Reconnecting Communities After Hurricane Helene

After hurricane Helene, many Western NC rural communities are profoundly cut off from the assistance they need. They haven't been able to even let the outside know how they are or what they need.

I am a techie in Asheville, so naturally I tracked down and brought in a Starlink system to my family who had (fortunately) just dug their way out of the wreckage of their road. I didn't know what they needed, but knew communication would let them tell people their stories and communicate their needs.

The most emphatic answer is fuel. They've got tractors, ATVs, motorcycles, and are clearing a long abandoned road to reconnect a community by Cane River. The Cane River road is just gone.

My family got lucky and are ok, but they do need diapers for the babies. However, there are fatalities in their areas and people with medical needs. I can bring in more Starlink systems and cans of fuel to these places, but I need assistance covering the costs and even finding units in stock. Anyone in the area with under-utilized Starlink units could also donate or loan them out to get them in the field quickly.

The plan should be to get each cut-off community equipped with at least one Internet connection that they can share. Good battery packs to power a Starlink would also be helpful, though fuel for generators is probably most important.

With shipping into the area difficult, I can pick up supplies sent to Greenville, SC until Asheville can receive packages. I've talked to people in Greenville who are happy to assist with receiving shipments.

If you have specific family or friends who are cut off and want to assist them, let me know. I'm based out of Asheville, so can reach wherever roads have been cleared from there.

Funds will be used to purchase Starlink systems, batteries, fuel cans, fuel, cover travel costs, and for good measure to buy as many water bottles as I can fit in my car for areas without access to clean water. Receipts will be provided, and pictures or videos of the set ups. I'm not trying to profit, just cover expenses.

Thank you for the help,

Will Senechal