Stronger Than the Storm—The Power of Real Community
Rural Western North Carolina has always been a place of fierce independence. Out here, self-sufficiency isn’t a lifestyle choice—it’s a necessity. Historically, the government tends to overlook these Appalachian mountains, so we’ve learned to rely on ourselves. But if there’s one thing stronger than our independence, it’s our sense of community. When disaster strikes, it isn’t about politics, religion, or differences—it’s about people coming together for the greater good.
This has perhaps never been truer than when Hurricane Helene tore through our region just this past fall. Fences flattened. Pastures flooded. Supply chains crumbled. And when the dust settled, one truth stood clear: we are only as strong as the communities we build.
For 54 days, our area was without any running water. There was no water to drink, to wash with or to even flush a toilet with. Five months later, we’re still waiting on help from the government so that the private citizens can rebuild their homes and the bridges that, when compromised, completely cut people off from civilization.
But our community? We showed up for each other. And at Missed Path Sanctuary, we did what we’ve always done—we served.
We pushed everything we had into the community. We partnered with rescue groups, helped coordinate relief efforts, and built outreach programs to provide hot meals, showers, laundry, and—just as importantly—human connection. We opened our gates so people could spend time with the horses, with each other, and with something normal in a time that was anything but.
Beyond immediate relief, we helped people find the support they needed—connecting them with organizations that could provide long-term aid. And in doing so, we didn’t just help in the moment—we strengthened a network that’s still serving this community five months later. A network that will continue to serve long after we finally break free from Helene’s grasp.
No government agency, no big relief organization came to save us. It was us—neighbors, friends, the people who share this land—who showed up for each other. It was the hands that helped rebuild, the resources we pooled, and the willingness to stand together that made the difference.
Hurricane Helene caused significant damage here at the sanctuary, with creek banks torn out by the force of the water and landslides destabilising the fence to the main horse paddock
That’s what real community looks like. Not words. Not theory. Action. Because when we show up for each other, when we choose collaboration over isolation, we don’t just survive—we thrive. At Missed Path Sanctuary, this is why we do what we do—not just for the horses who find shelter within our fences, but for the community that makes our mission possible.
This is how we keep each other strong.
This is how we rebuild.
This is how we are Better—Together.
