Help Restore Mountain Light Sanctuary

I am Michael Lightweaver's youngest daughter, Maria.

A week ago, Hurricane Helene did unimaginable damage in Western North Carolina. Tucked deep into a mountain cove a mile into the national forest and nestled between mountain creeks, sits my dad’s land, Mountain Light Sanctuary. It is a beautiful place that has served as a healing retreat center for hundreds of people in the past 30 years. My father is a giver and is not used to accepting help, so I am taking the initiative by asking for your help to restore Mountain Light Sanctuary so that it can continue to be a place of healing and community. Many who know my dad, Michael, know that he is about to embark on his 8th decade of life. As someone who has always helped others in their time of need, the family and friends of Mountain Light Sanctuary humbly ask for your help. Please help me bring Mountain Light Sanctuary back!

The new bridge into the Sanctuary was washed away. The main house is intact, and the tenants were able to hike out unharmed. A guest cabin by the creek still stands but is unstable and will need stabilization. The creek bank will need restoration work to keep it healthy and strong. There is debris everywhere.

Funds will go where needed in this order of priority: building a new bridge, clearing debris from the waterway and stream bank, stabilizing any cabins that were moved or damaged.

If you know my dad, you know his body might be 80 but his spirit is not. That said, much of the heavy work ahead will have to be paid work. Any extra funds will be used to update the main lodge house. Initial thoughts are: backup heat source in addition to the existing wood stove, drilling a well for the spring water. If you know his kids, you know how close we all are and how grateful we are to each of you for your love and generosity.

Context: The 6-mile stretch of Dillingham Road in Barnardsville was largely washed away. Once you get to the end of Dillingham Road, you enter the national forest for a mile. The last bridge that takes you into my dad’s property is gone. It is the only way in and out. The bridge is only about 5 years old. A FEMA application will be submitted but if granted will likely not cover the costs of a new bridge. The homeowner’s insurance will not cover the bridge, and their office was also flooded so they are inaccessible at the moment.

The mountains of North Carolina were never supposed to have a hurricane. The infrastructure and riverbeds could not support such an unprecedented event. The town of Barnardsville, north of Asheville, was hit hard. The Barnardsville Fire Department lost all communication with their crews and the county for 48 hours. Numerous bridges were washed away, leaving many roads with residents inaccessible. People who are able have left on foot. Welfare checks have been left to the fire department and forest rangers. To date, the hardworking people from the Red Cross and FEMA have not made it to Barnardsville. Thank you for any contribution you are able to make.