Mars Hill, North Carolina was among the numerous communities hit hard by Hurricane Helene’s devastating flooding across Appalachia. Reports share that families were trapped inside their homes with minimal access to basic necessities such as food and potable water. As of Wednesday, October 2, many homes still remain uninhabitable, landslides have occurred, and people remain unaccounted for.
Mars Hill resides in Madison County and is home to Mars Hill University. The University has been home to a Bonner Scholars Program since 1991. For over three decades, Bonner Scholars at Mars Hill have shown up for their community – and the last few days have been no different. In response to the devastation of Helene, Bonner Scholars have helped others gain access to basic needs such as serving food at Mars Hill Baptist, mucking out nearby Marshall, NC, and instilling a sense of hope during a difficult time.
Deb Myers, Director of the Center for Community Engagement and Bonner Scholars Program at Mars Hill University shares, “Bonners are a shining light. They bring me hope and encouragement. Their spirit is so strong.”
Mars Hills Bonner Scholars and friends serving food at Mars Hill Baptist to aid those in their community impacted by Hurricane Helene
Riley Gall, MHU Bonner Leadership Team Chair and Senior Intern has rallied students staying on campus, organizing them to participate in local service. She has set up art supplies in the main academic building to create space for students and local community members to connect and decompress from the mental and emotional toll of experiencing a natural disaster.
Mars Hill University announced Monday that its campus Wi-Fi had been restored and that the campus would remain closed until at least Oct. 4. The university is offering meals to its on-campus students and is working to restore normalcy to campus.
Mars Hill University isn’t the only Bonner school in the area – Warren Wilson College located in Swannanoa (Buncombe County) has also been severely impacted by Hurricane Helene.
President Joe Biden approved a major disaster declaration on Sunday that allows federal financial assistance for 25 North Carolina counties including Madison County and Buncombe County.
If you would like to support disaster reflief efforts in the western North Carolina region, you can find below some organizations recommended by Bonner staff and colleagues.
Beacon of Hope (food assistance)
Beloved Asheville (mutual aid, equity)
Community Housing Coalition of Madison County (housing, basic needs assistance)
Mutual Aid Disaster Relief (grassroots, mutual aid, direct action)