Weathering the Storm: Asheville Brewery Faces Uncertain Future After Devastating Floods

When Hurricane Helene swept through Asheville, North Carolina, last month, it left a trail of destruction in its wake. For Lucious Wilson, the owner of Wedge Brewery, the floodwaters that engulfed his business were a devastating blow, leaving him to grapple with an uncertain future.

Resilience in the Face of Adversity: Asheville Brewery Fights to Rebuild After Natural Disaster

The Devastating Impact of Hurricane Helene

As the river rose, Lucious Wilson watched helplessly as his beloved brewery, Wedge Brewery, slowly disappeared beneath the floodwaters. The once-thriving business, a beloved local landmark, was now reduced to ruins, leaving Wilson and his community in a state of shock and despair. "We need help," he told NBC News, "We don't need politics."The impact of the hurricane was far-reaching, with thousands of individuals, households, nonprofit groups, and businesses affected by the destruction. The Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loan fund, a crucial source of financial aid for those impacted by natural disasters, has been depleted, leaving many in limbo as they await the replenishment of funds.

The Struggle for Federal Assistance

The Biden administration has been pressing Congress to return early and approve new funds for the SBA disaster loan program, but experts believe it is unlikely to happen given the focus on the upcoming November election. This means that the applicants, including Lucious Wilson, may not receive any money until after Congress reconvenes on November 12th.The situation highlights the challenges faced by federal programs that have been hampered by the passage of stopgap funding bills in Congress, rather than yearlong measures. The SBA disaster loan fund remains a significant source of financial support for businesses and individuals devastated by natural disasters, according to the Congressional Research Service.Despite the funding issues, administration officials have urged those affected by the storms to apply for the SBA loans. The SBA has pledged to continue processing and vetting the loan applications, with the goal of making the funds available as soon as possible, likely within four days of Congress replenishing the program.

The Uncertain Future of Wedge Brewery

For Lucious Wilson, the road to recovery is fraught with uncertainty. He is reluctant to apply for an SBA loan due to his precarious financial situation, and he is unsure if he will ever be able to rebuild his original business. "To be honest, I have a hard time thinking about it," he said, "because it makes me cry."Wilson is now focused on getting his second location back up and running, but the emotional toll of the disaster is evident. The loss of his beloved brewery, a testament to his hard work and dedication, has left him grappling with the reality of starting over.The situation faced by Wedge Brewery is not unique. Across Asheville and the surrounding region, countless businesses and individuals are struggling to pick up the pieces and rebuild their lives in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The lack of timely federal assistance has only compounded the challenges they face, leaving them to navigate an uncertain future with limited resources.As the community of Asheville comes together to support one another, the story of Wedge Brewery serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and determination required to overcome the devastating impact of natural disasters. The path forward may be long and arduous, but for Lucious Wilson and others like him, the hope of rebuilding and reclaiming their livelihoods remains a driving force.