When Hurricane Florence devastated Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, those most affected were those who couldn’t easily move on because of poverty.
As always, alas, the most vulnerable of our society.
The homeless, the disabled, the elderly and the individuals and families who had little to rebuild, and didn’t know where to turn and stay together as a family.
Meet Jarete Hucks.
The humble owner of the 70 room Midtown Inn and Cottages.
It took just him a few days, and he saw the desperation from that demographic.
So, he welcomed them….all of them...home.
‘'Come stay with me. Come stay at my house until you can go back to yours,” he told over 450 people and 75 families.
“Love thy neighbor, right? That’s what you’re supposed to do.”
And he has.
Once a week, hair stylists, barbers and massage therapists will come by and offer their services free of charge.
Seamstresses, dry cleaners, mental health counselors, child care workers so parents can take some time for themselves and the children can become engaged with activities, job coaches, swim coaches, yoga instructors... all offer their service to those that live here.
Every week. And for free.
"They came out of the woodwork. People started running to me right away, 'How can I help? What can I do?'"
Three times a day everyone gets a hearty meal, including those that have special dietary requirements like gluten-free, vegetarian, low glycemic.
Everyone feels respected.
Since the hurricane hit in September of 2018, many after staying there for a respite were able to find homes and jobs elsewhere.
But even today in February 2019, over 50 rooms are still occupied by those hardest hit.
And Jarete has no intention of rushing anyone out, and still welcoming those in need, home.
The local police and community activists know who they can call when someone is in need.
People as diverse as NBA legend Phil Jackson to Peter Tork of The Monkees have helped to make sure that Jarete can live through his heart and not worry about the not-so-trivialities of how to pay the bills.
"It's a little straining. But I will be provided for somehow. But my community's helping me and my staff's helping me. I'll be okay."
As Peter Tork said, “Jarete Hucks is more than a good neighbor. He is the best of the best in human nature. He understands that we are all in this together, and that only be being there for each other, can we make #ABetterWorld. Thank you for sheltering and helping so many in their time of extreme need, Jarete. Thank you for showing us that #LoveIsUnderstanding. You are our hero!
Yes, this innkeeper has a second calling.
Much in contrast to some obscenely wealthy pastors of mega-churches who refused to open up their doors and purses to help and heal after devastation in the Carolinas, New Orleans and Texas.
So we have brothers and sisters like Jarete.
Who indeed made his mama… and us…..very proud.
This is not what our community could be…..
….this is what much of our community already is.
And it will only get better.