Ep 102 Week Two: Hurricane Helene Disaster Recovery Lessons Learned

In episode 102, I continue my volunteer work with All Hands and Hearts, helping with the disaster relief following hurricane Helene in North and South Carolina.

You're listening to the remote work retirement show. I'm your host, Camille Attell. And this is the only show that helps semi retirees figure out the remote work options.

I believe the remote work is the new retirement plan and that many retirees have both the ability and desire to work how they want so they can live how they want. Let's dig into today's episode....

This week has been eventful, and I'm eager to share my experiences, even if it leans a bit toward self-reflection. I hope you find value in my insights despite the personal nature of my reflections. My intention is to balance sharing my journey with providing you something meaningful to take away, making this more than just a monologue. I want to capture the essence of this week, not only for myself but also for anyone tuning in.

Currently, I'm on the road, volunteering in North Carolina, having just come from South Carolina. Due to my travel circumstances, my audio quality may not match what you're used to, as I'm recording with basic headphones instead of my usual microphone setup. I appreciate your understanding during this temporary situation. Once I return, I’ll get back to my standard equipment for better sound quality.

In this episode, I’ll also discuss the organization I'm working with, All Hands and Hearts, and the ongoing fundraising efforts. If you haven't listened to episodes 100 or 101, you might be unfamiliar with this organization, but I’ll provide more context in this episode. You can find the donation link in the show notes or on my website, CamilleAttell.com. Sharing this episode with others who might be interested in supporting the cause is equally valuable, as the community's recovery benefits us all.

The impact of disasters like the recent hurricane in North Carolina extends beyond the immediate area, affecting supply chains and local economies that are interconnected with the wider community. As we approach the end of the year, with holidays like Thanksgiving and Giving Tuesday on the horizon, consider supporting All Hands and Hearts. Your donations not only help those in need but can also provide tax benefits. Thank you for taking the time to listen and for considering this cause.

In this episode, I’ll cover four main topics, with a focus on All Hands and Hearts and the unique experience of volunteering remotely. First, I’ll explain what the organization does, which is to provide both immediate relief and long-term rebuilding for communities affected by natural disasters. Founded in 2005, they mobilize volunteers from around the world, even those with no prior construction experience, to assist in disaster-stricken areas, including locations like the Caribbean, Nepal, and the U.S. Their response is swift; in North Carolina, they set up operations just three days after Hurricane Helene.

The specific project I'm currently involved with is centered around the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Asheville, North Carolina, and its surrounding areas. We aim to assist the most vulnerable homeowners—those lacking insurance or immediate resources—by assessing their homes and determining how we can help. For instance, we recently worked with a homeowner whose house had been severely flooded. Our team conducted extensive mucking and gutting of the home, removing everything damaged by water to prepare for the rebuilding process. All Hands and Hearts commits to staying in affected areas long after media attention has waned, which allows us to make a sustained impact.

Next, I want to highlight the collaborative approach of All Hands and Hearts, which partners with other organizations and governmental bodies like FEMA. This teamwork enhances the effectiveness of our relief efforts, ensuring that we can mobilize resources and support as needed. Each project site is staffed with experts who guide and train volunteers on the necessary tasks, from safety precautions to using tools properly. This mentorship is crucial for those of us learning on the job, and it demonstrates the importance of having experienced leaders available.

Lastly, I want to connect my volunteering experience to the broader theme of working remotely. While many people focus on specific technical skills when seeking employment, the willingness to learn and adaptability are equally valuable. Just as All Hands and Hearts prioritizes trainable individuals, employers in any field often seek candidates with strong soft skills and a coachable mindset. So, don’t underestimate your potential; you likely possess transferable skills that can be developed further, whether in volunteer work or a remote job search.

On October 21st, I arrived at a communal living site run by All Hands All Hearts. As I started to meet people, I was quickly impressed by their backgrounds and experiences. Most of them had prior volunteer experience in disaster situations, with some coming from military backgrounds and others from programs like AmeriCorps. The group consists of about 40 to 50 individuals, ranging in age from 20 to 80, including an inspiring 80-year-old man named Paul (no this real name), who had just returned from volunteering in Ukraine.

The diversity among the volunteers astounded me. I met people from all over the world, including a 27-year-old woman from Sweden and a remarkable 70-year-old named Mary (not her real name), whose strength and determination were particularly motivating. It is clear to me that many in this group feel a deep commitment to their work, almost as if it were a calling. Despite my accomplishments in fundraising and other volunteer efforts.

As work began, I was faced with various physically demanding tasks, from tearing down houses to removing HVAC units. One standout experience involved crawling under mobile homes to remove HVAC systems, which turned out to be my favorite thing to do. Even though I struggled with claustrophobia, I found the task empowering as I faced my fears with the support of a fellow volunteer, Evan (not his real name). However, this physical work also highlighted my struggles with fibromyalgia, which flared. This left me feeling frustrated and inadequate.

The exhaustion from the physical labor began to take a toll on my mental health as well. I felt overwhelmed and even contemplated leaving. But I called my husband, the Voice of Reason, who helped me realize the importance of making myself vulnerable. Encouraged by him, I approached the leadership and discussed my challenges and asked if we could explore a more sustainable role. They of course agreed and I realized that my value to the program was not solely tied to I could do physically..

Balancing my remote work also proved to be a challenge. Initially, I was optimistic about managing both my remote work and my volunteer work. But I soon found this to be a bit overwhelming. And there was a shift to an earlier work schedule which made my ability to juggle everything more difficult. I was forced to reevaluate my approach, realizing that I needed to take care of my physical and mental exhaustion to be able to support my team and the organization.

As I continue my journey, I am remembering the importance of self-acceptance and realizing one’s own value beyond physical contributions. I want to remind my listeners that everyone has unique strengths and skills. Allowing yourself to be vulnerable can lead to deeper connections and support. In the coming weeks, I will share some insights regarding the younger generation of volunteers I am constantly learning from.  

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.

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/

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

If you’re loving the Remote Work Retirement Show please consider rating and leaving a review! This helps get the word out about the show and helps other people find hope and practical steps to find the right remote work for them. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then let me know what you loved most about the show.

Also, make sure you don't miss an episode by clicking here to follow and get notified when each one is published.