Hurricane Helene Took Everything: Help Chris & Anne Rebuild
Donation protected
On September 27th, 2024, Hurricane Helene tore through Swannanoa, North Carolina, leaving devastation in its wake. Among the hardest hit were my father, Chris, and his partner Anne, whose lives were completely upended by the catastrophic floodwaters that ravaged their property. In just a few hours, the flood demolished almost everything they had worked for, reducing their land and homes to ruins.
Chris and Anne had three properties on their land. Two of them, which they lovingly restored and rented out as Airbnbs to support themselves, were completely swept away by the powerful floodwaters. The third home, their primary residence, was left standing but severely damaged and uninhabitable. In a matter of moments, they lost not only their homes but also their entire source of income.
The gravity of their situation is heartbreaking. They are now living out of a van, trying to make sense of the overwhelming destruction left behind. With no flood insurance to help them recover from this natural disaster, they are facing the daunting task of rebuilding everything from scratch.
The losses didn’t stop with their homes. Their Toyota Prius, which they relied on for transportation, was swept down the river and is beyond recovery. Their cherished Airstream was also completely destroyed. Adding to their grief, their beloved barn cat Bijou is still missing, and they fear the worst as days pass without any sign of him.
Chris and Anne are not only grappling with the emotional toll of this disaster but also the harsh financial reality. The two Airbnbs they depended on were their primary source of income. Without these homes, they have no way of sustaining themselves. Now, with nowhere to live and no income to rely on, they are in an incredibly precarious situation.
**How Your Support Will Help:**
- Providing temporary housing for Chris and Anne so they can find safety and stability while they rebuild their lives.
- Rebuilding the homes that were lost and repairing what remains of their damaged primary residence.
- Replacing essential belongings, including their vehicle, and covering basic living expenses as they begin to recover.
- Helping them regain their financial footing by eventually restoring their Airbnb rentals.
The financial burden they are facing is enormous, but with your support, we can help them take the first steps toward rebuilding their lives. Every donation, no matter the size, will make a real and meaningful difference in helping Chris and Anne recover from this disaster.
Hurricane Helene has taken so much from them, but with your kindness and generosity, we can help restore their hope. This is more than just about rebuilding homes—it's about rebuilding lives, creating stability, and giving Chris and Anne a chance to start over after losing everything.
Whether you’re able to contribute financially or share this campaign with others, your support will have a direct impact on their recovery.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your compassion and help during this incredibly difficult time. Together, we can help Chris and Anne rebuild not only their homes but their future.
Organizer and beneficiary
Sydney Eckart
Organizer
Swannanoa, NC
Chris Eckart
Beneficiary