Hurricane Helene Relief
Charlotte branch delivers food and essential supplies to families hard-hit by storm.
Sunstate unites to help Hurricane Helene victims.
In the wake of Hurricane Helene's devastating impact on Asheville and its neighboring areas in North Carolina, the Charlotte-based divisions of Sunstate—Trench Safety Rentals and Gen Rents in Concord—took swift action to support the local community.
Recognizing the urgent need for aid, they contacted customer TP Howard’s Plumbing in Fairview, enquiring how they could best contribute during this challenging time. Equally eager to help, the plumbing company said any support would be appreciated.
Responding to this call, the Sunstate teams coordinated their efforts and collected essential supplies. They then embarked on a mission to provide relief, delivering these critical resources to the families most severely affected in the Garren Creek region. This gesture not only offered immediate help to those in desperate need but also showcased the spirit of solidarity and camaraderie that defines our communities in times of crisis.
A storm that hit too close to home
Mountainous western North Carolina, seldom touched by hurricanes, took two feet of rain, causing catastrophic flooding and mudslides that cut off dozens of towns.
Several homes in the area were severely damaged or washed away. “On one side of the road was a house with a perfectly manicured lawn, and on the other, complete devastation. How does one side survive and the other disappear like it never existed?” said Paul Coutinho, Shoring Specialist at Sunstate Trench Safety Rentals in Concord, North Carolina.
“The number of belongings strewn among the debris — toys, cars, motorcycles, motorhomes, pieces of homes torn apart — was heartbreaking. Some of the areas we visited will not be able to be built on again.”
Several roads were washed out, making it difficult for vehicles to reach impacted areas. Coutinho says his team members loaded supplies and food into several Side-by-Side UTVs and headed up Garren Creek Road to the volunteer fire department, where many families stayed after losing their homes.
The branch also borrowed a barbecue trailer and partnered with Foster Harris to deliver 400 cheeseburgers and bags of chips, water, baby formula, soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste, dog and cat food, batteries, and Benadryl.
Sunstate’s Core Values in action
“Supporting these families stems from the core values that each one of us at Sunstate live by each day,” Coutinho says. “First, People. Our customers are our people, too, and we focus on their immediate needs. Second, Teamwork. We couldn’t have pulled off gathering the supplies, loading, cooking, and delivering meals to those affected without communication. Our team members here and at the Credit Department in Phoenix stepped up in several ways — including providing food and monetary donations.”
Coutinho says the branch plans to make a trip every couple of weeks to provide any supply requests. “I’ve received calls from team members asking when the next trip is scheduled so they can come out for several days to help.
The unwavering spirit of the people affected by Hurricane Helene and the unrelenting efforts of the volunteers and organizations have been a testament to the formidable unity that crises so often inspire. The ongoing support reflects a deep-seated commitment to rebuilding and restoring the vibrant communities that call this region home, and Sunstate is proud to be a part of it.
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