In the Asheville, North Carolina, area, the aftermath of Hurricane Helene has been nothing short of devastation. As many outside the region were waking up to this news, Guardians of Rescue already had boots on the ground, delivering critical supplies and helping to make rescues. The destruction is unimaginable, the organization said, and it is calling on the community to help support the effort so it can reach and help as many people and pets as possible.
“We are always ready to be at the forefront of such situations to help people and pets,” said Robert Misseri, founder of Guardians of Rescue. “What has happened in Asheville is heartbreaking, and we need to act quickly to make as many rescue efforts as possible.”
Destroyed homes, people being airlifted to safety, missing pets, lives lost and so much more. These are the things that Guardians of Rescue team member Angelique Williams is seeing in Asheville. She has seen a lot as a Navy veteran who has completed several overseas tours, but nothing prepared her for this, the organization said. Her video reporting on the scene and rescue efforts quickly went viral after being posted on Facebook.
“We are trying to get people what they need, and right now, they need everything,” said Williams. “The destruction is heartbreaking, yet we see glimpses of hope and joy here and there. We must all come together to help our fellow Americans through this pain. We will do everything possible to help the families and their pets.”
These people and animals have endured the unimaginable and are in urgent need of medical care, shelter and safety. “Your support can make all the difference in their recovery,” Guardians of Rescue said. “By donating, you will provide them with the resources they need to survive and heal from their trauma.”
Guardians of Rescue supplies people with various items, but it needs much more. Entire communities in the area need everything. The group is gathering more supplies to deliver and continue helping with the rescue. Very few people are allowed in because any travel is limited to emergencies, but Guardians of Rescue is allowed to help. It is urgently gathering and delivering supplies, including dog and cat food, water, hygiene supplies, toilet paper, bleach, cleaning supplies, first aid kits and much more.
Niki Dawson, an animal control officer and certified FEMA responder, led the efforts for Guardians of Rescue. She was able to navigate through closed roads, washed out bridges and mudslides to get to a shelter that had run out of food and water for both the animals and the one staff member that was able to get there. The teams were able to get some supplies to a 55+ plus home that had not seen any help.
“They were so thankful for the supplies, but they were most thankful for giving them hope,” said Dawson. “They had given up. These people and animals have endured the unimaginable and are in urgent need of medical care, shelter and safety. Your support can make all the difference in their recovery.”
To donate to help with the urgent rescue effort, visit the site here.
To see the video of the Guardians of Rescue team helping in Asheville, click here.