Just over six months ago, Hurricane Helene carved a path of destruction through Western North Carolina. Communities we cherish were forever changed, lives were lost, and the literal landscape of many communities were transformed overnight. The scars remain visible across our mountains, and recent wildfires that swept through more than 11,000 acres serve as stark reminders that recovery is rarely predictable. Each day brings new challenges — even as other major events begin to dominate the headlines and occupy the minds of our leaders.
As our John M. Belk Endowment team traveled throughout the region in recent months, we’ve witnessed both heartbreaking loss and remarkable resilience. Many homes remain uninhabitable, some roads remain impassable, and many small businesses have yet to reopen. And yet we have also seen communities rallying with the same determination that has defined Western North Carolinians for generations.
This spirit of resilience and commitment to rebuilding is particularly evident when you make your way to our community colleges…