When disaster strikes, true heroes emerge from within the community. Michelle Edwards, this week's Hometown Hero, returned to her native Polk County just in time to establish the Polk Referral Center when Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina.
What began as a vision to help rural residents access resources transformed overnight into a critical lifeline for over 500 households affected by the storm. Through coordinated volunteer efforts, the center has helped clear driveways, remove fallen trees, secure temporary shelter, and provide countless other forms of assistance to community members in need. Now, months after the initial disaster, Edwards and her team continue supporting approximately 180 households still dealing with Helene's aftermath.
The power of Edwards' approach lies in its simplicity and humanity. Operating from storage units to keep costs minimal, the center functions as a connector between those needing help and available resources. "We empower our local nonprofits," Edwards explains, ensuring services aren't duplicated while following up to fill gaps that traditional assistance can't address. Regular "front porch assessments" provide both practical help and emotional support, reminding struggling residents they haven't been forgotten even as media attention has moved on.
Perhaps most remarkable is that this critical community resource runs entirely on volunteer power. Edwards herself draws no salary despite her full-time commitment to the center. When asked what motivates her lifelong dedication to service, her answer is profoundly simple: "It's the best antidepressant I have ever experienced." In a world often divided, her story reminds us of our shared humanity and the healing power of showing up for one another.
Want to support the Polk Referral Center? Visit polkreferralcenter.org or find them on Facebook. Even small acts like bringing ice cream and spending an hour with an isolated community member can make a tremendous difference in someone's recovery journey.