I'm from Appalachia and my Christmas visit after Hurricane Helene revealed what DC really thinks of us

When I was visiting my family for Christmas just a few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to partner with a local church and deliver Christmas gifts and supplies to families in my home county of less than 20,000 people, nestled in the North Carolina and Tennessee border.

This experience gave me the opportunity to listen to the stories of my neighbors, many of whom I have known for my entire life.

One story stuck out to me. A multi-generation household of six living in a fifth-wheel trailer.