When disaster strikes in your neighborhood, all you have is each other.

The number one goal of shop local, or ShoLo, is investing in your community.

They confirmed their values once again, by looking at a true story of a disaster that later turned into a dream come true, Hurricane Katrina.

ShoLo members couldn't believe their eyes as they watched the documentary, "Independent America: Rising From the Ruins.” They say this is the perfect example of why investing in your community is crucial.

Joya Helmuth, Co-Founder of ShoLo, says she couldn't wait to show her members. She says, “It's both an inspirational story and a cautionary tale for the cities that don't support their independent stores. Then, if something catastrophic happens, who's going to step up to the plate?”

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, local, independent businesses were the first to rebuild, not the chain stores.

Here at home, J.V. Peacock, owner of Outpost Sports, says it makes total sense. He believes if disaster struck our area, ShoLo members and the community as a whole would be prepared to respond.

Peacock says, “The principles ShoLo stands for is everything i've always practiced as a business owner. Believe in your community, treat your community well, and you pay back your community and all our money stays in our community.”

“We saw a lot of it at Christmas, people came in and said, "I'm specifically here because you're a local business and I want to support a local business.”

After watching the film, Peacock and Helmuth believe local roots will truly mean long term success. They hope to see more people take charge and set up shop in this community.

Helmuth says, “We're here, we're living it, and this is our livelihood.”

Peacock says, “Regardless of the economy, you've got to do it. Go with your dream, follow it, and work hard towards it.”

In the almost two and a half years ShoLo has existed in St. Joseph County, founders say the membership has grown drastically. Ruight now, they have 99 members and they're always looking for more.

If you'd like to read more about the documentary or learn more about ShoLo, go to www.sholo.org.