In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, communities across the Southeast are grappling with destruction and displacement. Amidst the devastation, a network of local heroes has emerged, bringing vital supplies and shelter to those in need. Two groups, Operation Helo in North Carolina and Suite Spot Camper Rental in Arkansas, have taken the lead, providing temporary housing to families and relief workers affected by the storm.
Eric Robinson, co-founder of Operation Helo, recalls how his team was one of the first on the scene, flying in aid to communities cut off by the storm. “We ended up distributing over two million pounds of aid,” he says. “We had 90 helicopters flying. People got behind the mission.” But as roads began to clear, the team recognized a new, pressing need: shelter.
“There were so many people left without a place to stay, without shelter, period,” says Robinson. “The mission has pivoted to where we’re providing campers.” These campers purchased through donations, come equipped with essentials like generators, cookware, bedding, and toiletries. Robinson emphasizes the importance of offering a sense of normalcy. “We’re trying to think of it as, how do you start over?”
Operation Helo has partnered with volunteers like Tracie Hall from Wicked Jeeps NC, who have been instrumental in delivering campers across the region. “It’s just being able to look at them and know that you’re helping just a little bit,” says Hall. “It touches your heart. I can’t even explain how much it means to be able to be a part of this and help.”
So far, Operation Helo has provided temporary homes to 18 families, and they have ambitious plans to help at least 100 more. “We’re going to keep going until we have gotten to everybody or we run out of money,” Robinson states. He and Hall, like many others involved, are not receiving pay for their efforts. They are driven purely by the desire to make a difference.
Meanwhile, in Bryant, Arkansas, Michael McNamara, owner of Suite Spot Camper Rental, is continuing a long-standing tradition of sending aid to areas hit by natural disasters. “We’re going down to North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida,” McNamara explains. “We’re loading the campers down with essentials that people aren’t able to go to the gas station to get — batteries, flashlights, generators.”
McNamara’s business has been sending campers to disaster zones since Hurricane Katrina, but the need for shelter after Hurricane Helene is particularly high. “To be able to have these campers in the off-season, to be able to go somewhere to help and be an asset to somebody is amazing,” he says. The campers serve not only families who have lost their homes but also rescue workers and contractors aiding in the rebuilding process.
The relief effort has drawn support from various businesses across Arkansas, including I Heart Mac & Cheese in Benton, Another Man’s Treasure in Bauxite, and several Hotworx locations throughout the state. Julia Rose, manager at Hotworx in Benton, expressed the satisfaction of helping those affected. “If we can bring a little bit of peace and a little bit of ease to those that need it right now, then we’d love to be able to help,” she says.
McNamara is committed to continuing his efforts until every camper he has is in use, providing comfort and stability to those facing an uncertain future.
As the holiday season approaches, both Robinson and Hall stress the continued need for support. “Think about Christmas for these kids. Think about Christmas for these parents,” says Hall. “Just think about future needs for everybody, because this is going to go on a long time.”
Robinson echoes this sentiment, highlighting the ongoing need for donations to keep their efforts moving forward. “Everybody that I’ve delivered trailers to, not one person hasn’t cried — and I’m right there crying with them,” he admits.
In the face of overwhelming adversity, it is heartening to see communities come together, not just for immediate relief but to lay the foundation for recovery. These efforts from groups like Operation Helo and businesses such as Suite Spot Camper Rental demonstrate the power of unity and compassion, providing not just shelter but hope for those impacted by Hurricane Helene.
