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. The dollars generously given from our donors around the world is will be placed into the hands of trusted community partners who are helping individuals, families, and areas hardest hit by the storm. Through operational grants, direct financial assistance, and strategic support, we’re committed to our support and sharing the stories of how this funding is rebuilding lives.

As we move forward, UWABC will continue to highlight the powerful work of our partners and the resilience of community members impacted by these efforts. We pledge transparency in how donor dollars are transforming lives, and we’re excited to share these stories of hope, strength, and recovery.

When we first met Tammy, she was standing in the middle of a bustling community space— the basketball court at the Edington Center, that had transformed into a relief center for Hurricane Helene. People were everywhere, with community members volunteering, kids playing in the corners, and elders coming in for much-needed supplies.

Tammy was right there in the heart of it all, working shoulder to shoulder with her son and several other women from the halfway house she now calls home. They were sorting donations, distributing food, and offering comfort to those who came through the doors, each bringing their own story of resilience.

It was only about 7 months ago that she’d arrived at this halfway house through the guidance of Phillip Cooper at Operation Gateway, a trusted partner of United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County (UWABC). She’d faced hardship, particularly around addiction and loss but had also found a path forward, supported by Phillip and the Operation Gateway team.

As Tammy shared her story, it was clear just how far she’d come. “I mean he helped me from a couple weeks after I got out of prison and he got me out of the wrong place, wrong time. Phillip helped get me into a place to live. They helped me get all my stuff and get my legal papers back in order. They helped me get a job. Everything. And now they're helping my son do the same thing”.

The support Operation Gateway is providing to Tammy is also extended to her son who got out of prison in late October 2024 and is now working alongside dozens of volunteers to support Buncombe County.

Tammy’s resilience was evident from the second you met her. However, it particularly showed when she shared her own experiences with Hurricane Helene. She’d lost her place of work in the storm effectively losing all her income, but instead of being overwhelmed by the setback, she channeled her energy into helping others. Like so many others, Tammy’s place of residence lost power and water for weeks but she focused on working with Operation Gateway to support others. Tammy, who noted she has been helped by many along her way said, “Being back here, giving something back, it feels great. Oh, it really does.”

Amid the relief efforts, Tammy is rewriting her own story, “breaking generational curses” as she put it. Her new chapter is one rooted in community support and fueled by a growing sense of purpose. Her hope sends the message that it’s possible to start fresh. As she says, “Your story doesn’t have to start when everyone thinks it started… And if I can do it, anyone can do it.”

Tammy and Her Son

Tammy and her son

At United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County, we believe that supporting trusted, local organizations is one of the most impactful ways to serve our community. That’s why we provided gift cards to partners like Phillip Cooper at Operation Gateway. This direct support allows them to respond to urgent needs within their own communities—exactly where they know it’s needed most. Tammy and her son, who has been working tirelessly alongside other volunteers, were among those who received these gift cards. These funds aren’t just monetary assistance; they represent a commitment to community members who have lost jobs, faced displacement, or simply need extra support to keep moving forward.

By putting resources directly into the hands of people on the ground, we’re empowering leaders like Phillip and helping dedicated volunteers, people who have lost so much, and those working hard to rebuild, find stability and support when they need it most.

To volunteer, sign up via Hands-On Asheville Buncombe

To support this work Donate to our Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts

Want to hear directly from our volunteers? Check out Zholi’s story

Tammy's Story How Your Support is Powering Relief and Recovery across Buncombe County

Tammy and Her Son

To support this work Donate to our Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts

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