Requesting help after Hurricane Helene ❤️

Ok. I've decided I am going to ask for help if I can after what happened.

My current needs are basics. I, VERY luckily, drove to my boyfriend's house in Charlotte last Tuesday to visit on my days off from work. I was unaware of the catastrophe that was coming.

That being said, I brought two days worth of clothing and very basic toiletries.

My town completely flooded and main highway roads literally crumbled away. Or have landslides and trees covering them. They have closed off access to Old Fort (where my house resides) aside from emergency vehicles. I cannot currently get back to collect any belongings. They have asked no one to travel to WNC. I don't know how long that will last.

Even if I could go home, the infrastructure of Asheville has been damaged in a way that will take years to repair. There is still not much cell service, there's no power in most places, and there's no running water anywhere nearby. That is where my job of the last eight years was located. I don't have a job there for foreseeable future. I haven't even began to process how much that breaks my heart.

I just need.....more than the two days worth of underwear that I brought to Charlotte, same with socks, ideally some regular clothes as well, toiletry basics, I'm trying to get a job here which means I'll need work shoes pants etc. All of those things add up so quickly.

I wouldn't feel safe risking traveling either way because there's not solid cell service. I would have no idea how to navigate unfamiliar back roads without help and proper information from the internet. My roommate was at home and was essentially rescued by a friend after no one had heard from her for almost three days. The normally half hour trip took him five hours.

The town next to mine (Black Mountain) held a town meeting today and in that meeting it was stated that they might not have water up and running for two to three MONTHS.

Old Fort is much smaller and more isolated. I don't know what that means for us.

So, I have an unscathed dwelling by the grace of the universe. But no town around it or a place of work. I don't really know what that means for my future. FEMA can help in small way for "miscellaneous" basically lost food. But no damage was done otherwise. So, no insurance money or government help in that regard. I fear I may be doomed to pay a mortgage on a home in an unlivable town for a while. I don't really know what the future holds. I'm applying for things that I can and I am already looking for employment in Charlotte. My boyfriend is housing me. I'm incredibly grateful for him.

If you know me, you are likely aware that I do not come from a wealthy family. So, I don't have a cushion or a fall back plan. I have me, my work ethic, and I had one good investment for myself that is now a financial unknown.

I don't know how to say all of this without rambling. I apologize.

I am safe and my loved ones are safe. I am so very grateful. I hate asking for help. But I have accepted that I am living through an actual crisis along with everyone else.

I don't want to take away from others in crisis by posting too widely. Give if you want or can, or give your money to people in more need. Because so many people lost everything.

Please help only if you can ❤️