'It's horrific here': North Carolina non-profit provides aid to devastated community

In Asheville, the community most devastated by Helene, local organizations are working to bring relief. NBC News' Tom Llamas spoke with Michelle Coleman, executive director of the Asheville Dream Center, a nonprofit that has become a distribution site in North Carolina. She described the city as looking like a war zone, and says the city has gotten "no help" from the federal government.

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[brit]

Why would the federal government be working with a small local non-profit. They're organizing with the the local governments and organizing their own efforts. This is a strange question that is meant to just pull a harsh reaction. We know federal aid is in Ashville.

[elainegoad]

It;s not just Asheville NC. It's Hendersonville, Black Mountain, Fairview, Fletcher, Swananoa, Saluda, all the counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee, people are stranded in the mountains, the hollars, people are homeless and without jobs, medical needs, schools closed, shortage of all food supplies, clothes, shelter. This hurricane is the effect of climate change. this weather is unheard of in the mountains. (last horrific storm like this was 1916). President Biden told Gov. Cooper NC 100% Federal funding in aid and sending 1000 troops to the area immediately.

[traydevon]

What kind of DUMB QUESTIONS are this guy asking? She told you in the beginning that this is a MOUNTAINOUS AREA where there had been mudslides. You can’t just drive in and out of there. Relief efforts face unique logistical obstacles given the terrain. Many people like this guy clearly refuse to even consider that context. Reality cannot be ignored just because you have feelings.

[marcypeterson]

Tom, you are asking questions to start emotional responses. What are you doint to help other than cause division?

[jeremyjharvey]

I cannot emphasize how strongly that this is the worst disaster in my state N.C. of all time. She is correct about 1000s dead

[AnnieRMcEwen]

This woman is misrepresenting FEMA's role, which is not to distribute aid to non-profits - in her case a religious organization - but to set up distribution points for the community at large. I suppose she can't be blamed for trying to get donations, but she's not helping anyone by blaming her situation on the government's disaster relief arm.

[Sonyag]

Come on. The storm damaged hundreds of square miles of land over several states. FEMA and the Army Corp of Engineers are only so many people too serve such a huge territory. There must be patience for help to arrive over washed out roads and bridges.

[takwrg]

Sent chills through my body hearing the toll is not even in the hundreds anymore. Was really hoping the first source I heard it from wasn't true. This is absolutely horrific and devastating

[yothere]

There's still people stranded. With no help in site.. Unbelievable

[mnm]

Can federal government just come in and take over? Isnt it the responsibility of the state to coordinate, inform and direct help?

[DReardon-hqvb]

Why would you publish an unverified number like "thousands". And trying to stir up frustration when help is flowing in is repulsive. Unsubscribe, NBC, good-bye.

[junkerzn]

Though I'd like to see federal operations move more quickly than they are, I'm a bit confused why the expectation is that the Federal government spearhead emergency relief when all immediately available resources are at the local and state level. Shouldn't the state be coordinating all of this? The video also seems to be showing significant resources being deployed (but perhaps the footage is somewhat out of context).

But what I really want to know is why haven't this lady's parents evacuated? Are they trying to stick it out? Residents that are able to leave and who are not in a position to contribute aid or who do not have farm animals to attend to really need to leave to reduce the burden on rescue and recovery crews as much as possible. The infrastructure is literally destroyed, the pipes are literally destroyed... it is going to be a long time before residential services are restored

Is NC providing vouchers for hotel rooms and food? I'd kinda expect them to.

[beverlymelton]

I am so angry at the federal government. These areas need the billions siphoned to foreign countries.

[marcreynolds]

THEY DENY HOW MANY ARE DEAD, WHY?? BECAUSE THE RESPONSE WAS SO LATHARGIC?

[Iquey]

Obviously FEMA is going to have their own process compared to a smaller local org. People need help from any and ALL well meaning sources!!!.

[Eric-wtwr]

Can't believe not getting help from federal government. I call BS.

[JohnSmith-wwbw]

Let good people help. The government won’t help you!

[tangojuli]

NBC: THIS is your disaster coverage? Seriously?

[theuglytruth]

It is being made worse by the very people we pay to do this job. 😡

[PaulsWildlife]

Roads or no roads, this is America, we can get people in & out of this destruction if we tried hard enough. NO EXCUSES!!!