Interviewees were given the option to voluntarily donate recordings to Buncombe County Special Collections for preservation and public access.]]> Paige Ambord]]> Caitlin Meagher]]> August 28, 2025]]> Digital Audio Recording]]>
Interviewees were given the option to voluntarily donate recordings to Buncombe County Special Collections for preservation and public access.]]> Paige Ambord]]> Caitlin Meagher]]> June 26, 2025]]> Digital Audio Recording]]>
Interviewees were given the option to voluntarily donate recordings to Buncombe County Special Collections for preservation and public access.]]> Paige Ambord]]> Caitlin Meagher]]> June 19, 2025]]> Digital Audio Recording]]> Oral histories]]>
A self-described “prepper” who was initially unconcerned about the storm [00:04:38], Salgado describes his involvement in several aspects of the county's emergency response once the storm's severity became clear [00:07:59], which included projects to contact and initiate wellness checks on senior residents [00:09:22] and to manage a donation warehouse distributing supplies through partner organizations [00:12:36]. Salgado reflects on challenges such as public distrust in government [00:18:48], the emotional toll on responders [0:21:40], and frustration with the lack of concrete preparedness actions undertaken at a government level over 18 months [00:27:08]. ]]> Friends of Buncombe County Special Collections]]> March 2, 2026]]> Digital Audio Recording]]> Madison County Public Library]]> June 2, 2026]]> Digital Audio Recording]]> The Western North Carolina Health Policy Initiative (HPI) has launched a new podcast series that takes a deep dive into a new WNC HPI research project exploring what we can learn about our region’s healthcare response in the days and weeks following Hurricane Helene’s devastating landfall across Western North Carolina on the evening of Sept 27, 2024.

In each installment, we speak about different public health strategies for improving health and well-being in Western North Carolina (WNC). The WNC HPl is a collaboration between the NC Center for Health & Wellness at UNCA and MAHEC, with generous support from the Dogwood Health Trust.

Individual opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this podcast are those of the author(s)/interviewee(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the WNC Health Policy Initiative or its host institutions of the University of North Carolina Asheville (UNCA), Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC) or our funders.

Listen online:

Listen to the WNC Health Policy Podcast here.

]]> WNC Health Policy Initiative Media Team]]> WNC Health Policy Initiative (HPI)]]> 2025]]> Image Credit: NCDOTcommunications, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.]]> Digital Audio Recording]]>
This interview was conducted on March 27, 2025 by Keyana Thomas for the Asheville Museum of Science as part of the project "Every Day, Everywhere, Everyone: Reflections on Community and Climate Resilience in WNC," and donated to Buncombe County Special Collections.]]> Asheville Museum of Science]]> March 27, 2025]]> Digital Audio Recording]]> Oral histories]]>
Kane discusses how Helene impacted her home and rental properties in the area of Botany Woods, Riverbend neighborhoods in East Asheville [00:03:05], describing prior flooding events [00:07:34], preparations before the flooding [00:09:19], the loss of two of her properties and multiple neighbors [00:10:45]. She shares her frustrations working with government agencies to receive compensation for her losses [00:14:48] and how she has dealt with the emotional toll of the loss of her home [00:18:52].]]> Friends of Buncombe County Special Collections]]> May 18, 2025]]> Digital Audio Recording]]> Oral histories]]>
Schlicher describes his experience witnessing rapid flooding from his home near Bleachery Boulevard and the Swannanoa River [00:07:03], the loss of his cat due to a veterinary emergency [00:21:19], and the overwhelming turnout of volunteers who assisted with relief efforts in the immediate aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene [00:27:52].

Narrator portrait by Gretchen LeMaistre.

]]> Friends of Buncombe County Special Collections]]> April 21, 2025]]> Digital Audio Recording]]> Oral histories]]>
Interviewer Fiora shares her Helene experience [00:05:01] and Stephanie describes the trip she took to her parents and their communication after the storm [00:24:17]. Essie shares a story about the dangerous driving conditions [00:40:50]. Throughout the drive, Stephanie describes how roads, buildings, and creeks looked in the immediate aftermath of Helene.

In a second recording, on the return car ride, the group reflects on their first time seeing the damage in Pensacola post-Helene [00:05:58] and stories they heard from local relief workers [00:09:03]

This interview was conducted by Fiora Mecale as part of the oral history project Finding Hope: Southern Resilience in the Aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

Narrator photo taken by Fiora Mecale, January 3, 2025.]]> Fiora Mecale]]> January 3, 2025]]> Digital Audio Recording]]> Oral histories]]>
Nikki recounts the days surrounding Tropical Storm Helene and leaving town due to safety concerns [00:03:51]. She elaborates on her neighborhood coming together [00:07:53], and the emotional impact of the storm, including feelings of survivor’s guilt during the recovery period [00:10:10]. She expresses cynicism in her expectations for Asheville’s future in the years to come [00:21:05] but also positive aspects of community cooperation and reconnection [00:27:50].

This interview was conducted by Fiora Mecale as part of the oral history project Finding Hope: Southern Resilience in the Aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

Narrator photo courtesy Nichole Gibson.]]> Fiora Mecale]]> November 7, 2024]]> Digital Audio Recording]]>
Hamon describes Tropical Storm Helene’s impact on her home and community. She explains how she and her husband Bruce Johnson, having experienced past floods, prepared their home, horses, and property bordering Cane Creek [00:05:02]; their experience of the flooding [00:11:01]; the destruction and debris the flood left behind [00:25:53]; their pasture recovery and rebuilding process [00:40:45]; how they supported their community’s recovery through fundraising [00:57:48]; and what they might do differently in the future [01:15:12].

Narrator photo depicts Leigh Ann with a horse on the day of the hurricane. Provided courtesy of Leigh Ann Hamon.]]> Friends of Buncombe County Special Collections]]> June 7, 2025]]> Digital Audio Recording]]> Oral histories]]> Long-time Asheville resident Roy Harris was interviewed by Buncombe County Special Collections Librarian Carissa Pfeiffer on August 11, 2025. This interview took place at Blue Ridge Public Radio and was conducted as part of the Come Hell or High Water Oral History Project for Buncombe County Special Collections, Pack Memorial Library.

Harris describes his experiences during and after Helene, driven by a central theme of how the disaster strengthened community bonds. He relates his initial reaction, which was informed by having grown up in a part of North Carolina that experiences hurricanes more frequently [00:07:29]; resource-sharing among neighbors [00:11:00]; and personal anecdotes, such as his daughters and their former high school friends seeing him on CNN, and then organizing a drop-off of supplies [00:18:09]. He also reflects on the challenges faced by the elderly and other vulnerable populations [00:22:13 and 00:33:14] and practical lessons learned [00:40:24]. A recurring theme throughout the interview is the need to learn from all people’s stories and to know and engage with neighbors as a means of building resilience [00:49:17].

Photo (circa 2018) provided courtesy of Roy Harris. Previously published in the article "Roy Harris finds the universal in personal tales," Mountain Xpress, December 11, 2018.]]> Friends of Buncombe County Special Collections]]> August 11, 2025]]> Digital Audio Recording]]> Jerry Pope]]> July 20, 2025]]> Digital Audio Recording]]> Jerry Pope]]> June 18, 2025]]> Digital Audio Recording]]> Jerry Pope]]> June 10, 2025]]> Digital Audio Recording]]> Jerry Pope]]> May 6, 2025]]> Digital Audio Recording]]> Jerry Pope]]> April 21, 2025]]> Digital Audio Recording]]> Jerry Pope]]> April 18, 2025]]> Digital Audio Recording]]> Jerry Pope]]> April 9, 2025]]> Digital Audio Recording]]> Oral histories]]>
Parris shares her experience during Tropical Storm Helene, which hit while she was staying at a friend’s home [00:05:41]. Her own home in Tanglewood Mobile Home Community narrowly escaped destruction. She describes returning to Swannanoa and witnessing the storm’s devastation [00:13:20], feelings of survivor’s guilt [00:16:24], and support received from people who brought food supplies and assistance from across the country [00:19:51]. Contemplating the aftermath of Helene, she reflects on gratitude, a changed relationship with the weather [00:23:51], human resilience in the face of disaster [00:26:22], and the continued challenges she and her neighbors face [00:29:57].

Narrator portrait depicts Nancy at Charles D. Owen Park, Swannanoa, NC., March 14, 2026. Photo by Bill Green.]]> Friends of Buncombe County Special Collections]]> April 11, 2025]]> Digital Audio Recording]]> Oral histories]]>
Kelly relates his experience during and after Helene. The storm struck when he was out of town, and he describes preparations he took before leaving town [00:04:31], his decision to stay in Minnesota at first [00:12:51], and his experience upon returning to his home in West Asheville five days later [00:14:21]. He describes changes to MountainTrue’s work in the short- and long-term aftermath as the nonprofit took on disaster relief and recovery roles in the community [00:19:52]. Kelly also reflects on Helene’s environmental impact in contrast to that of Hurricane Frances in 2004 [00:23:16] and expresses concerns about rebuilding in disaster-prone areas [00:26:24].

Narrator portraits by Bill Green Photography depict Josh outside in Malvern Hills Park, Asheville, on December 17, 2025.]]> Friends of Buncombe County Special Collections]]> September 23, 2025]]> Digital Audio Recording]]> Oral histories]]>
The Robertsons tell their story while showing photographs to Fiora and Bob, describing their first communications through Starlink [00:20:23], neighbors who checked on them the week after the storm [00:27:53], choosing to stay and establish a routine at home rather than evacuate [00:28:58], and the work of volunteers they witnessed in their community [00:47:54]. Continuing the conversation over a meal, Bob adds how the storm affected areas near his home in East Asheville [00:52:28] and he and Darius discuss the long-term environmental impacts of mudslides and tree loss [00:56:35]. The Robertsons discuss the importance of the Garmin satellite communication device they obtained [01:03:56] and the friendships they developed with relief volunteers [01:09:09]. Bob and Darius reflect on past experiences when they volunteered after Katrina [01:12:41].

This interview was conducted by Fiora Mecale as part of the oral history project Finding Hope: Southern Resilience in the Aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

Narrator photo taken by Fiora Mecale, January 3, 2025.]]> Fiora Mecale]]> January 3, 2025]]> Digital Audio Recording]]> Oral histories]]> Julie Bell, artist and co-owner of Trackside Studios in Asheville’s River Arts District, was interviewed by Buncombe County Special Collections Librarian Carissa Pfeiffer on December 15, 2025. This interview took place at Blue Ridge Public Radio and was conducted as part of the Come Hell or High Water Oral History Project for Buncombe County Special Collections, Pack Memorial Library.

Bell describes how she initially underestimated the storm, based on past experiences with hurricanes [00:05:00]. She was in Texas when Helene hit Asheville, and coordinated aid remotely while serving as River Arts District Association Foundation president [00:10:47] before returning and working together with fellow artists to support one another [00:16:27] and participating in cleaning and rebuilding Trackside Studios [00:27:14] in preparation for a successful reopening in early December which generated overwhelming community support and sales to sustain the business [00:31:52]. Bell concludes by reflecting on her hopes for the future of the RAD [00:42:02], lessons learned from the flood [00:44:48], and the importance of community connections to build collective resilience [00:52:19].

Narrator portraits depict Julie in her art studio in the River Arts District, January 5, 2026. ]]> Friends of Buncombe County Special Collections]]> December 15, 2025]]> Digital Audio Recording]]> Oral histories]]>
Ray describes her first impressions of Helene [00:08:56] and difficulties she encountered in the storm’s immediate aftermath, such as getting prescribed medication [00:17:00] and obtaining FEMA resources after evacuating [00:28:01]. She shares how the Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies provided support [00:29:34] as well as how community support and ingenuity supported basic needs such as showering and toilet flushing after she returned to Asheville [00:36:54]. In the months following the storm, Priya advocated for improvements to local government communication about non-potable water’s risk to immunocompromised residents [00:46:44] as well as ADA compliance at Community Care Stations [00:54:13]. She concludes by reflecting on feelings of gratitude and exhaustion, as well as her hope that rebuilding plans will include accessibility considerations [01:02:52].

Narrator portrait depicts Priya with her pet dog outside her residence in Asheville, NC, December 17, 2025. Photo by Bill Green Photography. Six additional images contributed by Priya are screenshots of DIYabled Instagram posts shared in the aftermath of Helene.]]> Friends of Buncombe County Special Collections]]> October 20, 2025]]> Digital Audio Recording]]> Oral histories]]>
Wells recounts how Helene impacted the rural communities she represents and how she responded to the storm in her capacity as a county commissioner. She describes how Helene affected her family [00:09:48], then coordinating aid and visiting hard-hit areas such as Barnardsville, Reems Creek, and Swannanoa [00:13:56]. Key topics include the unique challenges faced by mountain farmers [00:23:04], longer-term impacts such as heightened wildfire risks [00:31:13], and the critical role community centers play in disaster response [00:43:15]. Wells concludes by reflecting on the past year's progress towards recovery [00:54:34] and how community relationships can transcend political divisions [01:05:34].

Narrator portrait depicts Terri on a walkway bridge on the grounds of the Botanical Gardens at UNC Asheville, January 5, 2026. Photo by Bill Green Photography.

Seventeen additional photos contributed by Terri Wells depict various locations and people discussed during the interview, including relief efforts in Leicester, Sandy Mush, Barnardsville, and Weaverville, mostly September 25 – October 11, 2024, plus one photo from December 3, 2025.
]]> Friends of Buncombe County Special Collections]]> October 20, 2025]]> Digital Audio Recording]]>
Maeve recounts the events of the recovery effort, describing the first campus-wide meetings after the storm [00:16:04] and new work routines [00:23:12]. They recount the false alarm about the Bee Tree Dam that occurred on Sunday night [00:26:32], how their work evolved as student workers settled into a productive rhythm [00:37:57], and the story behind the Skeleton Crew, nine essential workers who stayed after campus closed [00:42:13]. They close by describing students' return to campus after a month of recovery [00:47:03] and reflect on the college's decisions and over growth as a leader, worker, and institution [00:54:40].

Narrator portraits depict Maeve outside the pig pen of the agricultural utility buildings of Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, NC, November 20, 2025. Photos by Bill Green Photography.]]> Friends of Buncombe County Special Collections]]> November 7, 2025]]> Digital Audio Recording]]> Oral histories]]>
McClung relates his experience of Helene and its aftermath in his community. After the storm, he and his dog Cash were the first therapy dog team to return to Mission Hospital, where they provided emotional support to exhausted staff who shared traumatic survival stories [00:09:28]. He also describes his volunteer work in trail cleanup and maintenance following the storm [00:14:23] and reads poetry he wrote inspired by a nurse’s experience [00:26:51] and the coming of spring [00:28:00].

Portrait depicts McClung with his dog in the driveway of his home residence , December 11, 2025.]]> Friends of Buncombe County Special Collections]]> May 30, 2025]]> Digital Audio Recording]]> Madison County Public Library]]> November 18, 2025]]> Digital Audio Recording]]> Madison County Public Library]]> December 12, 2025]]> Digital Audio Recording]]> Madison County Public Library]]> December 2, 2025]]> Digital Audio Recording]]> Oral histories]]>
Tipps recounts his experiences in Black Mountain and Asheville during and after Tropical Storm Helene, including its impact on his farm property in Black Mountain [00:07:25]. He describes walking in the Black Mountain community near Lake Tomahawk and the dam [00:10:27], then attempting to reach family in Swannanoa and seeing the Swannanoa River Road area first hand in Asheville [00:16:13]. He recounts an experience at an Asheville hotel where a large crowd gathered to access WiFi and how it affirmed his sense of community [00:22:18].

Photo provided courtesy of the narrator. ]]> Friends of Buncombe County Special Collections]]> May 15, 2025]]> Digital Audio Recording]]>
Pastor Burleson recounts his personal experience and his church’s response to Helene, which included establishing The Village, a camper community to temporarily house families displaced by the storm. Burleson describes being trapped at home in Avery’s Creek due to fallen trees [00:02:29], communicating with his congregation using a mass texting service [00:10:03], and how the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church assisted with relief and recovery efforts [00:16:45]. He explains the conception and rapid development of The Village [00:24:23], the importance of partnerships with the local school systems and private funding sources [00:29:54], and future plans to explore permanent affordable housing on the site [00:37:45].

Portraits depict Sam Burleson in the entrance area of Covenant Community Church, November 18, 2025. Photos by Bill Green. ]]> Friends of Buncombe County Special Collections]]> September 30, 2025]]> Digital Audio Recording]]>
Randall discusses his experience organizing logistical aid remotely during the information blackout that followed the storm. He describes social media as critical infrastructure during the crisis [00:08:16]; coordinating relief efforts in partnership with a friend, Jacob Peacock [00:09:06]; his anger at politicians’ responses [00:15:26]; returning to Asheville to distribute supplies in late October [00:23:21]; and frustration with the spread of misinformation and conspiracies [00:38:37]. Throughout the interview, he expresses a deep distrust of government and media narratives, as well as profound anger and frustration over the politicization of the disaster, with a particular emphasis on Donald Trump’s campaign and presidency.

Narrator portrait by Jenny Bowen, Pack Memorial Library, August 21, 2025. ]]> Friends of Buncombe County Special Collections]]> August 21, 2025]]> Digital Audio Recording]]>
Cleveland shares that after being trapped in her Weaverville neighborhood initially [00:06:18] she left and worked at a medical shelter at A-B Tech [00:09:06]. She describes conditions at the shelter [00:10:09], her daily routine [00:14:49], and the resources and support offered through formal and informal sources [00:19:05]. Molly emphasizes that comprehensive emergency planning and public health are often overlooked until there is a critical need, and advocates for increased preparedness on individual and system-wide levels [00:24:17]. She also reflects on long-term emotional impact and collective healing [00:30:42].

Narrator portrait depicts Molly in downtown Weaverville at the main street park, September 25, 2025. Photo by Bill Green.]]> Friends of Buncombe County Special Collections]]> August 25, 2025]]> Digital Audio Recording]]>
Leimena shares how she, her husband, and their 7- and 10-year-old children) were impacted in North Asheville [00:03:09], their efforts to provide essential supplies to people in need [00:07:50], involvement of children in volunteer efforts [00:15:28], and changes to Babies Need Bottoms operations during the storm and recovery [00:17:48] as well as long-term needs [00:21:50]. She also reflects on the nonprofit’s growth, partnerships, and national support [00:33:28] and lessons learned about how needs changed over time [00:42:33].

Photographs depict Meagan in the fulfillment room of Babies Need Bottoms, August 18, 2025. All photos by Bill Green.]]> Friends of Buncombe County Special Collections]]> May 14, 2025]]> Digital Audio Recording]]> Madison County Public Library]]> November 4, 2025]]> Digital Audio Recording]]>
See also Buncombe County Special Collections's interview with William Auman, conducted November 17, 2025.]]> Madison County Public Library]]> November 4, 2025]]> Digital Audio Recording]]> Oral histories]]>
Dr. Gossett recalls his experiences of Helene and its impact on A-B Tech. After experiencing a storm far worse than he imagined, he began to delegate A-B Tech’s resources [00:09:43] and briefly left to visit his son-in-law's house in Anderson, South Carolina [00:12:39]. He describes the college’s operations as they became a campus resource [00:14:47], the shelter’s operations after Helene [00:16:50], and the physical and mental impact on the college and its residents [00:21:45]. He finishes by stating the importance of community colleges in the recovery and rebuilding of Western North Carolina [00:27:07].

Photograph provided courtesy of Dr. John Gossett. Also included is an excerpt of the 2025 Spring/Summer edition of A-B Tech Education Journal, pages 8-12, describing Helene impact.

See also archived web content:
Helene Recovery: Six Months Later video
Helene Recovery articles on A-B Tech website
Helene resources on A-B Tech website]]> Friends of Buncombe County Special Collections]]> September 22, 2025]]> Digital Audio Recording]]> Madison County Public Library]]> September 23, 2025]]> Digital Audio Recording]]>