As we begin NC Climate Week, our hearts are heavy. It’s hard to ignore the devastating impact Hurricane Helene has had on Asheville and the entire Western NC region. Homes destroyed, lives disrupted and lost, and communities forever changed. This isn’t just a natural disaster – it’s a stark reminder that climate change is here and deeply affecting the places we call home.
Our fight for a more sustainable, resilient future has never been more urgent. As a community, we must come together not only to rebuild but to push for systemic change that addresses the root cause of these climate events.
If you’re looking to help those affected, here are some incredible Western NC organizations providing critical support:
DONATE:
• World Central Kitchen (WCK) has boots on the ground in Asheville, collaborating with local restaurants like Chai Pani, Rhubarb, Cúrate, Twisted Laurel, and Bears to provide crucial food relief. Their efforts are making a real difference in the community. Consider supporting their work.
• Wooden Robot Brewery, Great Wagon Road Distilling, Town Brewing, Resident Culture Brewing Company, Triple C Brewing Company, HopFly Brewing, NoDa Brewing, Not Just Coffee, Free Range Brewing and more are collecting essential supplies dropped off at their Charlotte locations for delivery to WNC.
VOLUNTEER:
VolunteerNC and NC Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster are looking for volunteers to help with disaster services, like shelter, home repair/rebuild, donations warehousing, and more.
RESOURCES:
• NC211 Residents trying to connect with family members in WNC may call NC 211 or 1-888-892-1162 or NC211.org for a wellness check.
• Asheville/WNC Resources Crowd sourced flood relief document with the latest needs from those there.
• NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services Recovery Emergency Programs works in partnership with public and private sector organizations to facilitate agriculture disaster assistance and long-term resiliency initiatives.
• Supporting WNC A comprehensive database updated in real time with county specific needs and resources. Find out where certain items are needed most, how to volunteer, and much more.
Photo is of last year’s vibrant fall foliage in Western NC—a reminder of the natural beauty that surrounds us. Today, those same landscapes are facing a starkly different reality. While nature’s beauty is resilient, the damage caused is undeniable.
Let’s show the world what the resilience of our community looks like, while continuing the fight against the systemic drivers of climate change
