Brooke McNeilly has called her Eden Isles neighborhood home for more than 31 years. Over the decades, both the simple joys of everyday life and the resilience forged through hurricanes and storms have transformed neighbors into extended family. Now, in the aftermath of a devastating tornado caused by Tropical Storm Arthur, that same close-knit community is once again leaning on one another as they begin the long process of recovery. 

For Brooke and her fiancé, Bryndon Camp, the storm was both sudden and terrifying. As the tornado touched down, they sheltered in their bathtub with their two dogs, Dex and Rex. As winds intensified, windows shattered and large sections of the roof were torn away, exposing the home’s interior to heavy rain. 

In the days that followed, the extent of the damage became painfully clear. Moisture had seeped into nearly every room. 

“Everything we could save is in those two storage pods,” Brooke said. The couple pulled everything out of their home quickly to avoid mold, but many belongings weren’t salvageable. Amid the loss, Red Cross support arrived quickly and consistently for the families in Eden Isles. 

“Y’all gave us something every day,” Brooke recalled. “Day one, you brought water and checked in. The next day, you brought buckets of cleaning supplies.” 

Red Cross volunteers became a steady presence in the neighborhood, delivering essentials such as brooms, mops, gloves, trash bags and tools that made it possible for families to continue the cleanup process safely. 

The following days brought even more support, including hot meals for residents working tirelessly to clear debris and salvage what remained. 

“I’ve never seen Cane’s chicken disappear so fast,” Brooke said with a laugh. “The work y’all do is so appreciated.” 

As recovery efforts continued, Red Cross teams returned to provide immediate financial assistance to families whose homes suffered major damage. For Brooke and Bryndon, whose home has since become a construction and mold remediation zone, the support has been a crucial lifeline. 

With limited functionality in their home, relying only on a microwave and sink, unexpected repair costs continue to add up. Financial assistance offers families like theirs the flexibility to address their most urgent needs, easing some of the burden that follows a life-altering disaster. 

“There are no words for that,” Brooke said, hugging volunteers. “Thank you.” 

For both Brooke and Bryndon, helping others has always been second nature. Bryndon is involved with disaster response efforts through his church, providing meals to communities impacted by major events. Brooke, too, has spent days checking on neighbors, helping them clean up their yards and sharing whatever energy and resources she could.

Their story, and the spirit of Eden Isles, reflects a powerful truth at the heart of every disaster response: recovery is strongest when communities stand together.

The Red Cross, a community-led organization powered by volunteers, embodies this same spirit: neighbors helping neighbors in moments of greatest need. 

The Red Cross will be serving these communities for the days and weeks ahead, and you can help. Visit redcross.org/donate to make a financial donation. An average of 90 cents of every dollar we spend is invested in providing care and comfort for those in need. Every single donation will make a difference in someone’s life.