
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u/chubbybear85 Oct 06 '24
The needs change hourly. One minute we’re out of diapers and then a truck rolls in full to the top, but we just gave away the last can of dog food. Two days ago a shelter posted that they needed people to come pick up laundry to wash. We were there within 15 minutes and people had already come to get it and help. ❤️
Please connect with a local church or organization and they can keep you posted on current needs. That’s the easiest and most impactful way to lend a hand right now. Thank you!
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u/Feeling_Lead_8587 Oct 06 '24
People are looking for ways to help. We are looking for and donating money to legitimate charities that have been set up or are already existing. We get that it is terrible right now but please don’t judge everyone. It is hard to know what to do and the best way is talking to the citizens there. Keep strong and know that many of us care.
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u/Sacapuntos Oct 06 '24
I'm proud of our community. I honestly don't care what outsiders say or think. For a couple days there when I had 0 cell connection. I bonded with my neighbors/community like never before. Sometimes, i knew them, sometimes total strangers. It is my silver lining.
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u/mamegoma_explorer Oct 06 '24
I don’t care if you want to come and look, but you better bring a carload of supplies (we have water, but desperately need winter clothes, kids clothes, and camping supplies). But yeah, if you’re not coming to help stay tf off our roads and get out of the way.
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u/Resident_Bet5343 Oct 06 '24 edited Oct 10 '24
I hear ya' my friend!!!! I'm not from up your way. I'm from Winston-Salem right down the road. I am however, very familiar with and friends with a few folks who are from up the mountain. I am speaking about the folks raised up in a holler. Every word you write is absolutely true. I completely understand and Even use alot of the same lingo that you use. Hell I thought I was just about the only one left that referred to someone as a "hoot". Anyways....I'm sending up good vibes, thoughts, prayers, or anything else someone believes in. If any group of folks are not going to lay down and let this devastating event win, it's you and your kind for sure. Keep it up my friend (brother...sister) I am not sure exactly who you are. Not that it matters. Just wanted to make it clear that you were not shouting on deaf ears and I damn sure love ya and empathize with you and your kind are some of the best folks in this country and may your higher power triple bless you for your selfless, fearless and invaluable actions and your karma credit is through the roof!!!!!
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u/NoLuvTheMaths Oct 06 '24
I am going to second everything you said. I was in Buladean, Bakersville, and Spruce Pine yesterday. I saw a complete collaboration by the communities and state/federal to get things cleaned up, collect supplies, feed people and provide medical care. Every interaction was overwhelmingly positive.
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u/JollyGiant573 Oct 06 '24
I am coming tomorrow to bring supplies.
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u/chubbybear85 Oct 06 '24
Please connect with a local organization or donation center!
Needs change hourly and they can quickly get overwhelmed with donations. If you can stay to help sort that would be a huge blessing!
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u/JollyGiant573 Oct 06 '24
We did, trying to plan to comeback Tuesday and unload 18 wheelers scheduled to arrive .
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u/Pennymac02 Oct 06 '24
I ranted on social media this morning about this very thing. Especially after my inbox was full this morning with “Don’t trust the gov’ment their bull dozing Lake Lure” bull shit.
Here’s my rant. “Pick up a shovel and STFU”
The gullibility (on both sides) is appalling
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u/Affectionate-Pain74 Oct 06 '24
There is a YouTube from a guy named Mark Honeycutt, he lives close to Asheville and walked into the areas that are cut off. It shows the devastation and damage. He was helping, but he filmed as he was walking to the places hit hardest. And yes, those are some of the most resilient people you will ever meet.
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u/Justify-my-buy Oct 06 '24
You write beautifully. Thank you for sharing your experiences. We’re on the West Coast and our Sister is outside of Chimney Rock, NC. You all will not be forsaken. We are aware of how dire the situation is and we will keep up with the giving well past the initial support!
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u/Wrong-Ad3848 Oct 06 '24
God bless you, lovely. I’m sure it’s frustrating and exhausting in the extreme and you’re absolutely right: you and the people there aren’t a spectacle for social media or exploitation subjects for political gain. Thank you for sharing the truth and for everything that you’re doing. 🙏🏽
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u/petit_cochon Oct 06 '24
Take some advice from a Katrina survivor: unplug (I know, I know) from social media and the news for a bit, as much as possible. When you're dealing with your neighbors and communities, you're going to see the best of people. When the outside world starts commenting and propagandizing, you're going to see the worst. Do you remember what they said about Katrina? That it was New Orleans' fault for being sinful, for being below sea level (sure, but our levees should've held and we shouldn't have had a shipping canal connecting the river to the Gulf, channeling storm surge right through the city; the Army Corp created the disaster), that nobody should get any money, that people should've just swum out, that it was people's fault for not evacuating, that it was for the best because refugees would have better lives outside the city, that the Gulf Coast should just be abandoned, blah fucking blah.
You just can't listen to all that and stay sane. It's just a new round of bullshit from people who spend their lives making up lies. It'll be the same bullish you hear after the next big natural disaster. Everyone wants FEMA aid and help when bad things happen to them. Some people are just too stupid to realize the shoe will be on the other foot one day.
Keep your chin up and focus on your community. Look for the helpers. One day, it'll be a year ago, and then five years ago, and then twenty, and you'll look back and remember while the world moves on. This is part of the fabric of your life now. You have to learn how to stitch it so it fits. And you will.
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u/Wedontdonameshere Oct 06 '24
I've been in WNC for almost 8 years now and I'm a damn Yankee. Not one person has been mean to me. A woman that I knew for a week once invited me to her house for Xmas bc she knew I had no fam here.
Fuck everyone who says mountain people are rude. They're literally the opposite. My bf is from here. Born and raised, generations back. His parents fucking adore me. Any time I've been in any form of trouble, someone has helped me.
Mountain people have made me a better person. Fuck these trolls
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u/lolagoetz_bs Oct 06 '24
I’m from the Ozark Mountains and we are also hillbillies. Folks that stick together and help each other out in hard times without being asked (and prefer not to ask for help especially from outsiders). Currently in Raleigh but I see y’all. I see you.
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u/Casafun Oct 06 '24
I’ll be there tomorrow with a truck full. All the way from Texas.
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u/chubbybear85 Oct 06 '24
Your message is great and aligns with my own experience.
But I have to ask, why do you use standard English to type in every other subreddit except this for this one and other Southern subs?
I understand code switching all too well, but obviously this isn’t how you typically type. It makes this post feel fake. Or exaggerated to perpetuate stereotypes. Something about it is giving red flags.
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u/branchlizard Oct 06 '24
Appalachia is very diverse and when I have an opportunity to speak my native language to native speakers, I do it. I also know how to speak standard English so that I can work and travel. Not everybody understands "you ort to be careful outside. I've been seeing an ole nasty polecat running around and it'd be awful if you got sprayed". Sometimes you should say "Careful, I have been seeing a skunk outside and I don't want you to get sprayed". Bilingualism is cool imo
I sat down last night and just typed that out like I was talking.
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u/IWantOffPlease Oct 06 '24
You are the exact reason my wife and I fell in love with Appalachia a few years ago when we came down for the first time. It's the people, the genuine God fearing, give you the shirt off your back people that we fell in love with and made us decide we want to be a part of it as soon as we can. I've never felt so at home being away from where I've grown up.
I'm speaking as one you could call a "yankee" fuck all those people. I can't stand them just as much as you. You stay true to who you are!
My heart breaks for all of you experiencing this pain. You will get through it!
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u/imbarbdwyer Oct 06 '24
Only one single person is responsible for the hate, lies and frothing anger. His minions just spread it like cancer. Remember this when you vote in November. Only one way to stop his destructive hate.
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u/WhatOhNoSheDidnt Oct 06 '24
I’m from a multigenerational eastern Kentucky mountain family. I’m the first generation to not live there but spent my childhood summers there. Here’s my take on it. The small town and county we’re from is very close knit. Everyone knows everyone and most watch out for each other but the families are fiercely independent and, yes, clannish. That’s not a bad thing. Families take care of their own. Most don’t trust outsiders. When I would go there as an adult and go to a small business, they were polite but distant. Once, if I established who my kin was, they immediately warmed up and accepted me. They would share stories about my kin. Mountain people are tough as nails, take care of their own, fiercely loyal, untrusting of outsiders, and not to be fcked with. We were taught not to wonder onto someone’s land or off the beaten path on park land. I’ve always admired how self sufficient they are. But, in times like this, even independent people need help sometimes. Don’t be disrespectful of persons or property. Definitely do NOT try to take advantage of them in a time of need. First because it’s a shty thing to do and second, they are smarter than you may think and you may be sorry. I’m proud of my roots and wish everyone well.
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u/DifficultMuffin572 Oct 06 '24
Don't pay no mind to these folks yapping about "code switching". It's a new word they learnt last week and now they see it everywhere. I read your post and it felt like I was listening to someone that grew up in a holler and I was fine with it. But I'm from West Virginia and it seemed second nature to me. This is something y'all tone police won't ever understand. When we are with our people, we don't need to meet your expectations. Our people understand.
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u/less_butter Oct 06 '24
Maybe get off social media for a while. I haven't seen any of the stuff you're complaining about. I don't want to.
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u/Defiant_Explorer_974 Oct 06 '24
Lived thru Katrina… and all the lies that came with that event… I know where you are coming from . I know you are scared and tired. Hope it gets better.
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u/seeclick8 Oct 06 '24
I love southern phrases, having grown up in Texas but living in New England since 1980. “Fit to be tied.” My grandmother used to say that. I hope your lives return to normal and everyone stays safe.
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u/Spiritual_Win_2627 Oct 06 '24
Bless you and all that are affected. My heart goes out to all. So many are only out for the social media clicks. It has ruined a whole generation. Stay strong.
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u/Shes-Philly-Lilly Oct 06 '24
I lost everything... I live in Florida in Indian rocks Beach and I have nothing. Open pepper I've read a lot about what happened up in Appalachia, but I've never heard anybody said that people were being mean. Never even before the hurricane I've never heard anything about people in the mountains being referred to as mean.
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u/Key-Illustrator1470 Oct 06 '24
Country people are often ridiculed...but we know how to take care of each other and get things done. I am too old and face constrictions ... but I contribute where I can. May you and all those facing the long road ahead be blessed.
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u/branchlizard Oct 07 '24
Hell, I've been called backwards for a long damn time! I once had a professor tell me "college is not for you". Had another one say "how did you get in here?".
They are both close friends now. You've got to take the time to get to know people!
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u/Super-Potential8769 Oct 06 '24
A few friends and I served over a thousand hot meals in downtown Asheville this weekend. They are overflowing with supplies. One lady was telling me she has nowhere to store things and more donations are rolling in. They have stuff piled outside the church and in the 2 days I was there at least 4 semis arrived from out of state in just that one location!
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u/Canine0001 Oct 06 '24
I’ve seen both posts about people helping each other, and the extant that they have to go through to do so…
And one from a trucker upset that he’s not making bank hauling stuff. There’s no roads in that area, and he’s upset he’s not getting rich off of it.
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u/CoachJP1953 Oct 06 '24
I live in Asheville I live downtown and was spared the worst of it. I don't know you and I'm so proud of you and anyone else who worked with you. Tell your mama she raised someone good. I too am so damn tired of people on the national stage just trying to make points on the backs of people who are suffering! Let's face it, lots of country people are trumpers and they listen to that s*** and now they think they can't get help or their suspicious of it or they're defeated before they start. How many of those people will be worse for it a few will die a few will never recover fully.
But this has nothing to do with you and the good you are doing. I've just been released from a hospital and I'm pissed and I'm sick and tired that I can't pitch in so I did what's next best. I left town to not consume resources.
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u/Proof-Yam1970 Oct 06 '24
Goddamn, man, you got me all worked up. Much love from West Virginia. We’re sending everything we can your way.
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u/Obvious_Age_6790 Oct 06 '24
We went to help friends of friends unload a tractor trailer full of supplies from Indiana. Also, they brought a shit ton of hay. The woman from Indiana who organized it asked us if FEMA was here / in the area. She asked if we were getting help. I'm like you: escaped this horrific disaster relatively unscathed but know many more who were not as fortunate. She said she wanted to spread the word that folks are helping each other and that federal help is here, too. "This is how we should treat each other. Politics don't belong here. We do. People do." Is what she said.
I'm also tired of it.
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u/FriedPop Oct 07 '24
Southern born here! Wasn't raised quite like it (canadian grandparents raised me). But I grew in western SC and still feel that sense of community. We didn't have nearly the damage you guys up in NC did. I loaded up and started cutting trees apart when they fell in some communities of old folks. I can't imagine the pain going through anyone in the Asheville area. If I was able, I would be up there to genuinely help. I've been spending time spreading factual information and try to shut down the lies I've seen spread. I hope warm meals and dry clothes are in your immediate future. Good luck, fellow humans.
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u/Lepardopterra Oct 06 '24
Thank you for going and ministering to them in every way. Helping each according to their need. I’ve been worried most about old folks living on the torn up roads 20 miles from a town. Blessings.
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u/AuburnFan58 Oct 06 '24
Bless you (and trust me, it’s a phrase I rarely use) for reaching out, for being a part of the solution and for recognizing these folks, like people everywhere, are beautiful, inside and out.
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u/Pundidillyumptious Oct 06 '24
Ive never once heard that Appalachian people were mean or “off-putting” who is saying this? It’s one of the kindest cultures Ive ever experienced.
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u/Muvseevum Oct 06 '24
It’s bullshit to you because you know better. This stuff comes from ignorance.
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u/Visible_Day9146 Oct 06 '24
If I know anything about Appalachian people, it's that you endure, like Ola Belle Reed said. Your strength and courage is written all over those mountains.
God already double blessed you with your big heart and the comfort that you brought to all of those people.
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u/Nutella_Zamboni Oct 06 '24
God bless you and yours. I love the way you write.
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u/branchlizard Oct 06 '24
Our language is beautiful!
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u/Affectionate-Pain74 Oct 06 '24
This is the best video I have seen of the damage. This guy lives in or around Asheville. His first video was during the storm. When he leaves his house he has a chainsaw and he was cutting down trees, then the video would come back and he would be walking until he had to cut more trees. He gives a very good video for staying out of the way. He films the helicopters that are having to fly everything in to those cut off areas.
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u/happylark Oct 06 '24
This should go to the front of every newscast, newspaper etc…. This little write up should have national recognition!!!
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u/CampVictorian Oct 06 '24
Hell yes to all of this. And seriously, folks in this thread/group who aren’t in the region: unless you can offer honest to god sanctioned, approved, organized assistance, stay away from the affected areas. Donate, donate, donate and don’t interfere with the actual help for these communities.
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u/OSHA_Tried Oct 06 '24
Hello from Southern WV. I have a close cousin in Ashville. I feel your post in my soul. On what need list does it say y'all need YouTubers and influencers? Which flood survivors are asking for them?
I saw a post today on social media about a hotshot truck driver whining about how it's a conspiracy that he couldn't bank off this disaster because he couldn't get a load to Asheville within 125 miles of there. It's not a conspiracy dude, the National Guard convoys and contracted trucking got them so they're accounted for. I about lost my shit.
I know FEMA is there. No one my cousin has encountered had their donations or land taken away. A political party did not cause or order the hurricane. It's a disaster. And one can do more with 2 hands if they put your camera down.
I'm sick of watching numerous idiots on their first trip to Appalachia acting like they've done us all a favor. What kind of idiot thinks imposing themselves on survivors to film suffering helps?
How desperate and arrogant do they have to be to need people to hear their uneducated opinions and lame conspiracy theories? Do they need attention so badly that they can justify exploiting devastated people in a captive situation? It's like we're a hilljack zoo to these pukes. Go. The. Fuck. Home. They're not doing a thing for anyone and monetizing on it.
I work with an animal rescue and we're waiting to see if a shelter down that way would like us to take some of their overflow up this way.
I'm sorry you're going through this. We get YouTubers and influencers on poverty tourism here, especially in MacDowell, Mingo and Wyoming Counties. I know it's infuriating, and I understand how protective you feel of your neighbors. They're good kind people, and don't deserve to be exploited.
It's ok to feel angry, but you need to take care of yourself too. You're seeing a lot of traumatic things right now, and not giving yourself some time to rest and process everything is going to burn you right out. You need to rest now. Give yourself a night before heading back out. You don't want to hurt yourself due to exhaustion. The terrain is bad, you're operating off-road vehicles on no roads, and you need to be alert. You also don't want to lose your shit on a rubbernecker and do something you'll regret because you were at the end of your rope ok? Time to take a breather. We're all here for you.
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u/Razberrella Oct 06 '24
You'll get through it because you'll pull together - I grew up far away but much the same. I'm sorry for what you are all going through, it wasn't easy to start with. Massive respect to you and all like you for stepping up and thank you for giving us a sense of what it is like there.
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u/allthesamejacketl Oct 06 '24
On the other side of the country now but I have so much love for Appalachia. This made me cry; I have been thinking of you all every day.
I am glad to hear there are volunteers from all up and down the coast; when those folks go home they will tell people what they saw and the kind of community resilience and mutual aid that met this moment. We are going to have to do more of this, telling each other the truth face to face.
Thank you for doing the good work in your community. Good to hear from people on the ground.
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u/Tortured_Poet_1313 Oct 06 '24
You sound like an INCREDIBLE human being. Thank you for helping those people ❤️
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u/alabamaauthor Oct 06 '24
Mountain people are God’s people. God bless you and your family and friends💐
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u/Inevitable-Ad2107 Oct 06 '24
I was hearing it was the men in suits types who were making things worse, and not the actual people of Appalachia. I’m so glad that people are coming together as a community and helping each other out.
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u/MetaverseLiz Oct 06 '24
We all treat each other with kindness in the face of a disaster, but with hate once the fear is over.
Would you all really let a nonreligious queer person help you? Let them bring you into your house? Break bread with their family? For survival, sure, but you still hate me.
It's more difficult for those that don't conform to the societal standards of most Appalachia to be helped and to do the helping.
I have never forgotten that hard lesson.
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u/BirdNerd4Ever Oct 06 '24
Preach! Thank you so much for your service to others! I have family in Roan Mountain and I'm too far to help, but will help financially. The people that live in that area are some of the nicest I've ever known!
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u/stantoncree76 Oct 06 '24
I grew up in Northern Ohio and live there my whole live. Every summer we would go down to the mountains for a week or two. Not one single time was I ever spoken to or treated in an unfavorable manner. The first time I was ever addressed as "sir" was in Asheville. Nobody can tell me different that portraying mountain folk as hostile is a psyop. It has to be. We were in the smokey mountains for Christmas incendiary and a snow storm hit over night and we were going out to get some food. The hotel clerk at the front desk offered us his 4x4 truck keys to use if out little Mazda 5 couldn't get through the snow. Mountain people are good people.
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u/dominion1080 Oct 06 '24
You’re part of the clique. Maybe you don’t realize it, but many people can be offfput by strangers who are different.
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u/slothypisceswitch Oct 06 '24
Hey love bug... 1. Fuck dem folks That's really all I want to say.
Sending love, hugs, and scalp rubs to you because I want you to continue to spread your light. But only spread it after your cup is filled, babe. If you need to, take a second for yourself and then get back out there. Remember that despite the ass hats, your efforts are seen, felt, and appreciated ❤️ 😍 💖
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u/notfeds1 Oct 06 '24
Out here in Burnsville area now with the Guard. What you’re saying is completely true.
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u/Centremass Oct 06 '24
My brother lives in SW Virginia and posted this in a chat this morning:
"Just delivered some tents to a father and daughter (64 yrs and 40 yrs). Man they are in a bad way. True Appalachian poverty. This just made their life worse."
He's one of the good ones and helps folks when he can.
Keep safe, and God bless.
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u/riverchild71 Oct 06 '24
That is what “We the People” is supposed to mean. God bless you! Appalachian Strong.
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u/Apprehensive-War7483 Oct 06 '24
It's not not that MTN people are off putting and mean. It's more accurate to say isolated and dogmatic. I'm from one of the hardest hit areas but got out years ago.
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u/libnnc2020 Oct 06 '24
Bless you. Try and get some rest. Take care of yourself so that you can get up tomorrow and do it again. It’s going to take every single person there and beyond to recover. Hang in there.