This is such a familiar story in the Appalachian region. Flooding is devastating and occurs more often than many realize—especially in communities already stretched thin by poverty, addiction, and limited infrastructure. Recovery is rarely simple.
Your commentary on the billionaire investor as both “hero and villain” resonates deeply. It’s a dynamic we see often here: out-of-state investors or local power players who offer jobs and resources, but ultimately extract wealth from the region while reinvesting little in long-term solutions. The jobs are welcome—until they disappear. And when they do, the structural issues remain.
Many communities would love to see that same wealth put toward reducing flood risk, improving infrastructure, and building sustainable economies that center local people—not just land use.
God bless Dawyne and all those who are helping people to get back on their feet and into homes. The mountain way of reaching out to help each other is the same as across the southern Appalachian Mountains in North Carolina where there is still so much need. Thank you for introducing us to Dawyne and his community.
Bless Dwayne. I don't know how he can stay positive through all this, but bless.
We feel y’all’s pain. I live on the Louisiana gulf coast and have first hand knowledge of the wrath of Mother Nature
This is such a familiar story in the Appalachian region. Flooding is devastating and occurs more often than many realize—especially in communities already stretched thin by poverty, addiction, and limited infrastructure. Recovery is rarely simple.
Your commentary on the billionaire investor as both “hero and villain” resonates deeply. It’s a dynamic we see often here: out-of-state investors or local power players who offer jobs and resources, but ultimately extract wealth from the region while reinvesting little in long-term solutions. The jobs are welcome—until they disappear. And when they do, the structural issues remain.
Many communities would love to see that same wealth put toward reducing flood risk, improving infrastructure, and building sustainable economies that center local people—not just land use.
Thank you for telling these stories. They matter.
You're welcome. Thanks for the thoughtful response. It means alot.
Public infrastructure to protect against flooding makes sense.
Absolutely! Thank you again for highlighting a story so many folks here know all too well.
God bless Dawyne and all those who are helping people to get back on their feet and into homes. The mountain way of reaching out to help each other is the same as across the southern Appalachian Mountains in North Carolina where there is still so much need. Thank you for introducing us to Dawyne and his community.
You're welcome Cindi