In the three weeks since Hurricane Helene hit Western North Carolina, North Carolina has seen towns work together to help those who were hurt. That work hasn’t stopped, and families are still welcoming people who need help.
Grandma Joann Sullins has lived her whole life in Spruce Pine, a small town in the western part of the state. She is 88 years old. She remembers how heavy it rained during Hurricane Helene.
“You think it will end, but it doesn’t,” Sullins said.
The place she lives in is now under water.
“It’s scary,” Sullins said.
Her family had to leave, and they found safety in Raleigh. Granddaughter Hannah Sullins, who already has five children, opened her home to her parents, brother, sister, grandmother Joann, and a few friends, one of whom has cerebral palsy.
Sarah Acuff Skillestad said, “As soon as I heard they were coming, I knew we had to make the house easier for my grandmother to get to.”
Skillestad had a lot on her plate with two kids and a baby girl, so strangers helped out.
“I asked on the Facebook page for my neighborhood, “Who has a shower chair?” I knew I had to do all of these things to make her stay more comfortable, but who has steps? “They jumped right in,” Skillestad said.
The surprising help had a long-lasting effect.
Amazingly moved by… the sense of togetherness. It was great to see neighbors, coworkers, friends, and even the connect really want to help, said Skillestad.
Miguel, Hannah’s younger brother, and Beasley, Hannah’s sister, are getting used to a new pattern away from home.
“That was something I never thought I’d get to do.” Plus it’s a little scary because that’s where you grew up. “It’s hard to believe that your town is gone,” Miguel said.
Everyone is just thankful that they live together with four generations and share room.
“I hope things get back to normal.” “I just hope that we can get back to my eighth-grade year and have a good year,” Miguel said.