One year ago today, at the time this email is hitting your inbox, Helene was causing devastation across the Upstate and Western NC. This morning, we dedicate this edition to the resilience of our community.
One year since Helene
We’re thankful for the utility crews that worked during every moment of daylight. | Photo by @stevieraeblickle
Saturday, Sept. 27 marks exactly one years since Helene caused devastation across the Upstate and Western NC. Though the damage was great, the community strength was greater. When we asked you to reflect on the storm one year ago, almost every answer featured this theme of community.
“Our residents really rose to the occasion. Neighbors helping neighbors was the norm. Our city teams then did an outstanding job clearing the streets, restoring traffic signals, and then undertaking an unprecedented citywide debris clean-up operation. We were prepared on every level, and it made all the difference.” — Mayor Knox White, City of Greenville
The City of Greenville collected 427,789+ cubic yards of debris and 52 large tree stumps.
Video by GVLtoday
“People stepped forward in our community to help each other. A church that we weren’t affiliated with worked hours with us, helping my 91-year-old mother. I remember the giving and the caring and the kindness of people helping one another.” — Deb B.
North Main neighbors connected over shared meals. | Photo by Kristina Scott-Hammock
“The local businesses that gave away food: Swamp Rabbit Cafe, and shops that still had power, offering wifi and coffee. Daydrinkers was incredibly impactful. The takeaway from all that occurred is to continually be aware of who needs help instead of burying your face in your phone. Community is the most important.” — Heather R.
Asked
Asked
What stands out in your memory, and what lessons have you carried forward?
Life feels a little easier when everything you need is just outside your door. | Photos provided by Willow Bridge Property Company
Active living and convenience converge at Riverside, an upscale apartment community just steps from the Swamp Rabbit Trail. Its prime location puts miles of trails right at your doorstep — perfect for morning jogs, bike rides, or leisurely strolls.
Inside, the apartments are spacious, featuring modern finishes and open floor plans that range from studios to three-bedroom homes.
Greenville Women Giving will host a free program about lessons learned after Helene. Local experts will discuss green infrastructure and storm response on Thursday, Oct. 9 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Senior Action Center — registration is required by Thursday, Oct. 2.
Gallery
Before and after — The Greenville News re-captured some of its photos captured in the aftermath of the storm one year later.
Outdoors
Recovery at Upstate state parks like Table Rock, Caesars Head, and Jones Gap is ongoing. Thousands of downed trees remain, raising long-term wildfire risks, but most major trails have reopened thanks to park staff and volunteers. Officials say regrowth is already “stunning and awe-inspiring.” (Greenville Journal)
Feel Good
From clearing the kennels at the Greenville Humane Society to Rebel Rabbit shifting production to can water for hard-hit areas, these were our favorite stories to share in the aftermath of Helene.
Real Estate
After Helene dropped a tree through their Augusta Road home, a Greenville family has turned disaster into design. Their dated white kitchen was rebuilt into a whimsical, art-inspired space by local designer Asia Clark, and the backyard now features a dream putting green. (TALK)
Watch
Local filmmakers, Undercurrent Film Co., made a short film about the efforts of Chef Taylor Montgomery (formerly of Urban Wren) and Fran Montgomery of Montgomery Sky Farm as they worked to feed devastated communities in Western North Carolina. We also spoke to them one year ago about how Greenville chefs were supporting their efforts.
Finance
Running a small business takes vision — and the right support. Huntington National Bank, a leading SBA lender in the region and the country, offers flexible loans designed for growth, from start-ups to expansions. Think: longer terms, lower down payments, and no balloon surprises. Start the conversation with a local lender.*
Cause
Got any spare time?Donating blood takes about 30-45 minutes of your time — and saves lives. Plus, donate today to earn $40 in TBC rewards. Learn more.*
Category
Home
Experience easy modern living in Pendleton
Presented by Empire Homes
Customizable finishes and design elements make each home unique. | Photos provided by Empire Homes
As demand for affordable living near connected communities continues to grow, developments like Sunrise are setting a new standard for easy southern living.
Located in peaceful Pendleton, SC, this modern, newly constructed neighborhood strikes the perfect balance of comfort and convenience. Choose from one and two-story homes, starting from the mid $300s, featuring:
Outside your front door, thoughtful amenities make it easy to relax and recharge, including nature walking paths, a pool, and a cabana area.
Sunrise is also conveniently located near historic downtown Pendleton and only eight miles from Clemson. Plus, easy access to I-85 makes short trips to Anderson, Greenville, and the rest of the Upstate a breeze.
Bonus: Save up to $15,000 on a build-to-order home, or lock in a 2-1 rate buydown on move-in ready homes (read: 3.99% rate in the first year).
Last October, the community rallied around one another, helping in any way they could.
“I’ve lived all over the country with my flying career, and I’ve never lived in a community that is this giving.” That’s what Isaiah Burch, owner of Greenville-based company Happy Helicopters, said as the community came together to gather supplies and fly them into Western NC in the aftermath of the storm.
“What I’m seeing is people coming with their cars loaded down that still don’t have power at their home,” Burch told us, “They’re still without.”
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The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
The moment I walked up to the Greenville Downtown Airport this time last year, I was moved to tears — I still am as I type this. Greenvillians of all ages were dropping off supplies, sorting them, and loading them into private planes and helicopters to fly supplies into mountain communities.
I imagine most, if not all, of the local staff at the airport were dealing with the effects of the storm on their own properties, whether that meant tree damage or no power, and they still did everything they could to help others.
Much like the readers in our lead story this morning, it was through adversity that we saw our community come together, and it was beautiful.
Pilots weigh supplies before loading their planes.
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