Lehigh Alumni Support Relief Efforts for Hurricane Helene in North Carolina

Resilience and Community: How One Woman is Leading Hurricane Relief Efforts in North Carolina

In an inspiring tale of community spirit, Ashley Kreitz has stepped up to the plate, dedicating her time and energy to assist families in need in North Carolina following devastating hurricanes. “The family we are working with is just so thankful,” she shared, reflecting on the heartfelt connections she has formed during her volunteering journey. “As soon as they see me coming, they greet me with a big smile and a hug; they welcome me like I am family now. I feel genuinely welcomed for the rest of my life, and it’s just a good connection.”

Kreitz’s journey into full-time volunteering wasn’t a decision she made lightly. After years of working in tree removal, she felt an urgent call to contribute to the restoration efforts in her community. Inspired by the rewarding experiences she has had with families needing help, Kreitz made the significant choice to take a break from her former career, camping out at a local community center until the end of November. Her mission? To find more families in dire need of assistance and restore their homes.

The path has not been without challenges. Kreitz admits that one of the most difficult aspects of her work is identifying which families require help. “Most homes are complete teardowns waiting to happen, and it’s hard to pinpoint who we can aid with repairs, since many of the folks we meet aren’t the type to ask for help,” she explained. This highlights a critical issue in the world of disaster recovery: often, those who need assistance most are the least likely to reach out.

Despite the hurdles, Kreitz has witnessed an outpouring of support from her community, receiving both monetary donations and volunteers eager to contribute. However, she notes that the flow of donations has begun to dwindle. “These families just don’t have the resources to rebuild their own homes, so we need funding in order to purchase materials,” Kreitz emphasizes. “Many families also need funds to buy campers or modular homes to replace the homes they can’t salvage.”

While Kreitz manages a myriad of tasks, from posting renovations on social media to fundraising and project planning, she credits her success to the foundational knowledge she gained as an undergraduate student at Lehigh University. “The scientific method taught me to have procedures in place,” she said. “It helps you think through problems and ensure that you are not skipping steps or overlooking details.”

Her hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed. Colleague Gregory has been in awe of Kreitz’s impact. “It has been amazing to see her bring people together to help this family, and it’s been such a joy to work with her,” Gregory remarked. “She has been such a superstar.”

Both Kreitz and Gregory agree that while the momentum behind hurricane relief efforts is currently strong, it’s crucial for individuals to continue taking action. Communities like Barnardsville may face long recovery processes, and the need for volunteers and resources will persist. “Don’t be afraid that you don’t know what you’re doing,” Kreitz encourages. “You just have to start somewhere and go for it. Like everything in life, you figure it out as you go.”

For those looking to support Kreitz’s ongoing efforts, following her on Facebook is a great start. She is also accepting donations through Venmo at @Ashley-Kreitz-2, which will go directly to materials and support for families in need.

As Kreitz continues to forge connections within the community, her story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have when driven by compassion and a desire to help. In times of adversity, it’s often the bonds of community and the spirit of giving that light the way forward. Whether it’s volunteering time or sharing resources, every effort counts in rebuilding lives and restoring hope.

This hurricane season is not just about weather patterns; it’s a poignant reminder of the strength that lies within humanity when we come together, driven by the simple yet profound desire to uplift one another through difficult times.