COVID-19

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The COVID-19 pandemic represents an unprecedented challenge—for our community and for people everywhere—in ways that we are only now beginning to understand. 

While federal, state, and local health officials agree that social distancing is key to fighting the spread of this virus, we also know that closing schools and curtailing public services will put a strain on many in our community, especially those living at or below the poverty line. 

There are many in our community who are working hard to ensure that all our neighbors are cared for. United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County is committed to being there at every stage of this crisis as it unfolds.

As a valued member of our community, we want you to know what we've been tackling since the crisis began, how you can find help, and how you can support others. 
 

Our Response Strategies

United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County’s long history, expertise, and diverse network of relationships across the community position us well to respond to this crisis in critically important ways. Specifically, we see our highest priorities to be:

Connecting individuals and families in Buncombe County — and across WNC — to the resources, they need to get through this crisis.

• NC 211 is a valuable source of information and referrals for individuals and families experiencing hardship as a result of school and business closures. We regularly update the information in the database and spend as much time with each caller as needed to ensure that they have all the information they need. 
   
• Community Schools is serving as an important hub of support for students and families in Asheville and Buncombe County. We are working with parents, staff, and community partners at our schools to identify the most urgent needs emerging from the crisis and developing strategies to meet those needs swiftly.

Connecting community partners in Buncombe County with the resources they need to effectively serve individuals and families.

• We've been tracking the emerging in-kind needs of our community and school partners and linking them with the resources donated by local businesses and faith groups.
   
• We've put our volunteer center, Hands On Asheville-Buncombe, onto the job of finding volunteers to support relief efforts.