Footprint Project Archives < Appalachian Voices

‘Next Time, We’ll Be Ready:’ Community Resilience Hubs Take Root in Western North Carolina

By Abby Hassler | July 9, 2025 |

Piney Hill Baptist Church, located northeast of Burnsville, N.C., served as a vital hub for this isolated community cut off by the river along U.S. Route 19E. Due to logistical difficulties sourcing fuel for gasoline generators, Footprint Project helped the hub install solar panels to power its Starlink. Additionally, the nonprofit provided a Tesla Micro Power Unit that powered a well pump on an individual's property. That individual then became the drinking water source for their neighbors. Photo courtesy of Footprint Project

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.

Posts Tagged ‘Footprint Project’

‘Next Time, We’ll Be Ready:’ Community Resilience Hubs Take Root in Western North Carolina

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