KITTY HAWK, NC — Just six weeks ago, 25 counties in western North Carolina were hit by one of the worst natural disasters in the area’s history, Hurricane Helene. But the devastation is still fresh in many minds.

“I personally stayed away from any news and didn’t look at any videos or pictures for the first two and a half to three weeks, I just couldn’t do it and keep moving forward at the rate I was,” said Elizabeth Brazas, president. and CEO of the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina.

“The rapid water rescue was to get people off the roofs of their houses and onto land. Areas that were not normally flood plains were then substantially affected by the water,” said Kevin Jones, who lives just outside Asheville in Swannanoa.

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“I remember looking up, like, in the distance and seeing a river where there was no river,” said Brandon Ford, who lives in Boone.

25 counties were affected. The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina represents 18 of them. More than $29 million has been donated to them and about $7 million has been distributed through grants to affected communities.

“I’m signing a letter that has a $2 contribution from someone in the Bronx who I think is a kid. And then the next contribution is 150,000 from a family trust in Missouri. It was just amazing,” Brazas said.

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The Outer Banks community is stepping up to support areas affected by Hurricane Helene

Support also came from Outer Bankswhich is a community that is no stranger to hurricanes.

“I immediately felt a connection with the people of western North Carolina, and you see it in the response. We were able to send over $56,000 in support of various organizations in western North Carolina, and we plan to make a year-end gift as well,” Chris Sawin, president and CEO of the Outer Banks Community Foundation.

On the receiving end of the help are people hoping not to be forgotten.

“We’re just now starting to realize the real economic impact of this hurricane up here. People who already didn’t have much to begin with are now out of their homes and don’t really have a good way to rebuild and repair,” Ford said.

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“There are still people without electricity, without water, without internet, and it’s been over four weeks. Some roads and towns have disappeared. So every day we learn about more needs and the extent of the damage and the need,” Brazas said.

“The supplies are great, but going forward we’re going to need a lot more people willing to put boots on the ground and reach out and say, where can I help,” Jones said.

An important question for a community on a long road to recovery.

Communities in western North Carolina continue to be in need. Some organizations in affected areas include Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, WAMY, FARM Cafe and House of Hospitality.