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‘The government ain’t coming to save you’: North Carolina woman delivers urgent call to Americans

October 1, 2024 | | Print Article

A North Carolina resident affected by devastating Hurricane Helene posted a video message condemning the government for abandoning its citizens.

“Y’all, we need to have a real talk about what’s happening in the North Carolina mountains after Hurricane Helene,” a TikTok user named Leigh Brown posted.

“First off, if you have family or friends up there or headed that way, *please* let them know looting is on the rise. Just yesterday, a sheriff told me to make sure anyone out there is carrying—*with the safety off.* These folks aren’t all bad—they’re desperate because in some of these communities, there’s no water. When people are desperate, they do desperate things,” the post by the North Carolina realtor reads.

@leighthomasbrown **Y’all, we need to have a real talk about what’s happening in the North Carolina mountains after Hurricane Helene.** . First off, if you have family or friends up there or headed that way, *please* let them know looting is on the rise. Just yesterday, a sheriff told me to make sure anyone out there is carrying—*with the safety off.* These folks aren’t all bad—they’re desperate, because in some of these communities, there’s no water. When people are desperate, they do desperate things. . I’ll say it plain: the government ain’t coming to save us. Not now, not ever. It’s us, the citizens, who have to step up. And let me tell y’all, my community—just over an hour away—showed up. They brought water, diapers, formula, bleach, vinegar, and more to our donation sites. We’re taking even more donations today, and I’m making sure they go straight to the hands of volunteers I trust. . Why? Because people told me, “Leigh, we don’t trust the relief organizations anymore.” And you know what? They’re right. We’ve lost our organizations to liars and grifters. It’s time we rely on each other—like patriots built this country, one by one. And I promise you this, I’m getting your donations to where they need to go. . So to my fellow North Carolinians in the mountains: you are NOT forgotten. If you’re outside of NC, and you want to help, send real supplies. *Money isn’t going to feed or hydrate anyone.* . This is a wake-up call for all of us. Start stocking up water and food. Make sure you’re ready for when, not if, disaster strikes. And if you can, send your donated goods with a friend and make sure the trucks are loaded—our first responders are stretched thin. . Y’all, we can’t wait on elected officials. Special shoutout to Governor DeSantis for doing more for us than our own governor. Thank you, Governor. And to the Baptists out of Boone and Samaritan’s Purse—I trust y’all to do right by our people. . The most important thing you can do? *Pray.* Pray for the folks up there. Pray they turn back to God. And pray for a hedge of protection around those who’ve witnessed things they never should have. . I had a lady at my donation site yesterday whose 10-year-old grandson has seen bodies on the ground. He’s finally getting out today, but y’all, no child should have to see that. . Do what you can. Pray, donate, spread the word. And to those who’ve already helped—*thank you* from the bottom of my heart. We’re in this together. God bless. . If you would like to help: 1. Donate Needed Supplies: We’ll ensure they reach the hardest-hit areas. (Text 704-621-3464 for donation locations.) Water Tarps⁣ Baby stuff⁣ Baby formula⁣ Towels⁣ Blankets⁣ Pillows⁣ Toilet Paper Paper Towels⁣ Soap⁣ Shampoo⁣ Non perishable food⁣ Flashlights Batteries 2. Donate Funds: Send your donation via Venmo (@ltbinc) or Cash App ($leighthomasbrown), and label “Care for WNC”. I’ll shop for urgently needed supplies. Every dollar goes directly to relief efforts. . #leighbrown #onecommunity #desantis #giveback #ncmountains #northcarolina #ashevillenc #hendersonvillenc #morgantonnc #swannanoa #helpingothers #hurricanehelene #realtoroftiktok @Samaritan’s Purse @ABC World News Tonight @ABC @Good Morning America ♬ original sound – Leigh Brown NC REALTOR

“I’ll say it plain: the government ain’t coming to save you,” Brown said.

“Not now, not ever. It’s us, the citizens, who have to step up. And let me tell y’all, my community—just over an hour away—showed up. They brought water, diapers, formula, bleach, vinegar, and more to our donation sites. We’re taking even more donations today, and I’m making sure they go straight to the hands of volunteers I trust,” she continued.

“Why? Because people told me, ‘Leigh, we don’t trust the relief organizations anymore.’ And you know what? They’re right,” Brown added.

“We’ve lost our organizations to liars and grifters. It’s time we rely on each other—like patriots built this country, one by one. And I promise you this, I’m getting your donations to where they need to go,” she vowed.

Brown told the victims of the deadly storm they were not forgotten while urging those who wanted to help to “send real supplies.”

“Money isn’t going to feed or hydrate anyone,” she explained.

“This is a wake-up call for all of us. Start stocking up on water and food. Make sure you’re ready for when, not if, disaster strikes. And if you can, send your donated goods with a friend and make sure the trucks are loaded—our first responders are stretched thin,” she said.

“Y’all, we can’t wait on elected officials,” Brown’s post read, giving a “special shoutout to [Florida] Governor DeSantis for doing more for us than our own governor. Thank you, Governor.”

The post generated thousands of comments with many asking where to bring supplies. Social media reposts of Brown’s video garnered millions of views and plenty of impassioned reactions.

“I find this to be devastating because the amount of money our government God knows where for God knows what reason is obscene. But when it comes down to helping their own citizens, crickets,” wrote the X account @DefiyantlyFree.

Frieda Powers
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