Ben Napier Heartbroken by Hurricane Helene Devastation as He Reveals Personal Connection to Worst-Hit Region

Ben Napier is reflecting on the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene in a region close to his heart.

The HGTV star, 41, opened up about his personal connection to the areas in North Carolina and Tennessee worst hit by Hurricane Helene. Though he lives in Mississippi with his wife Erin Napier and their two daughters, the woodworker recalls fond memories of his childhood trips to the Great Smoky Mountains and the role they played in his love story with Erin in an Instagram post on Sunday, Sept. 29. 

“Growing up, the Smokies of western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee were heaven for my brothers and me. The first vacation I can remember was to this part of our great country. I went to church camp at @lakejunaluska every summer, and continued as a youth minister,” he writes in the caption.

The gallery begins with a throwback photo of Ben and Erin smiling in their college days, followed by another shot of old photographs in which he tags his relatives. Additional scenes highlight the peaceful landscape with views of the water and endless mountains.

Ben continues, “This place is a part of mine and @erinapier’s love story."

He also includes a note that he’s sharing links to relief efforts in his Instagram Stories, which include organizations like Manna Food Bank, Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry, and Mountain Projects, among others.

Helene first hit Florida as a category 4 hurricane on Thursday, Sept. 26 before creating a path of destruction through five more states, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia and Virginia. As of Monday, September 30, there have been over 100 confirmed fatalities, CNN and NBC News report.  

North Carolina has seen the worst number of fatalities with a death toll of 42, which could rise as rescue crews continue searching the area. Communities in Western North Carolina have especially been hit with severe flooding, as a number of areas are covered in several feet of water. 

At least 2 million people in the affected areas are without power as a result of the storm, according to NBC News.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 

Regarding ways to help with Hurricane Helene relief efforts, the Weather Channel suggests financial donations are the best way to support the affected communities.

"While donations of clothing, food and bottled water inevitably rush in, aid organizations say they can create logistical nightmares," the outlet reported. "A financial contribution to a reputable organization, on the other hand, can be funneled to wherever and whatever need is greatest."

Trustworthy organizations include the Red Cross, Florida Disaster Fund and the Salvation Army.