BOONE, N.C. — Nearly two weeks after Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina, many folks are still without the basics, like a warm meal and clean water.
That’s where the community is stepping in and one small business owner from Boone is using what she has left to give back.
Tina Houston is grateful her three restaurants are still standing, but because of floodwater damage, she couldn’t reopen them all right away. With that came a loss of income.
"Restaurants are closing. The margins are terrible, payroll and food costs," Houston said. "And we took on debt from COVID."
With Reid's Cafe & Catering closed in Sugar Mountain and Betty's Biscuits open in Boone with reduced hours, Houston spoke with WCNC Charlotte from The Beacon.
Houston says the restaurant's name was fitting as it was literally a beacon during the storm, suffering the least amount of damage. It's from this location that Houston's been able to work with her staff to deliver supplies to the hardest-hit areas. They've also been receiving deliveries of unprepared food from Sysco, cooking meals for anyone who needs a hot meal in Avery, Mitchell and Watauga counties.
Houston said they've been serving meals to firefighters, rescue workers at hotels and other first responders. She's also concerned about what lies ahead for mountain communities impacted by Helene.
"There's still so many people without power and water, it's crazy," she said. "And the terrifying thing is winter is here in five weeks."
Even with the upcoming ski season, Houston said mountain towns like Boone run on the backs of small businesses and Helene has made the future of the town’s economy unclear. Houston, who is on the Watauga County tourism board, says officials are discouraging visitors while recovery efforts continue.
For now, the best way to help is through monetary donations and donating items to drop-off locations in local communities across the Carolinas.
Contact Destiny Richards at drichards5@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.