For Maria Mason, a resident at Givens Estates continuing care retirement community in Asheville, facing the storm aftermath is becoming less daunting.

“Right here, right now, I feel fortunate,” said Mason, who was on her way to a campus gathering for a morning update. “There’s camaraderie, we’re finding ways to help and volunteer. And the needs all around us are so great.”

On Friday, a week after Hurricane Helene hit, grief and gratitude walk hand-in-hand in Western North Carolina.

Power has been restored to the 215-acre senior living community on Sweeten Creek Road, an otherwise scenic mountain spot that shared the brunt of flooding and high winds. Three meals a day are delivered, both drinking and non-potable water are distributed, essential needs are being met.

At all four Givens Communities locations – Givens Great Laurels in Waynesville, Givens Highland Farms in Black Mountain, Givens Gerber Park in south Asheville, along with Givens Estates – residents received essential needs and wellness checks, even at the height of Hurricane Helene.

Donations of drinking water, body wipes, disposable bed pads, toilet paper and paper towels are being collected then distributed from both Gerber Park and Estates.

“I was impressed with Givens Estates before and now, with all that’s happening, I’m even more impressed,” Mason said.