NW Charlotte neighborhood still rebuilding six months after Helene

CHARLOTTE, NC — It’s been six months since Hurricane Helene forever changed North Carolina. Most of us in Charlotte didn’t see the damage western North Carolina did, except in some communities along the Catawba River. Especially the Riverside Drive neighborhood.

The Catawba River flowed into the flood-prone neighborhood in September 2024.

“We literally watched a lot of our possessions float out and down the river,” said Sara Milam.

Milam’s family hasn’t been able to live in their dream home since the storm. It took almost five months to get their insurance money.

“Thank goodness we had flood insurance for structural damages but it doesn’t cover any of your possessions,” explained Milam.

Construction on their home starts next week. When it’s safe to go back, Milam and her family aren’t sure they want to.

Flo Davis is in the same boat as Milam and others in the community.

“I am going to need to leave the neighborhood because there’s hardly any neighbors left,” explained Davis.

Davis’ home is livable by code standards. But it’s not the life she was hoping for. Her son lived across the street until Helene took it, forcing him to move.

“It’s very lonely and in the winter, it’s dark and lonely,” said Davis

Davis’ son sold his home to the state. She’s considering doing the same.

“There’s people a whole lot worse off that still aren’t sure where, you know, where they’re going. So it’s it’s been a trial for everybody,” explained Davis.