When Hurricane Helene struck, it was clear that the road to recovery would require all hands on deck. At United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County (UWABC), our staff immediately came together to do what we do best: connect volunteers, partners, and resources to respond to our community’s needs.

The following advocacy opportunity comes directly to us from the WNC Early Childhood Coalition:

Last week we asked you to call Senator Berger and House Speaker Moore and ask them to fund child care teacher compensation grants through June 2025. Big thanks to everyone who was able to make those calls! This week we need to continue the push - that's why we are asking you to take 5 minutes and call your WNC representatives TODAY!

ASHEVILLE - Tourists returning to Western North Carolina after Tropical Storm Helene devastated the region on Sept. 27 can assist residents and organizations with recovery efforts through donations or voluntourism ― volunteering while vacationing in the area.

Elisabeth Bocklet, senior director of marketing and communications for United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County, said people coming from out-of-town should contact the local organization in advance to coordinate large in-kind donation drop-offs and to inquire about volunteer opportunities.

In response to Hurricane Helene, United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County (UWABC) is directing funding across three key areas to support our community’s recovery: 30% toward urgent relief work for immediate needs, 60% toward long-term recovery in areas like housing and youth support, and 10% for UWABC-led volunteer mobilization, supplies distribution, and coordination with emergency partners.