Hurricane Helene

In September of 2024, Hurricane Helene hit the Southeastern, U.S. After hearing testimonies on the ground, we realized that the devastation was worse than anyone could ever imagine. And although though the press doesn't cover it anymore, the need for assistance will go on for years. I met one of those families- Mary Ann and Michael. Their story is heartbreaking. (For the sake of privacy we have not disclosed their last names.)

Mary Ann's Testimony:

The mountains of Western North Carolina have always been my sanctuary, a place where I felt safe and connected to the land. Living a simple life in the Appalachian region, I embraced the ups and downs that came with mountain living. However, everything changed on September 27th, 2024, when Hurricane Helene hit our area, altering it forever. As a mountain woman born and raised in this beautiful region, I never thought we were at risk from major natural disasters like hurricanes or tornadoes, being almost 300 miles from the ocean. But the hurricane that hit us that day and the days before the system that also hit was relentless, bringing with it heavy rainfall that triggered a geological event unlike anything we had ever experienced before. The devastation was immense, turning the landscape I knew and loved upside down. Places that were once familiar to me are now gone, washed away by mudslides or broken twigs in the wind never to regrow to those heights and widths. The roads I traveled on are unrecognizable, forever altered by the forces of nature. People I knew and cared for are no longer with us, their lives taken by the unforgiving storm. The wild animals I once protected have lost their homes and their lives leaving a void in the ecosystem that may never be filled. As I look around at the destruction that surrounds me, I feel broken and lost, like my mountains. But deep within me lies a strength and resilence that comes from my ancestor, the settlers and natives who inhabited this land long before me. Despite the devastation, I know that we will rebuild, that with the help of others and the blessings of a Higher power, we will restore the beauty that once graced our home.

After months of getting to know them, I knew I wanted to jump in and help. Travel Guide For The Soul's Goal is to raise $30,000 to fund immediate costs of the materials and labor necessary to help start to rebuild what Mary and Mike have lost. You can support us HERE. Below are some examples of how funds will be used: 

$8000-Gravel for driveway
$2500-60 high 30 to 40 long Culvert 
$1000-Chimney torn down
$500-Heating oil (100 gallons)
$1500-Bottom Bathroom fixed 
$1200-Damaged vehicle rear light cover replaced 

What You Get for your donation:

1. $50+ Donation

• Personalized thank you letter from the family. 

2. $100+ Donation

• Personalized thank you letter from the family. Video updates. 

3. $500+ Donation

• Thank you letter & video. Video updates. A tree planted in your name. 

4. $1,000+ above Donation

• Thank you letter & video. Video updates. A tree planted in your name. A commemorative plaque featuring your name. 

As someone who has worked in non-profit helping others, I understand the power of giving back; the love of helping strangers. It's therapeutic. Travel Guide For The Soul is working with Mary Ann and Mike, to provide them with the essential support during this incredibly difficult time. This initiative aims to help them regain stability, rebuild their lives, and recover from the financial and emotional devastation caused by Helene. We're also working to prepare them for future natural disasters. The media's focus on Helene is gone. But their struggle to get support is ongoing.  We are in this for the long haul. Please join our campaign to help here!

Frank and I met in the summer of 2024. Immediately we hit it off. We had the same sense of humor. We could relate on many issues even though I was a California dude, and he was a good ole Southern Boy from Georgia. Most importantly, we shared the same passion of helping the disabled and those in need. I had worked in non-profit for 15 years with the mental health and traumatic brain injury community. And Frank spent half of his life supporting his disabled mother and sister who suffered from spina bifida. When Hurricane Helene hit, Frank was directly affected in Waycross, Georgia. Like Mary Ann & Mike, it left its mark for months and still recovering. He knows personally the impact and it has had. With 20 years of business and construction experience, Frank is committed to service and helping us in our mission to help the most vulnerable.