As the world’s finance ministers and central bank governors prepare to convene in Asheville for the G20 summit, the city presents a picture of stark contrasts. While the luxury Grove Park Inn and Spa readies itself to host international dignitaries, many residents in Western North Carolina continue to grapple with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which devastated the region in.
The storm, the deadliest to hit the mainland U.S. since Katrina, left a trail of destruction that has yet to be fully addressed. Despite the federal government’s promises of swift recovery, many communities remain in a state of disrepair, with damaged infrastructure and a lingering sense of abandonment.
Community Efforts Fill the Void Left by Inadequate Federal Aid
In the absence of sufficient federal assistance, local volunteers like Latinos Aventureros have stepped up to fill the void. The group, which typically focuses on helping Latino families explore natural areas, covered more than 4,300 miles across Western North Carolina, spending 650 volunteer hours to deliver essential supplies to an estimated 1,700 people.
Vivianette Ortiz, one of the group’s leaders, emphasized their proactive approach: “We didn’t wait for permission. We didn’t wait for funding. We just showed up.” This grassroots effort highlights the resilience of local communities in the face of inadequate federal support.
Immigration Enforcement Adds to the Region’s Struggles
Adding to the challenges of recovery, immigration enforcement activities have created a climate of fear among Latino and immigrant families. On July 26, ICE agents, along with U.S. Forest Service personnel and Caldwell County sheriff’s deputies, arrested 13 people at Wilson Creek, a popular recreation site. Among those arrested was a father with his partner and their two children, who had to witness their dad being taken into custody.
Ortiz expressed a real sense of betrayal noting that Latinos Aventureros had helped clean the recreation area, encouraging families to enjoy public lands. The fear of encountering immigration enforcement has since deterred many from using these outdoor spaces. “A huge part of our work has always been telling Latino families: These public lands belong to you, too,” Ortiz said. “If people are afraid to walk through that gate, then meaningful access has already been damaged.”
The G20 Summit: A Contrast of Realities
As G20 delegates prepare to arrive at the Grove Park Inn and Spa, they will experience a curated view of Asheville’s recovery. The luxury resort, overlooking the city, is largely removed from the destruction that Hurricane Helene left along the region’s rivers and valleys. Federal contracting records show that the Treasury Department awarded Omni Hotels Corporation a $1.03 million contract to use the space for the summit.
Jaime Byrd, a local resident and art gallery owner, noted that the city awaiting G20 delegates offers only a partial picture of recovery. “They will get that beautiful experience of being at the Grove Park Inn, most likely, and maybe a couple of them might make it downtown, which looks completely normal,” Byrd said. “It’s unfortunate.” Beyond the tourist corridors, the storm’s impact remains visible, with damaged infrastructure and empty lots marking where homes and businesses once stood.
Byrd’s gallery in Asheville’s River Arts District took roughly six feet of water during Helene, causing significant losses. Despite federal assistance covering about 20 percent of the repairs needed at her home, she received no FEMA help for her gallery. Through a GoFundMe campaign and her own resources, she managed to salvage her business, but many of her neighbors continue to live without basic amenities.
Linda Tetens, another resident, described the challenges of navigating FEMA’s bureaucracy. “It was like a full-time job, trying to negotiate with FEMA,” she said. “I understand why people gave up.” Tetens pointed to damaged roads and residents still awaiting government buyouts as evidence of the ongoing struggles.
As the G20 summit approaches, the contrast between the region’s recovery efforts and the federal government’s response could not be more apparent. While international dignitaries enjoy the amenities of a luxury resort, many residents continue to grapple with the lingering effects of Hurricane Helene and the added stress of immigration enforcement.
