Charlotte Residents Rally Together After Devastating Storm Damage
Charlotte, NC — Folks across the Diocese of Charlotte are coming together in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene, which rolled through the region on Friday, leaving a path of destruction and heartache. **It’s truly a community in need, but the spirit of camaraderie and support is shining bright amidst the difficulties.**
As of Saturday, many churches, schools, and organizations within the diocese were busy assessing the damage caused by the storm. Reports indicated widespread power outages, fallen trees, and significant water damage, particularly impacting the western parts of North Carolina. The storm has claimed the lives of at least 10 people, according to updating reports from the Governor’s office.
With emergency crews working tirelessly for rescue missions, many areas remain inaccessible due to roads being destroyed or blocked. Essential resources like electricity, drinkable water, and cell phone service are in critically short supply in several communities. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has declared a large portion of far western North Carolina a **federal disaster area**.
A Call for Community Support
Speaking on the gravity of the situation, Monsignor Patrick Winslow, vicar general and chancellor of the diocese, expressed a heartwarming sentiment: “We pray for everyone who has been affected, especially for those who have been injured or lost loved ones, and for the communities in western North Carolina that are seeing total devastation. We are also taking stock of how we can help our local communities.”
Among the hardest-hit places is St. Margaret Mary Church in Swannanoa, where a tree toppled onto the building, leading to an indefinite closure of its campus. The church announced on Facebook that “no Mass or Sacraments can be offered at this time, and we have no idea when our ability to have Mass may be restored.”
In Hendersonville, the Immaculata School faced severe flooding, with water leaks damaging multiple classrooms, including the gym and the new STEM lab. Principal Margaret Beale shared the frustrations of the situation, stating, “This really is a disaster. People can’t get out of their homes and may not have food or water.” The school is set to remain closed until at least October 4 as officials evaluate the safety and feasibility of reopening.
A Broader Impact
The reach of the storm’s impact stretched as far east as Winston-Salem, affecting many parishes and schools in the diocese. Water leaks and downed trees were reported in various churches located in Shelby, Gastonia, and Mooresville, while St. Michael School in Gastonia faced damage from flooding as well.
In response to the dire circumstances, Catholic Charities has activated emergency response protocols across the diocese, which encompasses 46 counties in the western half of North Carolina. Efforts are underway to provide support to both churches and local communities during what’s anticipated to be a lengthy recovery process.
Resilience and Hope
While Bishop Michael Martin has suspended Mass obligations in the storm-stricken areas, many churches, including Immaculate Conception in Hendersonville, are planning to hold services despite the loss of power. Services at parishes are advised to be confirmed online, as some may be modified depending on individual circumstances.
Messages of hope and resilience have been shared widely. “Stay strong,” read a post from St. Aloysius Church in Hickory, invoking the community’s patron saint to lend them strength. The sentiment resonated throughout the diocese as parishioners rallied together to support each other in any way possible.
As donations of nonperishable goods, diapers, and water have begun flowing in—some even being flown to the hardest hit areas—there’s a palpable sense of togetherness among residents. Immaculata’s Principal Beale’s sentiment sums it up perfectly: “We are such a strong community that we’ll come back from this.”
While the storm has left its mark, the residents of Charlotte and surrounding areas are ready to rise to the occasion, showing the true meaning of community spirit in the wake of adversity.
