As North Carolina embarks on the challenging journey of recovery following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, country music stars are stepping up to provide support. The storm claimed nearly 100 lives and caused extensive flooding, displacing thousands and wiping out entire towns.
Among the artists leading the way are Eric Church and Luke Combs, who are using their platforms to raise funds and bring awareness to the ongoing needs of affected communities.
Eric Church recently released a poignant new single titled “Darkest Hour, dedicating all the song’s rights to the people of North Carolina.
This generous act is part of a larger effort to assist those in need. Tonight, Church and Combs will host the Concert for Carolina, an all-star benefit concert at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte aimed at raising money for recovery efforts.
In a significant announcement during the concert, Church revealed that his Chief Cares Foundation has initiated a new program called A Blueprint for the Blue Ridge. This plan is designed to aid families displaced by the storm by building 100 new homes in western North Carolina.
However, Church’s vision extends beyond housing; he aims to revitalize entire communities by creating jobs, rebuilding schools, and supporting local businesses that have struggled as a result of the disaster.
Church emphasized the importance of community support during times of crisis, stating, Any time a community needs help, it’s always the community next door that comes running to help. And there are no communities next door.
They’ve all been devastated. His commitment through the Chief Cares initiative reflects a deep understanding of the long-term challenges these communities face. He is determined to keep the spotlight on the recovery efforts, recognizing that while immediate aid may diminish over time, the needs of the people will remain.
The recovery process will undoubtedly take years, impacting not only North Carolina but also neighboring states like South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida, all of which were affected by the storm. Eric Church is dedicated to ensuring that the focus remains on rebuilding not just homes, but the very fabric of these communities.
It goes way beyond 100 homes. I hope it’s a lot of homes. A lot more than 100 homes. I hope it’s about building the businesses and building the community back, he said.
For those wishing to support the recovery efforts in North Carolina, more information about Blueprint for the Blue Ridge and donation options can be found on the Chief Cares website.
As communities in the mountains of North Carolina begin to heal, the contributions from Church, Combs, and many others exemplify the power of unity in the face of adversity.
