our friend Betsy del Monte (in Asheville) -

Kira, and all, We now have cell service so I can post this: Thanks for continuing to watch out for me! Now that we have cell service we’re starting learn about the total impact…it’s truly awful. Yesterday our road was finally cleared of fallen trees so now we can come down off the mountain. So far I’ve made it to the grocery store (for an 1 ½ hour wait) and to see my dad in the health care center. I haven’t wanted to waste power, or get in the way, so I haven’t driven to see the really disastrous areas. We still don’t have power or internet. We run our generator sparingly to save fuel, but at least we can turn it on to make coffee, cook dinner and take showers. It also pumps our well water. We are so much luckier than so many! I’m still trying to process it all. Thanks for checking in! Betsy del Monte, FAIA, LEED BD+C Architect & Consultant, CameronMacallister Lecturer, Clemson School of Architecture, SMU Lyle School of Engineering 214-850-1248 On Thu, Oct 3, 2024 at 12:57 PM Kira Gould wrote:

[heart] Greg Mella reacted to your message: ________________________________

A follow up to Kira’s message from Betsy. They have now cleared the road down their mountain home but still limited power. She doesn’t know how long it will take for repairs but at least now the road is open. She seems to be doing well of course. I’m sure she’d love to know of our support. 

So glad to hear you're managing so well. I know many of us, when things settle down, will want to know how to help, so if you know good options please share! 

Yes, agree – Betsy, we are sending you big hugs and are at the ready if you or others near you need anything. Thankful that you are safe. Thank you also Kira (and Anne who updated me with texts) for connecting us to our dear friend F

Thank you to everyone for your concern and willingness to help. It’s a surreal situation where we are simultaneously in the middle of a disaster zone, and doing just fine. We still have generator fuel, so for a few hours each day I can charge phones, computers and get online. Unfortunately, we’re nearing the end of our fuel, so it’s a race to see if the power is restored before then. It’s pretty iffy, as the damage is tremendous. We can move up the hill to my sister’s if we need to. They have a bigger fuel tank. Since our road got cleared I can now get out to the stores that are open, and more importantly, go see my 94-year-old dad in the health care center. They have generator emergency power, but no water and no entertainment. He’s surviving, but he’s not happy. I am overwhelmingly aware that we’re so much better off than those who have lost their homes, and in some cases, their family members. People have asked how they can help, and all I can say is make a donation if you wish. There’s a lot of need right now. The Red Cross is always a good place, of course, and I understand there are GoFundMe sites, both for general Helene relief and for individuals. Thanks again for all your love and concern! Time to turn the generator off. Betsy Betsy del Monte, FAIA, LEED BD+C Architect & Consultant, CameronMacallister Lecturer, Clemson School of Architecture, SMU Lyle School of Engineering 214-850-1248 On Fri, Oct 4, 2024 at 7:57 PM Pauline Souza wrote:

One of the clients we are working with is located in Morganton, NC about an hour east of Asheville, NC. All of their staff are safe and accounted for after the impacts of Hurricane Helene, but as we know not everyone in the region has fared as well and there will continue to be a need to distribute essential supplies. They have published a list for resources and reliable options to make monetary donations for the Western North Carolina region. 
More info: The Industrial Commons - Hurricane Helene - Mutual Aid, Resources, Donations / Ayuda Mutua, Recursos, y Donaciones - Google Sheets or if my pasting the weblink in this post doesn't work then go to www.theindustrialcommons.org and there is a link at the top of the page.