Help & Hope for Western NC: Filmmaker's Untold Stories

Help & Hope for Western NC: Filmmaker's Untold Stories

From Elijah Stroud

Help us document the devastation and resilience in Western NC after Hurricane Helene. Support this disaster response film project to raise awareness and aid recovery efforts for isolated, hard-hit communities.

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Hurricane Helene has left Western North Carolina devastated, with entire communities cut off, lives lost, and hundreds more struggling without basic necessities. Roads are washed out, power and communication lines are down, and families are still waiting for rescue. In the wake of this catastrophe, I am embarking on a mission to document the destruction, survival, and resilience of these communities. Your support will make this mission possible.

Project Purpose:I have experience in disaster response videography (I was on the ground within the first two weeks in Puerto Rico and Houston following their devastating hurricanes in 2017&2018), and I believe in the power of storytelling to bring attention to those affected by disaster. My goal is to raise funds to cover the costs of travel, equipment, and production so I can document the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina. The footage will not only raise awareness but serve as a crucial tool for advocacy and aid, showing the true extent of the damage and the ongoing needs for recovery.

Why This Matters:Right now, many communities are still isolated, with limited access to food, water, and shelter. Supplies are being airlifted, but the situation remains dire, as neighbors help one another survive in the absence of larger systems of support​​. By capturing the real, raw stories of these affected people and places, this project will:

  • Bring national attention to regions that are still being overlooked in broader media coverage.
  • Highlight the need for continued aid and resources for long-term recovery efforts.
  • Create an archive of stories that can be used by local and national organizations to mobilize relief efforts and rebuild affected areas.

How You Can Help:Your contribution will go directly towards funding this project. Here’s where the money will go:

  • Travel Costs: Reaching hard-hit, remote areas like Asheville and the surrounding mountain communities​.
  • Equipment: Ensuring high-quality footage can be captured despite the challenging conditions.
  • Production: Editing and distributing the final project to ensure that the stories reach as many people as possible.

With your support, we can bring the story of these resilient communities to the forefront, helping to secure the resources they need to recover.

Conclusion:These stories matter because the people living them matter. We can’t let their suffering go unnoticed. With your help, we can ensure that the world sees their struggle and joins in the effort to help rebuild their lives. Thank you for your generosity and support.

Old Disaster Response Projects:

Puerto Rico Hurricane 2018Houston Hurricane 2017Humanitarian Relief Peru

Current Work:

Current (Non-Disaster) Film Work

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