Support Barnardsville Families

https://www.21alivenews.com/2024/10/02/north-carolina-family-travels-fort-wayne-after-hurricane-helene-impacts-their-town/

*FROM THE MILLER FAMILY:

Hurricane Helene devastated our home and community in Barnardsville, North Carolina, leaving us and our neighbors in a dire situation. My name is Max Miller, and my wife, Tayona, and I, along with our four children, are currently seeking refuge in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where we have found temporary housing thanks to the generosity of our closest friends.

Barnardsville, our current home town, was one of the hardest-hit areas, and we were trapped for over four days as bridges and roads collapsed around us, cutting off all access. The destruction we witnessed—homes swept away, neighbors losing everything—was unimaginable. It was the most terrifying experience of our lives. We were eventually able to escape with our children, but we left behind our home and all we’ve worked for.

Our loss was devestating, and it’s uncertain when our children will be able to return home. For now, we are focused on making sure our family is safe and trying to support our community, with repair and cleanup which has been left in a desperate situation.

This fundraiser is to help not only our family restore our homestead and repair our damages, but also the neighbors and friends in Barnardsville who have also lost their homes and livelihoods. Many of our neighbors are sanctuaries and Animal rescues. Your financial support will help us with temporary living expenses, including meals, supplies, and repairs when we’re able to return. As well as direct support to our Barnardsville community’s recovery—restoration efforts, clean-up, and essential supplies for our neighbors who are still trapped in the aftermath, and for food and supplies for the animal rescue farms that surround our property.

As well as the clean up and restoration of the beloved forest Big Ivy Pisgah National Forest behind our home. It’s completely totaled, and the new path of the river in the forest is leaving our home susceptible to more flooding if not addressed quickly.

EVERY DOLLAR MAKES A DIFFERENCE, EVERY SHARE MAKES A DIFFERENCE.

WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

We are beyond grateful for the love and support we’ve already received from our community’s across the country. It has brought us hope in the midst of this disaster. We have a long road ahead, but with your help, we can begin to rebuild and support our neighbors as they recover from this unimaginable devastation.

Max is hopeful to return Friday 10/5

With a trailer full of supplies directly delivering supplies and support to real humans in this fight in his neighborhood. Specific needs include

Trailer

Generators

Yard Tools

Tools

Chainsaws

Animal feed

Fuel

Gravel for the driveways

New fences and animal enclosures

Propane

Gasoline

Protective gear

Basic cleaning supplies

Shovels

Gloves

Wheelbarrows

Furniture

Household goods

Etc.

Most of our neighbors lost their sheds and barns that housed all their tools. For us to rebuild we need new equipment. We need so much!

Thank you for your generosity and for keeping us in your thoughts during this incredibly difficult time.

To Follow this story and where your donations are going you can follow Tayona Miller on Facebook or @miller_tribe instagram stories.

We promise you can trust us to get these resources directly into the right hands!