Story perspectives

Hurricane Helene Sparks Child Care Crisis, New Network Emerges

1/28/2026

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Summary

Story summary

In 2024, Hurricane Helene devastated Black Mountain, North Carolina, damaging homes and child care facilities.
Kelsey Crabtree and her family faced challenges, including limited child care while rebuilding.
Silke Knebel founded the National Emergency Child Care Network to assist families in crisis.
The network currently operates in California and North Carolina and deploys volunteers to provide child care at no cost.
Wildfires in Los Angeles worsened child care shortages.

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Story summary

In 2024, Hurricane Helene devastated Black Mountain, North Carolina, damaging homes and child care facilities.
Kelsey Crabtree and her family faced challenges, including limited child care while rebuilding.
Silke Knebel founded the National Emergency Child Care Network to assist families in crisis.
The network currently operates in California and North Carolina and deploys volunteers to provide child care at no cost.
Wildfires in Los Angeles worsened child care shortages.