In the wake of Hurricane Helene's destruction, United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County (UWABC) is working alongside our valued partners to help our community recover and rebuild. Experts specializing in natural disasters tell us recovery efforts will take at least a decade. This organization and its staff are 100% committed to this endeavor. 

As a trusted nonprofit community anchor organization, UWABC's purpose is to mobilize and support a robust network of people, partners, and resources to co-create opportunities for every person in our community to live free from poverty and injustice. Rooted in over a century of service, UWABC remains steadfast in our commitment to ensuring student success, family stability, and the equitable recovery of our entire community — we're in this together, and it's only by working together that we build back BUNCOMBE STRONG | BUNCOMBE UNITED.

The Road Ahead

Moving forward, our recovery strategy will focus on three key areas:

• 60% Recovery Work — strategic funding to address mid to long-term recovery efforts
   
• 10% UWABC's Relief and Recovery Work — including raising and distributing goods and resources, mobilizing thousands of volunteers, and coordinating response efforts and information between nonprofits, government, and business partners in our community

Early Investments

By November 30, we will have invested $1.5M in Relief Work. We've already dispersed most of those funds, with $165K in stabilization funds going to current nonprofit partners — many of whom support vulnerable youth throughout our community, $670K in direct assistance to individuals and families, and another $605K to urgent needs work by local nonprofit organizations.

Recovery Stage Funding

The Recovery stage will address the hurricane's longer-term impacts. We expect decisions related to this process to begin in December.

There are two key areas you can help fund as we work to support our community:

• We continue to have regular communication with local government officials to help connect their response and recovery strategies with grassroots groups, nonprofits, and business partners
   
• We support continuous communication between our community partners and our teammates at NC211 to ensure the information in their database reflects the fast-paced and changing reality on the ground
   
• And we are helping to convene relief and recovery partners to establish a Long Term Recovery Group that will focus on ensuring all of those affected by Helene recover and are better prepared for future disasters. Stay tuned for more as the overall details and logistics are established

Stay Connected

UWABC sends two monthly newsletters, one covering our core work, and the other on volunteer opportunities. These newsletters are a great way to stay informed and engaged in our community. Sign up today!

The Latest

Stories are the heart of community. During this difficult time, we have been humbled to see neighbors supporting neighbors, and entire communities coming together to offer help, respite, and hope. We've tried to capture what that looks like and encourage you to explore the content below. Please bookmark this page and visit often as this content is updated regularly.

Resources

Individuals

• FEMA: To apply for disaster assistance, including financial support:
  • Phone: 1-800-621-3362
  • Website: (Hurricane Helene)
     
• Dial 2-1-1 (24/7) for NON-EMERGENCY requests for information. This includes locations of shelters, how to find help with food or water, and later information about FEMA and other rebuilding support efforts.
   
• Support local relief efforts: Donate Supplies
   
• Buncombe County Government Community Resources Website
   

Nonprofit and Community Partners

• Your NC 211 Listing
  • Is your agency listed in the 211 database? Make sure your nonprofit profile is up to date.  (especially if your hours, services, or contact information have changed during the crisis)
  • Not listed? Here's how to ensure callers to the 24/7 information and referral line know about you. 
     
• Funding Opportunities
  • NC Disaster Relief Fund Application - up to $10,000 in operational funds for nonprofits
  • Dogwood Health Trust - information about their process and a list of regional funding resources
     
• Request Supplies: Nonprofits and Community Groups can pick up and request bulk supplies from: 
  • BeLoved 32 Old Charlotte Hwy
  • Hearts With Hands 850 Warren Wilson Road Swannanoa (Contact Alyce with a list of your needs at 828-505-5306)
     
• Learn more about the Long-Term Recovery Group

Additional Ways to Support