Many who were in Western Carolina on September 27, 2024, remember waking up in the dark, to the sound of ferocious wind and snapping trees as Hurricane Helene ravaged the region and moments of panic and chaos followed. Almost everyone in WNC was left completely disconnected, without power or water, prompting many to leave their homes and apartments to assess the damage around them. Flooded rivers violently consumed businesses and entire neighborhoods, creating scenes of devastation and unfathomable destruction. People reached for their phones to check on loved ones and friends but found themselves with no cell or internet connection to the outside world. And suddenly, this small pocket of rich culture in the Appalachian mountains became the center of international discussion. In those moments, we became a community in the dark, forced to rely solely on the people immediately around us.
But, as the people of Appalachia have always done, we stood strong for each other. In the first two days of darkness, staff at United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County (UWABC) began reconnecting. Some had already started working with Buncombe County Emergency Services, while others drove to the central office in downtown Asheville to assess damage and identify ways to jump-start recovery efforts. By the following Monday, a core group of tired but determined staff had gathered, ready to discuss how to get much-needed supplies into the community and leverage the many partnerships already in place. As supplies began to fill UWABC’s conference rooms, it quickly became clear that a larger space was needed to meet the growing demand.
“We were pulled into Buncombe County’s effort the week following Helene,” said Erika Goffin, a UWABC staffer instrumental in organizing supply donations and recruiting volunteers.
The county brought to us the idea of assisting with managing a warehouse for small donations to support community partners emerged and was put into action within days. “We received notification that we got the keys to the warehouse on Wednesday evening, October 2, and we opened Friday morning, October 4, with a group of volunteers ready to take in donations.” While UWABC staff weren’t experts in running a warehouse, they stepped up. “The lease of the warehouse was signed by Buncombe County,” said Erika, “but they brought United Way in to manage the warehouse and recruit 1,000+ volunteers and counting.”
Since its opening, the warehouse has received hundreds of shipments from across the country. One of the first deliveries came from a convoy of blue-collar workers from Texas bringing potable water. From that point forward, the support has only grown. Shipments continue to arrive from all over the country, often accompanied by notes of encouragement taped to pallets of supplies. Thousands of people from coast to coast have shared words of hope.
“It has been a quintessential example of collaboration between people, partners, and resources and coming together with different organizations and entities,” said Erika. “It is a bigger ecosystem of support and the conversations I’ve had with those donating have been nothing shy of true compassion and generosity.”
The warehouse serves as more than just a storage facility; it also acts as a distribution hub for community agencies—whether small grassroots groups, local churches, or larger established organizations. Anyone in need can request and receive supplies.
This ecosystem of support also relies on the 1,000+ volunteers who have worked tirelessly in the warehouse since its opening on October 4. Every one of these incredible individuals signed up through the UWABC-run Hands On Asheville Buncombe website, the largest volunteer database in Western North Carolina. Their dedication has been essential to our community’s recovery from Hurricane Helene.
Our volunteers have shown up time and time again—many returning multiple times—to sort, distribute, and organize vital supplies. Their energy and heart not only keep this effort moving but also inspire hope when it’s needed most. Volunteers are the backbone of this recovery effort, and their contributions are a shining example of what it means to care for our neighbors.
We are deeply grateful to every volunteer and donor. Your time, talents, and kindness are making a difference far beyond the walls of the warehouse. But the work isn’t over yet. We encourage everyone to join the effort—whether by volunteering, donating, or spreading the word. Together, we can continue to support our communities as they rebuild, heal, and move forward.
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