Anna Newhoff
NCR Reporter
A Callahan woman is dedicated to helping those affected by Hurricane Helene.
Tammy Nye has been traveling back and forth, delivering supplies donated by generous locals who want to support those in need. In the six months since the devastating hurricane tore through Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina – leaving destruction in its wake – Nye has been committed to aiding recovery efforts.
“This is it; this is where I want to be,” Nye said, reflecting on her decision to help those impacted by the storm.
Her journey was inspired by her cousin, Edward “Geronimo” O’Berry, who participated in disaster relief efforts in California after wildfires ravaged communities. Initially, Nye wanted to head to North Carolina immediately after the hurricane, but O’Berry advised against it due to the dire conditions survivors were facing.
“He said they’ve told us to wear a mask because of the stench,” said Nye.
On Dec. 14, Nye arrived in Swannanoa, N.C., where many people were living in tents and campers, forming small makeshift communities. She brought essential supplies, including $6,100 raised from a barbecue she organized with O’Berry, along with blankets, food, generators, and Christmas gifts for children.
However, the original tent community Nye set out to help had disappeared by the time she arrived. Locals explained what had happened, breaking her heart.
“They said (the state) tried to come in and take their kids because it was not good living conditions … so they have all dispersed,” Nye said.
Determined to find a community in need, Nye made several calls to local contacts. Eventually, she was connected with Kim Silvers, a pastor’s wife who directed her to a refugee camp situated on a hillside.
Thanks to the generosity of landowner James Lunsford, this donated plot of land has become a sanctuary known as “Haven on the Hill” – providing shelter and hope to those who lost everything to Hurricane Helene. Families live in campers and RVs that have been donated, creating a sense of community and resilience.
Nye discovered that people on the hill come from all walks of life, united by tragedy.
“Millionaires that come from big, nice, fine homes, floating down the same river with the homeless people,” said Nye. “At that point, everybody was in the same boat.”
The community consists of many elderly residents and families with young children. According to Nye, some middle-aged residents have managed to regain employment and rebuild a sense of normalcy.
Once on the hill, Nye found her way to contribute – through her cooking. A “hot tent” on the hill serves at least one warm meal a day for the hundred people who now call the hill home. Nye has made it her mission to ensure no one goes hungry. She brought food to cook and got creative with what was available, even using vanilla pudding cups to whip up banana pudding for the community.
On Jan. 31, Nye made her second trip to “Haven on the Hill,” bringing more supplies she purchased and donations from locals, including propane and buddy heaters to help residents endure the winter weather. She noticed the growth of the community since her last visit.
“There was a lot more campers, and they’ve got a cross there now that a church donated,” Nye said. “A doctor comes and donates his time with a nurse practitioner and gives people their meds.”
Nye has since formed close bonds with many residents on the hill, becoming more than just a helper.
“A friend I made up there, a good Christian lady, received books from one of our teachers and you’d thought we gave her a million dollars,” she said.
The hill still needs support. Its generators – mostly donated – rely on gasoline, which costs $1,000 to fill the tank that powers the community’s campers and RVs. Each fill keeps the generators running for about eight to twelve hours per camper. The community also seeks volunteers for manual labor to continue improving the site.
“It’s just people helping people,” Nye said.
As North Carolina continues to heal from this tragedy, people like Nye embody the spirit of compassion and resilience, proving that one person can make a lasting difference. Nye plans to make another trip to “Haven on the Hill” soon. To donate or volunteer, you can reach out to her on Facebook or contact her at 904-307-6587.
Nye appreciates everything
donated for her to share with
those affected by Helene.
“We’re still taking donations. I got up the other morning and had two bags on my porch,” said Nye. “This is the support of my friends, my family, my people in Callahan.”