by Sindhu Dwarampudi
Hurricane Helene’s aftermath throughout Augusta was devastating. We saw entire neighborhoods bear the scars of the storm which uprooted massive trees, with branches splintered across streets and some crushing rooftops. The hardest hit in our community experienced power outages that stretched on for weeks, the difficulties only compounded by water shutoffs. Although the weight of the disaster was immense, what stands out to me now is not the hurricane’s fury but the folks who stepped up and came together to rebuild. This extension of generosity in the community reminds us that in times of crisis, our natural instinct is to lean on each other.
Helping hands
In the days and weeks following Hurricane Helene, we all looked out for each other, in whatever ways we could. I saw families on Telfair Street opening up their porches and doors to those who could use a home-cooked meal or simply find companionship when they needed it the most. Recovery efforts were widespread in Augusta. Neighbors went door to door, armed with chainsaws and rakes, helping collect debris and lugging fallen tree branches from driveways and lawns. A small group even assisted an elderly neighbor who lived alone with rebuilding her beloved garden. Over two afternoons, they repaired a fence, assembled raised beds, and replanted flowers, helping her reclaim a sense of normalcy.
These communal efforts weren’t limited to neighborhoods. Students from Augusta University offered rides to fellow students who needed to leave town and brought back essential supplies from their hometowns to distribute in the community. Local businesses joined in, distributing meals and water. During this stressful time, there was such an outpouring of love from all sides. It didn’t matter if we knew one another or had ever exchanged words, we were focused on showing each other that none of us were alone. Especially with the recent election season highlighting differences, the hurricane came as a common challenge that seemed to erase all division. Simple acts of kindness to those around us created a ripple effect of care, highlighting that connecting with each other makes our differences melt away.
Reflecting on Augusta’s collective response, it is abundantly clear that we are not defined by the signs in our yards or bumper stickers but by our readiness to lend a hand when it counts. When the stakes are real such as with Hurricane Helene, our community worked together effortlessly. Without hesitation, we automatically gravitated to doing whatever was within reach, whether it be clearing debris, sharing supplies, or listening to each other’s stories all with a shared mission to recover together. Although unity comes easily during challenging times, I believe that the best way to cultivate it in our everyday lives is through intentionally serving others.
Volunteering builds community
Since moving to Augusta last year, I have prioritized immersing myself in the city, and community service has been a powerful way to do just that. Most recently, I volunteered with a student-run clinic providing care to under-served individuals in Augusta. After setting up a makeshift station on a picnic table beside the church on Greene Street, we performed vision screenings and met patients from all different backgrounds from retirees on fixed incomes to young mothers who watched their children play nearby. Some folks had gone without an eye exam for more than a decade, so it was extremely gratifying to see them gain access to care they deserved and leave with a baseline understanding of their health along with referrals as needed. Beyond this, community service gave me the opportunity to connect with people who had different lived experiences and understand where they were coming from.
Volunteering events like this help me get outside my routine and stay connected with my purpose. I learned how service can not only address immediate needs, but help build the foundational relationships needed to bridge divides and tackle the most challenging issues in our community together. If the collective spirit we brought to relief efforts during the hurricane were applied regularly to projects we are passionate about, it’s easy to imagine an Augusta where neighbors collaborate to turn vacant lots into community gardens, professionals mentor students who need extra guidance at local high schools, and businesses commit to alleviating food insecurity in the city. If you are wondering where to begin, starting close to home – getting to know a neighbor or colleague at work, joining a clean-up effort at the Riverwalk, or volunteering with local organizations like Golden Harvest Food Bank or Ronald McDonald House Augusta – is a great way to serve our community.
Following an election, we may feel consumed by the divisiveness of national politics. However, we’ve seen firsthand in Augusta how positive change is created by a commitment to one another, not from sweeping gestures. No matter the outcome of each election, this is a reminder that we can create a community that allows all of us to thrive by focusing on what we can do to improve our streets, schools, and parks. After the hurricane, the connections that emerged during this dark time were a source of strength. So when the weight of larger issues feels overwhelming, let’s continue showing up authentically for the people and place that we call home to build a brighter future for Augusta together.
Sindhu Dwarampudi is a medical student at the Medical College of Georgia. In her free time, she enjoys trying out new restaurants in Augusta, reading great books, and spending time with family and friends.
