Ep 100 My 6-Week Journey to Help w/Hurricane Helene Disaster Recovery
Oct 16, 2024
In episode 100, Camille is going to share about her 6-week journey to North Carolina, to help out with the Hurricane Helene disaster recovery efforts.
Join Camille as she explains how and why she has decided to undertake this journey at this point in time. She is going to give you some really interesting insight into a past experience that influenced this decision and what she expects to be doing and experiencing during this 6-week venture.
So, kick back, grab some coffee, or whatever, and enjoy the return of the Remote Work Retirement Show podcast.
Here is Camille's direct link for All Hands and All Hearts, the organization she will be working with, and she talks about in this episode. All donations will go directly to them. Please feel free to share.
https://give.allhandsandhearts.org/camille
Why I Took a Break from the Podcast
- This is my first episode since May 2024, and the break was unexpected. I traveled for five weeks earlier this year with my husband, Bryce, exploring Texas (including viewing the solar eclipse) and creating a travel series.
- Upon returning home, I struggled with getting back into work mode. Episode 100 felt like a milestone, and my old perfectionist tendencies kicked in, making it hard to feel that any topic was “worthy” of such a special episode.
- My experience reflects a common struggle I see with others—how perfectionism can stall progress. If you’re stuck waiting for everything to be perfect, this is your reminder: it’s okay to move forward without perfection.
Why I Chose Disaster Recovery Work
- Disaster recovery has been on my heart since 2006, after attending Burning Man. During the event, I learned about participants who helped with Hurricane Katrina recovery by using Burning Man’s philosophy of radical self-reliance.
- For years, I wanted to volunteer in disaster zones, but I couldn’t due to corporate job commitments. Now, thanks to my fully remote business, I have the flexibility to help out without risking my income.
My Mission in North Carolina
- I will be working with All Hands and Hearts, an organization that deploys disaster recovery teams globally. They’re now focused on helping communities in Asheville, NC, recover from Hurricane Helene, an unexpected and devastating storm in a mountainous region not accustomed to hurricanes.
- My tasks will include clearing fallen trees and debris, and participating in “mucking and gutting”—removing damaged materials from flooded structures. Safety will be a priority, and I’ll have PPE, hazmat suits, and other necessary gear for the job.
Living Conditions and Daily Routine
- I’ll live communally in a warehouse with other volunteers. Although cots or bunk beds might be provided, I’ll prepare for flexible sleeping arrangements—maybe even a corner on the floor if needed!
- Meals will be provided (think oatmeal, sandwiches, and maybe stew), but I’ll bring snacks and personal essentials. Internet access will be limited, but I’ll carry a Verizon hotspot and adapt as needed.
- I’ll work from 7 AM to 4 PM (ET), but since my business serves multiple time zones, I’ll continue supporting my team remotely, especially during evening hours.
How You Can Help
- I’m raising funds for the recovery effort, and all donations will go directly to the impacted community through my fundraising page with All Hands and Hearts.
- Donation link: https://give.allhandsandhearts.org/camille
You can donate anonymously or with your name—every amount helps! - If you can’t donate, please share the link with friends, family, or social media networks.
Closing Thoughts
Thank you for your patience during my break and for listening to this milestone episode. Hurricane recovery is a significant challenge, and I’m honored to contribute. I hope to share updates from the field and continue inspiring others to embrace remote work opportunities that allow for meaningful life choices.
Let’s keep communities affected by these disasters in our thoughts. Stay tuned for more episodes, and please consider supporting the recovery efforts however you can.
Thank you for being part of this journey! 🎙️
If you want to start something new but feel a bit overwhelmed, I invite you to take my free remote work training:
https://www.camilleattell.com/remote-training
Click here to join Remote Work School:
https://www.camilleattell.com/remoteworkschool
Click here to connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/camille.attell/
Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/camille-attell/
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