Renaming to Appalachia Relief

Dear Friends,

I’m writing this open letter to you to share an important change, and the care behind it. Our all-volunteer collective here at Asheville Relief has unanimously decided to change its name to Appalachia Relief. I want to take a few moments to explain why this matters to all of us.

When Helene hit, it wasn’t just one city affected. Communities across the entire Appalachian region faced devastation. We have seen incredible resilience and strength, not just in Asheville but in every town and mountain hollow. Our mission has always been to vet resource information to help those who need it most. We have realized that to truly honor that commitment, our name had to reflect the broader community of who we are and who we serve.

This incredible effort we’ve seen isn’t just about geography. It’s about unity. Every family, every neighbor, and every town deserves to be seen and supported with accurate, safe information. AppalachiaRelief.org represents our promise to stand together, ensuring no one feels overlooked or forgotten. This change symbolizes growth and a step toward better representation of the diverse, vibrant voices and stories that make up this truly special region. Together, we’re not just rebuilding. We hope to help rebuild hope. Thank you for walking this journey with us.

You will also note some updates to the website, including better menus, improved accessibility, and improved site speed. Please also offer us your grace and patience as we revisit our webpages, social media, and other documentation to change our name everywhere over the coming days and weeks.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me directly.

With gratitude and solidarity,

Zachary Wine
Interim Executive Director
AppalachiaRelief.org
ZacW@AshevilleRelief.org (for now)