Empower Asheville Families to Rebuild Lives

In the days and weeks following Hurricane Helene, Asheville residents are juggling finding missing friends and family, clearing debris, trees, and downed powerlines to access people still unable to leave their homes, and obtaining food, water, and other basic resources on a daily basis with the reality that they are quickly running out of money and have no job to return to.

Your help provides not only peace of mind but the ability for individuals to maintain a basic living situation as they rebuild their lives alongside their city.

Hi, I'm Amy Lloyd, an Asheville resident. I'm hearing the same story from so many residents (including myself!) that I was motivated to do what I can to help.

"My place of work no longer exists. I have no job to return to and no one is hiring right now."

"I don't know if or when I'll be able to return to work."

"I'm quickly running out of money and don't know what I'll do."

"I've thrown away so much food that rotted in the fridge while the power was out and now I'm struggling to buy enough to eat."

Community outreach programs are inundated with people seeking food and other basic household items. But these people also are worried about simply paying their bills.

Wage earners, restaurant and hospitality workers, and more just lost 100% of their income indefinitely.

People are tenacious. I have no doubt that every one of us will rebound. I also know that everyone comes back faster and stronger when they receive a hand up.

The Asheville community has banded together in beautiful ways, with each person selflessly sharing all they have. I am seeking to expand that communal spirit. Help these tenacious and loving people through this challenge so that we all can get back to what we do best, welcome YOU to visit our beautiful mountain home.

As a Trauma Recovery Coach, I know the long-lasting impact extreme stress can cause. With your support, we can minimize the trauma responses that Asheville residents experience moving forward. You see, when we are in life and death or extreme survival situations long term, the brain begins wiring for that sort of reality. Even when the person is in a stable place, they will perceive threat, lack, want, and struggle to ever feel secure.

When others, people just like you, offer a hand, it tells the person's nervous system, 'I see you and you're not alone.' The person is able to take a huge sigh of relief which in turn helps their brain function at optimal capacity. Feeling a sense of security, feeling they are not alone, and having a fully functioning brain means they will be able to exercise creative problem-solving more quickly. They will be able to find new ways of securing an income. Many will even go as far as to make lemonade with the lemons Hurricane Helene just threw at them and will create beautiful solutions for themselves that set them up in even better circumstances than where they were before the storm. But they cannot do that as long as they are living in constant fight or flight, worried about their very survival.

Funds will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis to people experiencing job loss or lack of employment opportunities. Amounts paid out will vary based on the specific bills presented for payment. 100% of your contributions will go to monthly expenses like rent, insurance, medical expenses, food and more so that individuals and families can focus on successfully navigating their basic daily needs and return to work at the first opportunity.

Individuals and families will know they are seen. They will know they are not alone. Breathing a sigh of relief knowing their basic needs are met, they can put all their brain power into rebuilding thriving lives, even as they continue selflessly lending a hand to help their neighbors do the same.

This is what community looks like. And we can't do it without you.

Your contributions are making all the difference - one family at a time.