North Carolina hurricane survivors head to Washington for national disaster recovery event
WASHINGTON, DC (WWAY) — Several North Carolina residents impacted by hurricanes, flooding and other disaster-related challenges are in Washington, DC this week to participate in a national event focused on disaster recovery and government response.
The gathering, titled “Stolen Summers: The Next 250,” brings together more than 75 disaster survivors from over a dozen states as the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding. Organizers say the event is intended to highlight the experiences of people recovering from extreme weather events and other disasters while advocating for improvements to recovery systems.
The event is being held Wednesday on the National Mall near the U.S. Capitol. Programming includes survivor storytelling, public discussions and advocacy efforts centered on recovery challenges faced by communities across the country.
Several North Carolina participants are expected to share experiences related to Hurricane Helene, which caused widespread damage across western North Carolina in 2024, as well as flooding, extreme heat and rising insurance costs.
Among those attending is Madison Maxwell, who lives outside Asheville and said Hurricane Helene destroyed her mountaintop mobile home when a tree crashed through it, leaving her trapped inside. Maxwell has since navigated insurance claims, federal assistance programs and rebuilding efforts while advocating for changes to disaster recovery processes.
Durham resident Keshi Satterwhite is also participating. Satterwhite said repeated flooding near her home led her to become involved in disaster preparedness and resilience efforts. She now leads a nonprofit organization focused on helping communities prepare for floods, heat and other extreme weather events.
Other North Carolina participants include Southport resident Grecia Can Mondragon, who has experienced both Hurricane Florence and Hurricane Helene; Carmen Ybarra, who survived Hurricane Katrina before later experiencing Hurricane Helene; Kimberly Renee Maisch, who assisted neighbors with recovery efforts after Helene; and Cynthia Marino, who advocates on issues related to insurance affordability.
Organizers say the event comes as communities across the country continue to recover from disasters including Hurricane Helene, wildfires in California and flooding in Texas.
The two-day gathering will culminate with the presentation of 250 survivor stories representing all 50 states as part of a public event on the National Mall.
