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Hurricane Helene Leaves North Carolina in Darkness, Volunteers Bring Solar Power
Two weeks after Hurricane Helene devastated the southeast, volunteers are providing solar power to hard-hit areas in North Carolina. The hurricane caused widespread flooding and landslides, resulting in over 225 deaths and leaving thousands without electricity.
Bobby Renfro, a community leader in Tipton Hill, is desperate for a solution as the constant hum of gas-powered generators becomes unbearable. He spent thousands of dollars on a generator to power essential medical equipment and refrigerators.
About 23,500 customers in western North Carolina remain without power, making it difficult to refrigerate medicines, charge devices, and apply for aid. Crews are working to repair the damage, but progress is slow due to the dense mountain forests.
The Footprint Project, a nonprofit organization, is providing solar generators to communities in need. These generators offer a clean, quiet, and cost-free alternative to gas-powered generators. The organization has deployed dozens of solar systems and is sourcing hundreds more.
Will Heegaard and Jamie Swezey, the founders of the Footprint Project, emphasize the importance of supplementing generators rather than replacing them. They recognize that the damage is severe and that many people will require long-term assistance.
Local volunteers are helping with deliveries and installation. Henry Kovacs and Hayden Wilson from Asheville delivered solar equipment to a community hub in Bakersville, where it is providing power to a small fridge, water pump, and communications system.
The Footprint Project plans to remain in the area as long as they are needed to help those whose homes and businesses are too damaged to connect to the grid.