As I’m writing this, hundreds of thousands of folks are still without power, running water, and accessible roads across Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee.
There are countless stories still coming out about the devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene, flooded mountain communities, eradicated bridges, and dangerously stressed dams.
Reports of record-breaking river levels are just one metric that points to the unprecedented nature of this catastrophe. As relief efforts flow in, it is important to note that from the Eastern Band of the Cherokee to Hendersonville, our government plays a critical role in these moments. I’ll list some options to support folks across Western NC at the end of this article.
Natural disasters are a moment for collective action, a time when we should pool together resources, personnel, and expertise to those impacted. Our communities need leaders who will put the needs of people first, who will prioritize solving the problem rather than ensuring they get credit.
The people of Appalachia deserve to be made whole: to have rebuilt homes, strengthened dams, new bridges, and operating water treatment plants. We intuitively understand this, though narratives emerge to punish the victims or cast doubts on who should receive aid. Elected officials become distracted by the idea of a photo-op. Corporations see opportunities to profit off those in distress. Meanwhile, towns from peak to valley are stranded and cut-off from needed supplies.
Before I dive into what we should demand from our elected officials and public services, I want to make a point very clear – the ability to evacuate, especially on short notice, is a privilege. It requires economic means to be able to pack up your most precious belongings, transport yourself (and pets and others), and secure a safe place to stay out of disaster’s path.
Evacuation as a mitigation strategy often fails to consider the needs of disabled folks, elderly people, and those in hospitals. We should not, from a place of safety and privilege, criticize folks for not
leaving soon enough or question the context of the complex decision to leave or stay.
As is the case with Hurricane Helene, people had less than 24 hours notice, and this level of destruction has never been seen in recorded memory. People routinely go to the mountains to escape the paths of hurricanes.
Who we vote for matters most in moments like these. It is a test ofcharacter, of logistics, and of priorities. We cannot afford leaders who make decisions based on their own gain, whether it be based on some warped idea of partisanship, electoral math, nepotism, or profit. Most of us understand this. We see this repeated over and over in times of hardship, where communities band together.
I’ve spoken to friends in the impacted area, who have shared their own experiences of sharing food, water, electricity, and cell phones with neighbors in need. These compassionate and cooperative
moments will save lives, especially in more isolated areas that will take longer for supplies to reach.
You’re likely getting a ton of political advertisements begging for your attention, your money and your vote right now. These are regularly insensitive and fail to meet the moment. Be wary of those who seek to benefit from tragedy, whether through curated photo ops or after rescue efforts conclude, the work to rebuild communities across Western North Carolina will take years of support. It’ll be the cooperative work of neighborhoods, towns, governments, small shops, faith communities, and nonprofits.
On your ballot this year will be options for how that recovery moves forward. Will we be led by those who will forget those impacted after election day? Will we be led by those who only help one city or town, while leaving others behind? Will we be led by those who focus first on tourist attractions and destinations, rather than residents and housing? The choice is ours to
make.
As queer people, our history is one of collective struggle, of building chosen family in the face of government oppression or outright indifference. It’s a struggle shared by many of our friends in Appalachia even in the best of times. We far too often prize the land for its beauty and ignore the people who call it home.
Don’t forget Western North Carolina in their time of need. Donate, volunteer, and vote for the future we all need.
Cameron Pruette (he, him, his) is the Deputy Director of the Freedom Center for Social Justice.
