___________________________________

As residents of Yancey County, North Carolina, we have seen devastation beyond comprehension over the last several days in the wake of Hurricane Helene and surrounding storms.

On Wednesday, September 25, I (Katie) had to evacuate our home around 11 pm with our three pets in tow (Sadie, Mustard, and Nori). While I was able to seek shelter at our local glassblowing studio (Hearth Glass & Gallery) for several days until being evacuated again to Eastern TN, our little holler near the South Toe River is still completely inaccessible, and we have no information on our home’s standing — including my personal flameworking studio and vehicle.

Although we are believing that a “best case scenario” may still exist, Charlie and I are currently having to prepare for the worst, which leans towards a loss of everything (housing, equipment/livelihood, transportation, and so much more). We are temporarily staying in Eastern TN and are committed to running supplies over the mountain down to the Burnsville area, but the larger picture is still greatly unknown.

We would like to start pooling resources in the event that we cannot return to our home (which we have loved and cherished so much since we found it in 2022) so we can begin to rebuild our lives and resume our careers/livelihood. We would be so grateful for any support as we navigate this situation, even if that means simply sharing this GoFundMe page.

*In the event that we will not be in need of funds to relocate housing, replace equipment and transportation, ALL remaining donations will be redirected to emergency relief efforts and resources in our immediate area, with verification/proof of where those funds end up. No matter the circumstance, your donation will make its way to where it’s needed.