I am personally physically safe, and likewise, so are my close beloveds and animals. Fortunately, my home is safe, with some expected basement flooding that’s been easily cleaned up. Although, we got power pack on Monday but no water (maybe for months) and limited cell signal. Additionally, we will likely lose months of income due from our short term rental being offline. Nevertheless, I am beyond grateful for these minor inconveniences, especially given the context of what’s around me.

The Hard Stuff:

My beloved town and surrounding communities are devastated and many are destroyed completely. Meanwhile, those of you with better access to internet probably know more than we do. As a result, most of us have been in full-on shock, which looks very different for everyone, but for me has been spacey-ness and disassociation with bursts of intense action to try to do something (helping neighbors, feeding folks on the street corner, organizing healers together to offer trauma/grief support). Now, the deeper emotions are starting to surface for me and likely for all of us. Consequently, we’re grappling with how to serve such massive need in these realms.

The Repair Stuff:

It’s going to be a long slow road to physical, emotional, and relational recovery. In the meantime, neighbors are coming together, FEMA and the national guard are here, coalitions are coalescing, things are happening. Additionally, gifted humans doing what they do. If you are interested in helping, here are my preferred recommendations:

• Earthaven Ecovillage is in dire need. For updates, you can get subscribe to their newsletter or checkout their Facebook page. Having lived there for 25 years, I can say it was hit hard. Their go-fund-me is the top of priority for me to share. So, please donate as much as you can.
• In terms of where else to donate, I’m oriented towards grassroots organizations that are actually related to people and projects. Specifically, I recommend Cooperate WNC, a mutual aid organization that does just that. 
• If you’re a trauma and grief literate person who is resourced and wants to help, feel free to add your name to this google doc saying so or alternatively, join this What’s App thread and stay connected that way.
• Send prayers (or whatever you call it) our way. 

Thank you for your care and concern, for your presence, and for your prayers.