August 15, 2025 • 17 mins
When disaster strikes, true heroes emerge from within the community. Michelle Edwards, this week's Hometown Hero, returned to her native Polk County just in time to establish the Polk Referral Center when Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina.
What began as a vision to help rural residents access resources transformed overnight into a critical lifeline for over 500 households affected by the storm. Through coordinated volunteer efforts, the center has helped clear driveways, remove fallen trees, secure temporary shelter, and provide countless other forms of assistance to community members in need. Now, months after the initial disaster, Edwards and her team continue supporting approximately 180 households still dealing with Helene's aftermath.
The power of Edwards' approach lies in its simplicity and humanity. Operating from storage units to keep costs minimal, the center functions as a connector between those needing help and available resources. "We empower our local nonprofits," Edwards explains, ensuring services aren't duplicated while following up to fill gaps that traditional assistance can't address. Regular "front porch assessments" provide both practical help and emotional support, reminding struggling residents they haven't been forgotten even as media attention has moved on.
Perhaps most remarkable is that this critical community resource runs entirely on volunteer power. Edwards herself draws no salary despite her full-time commitment to the center. When asked what motivates her lifelong dedication to service, her answer is profoundly simple: "It's the best antidepressant I have ever experienced." In a world often divided, her story reminds us of our shared humanity and the healing power of showing up for one another.
Want to support the Polk Referral Center? Visit polkreferralcenter.org or find them on Facebook. Even small acts like bringing ice cream and spending an hour with an isolated community member can make a tremendous difference in someone's recovery journey.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
The George Real Estate Group radio broadcast is
celebrating 10 years on WHKP.
The George Real Estate Group iscelebrating 10 years on the
radio live every Thursdaymorning at 10.05 on WHKP 107.7
FM and AM 1450, and streamingonline at WHKPcom.
(00:24):
And streaming online at whkpcomEach Friday morning at 845,.
The George Real Estate Grouppresents the Hometown Hero Award
to someone in our community whogoes above and beyond to make
our hometown a better place tolive.
Here's this week's HometownHero Show.
It's 845 and time now for ourGeorge Real Estate Group
(00:45):
Hometown Hero Salute.
We do this every Friday morningand always have a good time
doing it with Noah George, whobrings you the George Real
Estate Group Hometown Hero Showevery week.
How are you doing, mr Noah?
Speaker 2 (00:59):
So much to be thankful for.
And happy Friday.
It's always the highlight ofthe week.
Speaker 1 (01:04):
Being here sponsoring the Hometown Heroes series, you
come to us every Friday morningand we always are able to find
some folks in our community whoare taking the extra step, going
the extra mile to help make ourhometown what it is, and our
hometown's a popular place tomove to, isn't it?
Speaker 2 (01:26):
It really is.
And, again, the incrediblepeople that live here that are
giving and showing up every day.
And I think people, when theymove here, they want to be part
of it, and you and I hearstories every single Friday
about people making amazingdifferences in this community.
Speaker 1 (01:40):
Yeah, we really do, and I count that a privilege.
I really do.
Hey, how's the market in realestate here?
Speaker 2 (01:47):
The market's absolutely still moving Year.
To date, we've had more homessell this year than same time
period last year.
Prices are holding.
They're down about 1.5%compared to the previous time
frame.
The thing that's fascinating,though, is it's slowing up a
little bit the days on market.
It averages around 60 days onthe market before homes going
under contract, so things aretaking a little bit longer,
(02:08):
which is okay.
Buyers have a little bit moretime to decide.
But, of course, if the home'spriced right, if it's staged
right, if it's marketed, westill see homes moving quickly,
sometimes still seeing themultiple offers, but the market
is still strong.
The sky is not falling.
Be careful to listen to thenews.
The sky is not falling.
We're averaging about 126single-family homes a month.
(02:29):
The average home price is $540in Henderson County.
It's still great for buyers andsellers in this market.
Speaker 1 (02:37):
I think one point you made in talking there is if
it's priced right.
Speaker 2 (02:42):
It still has to be priced right, and when it's
priced right and still has to bepriced right, and when it's
priced right and you're stillgoing to get top dollar when
it's priced right and thecondition, you know, all those
things come together and that'swhere our job is to provide
clarity and information for ourclients to make the decision
where they want to price thehome based on the market, and
then we're partnering and then,with all of the proven and
(03:02):
predictable steps, we have hadthe privilege of helping over
1,600 families sell their homesthroughout the years and this is
my 20th year with my broker'slicense, but we love serving the
community through real estate.
Speaker 1 (03:14):
All right.
Michelle Edwards, with the PolkReferral Center, is in the
studio with us.
Good morning, michelle.
Thank you for having us.
Speaker 3 (03:22):
How are you today?
I'm wonderful, it's a beautifulFriday and a little break from
the rain.
Speaker 1 (03:26):
Amen, amen.
Sunshine makes everybody smilea little bit, doesn't it?
Well, tell us about, if you can, the Polk Referral Center.
We want to make sure that weinclude our southern Polk
friends.
You guys were hit with Helenedamage, basically, just like
everybody else was.
Speaker 3 (03:45):
We were, so we started out officially October
7th.
We helped our neighbors andfriends before that and then
realized the needs that were inour hometown.
At one point, we had over 500households that needed immediate
assistance and, with the helpof our neighbors, we were able
to coordinate through onlineefforts, with having driveways
(04:05):
cleaned up and repaired, treesmoved off of houses and
buildings, people with safeshelters all strangers working
together to be able to makethese efforts happen.
As time has moved on, we'redown to about 180 on our list.
Speaker 2 (04:19):
Oh good, yes, that's significant, it is.
Speaker 3 (04:22):
We just had.
Our long-term recovery group isestablished in Polk County and
they will be getting to actionhere soon.
We're working closely with them.
We work with our emergencymanagement teams and coordinate
for efforts with localnonprofits that can bring in
greater relief services.
So we are primarily referrals.
We empower our local nonprofitsso that we can send people to
(04:46):
them and then we follow up tofill in the gaps that they're
not able to handle by a networkof churches, do-gooders and the
other nonprofits.
So every day we make thingshappen.
This week we've put out twodifferent hot tents for
community members.
We still have people livingunderneath canopies and carports
.
We have a lot of people dealingwith mold and erosion control
issues, but together we'regetting two solutions instead of
(05:08):
just having potential problems.
Speaker 1 (05:12):
The damages that you guys.
Well, first of all, as recentas yesterday, it had an
earthquake centered in MillSpring and it was quite an
earthquake.7 I think I know itwas felt all around the western
north carolina area we got quitea few calls of concern.
Speaker 3 (05:32):
I was actually driving from one client's house
to the other so I did not noticeit personally.
Um, as soon as I got to acommunity partner over at
sunnyview clubhouse, uh, theywere like did you feel the
earthquake?
So it was only four miles frommy house, was the center of it.
It's amazing, and the area thatit hit has not only been hit by
Helene, where 37 out of 39homes were significantly damaged
(05:56):
, but they also dealt with thefires that happened through Polk
County.
We had I think it was 5,700acres earlier this spring of
fires in that community and nowan earthquake.
So there are challenges everyday for these community members
as they continue to do theirrebuilds and rehabilitations.
Speaker 2 (06:15):
Incredible.
Your website'spolkreferralcenterorg.
Yes, and how long have you beeninvolved in the center?
Speaker 3 (06:22):
So I am the founder, you created it, I did.
Let's talk about that story.
How long have you been involvedin the center?
So I am the founder.
You created it, I did.
Let's talk about that story.
Speaker 2 (06:27):
And how did this come to fruition and where did your
vision for this?
Speaker 3 (06:31):
So, before the start of the program storm, we wanted
to open up a referral center tohelp people in rural areas get
to resources that they may need.
We have a very humble communitythat do not like to reach out.
So being able to break downthose barriers and make things
accessible where you could haveone-on-one conversation instead
of feeling like you have to gointo a center to find direction
and if you've been told no once,twice, you're not going to be
(06:53):
told no a third time.
You're going to not get theservices you need.
So we wanted to do this as aharm reduction service for our
community.
Then the storm hit.
We had already talked with ourHealth and Human Services
Department and a couple of thenonprofits about what our
intentions were before the storm.
Once the storm hit, we gotactivated.
Speaker 2 (07:11):
I mean talk about the timing of this.
All this was all in the worksprior to Helene.
Speaker 3 (07:17):
Yes.
Speaker 2 (07:19):
I'm curious, had you experienced this somewhere else?
And then you're like, hey, Ibelieve our community needs this
here.
Speaker 3 (07:26):
So I was raised in Polk County and I left in 2004.
And I've worked for a nonprofitsince I was seven.
I did water conservation,helped with the recycling
programs, things of that nature,and then I moved to the West
Coast.
I lived there for 20 years.
I worked with a variety ofnonprofits.
As a volunteer Went back toschool to be able to get
certificates in nonprofitmanagement and grant writing
with the intention of cominghome to do this particular
(07:48):
program.
Speaker 2 (07:49):
Incredible.
Speaker 1 (07:50):
About the same time the storm hit.
Speaker 3 (07:52):
A year before the storm is when I got back.
Speaker 1 (07:54):
That's amazing.
Yes, the universe knew what itwas doing.
Speaker 3 (07:59):
Yeah, yeah, so, uh, we did not intend to move so
quickly, but we did, and we wereas prepared as we could be when
it came to knowing theresources and utilizing their
services and empowering them tobe able to be there for our
neighbors has been the biggestgift we we as a community have
so many people working togetherhand in hand.
(08:20):
We call each other all day long, send each other emails all day
long about the same clients totry to find the solution.
Speaker 1 (08:27):
Fantastic.
Speaker 3 (08:28):
Well, you can use more people to help right Most
definitely, and it's beendifficult to find funding for
new nonprofits after Helene.
We are working very hard to dothat.
We do community fundraiserstwice a month, community
distribution days.
We gave out over 100 backpacksfor the back to school drives,
(08:49):
but every day we're doingdeliveries to our community.
Volunteer needs that we haveare just having people come and
check in with our morevulnerable populations, bringing
them a pint of ice cream andgiving them an hour of your time
can really make a difference insomeone's life.
Letting them know that they'reshowing up.
Speaker 2 (09:05):
Yes, human to human.
Yes, incredible what.
So you are raising support andfunds, but also you're pointing
the clients in the directions ofthese other nonprofits.
So there's not this overlappingof resources.
Speaker 3 (09:22):
Right.
We're trying really hard to notduplicate services by utilizing
the services together and wherethere are areas that need to
have additional needs met, thenwe can work collectively to find
those avenues.
Every case is unique and eachperson is going to have
different levels of need.
After insurance, fema andeverything else, if they just
(09:43):
need a reimbursement so thattheir family can be stabilized,
we have someone to call.
They need their driveway fixed,we have someone that we can
call.
There's still things that we'rehaving a hard time with, like
handyman projects, littleone-offs and foundation services
.
They're just very expensive,but together we're making things
happen.
Speaker 2 (10:01):
What's your biggest challenge right now?
Speaker 3 (10:04):
Getting people temporary shelter who do not
want to leave their properties,while we are figuring out the
long-term solutions, but withthe storms brewing out on the
ocean right now, trying tofigure out where we can send
those people to for if a stormdoes come in, because our
unhoused and underhousedpopulation is our most
(10:25):
vulnerable and we need to havesafe avenues for them and for
those living in flood zones.
Speaker 2 (10:30):
Incredible.
Speaker 1 (10:32):
What areas of Polk County were hit the hardest with
the lean?
Speaker 3 (10:35):
So Polk County backs up to Lake Lure so we had I only
live four miles from Lake Luremyself, so we had quite a few
people have a lot of wind damagethere.
Lots of trees down the GreenRiver Cove had 37 out of 39
homes damaged and then 176 allthe way up to Saluda had major
(10:57):
issues.
It's still closed down and willbe for years, but we have
households on both sides thatstill need great attention.
We have bridges out that house,10 different households so
trying to get thoseaccessibility measures back up
while looking ahead atpreventative measures and
erosion controls and safeties inplace for these people so that
(11:19):
they're not having to do thistime and time again.
Speaker 1 (11:23):
You said, you have like 180 people still on that
Households, households.
Speaker 3 (11:28):
Yes, sir.
Speaker 1 (11:28):
Oh, that's even more people, but yes, households that
need help.
Yes, sir.
Speaker 2 (11:33):
What I think a lot of people don't realize is and
again, there's so much that'squote unquote back to normal in
so many parts of our communities, but there's so many people
still in a marathon of recovery,most definitely.
Speaker 3 (11:45):
And being able to show up for them and do the
front porch assessments and givethem that time and energy and
direction really is.
Our goal Is to let them knowhey, this is hard, it is not in
your head, newspapers are notkeeping up and we are here.
Speaker 2 (12:03):
You're not alone.
Speaker 3 (12:03):
You are not alone and being able to hold hands, share
laughter in tears through rain,earthquakes or whatever it may
be in that moment.
We're there for you to the bestof our ability.
The list is long and we try tocheck in with everybody at least
twice a month to see howthey're doing along the way.
Speaker 2 (12:21):
Incredible.
Speaker 1 (12:22):
Do you have a brick-and-mortar office,
Michelle?
Speaker 3 (12:25):
We work out of storage units in Columbus and
that way we're easily accessibleto people.
We are looking for a warehousespace, but it is quite expensive
and so far the funds raisedhave gone directly back into the
community.
We are still 100% volunteer.
So as long as we're able tokeep that storage space and we
(12:46):
have a grant for that throughOctober thanks to United Way in
Rutherford, so if we're able tomaintain that, then we're going
to keep doing that direction sothat every penny goes back into
the community as needed.
Speaker 1 (12:52):
Yeah, and you're not making a six-figure income.
Speaker 3 (12:55):
I'm making no income.
But I am working on grants toget there and to the next level.
Speaker 1 (13:01):
I love it.
I love it.
Well, how do people get intouch with you, Michelle?
So?
Speaker 3 (13:07):
we're very active on our Facebook page.
We put resources daily.
So that is Polk Referral Center.
Appalachian Strongcomb, hellerHigh Water.
We started off as AppalachianStrongcomb, heller High Water,
but there were so many differentHeller High Waters out there
that we decided that we weregoing to bring it back into the
original mission of PolkReferral Center.
You can also find us online atpolkreferralcenterorg.
Speaker 2 (13:30):
I mean full circle, born and raised in Polk County
and just passionate abouthelping and giving back.
I mean, was there somebody inyour life that made a difference
, that I mean planted that seedfor you to do what you do?
Speaker 3 (13:43):
Well, my mother and my grandmother always encouraged
my wildness when it came towanting to give back, and I was
definitely the kid that cried atevery single commercial that
there was that would ask you forfunds.
So I was taught to give back.
My mom runs a nonprofit thathelps sexually abused children,
and it's motivated me my entirelife to want to give back, and I
(14:06):
feel like it is part of ourcivic duty.
If you can't be there forothers, when you have the
ability to please do.
It changes your life as well,and for me, it's the best
antidepressant I have everexperienced.
Speaker 1 (14:20):
It's powerful, your life as well, and for me, it's
the best antidepressant I haveever experienced.
Powerful.
Well, gosh, we are so gratefulfor you, uh, coming up to visit
with us today.
Michelle, we have a certificatefor you that this, this we
appreciate what you do andthere's some goodies from local
restaurants here, including hotdog world, our, our famous hot
world.
But we want to thank you somuch for coming out to visit
(14:43):
with us today.
Michelle Edwards, the executivedirector of the Polk Referral
Center, our George Real EstateGroup hometown hero.
Maybe someone from the AppleFestival next week, noah.
Speaker 2 (14:54):
We're working on it.
That's two weeks from today.
It's around the corner.
Could you believe that it's?
Speaker 1 (14:58):
exciting, it really is.
Well, our hometown hero seriesis brought to you by the george
real estate group, hometown andthe real estate group right here
in flat rock.
Speaker 2 (15:10):
join us each friday morning for the hometown hero
series maybe the house feels alittle too big these days, the
stairs a little steeper, thepace of life a little too fast.
But what if your next movewasn't about letting go.
It was about making space forpeace, for freedom, for what
(15:31):
matters most?
At the George Real Estate Group, we understand that real estate
isn't just about the house.
It's about transitions, timingand trust.
We've helped thousands offamilies in Western North
Carolina make smart, thoughtfulmoves Closer to nature, closer
to family, closer to home.
So when you're ready to rightsize, simplify or start fresh,
(15:56):
we'll be here.
The George Real Estate GroupLocal, trusted, proven.
Call us today 828-393-0134.
Find us online atrealestatebygregcom, because
your next chapter deserves tofeel just right.
Speaker 1 (16:13):
The George Real Estate Group is located in Flat
Rock, north Carolina, nearHendersonville in Henderson
County.
You can find them online atrealestatebygregcom.
The George Real Estate Groupcan be reached at 828-393-0134
or stop by their office at 2720Greenville Highway, flat Rock,
(16:34):
north Carolina.
Tune in live each week onThursdays at 10.05 am on WHKP
107.7 FM and 14.50 am, or streamonline at WHKPcom or download
these podcasts wherever you getyour podcasts.
The George Real Estate Groupbrings you the WHKP Hometown
(16:57):
Hero Series every Friday morningat 8.45.
The George Real Estate Group radio broadcast is
celebrating 10 years on WHKP.
The George Real Estate Group iscelebrating 10 years on the
radio live every Thursdaymorning at 10.05 on WHKP 107.7
FM and AM 1450, and streamingonline at WHKPcom.
(00:24):
And streaming online at whkpcomEach Friday morning at 845,.
The George Real Estate Grouppresents the Hometown Hero Award
to someone in our community whogoes above and beyond to make
our hometown a better place tolive.
Here's this week's HometownHero Show.
It's 845 and time now for ourGeorge Real Estate Group
(00:45):
Hometown Hero Salute.
We do this every Friday morningand always have a good time
doing it with Noah George, whobrings you the George Real
Estate Group Hometown Hero Showevery week.
How are you doing, mr Noah?
Speaker 2 (00:59):
So much to be thankful for.
And happy Friday.
It's always the highlight ofthe week.
Speaker 1 (01:04):
Being here sponsoring the Hometown Heroes series, you
come to us every Friday morningand we always are able to find
some folks in our community whoare taking the extra step, going
the extra mile to help make ourhometown what it is, and our
hometown's a popular place tomove to, isn't it?
Speaker 2 (01:26):
It really is.
And, again, the incrediblepeople that live here that are
giving and showing up every day.
And I think people, when theymove here, they want to be part
of it, and you and I hearstories every single Friday
about people making amazingdifferences in this community.
Speaker 1 (01:40):
Yeah, we really do, and I count that a privilege.
I really do.
Hey, how's the market in realestate here?
Speaker 2 (01:47):
The market's absolutely still moving Year.
To date, we've had more homessell this year than same time
period last year.
Prices are holding.
They're down about 1.5%compared to the previous time
frame.
The thing that's fascinating,though, is it's slowing up a
little bit the days on market.
It averages around 60 days onthe market before homes going
under contract, so things aretaking a little bit longer,
(02:08):
which is okay.
Buyers have a little bit moretime to decide.
But, of course, if the home'spriced right, if it's staged
right, if it's marketed, westill see homes moving quickly,
sometimes still seeing themultiple offers, but the market
is still strong.
The sky is not falling.
Be careful to listen to thenews.
The sky is not falling.
We're averaging about 126single-family homes a month.
(02:29):
The average home price is $540in Henderson County.
It's still great for buyers andsellers in this market.
Speaker 1 (02:37):
I think one point you made in talking there is if
it's priced right.
Speaker 2 (02:42):
It still has to be priced right, and when it's
priced right and still has to bepriced right, and when it's
priced right and you're stillgoing to get top dollar when
it's priced right and thecondition, you know, all those
things come together and that'swhere our job is to provide
clarity and information for ourclients to make the decision
where they want to price thehome based on the market, and
then we're partnering and then,with all of the proven and
(03:02):
predictable steps, we have hadthe privilege of helping over
1,600 families sell their homesthroughout the years and this is
my 20th year with my broker'slicense, but we love serving the
community through real estate.
Speaker 1 (03:14):
All right.
Michelle Edwards, with the PolkReferral Center, is in the
studio with us.
Good morning, michelle.
Thank you for having us.
Speaker 3 (03:22):
How are you today?
I'm wonderful, it's a beautifulFriday and a little break from
the rain.
Speaker 1 (03:26):
Amen, amen.
Sunshine makes everybody smilea little bit, doesn't it?
Well, tell us about, if you can, the Polk Referral Center.
We want to make sure that weinclude our southern Polk
friends.
You guys were hit with Helenedamage, basically, just like
everybody else was.
Speaker 3 (03:45):
We were, so we started out officially October
7th.
We helped our neighbors andfriends before that and then
realized the needs that were inour hometown.
At one point, we had over 500households that needed immediate
assistance and, with the helpof our neighbors, we were able
to coordinate through onlineefforts, with having driveways
(04:05):
cleaned up and repaired, treesmoved off of houses and
buildings, people with safeshelters all strangers working
together to be able to makethese efforts happen.
As time has moved on, we'redown to about 180 on our list.
Speaker 2 (04:19):
Oh good, yes, that's significant, it is.
Speaker 3 (04:22):
We just had.
Our long-term recovery group isestablished in Polk County and
they will be getting to actionhere soon.
We're working closely with them.
We work with our emergencymanagement teams and coordinate
for efforts with localnonprofits that can bring in
greater relief services.
So we are primarily referrals.
We empower our local nonprofitsso that we can send people to
(04:46):
them and then we follow up tofill in the gaps that they're
not able to handle by a networkof churches, do-gooders and the
other nonprofits.
So every day we make thingshappen.
This week we've put out twodifferent hot tents for
community members.
We still have people livingunderneath canopies and carports
.
We have a lot of people dealingwith mold and erosion control
issues, but together we'regetting two solutions instead of
(05:08):
just having potential problems.
Speaker 1 (05:12):
The damages that you guys.
Well, first of all, as recentas yesterday, it had an
earthquake centered in MillSpring and it was quite an
earthquake.7 I think I know itwas felt all around the western
north carolina area we got quitea few calls of concern.
Speaker 3 (05:32):
I was actually driving from one client's house
to the other so I did not noticeit personally.
Um, as soon as I got to acommunity partner over at
sunnyview clubhouse, uh, theywere like did you feel the
earthquake?
So it was only four miles frommy house, was the center of it.
It's amazing, and the area thatit hit has not only been hit by
Helene, where 37 out of 39homes were significantly damaged
(05:56):
, but they also dealt with thefires that happened through Polk
County.
We had I think it was 5,700acres earlier this spring of
fires in that community and nowan earthquake.
So there are challenges everyday for these community members
as they continue to do theirrebuilds and rehabilitations.
Speaker 2 (06:15):
Incredible.
Your website'spolkreferralcenterorg.
Yes, and how long have you beeninvolved in the center?
Speaker 3 (06:22):
So I am the founder, you created it, I did.
Let's talk about that story.
How long have you been involvedin the center?
So I am the founder.
You created it, I did.
Let's talk about that story.
Speaker 2 (06:27):
And how did this come to fruition and where did your
vision for this?
Speaker 3 (06:31):
So, before the start of the program storm, we wanted
to open up a referral center tohelp people in rural areas get
to resources that they may need.
We have a very humble communitythat do not like to reach out.
So being able to break downthose barriers and make things
accessible where you could haveone-on-one conversation instead
of feeling like you have to gointo a center to find direction
and if you've been told no once,twice, you're not going to be
(06:53):
told no a third time.
You're going to not get theservices you need.
So we wanted to do this as aharm reduction service for our
community.
Then the storm hit.
We had already talked with ourHealth and Human Services
Department and a couple of thenonprofits about what our
intentions were before the storm.
Once the storm hit, we gotactivated.
Speaker 2 (07:11):
I mean talk about the timing of this.
All this was all in the worksprior to Helene.
Speaker 3 (07:17):
Yes.
Speaker 2 (07:19):
I'm curious, had you experienced this somewhere else?
And then you're like, hey, Ibelieve our community needs this
here.
Speaker 3 (07:26):
So I was raised in Polk County and I left in 2004.
And I've worked for a nonprofitsince I was seven.
I did water conservation,helped with the recycling
programs, things of that nature,and then I moved to the West
Coast.
I lived there for 20 years.
I worked with a variety ofnonprofits.
As a volunteer Went back toschool to be able to get
certificates in nonprofitmanagement and grant writing
with the intention of cominghome to do this particular
(07:48):
program.
Speaker 2 (07:49):
Incredible.
Speaker 1 (07:50):
About the same time the storm hit.
Speaker 3 (07:52):
A year before the storm is when I got back.
Speaker 1 (07:54):
That's amazing.
Yes, the universe knew what itwas doing.
Speaker 3 (07:59):
Yeah, yeah, so, uh, we did not intend to move so
quickly, but we did, and we wereas prepared as we could be when
it came to knowing theresources and utilizing their
services and empowering them tobe able to be there for our
neighbors has been the biggestgift we we as a community have
so many people working togetherhand in hand.
(08:20):
We call each other all day long, send each other emails all day
long about the same clients totry to find the solution.
Speaker 1 (08:27):
Fantastic.
Speaker 3 (08:28):
Well, you can use more people to help right Most
definitely, and it's beendifficult to find funding for
new nonprofits after Helene.
We are working very hard to dothat.
We do community fundraiserstwice a month, community
distribution days.
We gave out over 100 backpacksfor the back to school drives,
(08:49):
but every day we're doingdeliveries to our community.
Volunteer needs that we haveare just having people come and
check in with our morevulnerable populations, bringing
them a pint of ice cream andgiving them an hour of your time
can really make a difference insomeone's life.
Letting them know that they'reshowing up.
Speaker 2 (09:05):
Yes, human to human.
Yes, incredible what.
So you are raising support andfunds, but also you're pointing
the clients in the directions ofthese other nonprofits.
So there's not this overlappingof resources.
Speaker 3 (09:22):
Right.
We're trying really hard to notduplicate services by utilizing
the services together and wherethere are areas that need to
have additional needs met, thenwe can work collectively to find
those avenues.
Every case is unique and eachperson is going to have
different levels of need.
After insurance, fema andeverything else, if they just
(09:43):
need a reimbursement so thattheir family can be stabilized,
we have someone to call.
They need their driveway fixed,we have someone that we can
call.
There's still things that we'rehaving a hard time with, like
handyman projects, littleone-offs and foundation services
.
They're just very expensive,but together we're making things
happen.
Speaker 2 (10:01):
What's your biggest challenge right now?
Speaker 3 (10:04):
Getting people temporary shelter who do not
want to leave their properties,while we are figuring out the
long-term solutions, but withthe storms brewing out on the
ocean right now, trying tofigure out where we can send
those people to for if a stormdoes come in, because our
unhoused and underhousedpopulation is our most
(10:25):
vulnerable and we need to havesafe avenues for them and for
those living in flood zones.
Speaker 2 (10:30):
Incredible.
Speaker 1 (10:32):
What areas of Polk County were hit the hardest with
the lean?
Speaker 3 (10:35):
So Polk County backs up to Lake Lure so we had I only
live four miles from Lake Luremyself, so we had quite a few
people have a lot of wind damagethere.
Lots of trees down the GreenRiver Cove had 37 out of 39
homes damaged and then 176 allthe way up to Saluda had major
(10:57):
issues.
It's still closed down and willbe for years, but we have
households on both sides thatstill need great attention.
We have bridges out that house,10 different households so
trying to get thoseaccessibility measures back up
while looking ahead atpreventative measures and
erosion controls and safeties inplace for these people so that
(11:19):
they're not having to do thistime and time again.
Speaker 1 (11:23):
You said, you have like 180 people still on that
Households, households.
Speaker 3 (11:28):
Yes, sir.
Speaker 1 (11:28):
Oh, that's even more people, but yes, households that
need help.
Yes, sir.
Speaker 2 (11:33):
What I think a lot of people don't realize is and
again, there's so much that'squote unquote back to normal in
so many parts of our communities, but there's so many people
still in a marathon of recovery,most definitely.
Speaker 3 (11:45):
And being able to show up for them and do the
front porch assessments and givethem that time and energy and
direction really is.
Our goal Is to let them knowhey, this is hard, it is not in
your head, newspapers are notkeeping up and we are here.
Speaker 2 (12:03):
You're not alone.
Speaker 3 (12:03):
You are not alone and being able to hold hands, share
laughter in tears through rain,earthquakes or whatever it may
be in that moment.
We're there for you to the bestof our ability.
The list is long and we try tocheck in with everybody at least
twice a month to see howthey're doing along the way.
Speaker 2 (12:21):
Incredible.
Speaker 1 (12:22):
Do you have a brick-and-mortar office,
Michelle?
Speaker 3 (12:25):
We work out of storage units in Columbus and
that way we're easily accessibleto people.
We are looking for a warehousespace, but it is quite expensive
and so far the funds raisedhave gone directly back into the
community.
We are still 100% volunteer.
So as long as we're able tokeep that storage space and we
(12:46):
have a grant for that throughOctober thanks to United Way in
Rutherford, so if we're able tomaintain that, then we're going
to keep doing that direction sothat every penny goes back into
the community as needed.
Speaker 1 (12:52):
Yeah, and you're not making a six-figure income.
Speaker 3 (12:55):
I'm making no income.
But I am working on grants toget there and to the next level.
Speaker 1 (13:01):
I love it.
I love it.
Well, how do people get intouch with you, Michelle?
So?
Speaker 3 (13:07):
we're very active on our Facebook page.
We put resources daily.
So that is Polk Referral Center.
Appalachian Strongcomb, hellerHigh Water.
We started off as AppalachianStrongcomb, heller High Water,
but there were so many differentHeller High Waters out there
that we decided that we weregoing to bring it back into the
original mission of PolkReferral Center.
You can also find us online atpolkreferralcenterorg.
Speaker 2 (13:30):
I mean full circle, born and raised in Polk County
and just passionate abouthelping and giving back.
I mean, was there somebody inyour life that made a difference
, that I mean planted that seedfor you to do what you do?
Speaker 3 (13:43):
Well, my mother and my grandmother always encouraged
my wildness when it came towanting to give back, and I was
definitely the kid that cried atevery single commercial that
there was that would ask you forfunds.
So I was taught to give back.
My mom runs a nonprofit thathelps sexually abused children,
and it's motivated me my entirelife to want to give back, and I
(14:06):
feel like it is part of ourcivic duty.
If you can't be there forothers, when you have the
ability to please do.
It changes your life as well,and for me, it's the best
antidepressant I have everexperienced.
Speaker 1 (14:20):
It's powerful, your life as well, and for me, it's
the best antidepressant I haveever experienced.
Powerful.
Well, gosh, we are so gratefulfor you, uh, coming up to visit
with us today.
Michelle, we have a certificatefor you that this, this we
appreciate what you do andthere's some goodies from local
restaurants here, including hotdog world, our, our famous hot
world.
But we want to thank you somuch for coming out to visit
(14:43):
with us today.
Michelle Edwards, the executivedirector of the Polk Referral
Center, our George Real EstateGroup hometown hero.
Maybe someone from the AppleFestival next week, noah.
Speaker 2 (14:54):
We're working on it.
That's two weeks from today.
It's around the corner.
Could you believe that it's?
Speaker 1 (14:58):
exciting, it really is.
Well, our hometown hero seriesis brought to you by the george
real estate group, hometown andthe real estate group right here
in flat rock.
Speaker 2 (15:10):
join us each friday morning for the hometown hero
series maybe the house feels alittle too big these days, the
stairs a little steeper, thepace of life a little too fast.
But what if your next movewasn't about letting go.
It was about making space forpeace, for freedom, for what
(15:31):
matters most?
At the George Real Estate Group, we understand that real estate
isn't just about the house.
It's about transitions, timingand trust.
We've helped thousands offamilies in Western North
Carolina make smart, thoughtfulmoves Closer to nature, closer
to family, closer to home.
So when you're ready to rightsize, simplify or start fresh,
(15:56):
we'll be here.
The George Real Estate GroupLocal, trusted, proven.
Call us today 828-393-0134.
Find us online atrealestatebygregcom, because
your next chapter deserves tofeel just right.
Speaker 1 (16:13):
The George Real Estate Group is located in Flat
Rock, north Carolina, nearHendersonville in Henderson
County.
You can find them online atrealestatebygregcom.
The George Real Estate Groupcan be reached at 828-393-0134
or stop by their office at 2720Greenville Highway, flat Rock,
(16:34):
north Carolina.
Tune in live each week onThursdays at 10.05 am on WHKP
107.7 FM and 14.50 am, or streamonline at WHKPcom or download
these podcasts wherever you getyour podcasts.
The George Real Estate Groupbrings you the WHKP Hometown
(16:57):
Hero Series every Friday morningat 8.45.
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