Written by Abby Hassler
Abby Hassler
Abby is a digital storyteller who grew up in East Tennessee and joined the communications team in December 2024. Before coming to Appalachian Voices, she spent ten years in strategic communications, academia and journalism. Recent roles include the Director of Creative Strategy of a strategic communications firm focused on clean energy, clean tech and economic development, and Executive Producer of a podcast about clean energy news in Tennessee.
The Long Trail Back: Public Lands Recovery After Hurricane Helene
Hurricane Helene devastated many of Appalachia’s most beloved natural areas. Thanks to federal, state and local partners and volunteers, many of these outdoor spaces have reopened. But full recovery is far from over. Current and looming federal budget cuts and policy changes have made already challenging land restoration work even more arduous.
Snapshots of Disaster Recovery
In this issue, we shared snapshots of disaster recovery, including a West Marion Resilience Hub and updates on the Virginia Creeper Trail.
‘Nobody Is Coming to Save Us:’ Building McDowell County, West Virginia, After February Floods
Before Feb. 15, the worst floods to hit the town of Welch in McDowell County, West Virginia, were in 1977, followed by 2001 and 2002.
West Marion Resilience Hub is ‘Not Your Grandma’s Community Center’
A nonprofit is working to transform the historic Mountain View School building into the West Marion Resilience Hub to create a more resilient and equitable future for the community.
Organizations Band Together to Help with Long-Term Recovery in Cocke County, Tennessee
Catastrophic flooding from three rivers damaged or destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses throughout Cocke County, Tennessee.
A Creative Renaissance:’ Recovery in the River Arts District of Asheville
Historic flooding from Hurricane Helene devastated up to 80% of the vibrant River Arts District of Asheville, North Carolina, located along the French Broad River. Floodwaters damaged or destroyed more than 300 artist studios, impacting over 750 working artists.
Indigenous Organization Acquires Land on Proposed Federal Prison Site in Kentucky
A controversial proposed prison site in Letcher County, Kentucky, is facing new barriers thanks to a community-based Indigenous organization and new suggested budget cuts from the U.S. Department of Justice.
‘Next Time, We’ll Be Ready:’ Community Resilience Hubs Take Root in Western North Carolina
After Hurricane Helene, some organizations are hoping to establish long-term community resilience hubs in North Carolina. In an ideal scenario, these hubs would be equipped with renewable infrastructure, such as solar microgrids, to maintain reliable access to electricity in the event of grid outages.
On the Road to Recovery: Rebuilding the Virginia Creeper Trail
Hurricane Helene devastated part of the popular Virginia Creeper Trail. Despite promising recent updates, the timeline for major restoration and eventual completion for portions of the picturesque rail-to-trail path remains uncertain, requiring small businesses that rely on visitors to pivot or risk closure.
Economic First Responders: CDFIs, The Unsung Heroes of Appalachian Financial Services
CDFIs serve as ‘economic first responders’ in Appalachia. A drastic reduction in one of their funding sources could significantly alter or slow down their work providing capital to small business owners, mentorship to entrepreneurs, protections from predatory lending and flexible, fast capital in times of natural disaster.
