Please help Asheville survive - critical basics needed

Asheville, NC. That’s my home, my community and town full of folks who embraced my business. Helene hit us hard, and biblical is how the media are describing the devastation Asheville and surrounding Buncombe County suffered in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Many in my community are comparing the scale of death and destruction to what Louisiana endured when Katrina hit back in 2005. If I could stomach looking at the photos from this past weekend I would share more of them with you, but I’m sure you’ve seen plenty on the web.

140mph winds and 2 1/2 ft of rain has to date caused over 130 recorded deaths across 6 states, with nearly half coming from my town. As I watch rescue and recovery efforts continue around me, I sadly know that number is certain to rise. Hundreds of people are still unaccounted for, in part because millions of households have lost power, and there are still widespread cell outages. Many roads are also inaccessible, making rescue operations and delivery of supplies challenging.

Right now plane and mule are the primary means of supplies arriving. Access to fresh water, formula, diapers and other necessary goods are needed. After the peak of the devastation had passed, like many others, I realized I was stranded with no road out. I had to hike for 2 hours to access a vehicle I could use to take refuge in nearby Charlotte as I started to attempt contacting staff, family and friends. Thankfully I have accounted for everyone. But not everyone was so lucky.

It’s hard to put a value on the devastation we have endured, but reports are saying it’s going to be $20 billion plus in damage. That’s conservative too and doesn’t factor in long term issues to property, infrastructure and commerce. Our once beautiful oasis nestled in the Appalachians was home to many local shops and businesses, a lifeblood of our region, that are now unsalvageable.

FEMA and many volunteer organizations are doing what they can, but they’re stretched. I built my business around my community and I want to do all I can to help. Thankfully my vehicles were on higher ground, and aside from repairs around my property, my losses will mainly be cancellations and a long road to full recovery. As soon as possible, I will be mobilizing to provide mobility and delivery of supplies.

I am setting this GoFundMe to ask the wider limo industry to help me help those who need it most. I have started buying and distributing supplies to people in my town, and want to do as much as I can. I am speaking with local relief efforts and will channel any funds to increase my efforts and theirs, along with my vehicles. If you are more local and wanted to send supplies directly, I can arrange the logistics with you.

I work closely with the other operators in the region, and I will be making sure they are aware of any support our amazing industry send our way.

Thank you and please spread the word.

Alex Hunter

Elite Limousine