Lend a Hand to Western North Carolina

The recent battering by Tropical Storm Helene has left Western North Carolina grappling with unprecedented challenges. We are committed to rebuilding together and your involvement is key. Pisgah National Forest stretches north across Western North Carolina from our home in Transylvania County up to Avery County in the east. Not only are we connected to this forest physically, but also in the way that we cherish this land and the people in it. In the wake of this disaster, it’s more important than ever to care for our neighbors. There are many local organizations doing crucial work providing essentials to affected residents. If you’d like to join in their efforts, there are lots of ways to get involved.

IF YOU ARE LOCAL:

• The Sharing House is providing disaster relief to Transylvania Co. Donations are distributed locally. https://www.sharinghouse.org/ 
• SORBA is building a database of volunteers to help restore the forest. Add your name to the list here. 
• DuPont State Forest is looking for volunteers for future trail events. Learn More Here.
• Manna Food Bank needs volunteers to help organize and distribute donations. Sign up here to volunteer.
• Beloved Asheville is serving Buncombe County. You can donate and volunteer, find more information here.

Needs vary by location. Rural communities have been especially affected by this disaster. Landslides and flooding have contributed to washouts of roads and bridges making people and places completely inaccessible. This includes Madison, Mitchell, and Rutherford counties. As well as the areas outside of Brevard like Canton, Hendersonville, and Swannanoa. Consider donating to groups working in these districts. 

DONATIONS:

Helpful alternatives to volunteering are direct monetary donations, fulfilling online wishlists, and sending e-gift cards to groups and individuals taking action. We encourage you to support established organizations with strong community ties. 

LATIN COMMUNITIES:

Spanish-Speaking communities face an added barrier in situations such as these. Here are a few local organizations that are providing support locally.

• Brevard/Transylvania County: Caja Solidaria 
• Hendersonville: Tierra Fertil
• Asheville/Buncombe County: Comite Popular De Asheville Por La Justica Social 

REBUILDING:

As communities begin to move from relief to repair, the avenues for providing support will need to adapt accordingly. There will be a demand for individuals with specialized skills. Those willing and able to provide their time and expertise will be absolutely vital. We can also anticipate growing calls for monetary donations as well as raw materials for rebuilding homes and buildings, tools, pathogen testing kits, and the like. 

• Asheville Tool Library is a great example and resource. They offer tools, PPE, and even classes. 

The major burden of this work has been shouldered by first responders, lineman, and other emergency response teams. They have been working tirelessly to ensure the safety of our community. 

Relief and clean up efforts are ongoing – it’s important that we keep main roads and byways open so that those  providing critical goods and services can move freely to people and places in need. Please be considerate of this as you’re traveling through Western North Carolina. 

Stay informed and stay safe. We appreciate your continued support.