Mission

We’re now Appalachia Relief. Learn more about our name change.

We are committed to supporting Southern Appalachia by providing real-time, reliable recovery information to those impacted by Hurricane Helene. Our mission is simple: empower residents with crowdsourced, vetted, secure resources they can trust to rebuild their lives. We focus on keeping information up-to-date and easily accessible, ensuring that everyone has what they need to recover and thrive.

We believe in the strength of community and the power of collaboration. Our approach is flexible and volunteer-driven, allowing anyone to contribute based on their skills and resources. With a decentralized structure, every volunteer plays an essential role, fostering a shared sense of responsibility and respect. In the first six weeks, our efforts helped over 100,000 people access the critical resources they needed. This is proof of what can be achieved when we come together as a community.

Our commitment to recovery is grounded in humility and empathy. As needs evolve, so will our efforts. We remain dedicated to ensuring that the region’s recovery is sustainable and that all individuals can reach self-sufficiency and long-term resilience.

The Problem

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, many residents struggle to access essential resources. Information is often outdated, hard to find, or not shared effectively, leaving vulnerable communities and remote areas behind. These gaps in communication and resource availability slow down recovery efforts and prolong the hardships faced by many families.

Our Solution

Our solution is straightforward: real-time, vetted recovery information that the community can count on. Through the efforts of our volunteers, we verify and update crucial resources, ensuring that everyone, especially those in marginalized or hard-to-reach areas, has access to what they need. By prioritizing clear communication, collaboration, and a thorough vetting process, we help bridge the gap between those seeking help and the resources available, supporting residents and business owners on their path to recovery and long-term resilience.

Collaborative Approach

We know that recovery works best when the community works together. Our core mission is “from the crowd, for the crowd,” but we also collaborate with local nonprofits, grassroots organizations, businesses, and government agencies to provide accurate, real-time recovery information to all of Southern Appalachia. These partnerships ensure a unified response to the challenges our community faces.

Key Areas of Collaboration

• Resource Sharing: Distribute vetted, up-to-date recovery information across networks.
• Joint Initiatives: Co-host events and workshops that support the recovery process.
• Coordinated Support: Streamline efforts to maximize the impact and reach of recovery services.

Transparency and Accountability

We are dedicated to transparency in everything we do. Clear, open communication is at the heart of our operations. We’re working to formalize reporting systems to track progress and measure our impact. Our partners stay informed of our activities, ensuring accountability at every stage of the recovery process.

Partnering Globally to Enhance Local Impact

As we move forward, we remain focused on strengthening our relationships with grassroots organizations, local nonprofits, and businesses that share our commitment to community empowerment. While our primary focus is on the impactful work being done locally, we also see great value in forming global partnerships to support and amplify our initiatives. 

By collaborating with national and international partners, we aim to share knowledge, expand resources, and enhance outreach efforts. This ensures that the sustainable recovery models we advocate for can benefit communities across the globe. Through these collaborations, we aim to build lasting global networks that not only strengthen local efforts but also contribute to the long-term resilience of communities worldwide.

For more information about volunteering, email volunteer@ashevillerelief.org.

For more information about partnering, email partner@ashevillerelief.org.