10/05/2024
It’s hard to believe it has been over a week since Hurricane Helene came across Western North Carolina. It has been a week of trauma, sadness, + being in survival mode for all of us here.
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I am beyond grateful to share that everyone in our town, on our team, + in our families are safe. We also feel extremely blessed that the Magnolia House faired well through the storm due to our being located on the higher ground of Hot Springs.
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We are so sad to share that just beyond the end of our driveway, downtown Hot Springs has been devastated by the flood waters. The downtown area is currently muddy + non functioning. Uptown we have a few businesses that are still operational. The whole town has been without power + water for much of the time. Yesterday water was restored to most of us although the power is still being addressed.
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The town is still very much in the throws of crisis + figuring things out. Many business owners are committed to rebuilding although we are completely unsure of a timeline.
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We have had so much outreach from so many it has been truly touching to witness. Our town has quickly mobilized our own AMAZING crisis management team. Donations are coming in by the truckload, soo many volunteers ready to help + many fundraisers set up. Hot Springs feels well loved and our town morale is high.
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We are so very sad that our beloved town has been brought to a halt for now. It is a lot to take in and process... We are resolved to stay, support our community, and to be curious together about the next chapter that will surely unfold.
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Despite the circumstances, we remain clear that our mission, as always, is to “hold space for it all...” - for our fellow citizens here in Hot Springs and in WNC at large, for sadness, for grief, for acceptance, for recovery, for being in it all together.
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Sending love,
Sara, Brad + Team