Helene Recovery The Good, the Bad, The Ugly & the TRUTH: 2024 A Year in Review: What I Learned

[@crystalclear1969]

I appreciate all that you are doing to help the Helen victims. You have a beautiful heart.

[@NormanChester882]

Severe weather is coming, I hope the good Lord makes a way, for everybody to survive, I am praying

[@misermike1171]

Keep kicking out the videos my friend. You are doing a great service to all the people who lost their homes and belongings. Most of the networks do not show what is going on there and now we know the truth John. From Lighthouse Cove Ontario, Canada.

[@rogerhare7886]

Your WNC videos gave me two big gifts: Witnessing Revival and introducing me to Jake Jarvis, a Hero for the ages. Your heart is incredible.❤

[@kat.b.3556]

AGREED!

[@WakieUppieYall]

Absolutely!

[@CC-Rider4564]

God Bless You John Ward keep doing the Lords work in Western North Carolina! 👍🏼😁👍🏼

[@c.b.-11]

Thank you for all you've done. You're a very good man

[@pmartin6759]

Mr. John you have helped so many. May God bless you as you go forward in the steps ahead. 👍👍👍👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@maureenwareham8822]

Happy New Year John I appreciate you and your excellent videos! You tell us the truthes about what we should know about our fellow Americans, in diar need…

[@tracyhall3646]

Good morning my friend. May God always be with you.

[@jherndon2u]

Thanks for all the updates. Looking forward to more of your videos! God Bless you for your generosity!

[@theappalachianchannel]

Happy New Year and thanks for watching!

[@darrell3368]

God’s blessings for 2025 for what you are doing John stay warm and safe we love your videos here in South Georgia always praying for you 🙏

[@DeenaCrowley-ql9sr]

Praying this is a Happier Year for so many !!!! Blessings to you John & everyone trying to keep the word out about all the beautiful people who are suffering & trying to rebuild !!! 🤗❤️

[@SwiftRead]

Ralph Robertson ~ an American treasure ~ been following since his series. Thank you John Ward, for all you do to reveal/preserve real American history & now, pulling Americans together for emergency missions for those in crisis🙏

[@julielefler9747]

Thank you for all ypu done. I have been worried there is a winter storm a coming. I pray for all those in tents. Things are gonna get tough as time goes on and people stop donating. Hopefully more people like you step forward and keep things going. Again thank you for all you have done .

[@fayedalton8810]

Thank you John love your videos, we usually watch on our tv but then I watch again on my iPad just to help you out. Blessing for this new year. God bless! ❤️

[@theappalachianchannel]

Happy New Year and thanks for watching!

[@larryhancock1174]

🎉🎉🎉🎉 congratulations on the KZbin success keep going and you will achieve your goals.

[@michaelphillips5786]

John, great video! You did so much good for Saluda, N.C!

[@jocook174]

Glad to see you here and enjoyed all your Videos and. HONESTY in 2024. Look forward to 2025 with you. Thank you for your Integrity.

[@marjoriecook5230]

Thanks John. I've been watching since the flood. So appreciate ALL you are doing. God bless. Get inside and get warmed up. And hug your best friend and companion. Happy New Year.

[@retamellons464]

Love, Blessings & Prayers!

[@theappalachianchannel]

Thank you for your kind comment. Happy New Year!

[@lydcadaify]

Just want to thank you for all the hard work you have done. And sending prayers to all the Helena victims. Happy New Year!

[@theappalachianchannel]

Thank you, and Happy New Year to you too!

[@celestewatson8533]

Thank you John for all you have done. God knows the heart of man and sees the truth. ❤ keep up the good work, it makes a difference.

[@cathybehle-ernst5796]

John . . . .you are a good soul with a tender heart . . . .blessings to you.

[@theappalachianchannel]

Thank you for your kind comment. Happy New Year!

[@Melissa-pt2ik]

Happy New Year John and I am looking forward to your videos on the people in the Appalachian Mountains and how they have progressed

[@UnicornPurple-ut8wf]

John you mentioned volunteer burnout. It’s a very real thing. Even donor burnout. I would consider that before doing any more big events right now. People helped with Christmas but need a break also. Just my gut sense.

[@brianburge3349]

THANKS JOHN

[@TinaMarie869]

Mr John you have done a great job. Love your videos. Yes some are sad with what has happened but you got the truth out. God bless you 🙏

[@theappalachianchannel]

Thank you kindly

[@NuDay3]

Samaritans Purse is a huge legitimate organization and the ONLY place I donate, wonderful Christian folks

[@cherylbowens680]

Thank you John for all you have done to help those people! May God Bless you!! Our son is from Burnsville, they lived on the river and it took their whole house away!

[@kathymclain2632]

I love your home place John. Love the green color. Now, I’ve watched every video you’ve done. You deserve a reward! Well, I know God will bless you! Thank you for all you do for people. I’ll continue to watch you.

[@theappalachianchannel]

Thank you for your kind comment. Happy New Year!

[@elizabethwilson2277]

Thank you for all you have done and continue to do. Grateful for you pointing out the scammers as well.

[@theappalachianchannel]

I agree, it's important to be aware of those trying to take advantage.

[@wendyjackson8643]

I'm so glad I came across your videos when the hurricane happen cause it keeps me updated and it melts my heart the work Jake does for the victims from the hurricane and I'm so glad the people have people like you and Jake cause some of these people would still be so lost without y'all helping them and I'm watching from Gaffney SC

[@theappalachianchannel]

thanks for the friend request

[@maureenwareham8822]

Still praying for You and your health!! They’re praying for the affected families down in the hurricane Halloween areas and also for the families of the lost and the sick in the injured due to this catastrophic Helene.

[@maureenwareham8822]

Helene

[@bluebutterfly841]

John Gods blessings 2025 to you to provide you with your needs to reach those in need. Watching since Helene. Enjoy the updates on the Families.

[@dannywhelchel4801]

I appreciate you and what you have done in effort to help all the people you have ,you have helped so many people during their time of need,i continue to pray for the people affected by the hurricane,i also have watched many your travel videos ,keep up the great work your doing and may God bless you and all the people in their time of need

[@theappalachianchannel]

I appreciate that

[@dannywhelchel4801]

@@theappalachianchannel your welcome

[@karenedwards8946]

Happy New Year from Australia 🇦🇺

[@randybeard6040]

John, thanks to You many in America have Seen the Devastation and Good Will of so many American Patriots, Hopefully by the Grace of God these Poor Souls who Lost Everything will be able to find some form of Peace in Near Future...

[@janledford3010]

I thank this man for putting the truth out. During the 1993 snow storm, we did not have power for 3 weeks here. Some places for months because of the damage from the downed trees to our power grid. I was fortunate at the time that we had a wood stove in our basement and a porta potty!! I did get for my mom a Porta potty like they have in hospitals. Where you put a non-leaking bag and which called all of our excrements. And then that went into a garbage bag to go out with the trash, whatever that trash was picked up.. but my porta potty was if anyone knows what they are. They are like miniature little commodes. There’s some blue stuff that you put you flush down it., and it eats up all of what we humans do in a potty! And then we dug a hole away from the house to pour that blue stuff. It’s all that was left out of the potty when it got full. And the blue stuff was somehow not harming to the environment. It was a natural stuff. I’ve watched videos where they are building. They smile I would not call them tiny houses. They are small one rooms that will get them out of the freezing cold. They can be heated, but that’s all they are, but thank God at least for them.!! When I was in my 20s, we used to camp and very primitive places. Places with no electricity or nowhere to do our business. We used what I’ve already mentioned. I’m not comparing this to what these people are experiencing. Oh my goodness no!! But, if they at least had what I have mentioned in these places, it could have at least be a temporary solution. Maybe they have them I don’t know. And another thing. Has anyone ever seen the inside of a famous trailer? Several months after hurricane Harvey. I met a lady that was coming to a big convention where I go to church at. She was from Houston, Texas, and our house was badly damaged in the awful flooding there. She had been living in a famous trailer for months. Her daughter which lived in New York, drove to Houston and got her mother and brought her to Tennessee where this convention was being held just to try to get her mind off her situation. She refused to leave her property, would not go back to New York with her daughter. Both of them showed me pictures of the FEMA trailer. The mom was living in and the situation that she was in in it. It was very bad. They leaked really bad and nothing seemed to work in them. So when he said that people would probably rather live in FEMA trailers than in a hotel room, maybe not. But the female trailers is better than a tent. But if these people do not have these porta potties in their little rooms that they’re staying in, somebody needs to donate a whole bunch of them to them. Just saying. And I’m praying they have enough to keep them warm for the next two weeks. They don’t need to be moving out of their hotel rooms for about two weeks. At least the weather is going to be way too bad. God bless everyone and let’s pray continually beseeching our heavenly father for these people. My home was destroyed in a tornado a few few years ago. That was bad, many homes were destroyed, but in no way did we have the problems and as big of a catastrophe is what is in places in Tennessee and in North Carolina everyone needs to be in prayer and try to help them in any way we can thank you and God bless everyone♥️🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@GraceCook-g1l]

Dear John, I'd like to thank you for your coverage of Helene. Saw some of your travel videos, a few of Waynies, some of Ralph, but mostly Helene. I started watching in October after Helene. Sadly a lot of people either don't know or don't care. Hope the donations keep going. Hope the info keeps coming out.

[@lindaharris1085]

Good morning John Thank you for your coverage of everything that you don’t see on the news Hope you have a blessed 2025 and thank you for what you do

[@markofintegrity]

Thanks for keeping us abreast of Helene. Please keep on top of things for the coming months or years.

[@crystalclear1969]

Holy cow!! I am truly surprised to hear how expensive the RV parks are. You can rent a small apartment for the same price

[@maureenwareham8822]

Happy New Year

[@dorothyculbertson5640]

The way you handled Camp Rosebud made you my go to channel for Everything related to Helene and its recovery ❤ i really appreciate the way you have shown real love to my home state,im currently in upstate SC but ive got family in Asheville, Leicester and Candler, im disabled and broke so really all i can do for anyone is pray, but you can count on a prayer from me always. Thank you again John, it means everything to follow people that really care about the people ❤ Happy New Year 👍❤️ There's a channel that wants to meet with you i believe, her name is Stephanie from The Aqua phonics Channel something like that. She's putting tiny homes together for folks, i think shes out of Marshall, I will look into that channel name and come back to the video and comment on it again. Thanks again John.

[@loubelle385]

Angel is so sweet! Hugs and kisses to her! 🩷🐾 Also, thank you for your videos and being a person of integrity! God will bless you for your kindness and all your hard work! Happy New Year! 😊

[@theappalachianchannel]

Thank you so much for your kind words, Happy New Year!

[@bethgiesey9405]

thank you John. i enjoy all the content you provide.

[@Edd-gc6yp]

Bless your Heart John

[@theappalachianchannel]

Thank you for your kind comment. God Bless you and Happy New Year!

[@sueharris2440]

Thank you for all that you have done and are doing to help the people affected by Helene. Have a Blessed, Healthy and Happy New Year.

[@karenromando4939]

Hope you had a nice Christmas and have a safe,fun, healthy prosperous New Year

[@theappalachianchannel]

Thank you, you too!

[@andreaagnew2186]

I love your videos and am looking forward to being a tourist and supporting the rebuilding and recovry next year. I was planning a trip next summer before Helene.

[@theappalachianchannel]

I hope you enjoy your trip, and I'm glad the videos are inspiring you to come see this beautiful place!

[@lukefish7562]

You’ve got a great place John. I like your style. Barndominium, RV and such. I’ve got some property and an off the grid tiny house. I travel around in a conversion van some and own a few motorcycles. Got a shipping container for storage but I really need a barndominium. You’ve got a nice one. Goals for the future! Nice work for all my neighbors here in western NC. I’m just above Saluda. Congrats on your growth and it’s much deserved. Keep up the great work and I pray the good Lord blesses us with a better 2025. 2024 was the most difficult ever for me personally and of course it remains to be that way for many people here and all over TN, NC affected by Helene. 🙏🏽❤️👏🏽💙💪🏽❤️🙏🏽

[@theappalachianchannel]

Thank you for watching my videos. I will back in WNC soon..

[@lukefish7562]

@@theappalachianchannel it’s my real pleasure and honor. From your always entertaining videos of our most precious old buildings and businesses to helping others in need after a natural disaster the likes of which haven’t been seen here before. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 Happy New Year! 🙏🏽

[@byronholmes2496]

Good day.

[@theappalachianchannel]

You too

[@byronholmes2496]

@@theappalachianchannel Yep

[@garypoteet3345]

Keep up your reporting and don't let this get swept under the rug. There should have been all kinds of state and Federal assistance for these folks by now. Those who dropped the ball need to be held accountable. Beginning to look alot like the Maui situation.

[@donhaze8131]

That is the best overall description of the hard truth and facts about what is happening in WNC that I could ever ask for. Not being there and separated by so many miles it's hard to watch where I grew up get beat up so badly. And so many obstacles from so many different directions. Somehow you got right in the middle of it all and made so many discoveries. From what I can see Mr. John Ward, you are a real hero fighting a battle you never asked to fight and you were placed by in the epicenter of everything going on for a reason. There is a spiritual battle going on and your angel need a physical presence here and used you to fight in the physical form. You fought like and angel and made more of a difference than maybe you will ever know. You are proof that Gods love shines on. I look forward to see what you are doing next.

[@todayisit3]

I've been a viewer and subscriber for a year plus, watching from Southern Illinois. It's one of my favorite channels. I'm looking forward to you getting back to visiting mom and pop stores and restaurants. Your videos on the Helene disaster were exceptional and important.

[@theappalachianchannel]

thank you for the comment and God Bless you my friend.

[@coffissa]

❤ Blessings to you for 2025😊

[@betrevryday1]

Happy New Year John as I’ve told you before Thanks very much for showing us places,people,things many of us wouldn’t see otherwise. Best wishes and regards for everyone who’s lives were so seriously impacted.

[@carlapoorman8137]

Good morning and a Happy New Year, from central Illinois, to you and Angel ❤ I've been watching this channel well before hurricane Helene. I have a special place in my heart for the Appalachian Mountains and it's people. I absolutely don't understand how our government can be so cruel! Those affected, will have an extremely tough time if this arctic blast does what the meteorologists are predicting it will do. Our new administration coming in on January 20th will be there for these hurricane victims!!! Valentines Day marks our 44th anniversary ❤️ Hope that we can make it out to you Valentines Day event to help hand out goodies to all the kids❤❤❤

[@theappalachianchannel]

Thanks for watching and Happy New Year!

[@erickincaid961]

My father-in-law and Dad really enjoy watching your videos. I came across your channel a good while back when I saw the older man with the 55 Chevy in the barn. I grew up in Western North Carolina but live in Georgia now. Thanks for helping my Western North Carolina friends. God Bless. Eric

[@dorothyculbertson5640]

Jake Jarvis is a Angel ❤ he has been a complete blessing for the people there.

[@daphneroberts9720]

i'm not in the mountains, I'm in middle tn, but i can house a few people in my small home, or an rv can park in my driveway.

[@CC-Rider4564]

John KZbin is not letting me like 👍🏼 your video for some reason??? Wayne at Deep River Farm said theres 126K homes effected by Helene but you'll never hear the news tell that. Still dont understand why its preventing me from liking this video ?

[@originalmamagrizzly2478]

People scamming, capitalizing on disaster is just sick!

[@rjon5624]

Been watching your channel from the very beginning. You do a great job and I hope you continue to keep us informed. Thank you!

[@Backwoodsgardener]

John- thank you so much for keeping us informed on what is happening to the Helene victims. I have been watching you since the hurricane disaster. It is so sad to hear about all the scam artists. I am so glad you are going to promote the businesses in North Carolina and Eastern TN. Blessings from N. Idaho

[@misscharlotte5075]

I've been watching the since spring/summer. I had to do chemotherapy and you made the time pass so well. I'm done with chemo and no sign of cancer. Praise the Lord.!! Love watching about Jane and Priddys Store. She is a genuine s😂oul. I'm from Missouri. Take care. Love your content. ❤😊

[@XenaTheQuadCamBikah]

Thank you for helping people! This is one of the most important channels to sub, I’m glad YT suggested it! 🙏 for all to get the help they need.

[@FloydThomas-y5g]

Thanks John Ward. bringing attention to the Horrific problems is Priceless From Pioneer Tennessee Neighbor 👋

[@adaytripp]

Sweet baby girl has gotten so big ❤ thank you for the recap it makes me remember its not only you why i watch and your heart for people and what's important to me capturing history and travel but also why this channel is so precious to those sick and shut-ins that can't get out and about. I always pray for someone who has interests like mine as a dear friend and you are starting to become mine 😊 these videos also I can now pass along to daddy 🙏

[@KimberlyMills67]

Angel is adorable! 😊❤ Happy New Year!🎉🎉

[@Skidderoperator]

Thanks!

[@NanetteAycock-pq4tx]

Bless you John. Hope you have a good year!

[@nitewriter9468]

Dear John , Thank you helping out in NC. I was born 30 miles from Chimney Rock in a valley surrounded by 5 mts. Lenoir NC. I'm 74 a vets widow and great grandma in Texas. I have many cousins in and NC much in Lenoir. I spent 3 weeks trying to find all my kin after the store. Two I couldn't find I had can chili mailed to their houses and found that it was delivered so they were still their. Downtown Lenoir is worth the visit. Both sides of my family live near there. So again, I understand why the Mt people can't bear to leave. The mountains call you. In tears I write cause they are calling and I can't afford to go. I started praying for my kin there. God knew them all even it I didn't. I asked Him to protect them That was long before the storm. I found them all alive that I knew or that were known of my kin. God answered my prayer.God Bless you John Ward. Most greatful for the news you bring. Mary Ann in Texas

[@kimisom9839]

I'm from Knoxville, TN and I've been watching your Helene videos for 2 months now. I appreciate your honesty and integrity while reporting on Helene. God bless you while continuing to help plus getting back to your usual content.

[@theappalachianchannel]

Thanks for watching, and I appreciate your kind words. you live close to me in LaFollette, add me on facebook facebook.com/johnwardappalachianchannel/

[@DeplorableMia]

Happy New Year John & may 2025 bring you blessings of health and happiness. I followed you before all the disasters and appreciate EVERYTHING you've done & are doing for all these people. I'll continue sharing your info. We wont forget WNC❣️ GOD Bless 🛐🇺🇸🫂

[@vickyadams7673]

Thanks for all you have done and continue to do. Happy New Year 2025.

[@CrazyArt-r5e]

This has sure been a roller coaster of a ride in 2024. Hopefully 2025 will be better for us all. I miss Ralph Robertson. ❤ Love watching Waynie on the channel. Watching all the devastation in NC & TN has been heartbreaking. Wish I could win a huge lottery, I’d pay for all that I could to rebuild or find new property. Love Angel, she truly loves you. Beautiful dog. Congrats on the many subscribers, you do good work.

[@lindadotson2936]

I’m from West Virginia and started watching during Helene.

[@trudygentry5859]

Looking forward to seeing you at Maggie valley. blessings to you John ward ❤

[@missysmith8973]

I’m from Baileyton, Tn. I did volunteer up 107 and Spruce Pine, Bardnardsville and Green Mountain. God Bless you and keep up the great work.

[@theappalachianchannel]

Thank you for your support and for volunteering!

[@missysmith8973]

@ your very welcome

[@pat2513]

I appreciate how you have been documenting this tragic event. My prayer is that the people affected will get to stay on their land.

[@nascarcowboy1463]

tHANK YOU jOHN FOR WHAT YOU DO TO KEEP US UP TODATE👍 I HOPE TO BE UP THERE IN MAY

[@donnaoleske6804]

Thank you for all you continue to do for the Helene families.

[@wandacollins9387]

Watching from Upstate NY

[@joyhobbs5431]

Hopfully this new year will be a good one for all

[@Kate11.11]

Happy New Year John thank you for all you do! Watching from Florida ~ many blessings

[@originalmamagrizzly2478]

Praying for more hubs, ppl to work 🙏🙏🙏

[@wandasmith2511]

These restrictions are ridiculous!! Its only until people can get on there own !!! People don't want to stay in those the rest of there lives. This is an EMERGENCY! SOMETHINGS got to be done about the trailer lots! 1000 is gouging!!!

[@lindajetton9664]

Absolutely It Sounds Like It. But That's What They Do.

[@gloriacoffey4651]

Thanks for your charity ❤

[@venusparker8970]

APPALACHIAN GIRL HERE.SOUTHWEST VA..BEEN PROMOTING YOUR CHANEL WITH MINISTRIES..HOPEFULLY THEY WILL REACH OUT TO YOU

[@karenromando4939]

I live in Lake of the Ozarks Linn Creek Missouri. Moved here and bought small house in city limits. 1/4 mile down the street is the lake. I am in rural Linn Creek. 10 to 20 minutes away from Osage Beach. I found you when I was researching Helene. My female cousin lives in St. PETES fL. Needed to know if she was ok. 1 month later she came on fb and she is fi e. She is in an aparrment. She is a nurse. I have been activaly watch a few others on top of your channel, because I love the content you all provide. ❤

[@skilgore9579]

Thanks for the recap!

[@savannah1678]

I like you & you’re channel because of interesting content & that you are so honest with your viewers. You have built a great building for all your needs. I remember Ralph & your mom. Have a blessed new year!

[@theappalachianchannel]

Thank you, and Happy New Year to you!

[@candyrbennett]

You Mr. Ward are a good good man! I love how transparent you were through your efforts in WNC! Stellar ..even through something that turned into something you were not comfortable with! And then you made it right according to your own internal moral compass and standard. That makes your efforts equally authentically a story of pure goodness that sets you in apart and puts you in the, elite of kindness, that we see over and over again. I must say it was a welcome narrative, too. Something I questioned if even still existed. But this tragedy has revealed that indeed it does still exist. You all were gathered in an unlikely place and efforts came from a people worldwide and continue to impact in such a positive way! It truly has restored my faith in humanity. I don't think I am alone in that either. It makes future giving to your highlights a comfort zone of sorts! Sadly, good people are hard to find but your "bad" should never over shadow the very "good" you had a impact on. I hope you are proud of the huge way in which you made a difference to human kind to a tragedy of epic proportions! That's an accomplishment that just a few people walk away and can claim. I think you are a source that promoted and highlighted Jake's good efforts as well! It's just amazing that your heart is so humble! You sir, are part of the heartwarming goodness that ends up being the biggest story of such what was initially a bleak and horrific tale. You and your channel are some of the best affirmations of what "Appalachia" is! I just love your heart and the way in which you have so humbly given your time and resources! Now you have yourself a following.... Be careful what you ask for 😂😂 may be a future narrative... 😂😂 I look forward to your content. It's a source of joy! I wish for you all the good you have so unselfishly given!

[@theappalachianchannel]

Thanks for your kind words and support!

[@LindaGlenn-p1j]

John, I love watching your videos Angel sure is a beautiful dog Happy New Year!

[@cathyledbetter615]

Good job John

[@user-Jo915]

Happy New Year John and Angel. I found your channel when you travelled to W.N.C after the Cyclone and I've been following you since. Im just going back to watch your older videos and they are brilliant John. Im learning so much about Appalachia because I live in Australia. Thank you for all the time and effort that you put into your channel it really is excellent.❤❤

[@Skidderoperator]

Hello John, thanks for all you do to help. Wish I could do the same.

[@Mary-sg6uo]

Love your videos and love your pup.

[@theappalachianchannel]

Thanks! She's a good girl.