Help Julian, Alex, and James Recover From Hurricane Helene

Warning: This description contains details about their experience that some readers may find disturbing.

Julian, Alex, and James were trapped in their townhome in Swannanoa, NC as they watched the Swannanoa River transform into a torrent of destruction. When Hurricane Helene hit, the river rose rapidly, sweeping away everything in its path. As the water encircled their home, they saw neighbors frantically struggling in the floodwaters, clinging to tree branches, fighting for their lives against the current.

Alex, who lived on the ground floor, lost all of his belongings as the floodwaters filled his room. Every piece of furniture, every photo, and every item he owned was submerged and destroyed. James and Julian, who lived on the second floor, watched helplessly as the waters crept up, ultimately contaminating everything in their home. In a matter of hours, the lives they each had built were destroyed.

As they waited for the waters to recede, they saw homes torn from their foundations, swirling through their backyard like debris. When they were finally rescued by boat, they had to wade through waist-high water carrying nothing but what they could fit in their backpacks. They are grateful to be alive, but starting over from scratch is an unimaginable challenge.

Your support will go directly to helping Julian, Alex, and James replace what they’ve lost and find new housing after this tragedy. Every contribution, no matter the size, will help them move forward and rebuild their lives after witnessing and surviving one of the most terrifying nights of their lives.