BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C. — As western North Carolina continues to pick up the pieces from Hurricane Helene, now is the time to provide people with what they need. 

The Ingles in Black Mountain near Sunset Drive now operates as a distribution site.

People can get anything they need; all they have to do is show up.

Allison Hargus is the lead volunteer at the Ingles distribution site. She’s helping everyone, including volunteers and those seeking help.

“Shock is what we’re feeling right now, and we’re taking one step at a time,” Hargus said.

Hargus grew up here, and she’s providing hope to people that need it most.

“We will get you anything that you need,” Hargus said.

Leslie Dragon lives up the road. She said her home has no damage but has no electricity, internet or running water.

“We could not believe that we got hammered,” Dragon said.

Dragon lives with her husband high up the mountain. They avoided the flooding. 

Others weren’t so lucky.

On N.C. 9, you can see downed power lines, mudslides and people walking to get to where they need to be.

Traffic oftentimes is down to one lane and homes destroyed.

Not too far away is a makeshift shelter. It’s where Dragon goes to to drop off food.  

Andrew Ebner is trying to make the site a home away from home for many.

The community knows this place as The Straightaway Cafe. 

“I worked here for two years when the restaurant was open. I am chef now again,” Ebner said.

He’s providing hot meals to around 50 people every day. His goal is to comfort as many people as he can.

And for that, they’re grateful. 

“Everybody here has been so nice, so patient, so calm, so kind,” Dragon said.

The Ingles distribution site opens at 9:30 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m.

That location is in need of canned goods, paper goods and wipes, and organizers are seeking donations.