Hurricane Helene: NC recovery update after one month

Hurricane Helene: NC recovery update after one month
Hospice & Palliative Care Today; Chris Comeaux with Cordt Kassner; 10/29/24
This is an ongoing series of interviews with Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of Teleios Collaborative Network, who lives and works in Western North Carolina – the area most impacted by Hurricane Helene. Chris framed today’s discussion as the good, the bad, and the ugly:

• The Good: We see hope. A hospice volunteer who lost her home had planned to move away due to the devastation. Based on progress made in just the past few weeks, she decided to stay in the area and rebuild – hopeful for both her and the community’s future. The amazing fall colors stand in stark contrast to Hurricane Helene’s destruction.
• The Bad: Schools have just restarted – some without power or water. Some mountain communities don’t expect to have power or water until March of next year.
• The Ugly: Some communities are purchasing and building Home Depot Tuff Sheds, running power and water to them, and using them for temporary shelter. There is great concern about winter coming and housing needs.

Here’s how you can help:

• Hospice disaster relief wish lists: Amorem, Compassionate Care of Western North Carolina, Four Seasons, all three hospices.
• Donate funds: Amorem, Compassionate Care of Western North Carolina, Four Seasons.
• Volunteer: Contact Chris Comeaux at Teleios, who is coordinating hospice staffing volunteer efforts.
• Housing: Samaritan’s Purse and the Cajun Navy Relief.