Matthew Rogers has called his Flat Rock home the "Cabin of Hope" for over 30 years. Inspired by a famous quote from Shawshank Redemption, he believes that hope is vital and never truly fades.
Rogers and his wife, Rosy, faced a real challenge when heavy rains from Hurricane Helene washed away a nearby bridge. For more than two months, they found themselves living in the basement of their restaurant, the Three Chopt Sandwich Shoppe, commuting daily to get to work.
“They’d have to walk to a footbridge, then someone would pick them up for the last leg of their journey,” Rogers explained. “I made it to work on time every day, though!”
Eventually, a friend offered them a place to stay, and they were relieved to return home when the bridge was rebuilt. But just days later, disaster struck again—three fires broke out in Polk County, forcing them to evacuate.
On a Monday morning, Rogers logged into Facebook and saw a shocking video from a helicopter: his home was engulfed in flames. “At 7, I woke Rosy up and said, ‘That’s our house!’” he recalled. What was once their cherished home was now reduced to ashes, with only the chimney standing amidst the rubble.
Rogers expressed how heartbreaking it was to lose personal items, like family scrapbooks. “You wish you had just half an hour to grab those memories,” he said.
Today, their home remains in an evacuation zone, and they haven’t been back yet. But Rogers is determined about the future. “We will survive because I’m here talking to you,” he stated. His restaurant will stay open, and he plans to rebuild the Cabin of Hope. “A goal without a plan is just a wish. I’ll plan for its return.”
Recent statistics show that wildfires in the U.S. have increased significantly. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, 2020 had one of the worst wildfire seasons on record, with over 10 million acres burned. Sadly, stories like Rogers’ are becoming more common in areas increasingly threatened by wildfires.
Community support plays a vital role during such tough times. Locals frequently come together on social media platforms to offer aid or share resources, helping individuals like Rogers navigate these challenges.
As climate change fuels more extreme weather patterns, the residency in fire-prone areas need to consider proactive measures for protection and recovery. Those affected can benefit from understanding the importance of local emergency plans, monitoring fire alerts, and ensuring they have a clear, well-practiced evacuation route if needed.
Rogers’ story is a testament to resilience and hope, not just for him and Rosy, but for many faced with the challenge of rebuilding after natural disasters.
Check out this related article: Urgent Alert: Henderson County Residents Get Ready for Potential Evacuation Amid Black Cove Complex Wildfires
Source linkCabin of Hope,North Carolina fires,Flat Rock home,Matthew Rogers,Hungry River,Evacuation zone,Family history,Three Chopt Sandwich Shoppe
