Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA) members have mobilized to provide crucial aid to those affected by Hurricane Helene, which severely impacted communities in Western North Carolina.
COMMUNITY EFFORTS
Firewalker Sales Independent Representative Kenneth Walker and his brother-in-law traveled to North Carolina to assist with recovery efforts. They teamed up with Gideon Honeycutt, Sales Representative for Valor Fireplaces and Blaze King Industries, and Tom Wright, President of Wright’s Hearth, Heat, and Home in Arden, North Carolina, to help residents clear debris and downed trees.
“I wish we could have done more for the community, but we did what we could do,” Walker said. “Everyone was very appreciative, and the community is pulling together to help one another.”
ONGOING NEEDS
With temperatures dipping into the 40s, many residents still lack power, and some may face up to two months without restoration. Wright’s Hearth, Heat, and Home is working with local churches to provide free firewood to families without heat. Walker stressed the importance of sustained support, especially with winter approaching: “It’s about to get cold in the mountains, and there are people who still have no power.”
As the community continues to recover, Walker’s message is clear. “Supplies are currently coming in and are very much appreciated. What I fear is that in 30 to 60 days, the supplies will start to decrease as the need remains,” Walker said. “We cannot forget about the people of Western North Carolina as our lives move on.”
SLOW RECOVERY IN HARD-HIT AREAS
Buck Stove, located in one of the hardest-hit areas, Spruce Pine, North Carolina, is working hard to rebuild after the storm. Most employees are back to work, and plant repairs are underway.
Many in the community remain without power or reliable water access.
“We are improving every day, and the county is getting power to more people. Currently, power has been restored to 84% of the county,” said Paul Williams, Sales Manager at Buck Stove. “There are a few areas line crews still cannot access, but others will be restored over the next few days.”
Warming shelters and shower stations have been set up for the community, and a boil water advisory is still in effect because the water treatment plant was deemed unsalvageable.
“Having your first warm shower in a week or two is a very emotional experience,” Williams said. Despite challenges, there has been an outpouring of support and donations as recovery efforts continue. “I’ve shared with everyone the immense outpouring of calls and donations received. The Buck family is so appreciative,” Williams said. “We’re not 100% yet, but we are getting better each day.”
CONTINUED OUTREACH
Cindy Wise, Executive Director of the Southeast HPBA, has been in contact with members in affected areas to ensure their needs are met. “It’s important to stay connected and provide support wherever possible,” Wise said. As a close-knit industry, we encourage you to inform us if you or another HPBA member has been impacted by the storms by completing the Hurricane Check-In Form. We have not yet heard of any members who have been affected by Hurricane Milton. By keeping us updated, we can better assess the needs within our community and extend assistance where possible.
HOW TO APPLY FOR ASSISTANCE
If you are an employee of an HPBA member company and have been affected by Hurricane Helene, you may be eligible for relief through the fund. Here’s how you can apply:
- Confirm that you are a current HPBA member. Contact info@hpba.org if you need to check your membership status.
- Fill Out an Application. Complete the HPBA Member Employee Disaster Relief online application form. Include details about your situation and the support you need.
- Submit the Application. Once completed, HPBA staff will contact you to confirm your application.
All applications are confidential and will be processed quickly to make sure you get the help you need as soon as possible.
HPBA CHARITABLE FOUNDATION LAUNCHED
HPBA is establishing the HPBA Charitable Foundation, a new 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that will provide critical assistance to HPBA member company employees during times of crisis. As part of this initiative, HPBA has set up the HPBA Member Employee Disaster Relief Fund to help those affected by recent hurricanes and other natural disasters. All contributions will directly support HPBA member employees who have suffered uninsured losses. Donations to the fund can be made electronically or by mail, and upon IRS approval, all voluntary contributions become tax-deductible.
“This Foundation reflects our deep commitment to our community’s well-being, allowing members to support one another in times of need,” said Jill McClure, HPBA President & CEO.
To contribute, you can donate electronically to the Member Employee Disaster Relief Fund or send a check with “Disaster Relief Fund” in the memo line to the following address:
Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association
PO Box 412397
Boston, MA 02241-2397