“Please Don’t Forget About Us” A Conversation with Rebuilding Hollers Founder Stephanie Johnson

I had the honor of speaking with Stephanie Johnson, a dedicated advocate for Rebuilding the Hollers of Western North Carolina. Stephanie shares her journey from distributing food to leading construction efforts, all in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Her story is a testament to the power of community and the impact of grassroots initiatives. From providing essential supplies to rebuilding homes, Stephanie's work exemplifies what happens when compassion turns into action. What moved me most is how hope flourishes when people unite. As Stephanie beautifully puts it, "We rebuild not just structures, but lives." If you care about the future of Western North Carolina, about strengthening communities, or about the transformative power of volunteerism, this conversation will inspire you. I'd love to hear your thoughts—what gives you hope in your community?🌿 Stay Connected & Join the Work in Western North CarolinaIf you’d like to follow more stories of recovery, community strength, and the people rebuilding Western North Carolina, here’s where you can find us:Instagram: ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/thesharondeckerTapestry Collaborative (Nonprofit): ➡️ https://www.tapestrycollaborative.comWNC Recovery Resources & How to Help: ➡️ https://wncrecovery.nc.govRebuilding The Hollers:rebuildinghollers.comIf you’d like to receive invitations to upcoming events, updates on recovery efforts, and weekly reflections, sign up for our email newsletter.Keywords Rebuilding Hollers, disaster recovery, community resilience, volunteer engagement, recovery efforts, Western North Carolina, Helene recovery, humanitarian aid, local involvement, rebuilding homes, Stephanie Johnson, Sharon Decker Takeaways Rebuilding Hollers is a grassroots initiative. Community support is vital during recovery. Volunteers provide both physical and emotional aid. Long-term recovery requires ongoing commitment. Local businesses play a crucial role in rebuilding. Hope is essential in disaster recovery. Engaging volunteers can amplify the impact of resources. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background of Rebuilding Hollers 06:49 Community Support and Volunteer Efforts 16:55 Long-term Recovery and Local Engagement 23:53 Gratitude and Future Vision