On November 18, 2024, the Trinity Episcopal Church was brimming with energy. Attendees from grassroots organizations, nonprofits, church groups, and volunteer teams from across Buncombe County filled every available seat—extra chairs had to be brought in.
When Hurricane Helene struck, it was clear that the road to recovery would require all hands on deck. At United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County (UWABC), our staff immediately came together to do what we do best: connect volunteers, partners, and resources to respond to our community’s needs.
The following advocacy opportunity comes directly to us from the WNC Early Childhood Coalition:
Last week we asked you to call Senator Berger and House Speaker Moore and ask them to fund child care teacher compensation grants through June 2025. Big thanks to everyone who was able to make those calls! This week we need to continue the push - that's why we are asking you to take 5 minutes and call your WNC representatives TODAY!
ASHEVILLE - Tourists returning to Western North Carolina after Tropical Storm Helene devastated the region on Sept. 27 can assist residents and organizations with recovery efforts through donations or voluntourism ― volunteering while vacationing in the area.
Elisabeth Bocklet, senior director of marketing and communications for United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County, said people coming from out-of-town should contact the local organization in advance to coordinate large in-kind donation drop-offs and to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
The following banner ad and funding opportunity were on the Propel app in November. This promotion is complete.
On Saturday, November 9, Angela Williams, President and CEO of United Way Worldwide, visited some of the hardest-hit areas of WNC, including the Swannanoa Valley.
While with us, Williams met with Megan Davis, Assistant Principal at Owen Middle School and Josh Wells, Community School Coordinator at Owen. Through them she learned more about Community Schools and how the work we've been doing for the past 6 years in the Owen district has helped us support the local community.
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.
On Saturday, November 9, Angela Williams, President and CEO of United Way Worldwide, arrived in Asheville to meet with Dan Leroy, President and CEO United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County as well as Rebecca Hall, Executive Director of High Country United Way in Boone, NC. This followed visits to other areas in the disaster zone.
Pisgah Legal will be hosting virtual sessions to help protect your organization and clients.
For more information, visit pisgahlegal.org/infosessions
