Gene Bell (left), Asheville Housing Authority Executive Director, and Mayor Terry Bellamy talk with Asheville Fire fighters about the Hillcrest Apartment explosion.  Photo: Connie Proctor

By Johnnie Grant

Upon hearing of the devastating explosion and fire, the Salvation Army, Red Cross, Helping Hands, Mayor Bellamy, and Asheville City Schools officials, and social workers surrounded the scene with much needed assistance.

While some residents walked the streets visibly shaken by the explosion, others visited the disaster relief command post stationed along the perimeters of the scene. Many people obtained facial masks to filter the smoke, while others gathered information, assistance, and help.

As the school buses arrived, the reality of what the children would encounter did not consciously set in until the first child stepped from a bus. One by one with blank expressions on their faces and hesitancy in their steps, each child surveyed the landscape of people, news trucks, red lights, police officers, and fire trucks. Standing amidst the chaos and reassuring the students were Superintendent Allen Johnson and support services staff from Asheville City Schools.

Eric Howard, MSW, a social worker at Randolph Learning Center, gave his account of what he and other school official felt. “In the wake of this unusual disaster at Hillcrest Apartments, I was especially proud of the presence and reactions of the superintendent and administrators of Asheville City Schools. Leaders of the district effectively mobilized personnel so that the students and families of the Hillcrest Community knew that the schools were there for support.

The way in which Hall Fletcher’s staff and support staff dealt directly with the students who were most impacted by this tragedy was especially impressive. It is good to know that at a time such as this, in such unique circumstances, Asheville City School representatives and employees worked collaboratively with those from the community to make our presence and support known,” said Howard.

“Because community collaboration and perception are so important to the success of schools and school personnel, I believe that the actions taken by Asheville City Schools will result in positive future endeavors,” concluded Howard.