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For over 100 years, United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County (UWABC) has been at the heart of our community, standing as a pillar of connection, support, and resilience. When Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina, our commitment to these values drove us to action. In a moment that tested us ALL, our team—along with countless partners and volunteers—came together to meet the overwhelming needs of our neighbors.
Over six weeks between November and December, the River 2 AmeriCorps NCCC team was pivotal in mobilizing critical resources and managing volunteers at four distinct relief sites across Buncombe County. From the far North at the Big Ivy Community Center, through the Swannanoa Valley at Hearts with Hands, into Black Mountain at Appalachian Community Relief, to the students and families at Erwin and Reynolds Middle Schools, these River 2 team members exemplified the spirit and unity of service that has defined UWABC for over the past 100 years.
Led by our own Erika Goffin, a former AmeriCorps member herself, we strategically placed these team members at key sites, including the Big Ivy Community Center, Appalachian Community Relief, Hearts with Hands, and both the Erwin Middle and Reynolds Middle Community Schools. Erika’s leadership and passion ensured that these young adults were oriented and prepared to ensure their service reached the areas and people who needed it most.
The results were nothing short of extraordinary. Together, River 2 coordinated 1,199 volunteers, assisted over 10,000 people looking for resources, distributed more than 22,000 pounds of food, and provided essential supplies, clothing, and meals. From creating book bundles for children to organizing disaster relief sites, the impact was both tangible and deeply felt. But more than the tasks they completed, it's the deep emotional support they provided to hundreds of our neighbors in some of the most devastating situations of their lives, that will linger long after their departure
Allison Hargus, founder of Appalachian Community Relief, which began mobilizing supplies at the Ingles in Black Mountain as a response to the storm, shares her sentiments on being a site for two members of River 2,
“I was so impressed and inspired by how dedicated our AmeriCorps folks were. They worked tirelessly in wind, rain, and dark to make sure our community had the resources they needed. Without Devlyn and Daniel, Appalachian Community Relief leadership would not have had the supplemental administrative support we so desperately needed. It was inspiring to see how they became a part of the community as they worked side by side with locals. The compassion and openness they displayed will have lasting impacts for years to come in WNC.”
As we continue to support our community’s recovery, we are thrilled to announce that we have secured a second round of AmeriCorps members to join our efforts. The news couldn’t have come at a more serendipitous moment: we received the congratulatory call while our entire staff was volunteering at Big Ivy Community Center. While touring the grounds, we visited the site where the Civilian Conservation Corps (C.C.C.) was stationed in the early 20th century. The C.C.C., which eventually evolved into AmeriCorps, symbolizes the enduring legacy of national service. It felt like a full-circle moment, connecting our history, present, and future.
At United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County, we are proud to be part of a community that rises together. The road to recovery is long, but with your support and the ongoing dedication of AmeriCorps, we will continue to rebuild stronger than ever. Wherever you are in our community, stay tuned for more exciting work to be accomplished and if you see the AmeriCorps logo out there, take a moment to thank them for their service and we wish River 2 the best on future projects across the country.
