“The music community has really risen to the challenge,” Haynes says of the benefit shows popping up across the country to provide relief to flood victims in North Carolina and Florida following the one-two punch of Helene and Hurricane Milton. On Saturday, Eric Church and Luke Combs headlined a major fundraiser in Charlotte that raised more than $24 million in relief funds.

According to a press release, net proceeds will benefit the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation's Soulshine Concert Fund, which will benefit Habitat for Humanity's 2024 Hurricane Recovery Fund and also support a number of local nonprofits in North Carolina and Florida.

More than a month since record-breaking flooding and strong winds hit western North Carolina, many areas are still without clean water. Since 96 people were killed by Helene in WNC alone, numerous mountain communities were wiped out. The timelines for a return to normality are either years in the future or unknown at this point.

“I’m just so grateful that all of our friends in the (music) industry are doing their best,” Haynes added. “It makes sense for us to do something, and it evolves a little more every day.”

It's been a whirlwind of emotions for Haynes – who is set to release his new solo album. Millions of voices whisperon Nov. 1 — as he struggles to comprehend the destruction of certain parts of Asheville, a city his 87-year-old mother, young brother Brian and many members of his extended family still call home.

“Most of my family had been relocated until a few days ago,” says Haynes. “Without electricity or mobile communications for weeks. My mother is finally home and has water again – she is very happy to be home.”

Haynes says his mother's home overlooks the decimated River Arts District, a popular creative hive of studios and galleries along the old French Broad River. Hayne's brother also owns a record store there, Records in the RAD, which was flooded.

“The inventory is gone, but they managed to get most of the art out,” Haynes says. “I got a text from my mom today saying they’re down there now, working on the store.”

Although Haynes's heart is heavy, he finds solace and solace in the determination that is at the core of what it means to be from Southern Appalachia. “The people of Asheville and Western North Carolina are very community-oriented and help each other,” Haynes said. “Strangers help strangers. I was raised to have a strong sense of community. It’s always been instilled in me.”

General pre-sales for “Soulshine,” produced by Dayglo Presents in association with Live Nation, begin Friday, November 1 at 10 a.m. ET.