The Energetics of Disaster Relief: Unpacking The Flow of Resources, Supplies & Solutions in the Aftermath of Hurricane Helene

"You don’t have a disaster unless you have an overwhelmed community. Philanthropy must align its resources with the actual needs, not what we think people need."

Craig Fugate, Former FEMA Administrator

The aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina has been one of the most devastating experiences that my community and I have ever faced. While the overwhelming level of support and resources we've received from around the nation is deeply appreciated, the reality is that many of these donations are actually causing more harm than good.

Picture this: Donations of food, clothing and supplies coming in to local relief centers by the truckload. So much that the goods are piling up in the warehouses, even spilling outdoors into parking lots to be exposed to the elements or pillaged by looters, or even wildlife.

There is so much STUFF that it's actually stalling and stifling the already-stretched staff and volunteers who could be focused on getting critical aid to those in need. So much STUFF that it is likely to never even leave its dusty corner of the warehouse so it will remain until it's eventually expired and thrown away.

This is the reality across Western North Carolina, and countless other disaster zones- from Haiti to Houston, from New York to New Orleans. There is a silent problem, the disaster within the disaster" that these communities face, and yet no one seems to be talking about it openly.

In this post I'll share why this issue means so much to me, what I learned in all of my research and the importance of supporting relief efforts in a thoughtful and strategic way.

"As we’ve learned in disaster relief, the best approach is often not to swoop in with our own assumptions, but to empower local communities to drive solutions for their own recovery."

Bill Gates

My Soapbox Issue

First let me explain why this is my personal crusade, hot-button topic, and hill to die on.

As a professional feng shui consultant, I live and work by the belief that 'Energy Is Everything', and that the flow of energy is the foundation to one's health, happiness and harmony.

Energy flow, movement and distribution are essential in our daily lives, but especially vital in the aftermath of a disaster. As someone who values creating order amidst chaos, witnessing the images of destroyed homes, land and businesses, and of overwhelmed donation sites are truly triggering.

I am passionate about energy conservation and optimization both at home, and in our environment. As a former environment educator turner marketer and solo-preneur, for years I have studied and embraced principles of feng shui, home organization, minimalism, intentional living, systems management, holistic wellness, waste reduction, conscious consumerism and conservation - all issues which are being brought to the forefront around me as I strive to help my community recover from one of the largest and deadly natural disasters in American history.

It breaks my heart that the relief efforts on the ground are facing inefficiencies and imbalances which trickle down and limit our community's ability to bounce back quickly. It is my life's work and passion to establish greater balance, order and harmony in the world. I believe that everyone deserves a calm and stable home, neighborhood and community -and I will not stop fighting for that.

THIS JUST IN: Don’t Send Us Your Stuff

As I write this post approaching the 3 week anniversary mark of the storm, there are dozens and dozens of distribution centers in Western Carolina that are full to the brim with enormous amounts of bottled water, canned food, cleaning supplies, baby items, personal care items, batteries, and more - all waiting for homes. These basic items are here in ABUNDANCE, and ready for deployment.

Unfortunately, most of the donation centers lack the essential organized systems to distribute these supplies effectively or address specific community needs. They are not equipped to deal with the amount of stuff that’s being received in such a short amount of time. These sites are operated by locals and volunteers who have already been through so much trauma, but stil wanted help their neighbors and community- only to be met with even more risk, danger, and little support.

Some areas are overwhelmed with resources they don’t need, while others, especially remote or marginalized communities, struggle to access anything at all. Although there are many volunteers and agencies present, coordination is chaotic, and structural barriers to access persist.

Again, this problem isn't unique to Asheville. It's so common that disaster relief experts have a name for it.

The term "Second Disaster" refers to the logistical, social and environmental chaos created by unsolicited, uncoordinated and unnecessary physical donations. Instead of helping, this clutter overwhelms already-stretched volunteers and adds to the long list of problems our communities are facing.

Trust me, I get it. In times of crisis, it’s human nature to want to donate tangible items to aid affected families. However, disaster relief experts actually warn AGAINST this.

The uncomfortable truth that no one is talking about (until now): donating physical items during a disaster often causes more HARM than good.

"Being there for someone in the way they need, instead of the way thats easy for you, is what true compassion looks like."

Understanding Energy Flow & Imbalances

Disaster relief involves the dynamic and ESSENTIAL exchange of energy, especially in the physical transfer of goods and services. When a community or family is so affected by an event that they can't help themselves, then its the responsibility of the collective, especially those outside the disaster area, to jump in to help.

Every resource that flows into an affected area carries it's own vibrational frequency - some sort of emotional, mental, and spiritual energy which can make or break the recovery process.

Clutter, disorder and disorganization in any space directly impact the flow of Qi, or life force energy. When heavy or stagnant energy accumulates around us it can lead to our emotional and physical stress and overwhelm.

Physical chaos turns into internal chaos, so addressing and reducing destruction, waste and debris is crucial to our psychological health, our mental clarity and thus our ability to heal and move forward.

The Shadow Side of Giving

Even with good intentions, donating to disaster relief can cause disruptions in the flow of resources. Well-meaning donations, like sending truckloads of clothes or miscellanoeus household items, can create blocks and bottlenecks in the supply and distribution lines and adding stress to communities as volunteers scramble to sort, store, and distribute the supplies.

When people give out of a desire to “do something” without fully understanding local needs, or when donations stem from a desire for personal validation rather than genuine concern this only adds chaos and burden to communities already dealing with trauma and loss.

These blocks and bottlenecks are both physical and spiritual. They are limiting energy from reaching the individuals and families that desperately need it.

The most powerful form of energy exchange occurs when there is complete ALIGNMENT between what is offered and what is truly needed. When donations and resources directly address a community’s specific needs—whether it's clean water, medical supplies, or financial support - it creates the right amount of harmony and balance that allows communities to stabilize, heal, and rebuild quickly and efficiently,

“Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them.”

Dalai Lama

Not All Donations Are Created Equal

There’s a significant difference between high-quality donations that move the needle forward, and those that simply fall short.

The best types of donations truly make an impact. They are the thoughtful, well-planned contributions that

are aligned with the real needs of those affected
allow resources to flow efficiently
help repair infrastructure
support people in meaningful and measurable ways
respect the humanity of the recipients
genuinely aid in improving the recipient's health and happiness

In contrast, there are donations that are far less desirable and useful. These well-meaning "gifts" unintentionally hinder relief efforts, divert attention and resources away from urgent tasks, clogging up distribution lines and requiring complex manpower that could be better spent elsewhere.

Be mindful and purposeful with your generosity.

The Best & Worst Things to Donate In a Disaster

Disaster areas can quickly become overwhelmed with physical donations because they come in from many sources, ranging from professional aid and relief organizations to average civilians.

While the professional relief organizations have the systems in place, Unfortunately the ones from civilians fall short because they lack the knowledge or understanding of the complex needs of disaster areas.

Millions of civilians sending unneeded or inappropriate items, such as used clothing or miscellaneous household goods - donations which require significant time and manpower to sort, clean, and distribute, diverting resources from critical relief efforts.

Donating physical goods often creates logistical challenges for disaster areas, especially if items require any type of sorting or management as this diverts valuable resources. Donors should avoid any items that are unnecessary (like stuffed animals) or unsafe (like medications or expired or perishable food).

Contributing money to reputable organizations and specialized groups is far more impactful. These organizations have the essential systems and connections in place to manage and distribute donations and supplies, especially in niche specialties like food access, animal welfare, medical care and more Similarly, schools, churches and other community groups that are directly affiliated with individuals and families in need can work at the micro-level to meet needs. Trust and rely that these systems are working far more efficiently than the general donation sites.

Don't be a lazy or uninformed donor. Don't be the type to give problematic donations, thinking of your own desire to 'help" more than the actual needs those in the disaster zone. This can lead to an influx of unsuitable or unnecessary items that overwhelm relief organizations, complicating the distribution process..

Low-Vibe Donations: Low-Effort, Low-Quality, Low-Impact Donations

Soiled, stained or damaged goods
Broken or mismatched items
Out-of-season or overly worn clothing or footwear
Toys, games, sporting equipment
Dress-up clothing or costumes
Expired or rancid food
Unhealthy, and highly processed "food products"
Previously used personal care products.

Some HORRIFYING real-life examples of what volunteers here on the ground in Asheville have witnessed in donation drop-offs and shipments.

An open jar of jelly
A blanket covered in dried vomit
A used stick of deodorant
A brace for a broken collarbone
Soiled underwear
Dirty or broken dishes
Sequined mini-skirt
Bikinis
Bag of rice with maggots
Expired childrens OTC medications
Trash bags of clothing that reeks of cigarette smoke or covered in pet hair or insects
Single socks or shoes
A mattress covered in blood stains
Furniture covered in pet hair, stains and holes
Soleless shoes
Blank casette tapes
Use makeup
Empty shampoo bottles
Open/partially eaten food
Broken toys
Moldy books

Not only are these items are completely inappropriate for the crisis at hand but some of them border on offensive. They communicate the message that the recipients aren’t deserving of quality products, care or respect, and instead are only worthy of "second best," .or less!

The bottom line: There should be quality and DIGNITY in every donation. Even in the midst of a disaster, it does not make our communities a dumping ground for what many would consider trash. Just because we're facing hardship doesn't mean we've lost our standards of civility or become desperate savage.

This is an opportunity to treat the needy as you yourself would want to be treated. Consider this: If you can't donate well, then don't donate at all!

The takeaway: cash donations are preferred to physical goods because they help agencies do their job better. Trust the professionals and let them do their jobs.

People in disaster areas deserve to thrive, not just survive.

The Curse of Used Clothing Donations

There is one type of donation that causes more problems than any other: USED CLOTHING. Clothing is a whole different beast in the donation world because it presents a multitude of logistical challenges to already under-resourced disaster areas.

It's storage-intensive: It takes a lot of clean useable space and organizational systems (hangers, shelving, racks, bins, etc) to store and merchandise clothing, and disaster areas simply don't have that readily available
It's needs-intensive: Clothing is never one-size-fits all - every person has their own unique needs and preferences for fit, fabric, etc
It's labor-intensive: It takes an immense amount of manpower and time to sort and distribute clothing in an accessible, useable way. This time would be much better spent in helping people with more immediate, tangible aid like food distribution, housing or employment.

The harsh truth is that rather than taking the time to sort and distribute the mountains of clothes that are donated after disaster, most of it will probably end up in the landfill. Simply for the fact that it's more efficient to get rid of it than face it head on.

The Takeaway: Resist the urge to donate your clothing. The management and distribution of used clothing donations is a logistical nightmare and contributes to so much waste, both logistically and environmentally. To lesson your negative impact, consider donating your clothing outside of the disaster zone or selling it to raise funds for relief efforts.

60-80% of items donated in a typical disaster are actually unproductive, unwanted and unhelpful. Only about 10% of goods are considered of value or able to meet critical needs.

SOURCE: good360.org

PROVEN & Preferred Ways to Help After a Disaster

Uncoordinated, unnecessary and needed donations create logistical problems and are a massive waste of human and natural resources. Here is what to do instead:

Give Money

Time and again, disaster relief experts and NGOs agree: Monetary donations are the single best way to support disaster relief efforts.

Monetary donations offer an optimal energy exchange because they empower relief organizations to direct funds where they are most needed, adapting to evolving needs and providing sustained support over the long haul. Whether it's food today or medical supplies tomorrow, money can pivot better than any person or group.

Money offers flexibility to fit the shifting needs of disaster recovery, and also ensures that resources can be purchased locally, which boosts the local economy and keeps energy circulating within the community. Also, unlike physical donations, money doesn't require any storage or transportation logistics. That's a major win all on it's own when safe, sturdy and useable buildings, fuel and roads are at a premium after a storm.

By donating funds, you empower relief organizations to act more quickly and efficiently, ensuring aid reaches people faster. Even if 100 peple gave only $1, that's still a major impact and can go a long way for a family in need.

Cash is Food

Cash is Water

Cash is Safety

Cash is Hygiene

Cash is Relief

Cash is Easy

Cash is Simple

Cash is Flexible

Cash is BEST

That being said, proceed with caution and always do your research. Scammers often exploit disasters. Always verify organizations through trusted platforms like GuideStar or Charity Navigator to ensure your donations go to legitimate causes.

There are dozens of trustworthy and reputable organizations you can donate to, contribute to or communicate with directly to understand their needs, establish a volunteer or donation plan, etc.

These small community-based nonprofits are essential for overcoming barriers to aid distribution. These orgs understand the areas needs and ensure aid gets to the right places. Consider giving monthly to sustain their boots-on-the-ground efforts long-term.

Give Time

Outside of money, the most valuable contribution is your time. Our area urgently needs people to help sort, organize and distribute supplies, especially as the media attention dies down, people return to work and fewer volunteers will be available.

After a disaster there is also a desperate need for specialized human skills. For those who are local or able to travel, volunteering on the ground can be incredibly helpful.

Do you like to Cook? Clean? Organize? Manage?

Do you have experience in tree removal, building, engineering or construction?

Are you a first responder or medical professional?

Are you a healer or medical health professional?

Are you a childcare worker?

These communities need YOUR unique magic!!! But remember, well-meaning volunteers who arrive unprepared can strain resources so make sure to schedule and coordinate with established organizations organizations or families in need to ensure your efforts align.

handsonasheville.org

supportingwnc.com

Give Directly

When giving physical goods, it’s always better to respond to a specific, private request rather than guessing or making assumptions about what’s needed somewhere.

If an organization or family on the ground specifically requests certain items, then by all means, donate those things. But be aware that if it’s broadcasted on social media, the message has likely already reached thousands of others, so there may already be a flood of donations coming in to manage and yours won’t be needed or used after all.

So only head out after FIRST confirming their capacity and details such as the correct time and place for hand-off/drop-off.

Even better than donating money to an organization? Give money straight into the bank accounts of the individuals or families who need it. Find out the GoFundMe sites and Venmo links the specific people and small businesses who are struggling. There are dozens, possibly hundreds of micro-fundraisers happening for small businesses, artists, families and individuals who've faced loss.

This type of Private, direct aid ensures that support goes straight to those in need, allowing for a more immediate, personalized, and effective response compared to general donations.

When it comes to disaster relief, there's no such thing as too little too late, but there IS such a thing as too much, too soon.

Give Strategically

Disasters require sustained energy and attention so please don't disengage after the initial response; recovery is a long-term, multi-YEAR process.

It's all too common for disaster areas to experience an influx of goods in the immediate days following the event, and unfortunately the Second Disaster is the consequence of this.

STRATEGIC, educated and intentional disaster relief involves thoughtful planning and ensures that donations create lasting, meaningful change in disaster-stricken communities.

The reality is that we don't need more buckets of flip-flops, protein bars, canned goods, baby formula and menstrual products. The list goes on.

What we do need:

functional municipal infrastructure like roads and plumbing,
jobs and income
assistance for bills
mental health support
healthy air to breathe
comfortable, affordable housing

Donors can maximize their impact by considering the phases of relief, and timing their contributions accordingly. Each phase addresses different needs and relies on the collaboration of multiple stakeholders—from government agencies to local organizations—working in concert to provide both immediate relief and long-term resilience for affected communities.

During the first phase of disaster relief, the focus is on the most urgent, basic and life-saving supplies and services critical for addressing urgent needs, restoring order and stabilizing the situation during the initial aftermath of a disaster.

Large national or international organizations are equipped for early disaster response, while local groups are more effective during long-term recovery. Trust these organizations to do their job, and support them financially or through the service of skills and time.

After those intermediate efforts are stabilized (usually within a week), the focus shifts to the next phases of recovery and rehabilitation: restoring infrastructure, rebuilding homes, and helping communities regain their footing through holistic support: employment, mental health care and more.

These pressing needs, materials, tools, heavy machinery and equipment are just as important and valuable as the basic supplies of food water and clothing to help support long-term recovery. From wheel barrows to back-hos, the list goes on of "things you wouldn't immediately think about in a disaster." but that are so important to the process of rebuilding.

If a handful of days have passed since a disaster, it's safe to say that the essential core basics are no longer an urgent need, as these are almost always covered by incoming professional aid/relief organizations. Civilians can help by maintaining their support long after media attention has waned, ensuring that the affected areas receive sustained aid as they work toward recovery and stability.

Just because people lost everything, doesn't mean they need anything.

Give Mindfully

The problem isn’t a lack of generosity but rather the well-meaning people who rush to help without fully understanding the impact of their actions: Gathering items without first researching needs, organizing resources without first consulting relief organizations, and self-deploying without first considering all the risks.

In times of crisis, it’s human nature to want to help. When you see families displaced and homes destroyed, the immediate instinct is to run through your house, boxing up clothes, shoes, food, and other tangible items you think might help.

But rather than acting with just your heart, it's equally important to respond with your MIND. Take the time to become educated and make informed decisions about when and where to lend support. TRUST the experts and the locals on the ground. Prioritize thoughtful and targeted 1:1 giving.

Instead of rushing to give, pause first and think rationally, objectively and strategically about what could maximize the impact on the ground. Most people won't intuitively know this without research first... or simply ASKING and LISTENING to the professionals.

The best type of disaster philanthropist is INFORMED, thoughtful, considerate and helps in a way that is most needed by the recipients. They prioritize giving with empathy, curiosity and possess a genuine willingness to understand and address the specific needs and preferences of affected individuals and communities.

The extent that some have to go to get resupply - hiking in for miles or driving the last gallons of gas. Dont let them be disappointed with low-quality donations.

How can you go the extra mile in your physical donations?

If you’re donating heaters, consider also including CO2 and smoke detectors, extra batteries, and a fire extinguisher.
If you’re donating sleeping bags, also consider sleeping pads to go with them.
If donating heavy machinery, consider also sharing your expertise in how to operate it.
If donating clothing, please pre-wash them with baking soda and rinse with vinegar to remove artificial scents from detergents and fabric softeners. Then, sort by size, style and vacuum seal them into sets.
If donating ANYTHING, make sure it is new, or as like-new as possible.

Before donating something, ask yourself: 'Am I 100% CERTAIN that this item will get into the hands of a person, family or group who needs it right now?” If the answer is ‘No’, then please KEEP YOUR GOODS TO YOURSELF.

Dos & Don'ts of Disaster Relief

Giving thoughtfully and responsibly helps disaster-stricken communities recover faster. And isn't that the point?

DO'S

GIVE MONETARILY. Cash donations are preferred to physical goods because they don't require store or manpower, and provide unlimited flexibility, allowing relief organizations to purchase exactly what’s needed at the time.
GIVE DIRECTLY. Coordinate your giving privately and personally to local organizations or families in need to ensure you’re helping in an organized, efficient way.
GIVE COMPASSIONATELY: Prioritize giving new or like-new items if physical donations are specifically requested. Quality over quantity! Also never "drop and dip" - plan to spend a few hours volunteering if you ever do a drop-off. Give the other volunteers a helping hand, a much-needed break
GIVE BROADLY. Focus your support on the most rural areas and towns as they often have fewer resources and coordinated efforts.
GIVE RESPECTFULLY. Never give smelly, stained or soiled items. Organize and separate your like-new donations in advance by sorting and labeling them by size, season, age and gender. Deliver them folded neatly in bins/boxes or hanging racks, NOT trash bags.
GIVE LONG-TERM. Our needs remain even after the media coverage dies. Continue to give your attention, service and support for our region in the months and years to come. Pace your donations over many months and years to really make an impact.
GIVE WISELY Research what the community truly needs to avoid sending unnecessary or excess items that disrupt supply or distribution pathways.
GIVE MINDFULLY: Monetary donations allow for flexible, rapid response and maintain smooth energy flow for adapting to changing needs.
GIVE SELFLESSLY. Donate and offer help without strings attached, or in seeking recognition or personal gain
GIVE THOUGHTFULLY. Information is power, so make sure you research and fact-check the ins and outs of various donation sites, relief organizations and area needs as much as possible.

“One of the problems with disaster philanthropy is that most gifts are given within 30 days and that doesn’t leave enough support for long-term recovery.”

Bob Ottenhoff, CEO of the Center for Disaster Philanthropy

DONT'S

DON'T BE A 'DISASTER TOURIST'. Stop claiming you're here to 'help', when really you're here to take pictures or video of the damage and destruction. Stop trying to showcase your 'good heart' when really you're here to gawk or marvel at other's misfortune.
DON'T MAKE IT ABOUT YOU. Stop using someone else's tragedy as an excuse for your guilt-free home decluttering or closet-cleanout. This is not an opportunity to be self-serving.
DON'T SEND UNSOLICITED OR UNNECESSARY GOODS. Generic supplies like clothing or food should not be given without first confirming a direct 1:1 need. This can help avoid logistical challenges, drag and wasted energy.
DON'T SELF-DEPLOY. Traveling to a disaster zone without a clear plan or direct coordination with relief efforts increases risk and compromises safety for everyone involved.
DON'T ASSUME YOU KNOW BEST. Listen to local officials and organizations for guidance on how to help effectively. If you're given a list of supplies needed, stick to that exact list and don't stray!
DON'T TRY TO BE A HERO. Unless you’re actually qualified with a specialized skill like engineering, construction, medical care or logistical management, it’s best to stay home. We so rarely need the average civilian, your neighbor Karen or coworker Joe, to come here in search of praise or personal benefit. or personal validation
DON'T RUSH TO HELP. It's best to pace your donations strategically. Leave the first few weeks of aid to the experts and agencies, and then wait to see if there remains a need in the months to follow. Disaster relief is about the long game, so focus on long-term, sustainable impact rather than short-term support.
DON'T LOOK AWAY. After the headlines die down, we will still be here in need. Don’t disengage after the initial response, Don't forget about us. Listen to our stories, share them, and amplify them so that awareness and support can continue in the years to come.
DON'T SPREAD MISINFORMATION. Aim to seek and share accurate, trusted information from verified and reputable sources
DON'T BE A 'LAZY DONOR': Don't be the type of person who wants to help but does so half-heartedly, never taking the time to fully understand the needs of the recipients or the impact/effectiveness of your contributions. Lazy donors tend to skip over the steps of thorough research and planning, prioritizing their own desire to give over the actual needs of the community they are serving.

The #1 Takeaway: Think Twice Before You Donate.

Myth vs Fact of Disaster Relief

Let's debunk these common myths. Let's focus on the most effective ways to TRULY help disaster-affected communities, ensuring our efforts make a meaningful and lasting impact.

MYTH: Sending clothes and supplies is the best way to help disaster victims.

FACT: While well-intentioned, sending physical goods like clothes can overwhelm relief efforts, leading to logistical challenges known as "the second disaster." Monetary donations are far more efficient, as they allow organizations to purchase exactly what is needed, when and where it's needed. They eliminate transportation and storage issues, allowing relief organizations to act quickly.

MYTH: Any type of contribution helps in a disaster.

FACT: Unsolicited, uncoordinated donations can actually do more harm than good. Items that aren’t needed create clutter and require valuable time and resources to sort, store, and distribute. The most helpful donations are those that are requested by relief organizations and directly meet the specific needs of the affected community.

MYTH: Donating used clothing is a great way to contribute.

Fact: Used clothing is one of the most problematic donations. Sorting, cleaning, organizing and distributing used clothes is highly labor intensive and takes significant resources, often diverting attention from critical relief efforts. It’s far more effective to donate money or new items that have been requested.

MYTH: A month has passed since the disaster, so everything is fine and they no longer need my donations.

FACT: First, we aren't fine. Seeing your community ripped apart and turned into. a post-apocalyptic warzone is one of the most traumatic events someone can go through. Disaster recovery is a long-term process, often taking years. Communities will continue to need support long after the media attention fades. Donations and volunteer work are vital during both the immediate aftermath AND the extended recovery period. In fact, paced, long-term giving is often more helpful than rushing to donate immediately after a disaster.

MYTH: Volunteering spontaneously is helpful and commendable.

FACT: Spontaneous volunteering can overwhelm relief efforts if not properly coordinated. Relief organizations typically require skilled volunteers and prefer pre-arranged, organized support. Unplanned volunteers can sometimes create logistical challenges, adding to the strain on already-stretched resources.

MYTH: Large donations of goods are better than small, frequent monetary contributions.

FACT: Small, regular monetary donations over time are often more impactful than large, one-time shipments of goods. Financial support provides flexibility for relief organizations to respond to changing needs and offers sustained aid as communities rebuild. Even if 100 people only gave $1, that's still more impactful and meaningful than 100 people donating their old flipflops.

MYTH: Organizing a clothing drive for disaster relief is one of the best ways to help victims of a disaster.

FACT: Clothing drives, while well-intentioned, can create logistical problems for relief organizations. Sorting, packaging, and distributing used clothes requires significant time and resources, which can overwhelm disaster areas and hinder more critical relief efforts. Many of these donations may not even be suitable for the climate or cultural context of the affected area, leading to waste or unnecessary disposal. Instead, cash donations are far more effective as they allow organizations to quickly purchase the specific items needed. Skip the drive and donate financially instead.

MYTH: The needs and capacity at donation sites are consistent and on-going so I can just show up with what I have and they'll take it.

FACT: The needs and capacity at donation sites changes daily, by the hour and by the minute. Please work with a donation center closely for real-time updates about their needs so you can help most effectively and efficiently. Relief resources and workers must be able to pivot on a dime. That’s why MONEY is unanimously the best thing to give, because no other type of donation is as flexible and adaptable.

“You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.”

Kahlil Gibran

It's Nothing Personal

The problems we're experiencing with an overabundance of physical donations are not surprising considering that we all grew up being taught the importance of generosity and gratitude.

Phrases like "Sharing is caring", "No act of kindness is ever wasted.", "Beggars can't be choosers" "One person's trash is another person's treasure" and "Think before you toss" are well-meaning but can actually be harmful when it comes to the unique needs and complex demands of disaster relief.

Sending physical goods may feel more “meaningful” to you because it’s a tangible representation of your empathy and caring. However, THIS ISN'T ABOUT YOU. The reality is that your well-intentioned gestures are likely to fall short and end up creating more social and environmental problems than they solve.

Giving should NEVER be about you. It should ALWAYS be about the people and communities in need. It's about making a meaningful impact on other's lives - in the very specific way they need it, not in the way you assume they need it.

Some people don't like being told what to do, so they will do what they want even when experts and locals tell them otherwise. Some people may be offended by the overworked volunteers who politely (and understandably decline another spontaneous donation drop-off. Some people will get defensive when the quality of their donations is questioned. Some people may even disagree with the information in this very post. And that's ok because again, this isn't about them.

Some people could see this sentiment as judgemental, entitled, insensitive, ungrateful. You can disagree and complain about the content in this post all you want, but the facts remain. The experts have spoken. The locals and volunteers have pleaded. The data is there. Enough is enough!

"Disaster recovery requires patience, focus, and a long-term strategy. Philanthropy has to be flexible to meet the evolving needs of communities after a disaster."

Lori Bertman

A Different Perspective: Unconscious Bias

Some people will look at images of the Second Disaster and see awe-inspiring generosity, while others, like myself, only see heartbreaking waste, inefficiency and massive systems failure.

And I realize that is because I come from privilege and a world where systems and structures are the norm. I am trying to keep this in perspective - that my cultural upbringing is playing a huge part in my values system and preferences for controlled, predictable environments that are

Neat
Orderly
Tidy
Efficient
Productive

Recognizing these values as part of a broader framework allows for a critical examination of how they impact individuals and communities, prompting a reevaluation of what is truly valued in our societies and encouraging a more inclusive perspective.

I know these are not simple issues to solve or talk about. The emotional stakes are high and the psychology is complex. When someone's effort to give is questioned, it can feel like a direct challenge to their generosity, goodwill, intentions, or intelligence. But something has to change.

Thankfully I've done a lot of research on this subject of the Second Disaster, and can see solutions forward. It doesn't have to be this way!

The solutions to more thoughtful giving in disaster relief lie in fostering empathy and understanding:

increasing education and awareness
providing constructive guidance
sharing data, facts and examples
framing positive alternatives
acknowledging the intention behind every donation

With this holistic approach, donors can better understand how to contribute effectively without feeling judged or discouraged.

I understand this problem is very multi-faceted, and so are the solutions. I am grateful the conversation is starting though. This is an important social and environmental issue, and I am passionate about getting this message out far and wide so that people can know better, and do better next time.

My hope is to inspire lasting positive change. This issue needs to be discussed openly, shared widely. It needs to be covered by mainstream media. It needs a viral social media campaign. It needs to be household knowledge.

Even if I enlighten just one person, or change one's person's mind that makes all of this effort worthwhile.

Imagine living as a volunteer or victim in this disaster area. Your focus should be on cleaning up, rebuilding, or going back to your job. But instead, you’re sorting through other people's trash. Your community is destroyed, you’re mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausted, and someone tells you, "Here this is your problem now, I’m not taking this back with me"

Where To Go From Here

The damage has already been done in Asheville, but it doesn't mean that all hope is lost. Many WNC counties are oversaturated with supplies, now all we need is time to find a balance again. We can still make this right!

To those truly giving based on the actual, sustainable needs of the community, thank you.
To those operating from a place of self-serving generosity, ego-driven altruism, STOP. Think of how you're affecting us. You’re harming, drowning these communities.
To the donation centers: Please continue to communicate clearly about your needs and set boundaries around your capacity. Keep putting processes and systems in place to organize as best you can.
To those who are eager to help: Be patient while we recalibrate. It's possible we will need more support once our initial supplies are depleted. In the meantime, you can Volunteer to sort, organize and distribute clothing or other physical goods. This is tedious work, but many helping hands will allow us to get through it faster.
To those who need help: Ask for it! We want to help, We are ready to help, we just need to know who and where to help.
To those who still wish to donate material items: Please wait several weeks and then check in to see which goods are still needed. Be prepared that they might not be needed at all, so have a backup plan in place. If you're dropping off donations, consider staying for several hours afterwards to help get essential supplies out faster. Please consider all of the volunteers on the receiving end of your donations. Not just because of the workload this kind of donation requires but because of the devastation, loss and tragedy we are experiencing.
To those who feel guilty about 'shopping' at donation centers: Even if you're able to purchase financially, please take, share and know that there is plenty for everyone! Please take what you need, and then donate the money you saved back to the community.

The problem of the Second Disaster has already snowballed into unmanageable chaos for Asheville. But it's not too late for other communities nationwide. It's only a matter of time before another hurricane or natural disaster comes along, and this info can help save valuable resources and lives. We can learn from this!

I'm not suggesting we don't need help; I'm simply asking to please give in a way that doesn't create more burden, waste or liability.

Spreading the Message

Disaster relief is a powerful exchange of energy between those giving and those receiving. When done with intention, care, and alignment, it becomes a healing process, not just for the affected communities but for all involved.

By being mindful of the energetics of disaster relief, we can ensure that our contributions uplift, rather than overwhelm, and that the flow of energy creates harmony, healing, and hope.

Every day this disaster continues to remind us of the deep interconnectedness between humans and their environment. As we rebuild our communities, we carry this wisdom forward to help each other, and to guard and protect others in the future.

This disaster continues to remind us of the deep interconnectedness between humans and their environment. As we rebuild our communities, we carry this wisdom forward to help each other, and to guard and protect others in the future.

Despite the challenges in finding the balance between receiving and distributing donations, we remain resilient, creative, and resourceful. We also humbly still request your ongoing help and support. We can't do this without you. We just need it to be on our terms, in partnership and collaboration.

We are forever grateful to all who have donated to our survival and recovery. Unfortunately what has happened in WNC counties isn’t a “bounce back” situation. This beautiful region will never be as it was. We will rebuild, of course – but it will be different. We are forever changed.

We have a long road ahead of us. Thank you for your love, care, voice, gifts, presence, and commitment to being with us as we rise up and move forward.

"It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving."

Mother Teresa

SYNERGETIC SPACES