Help Shinara and Moe Rebuild After Hurricane Helene

Dear loved ones and friends,

We are reaching out for assistance: Our beautiful community in Black Mountain, outside Asheville, NC, was recently devastated by Hurricane Helene. While we are grateful that our home was spared, the storm washed away our community's private gravel road and all utility infrastructure, leaving us isolated and without essential services. Estimations for restoring electricity are 2-3 months and water service may take much longer since our well system was swept into a ravine.

Both of us have lost our jobs due to the hurricane and we have been unable to reach the outside world except by foot. As winter approaches, we are in need of support to prepare for colder conditions and maintain contact with our friends and families, as cell service remains out and accessing satellite internet entails a 2-mile hike on a rugged trail to an emergency shelter.

How Your Donations Will Help:

** Winter Preparations: Ensuring we have the necessary supplies and equipment to keep ourselves and our fur family safe and warm without electricity during the approaching cold months.

** All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV): Purchasing an ATV to navigate our damaged road and bring in essential supplies and help us collect firewood for our woodstove.

** Backup Solar Generator: Acquiring a solar generator to provide reliable power in the absence of utility services and provide emergency power if our main propane generator fails or if fuel is unavailable.

** Starlink Internet Service: Setting up a satellite internet connection to communicate and stay connected with the outside world and seek employment opportunities.

We have built a life we love here over the past seven years, and with your help, we can continue to enjoy these mountains that we hold so dear. Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a significant difference in our ability to rebuild and stay connected.

Thank you for your kindness and generosity.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Shinara and Moe (Molly, Penny, and Winnipeg too!)