Rescue Carolina: Locals helping locals in Western NC

Friends,

We are blown away by the support we have received in the last several weeks. Thank you, thank you, thank you. We wanted to update you on our plans for Rescue Carolina. Once the GoFundMe funds are released to the Rescue Carolina account, we will immediately be writing checks to organizations that are actively responding to a wide cross-section of needs in our region, including in Ashe, Henderson, Buncombe, and Transylvania Counties. Those organizations are:

Housing Assistance: The Housing Assistance Corporation is a non-profit organization committed to providing safe and affordable housing for persons of limited income living in Henderson County, North Carolina, and surrounding areas. They are activating resources to make housing safe again for as many as possible.

Cedar Mountain Music Project: Live music is an integral part of socializing and healing post-pandemic and post-disaster. Cedar Mountain Music Project is supporting locations in the community that host local music events at low or no cost to the public.

NC Arts Disaster Relief Fund: Hosted by the NC Arts Foundation, this fund is providing funding and assistance to artists and arts organizations affected by Hurricane Helene.

Sunny Morning Ash County: In partnership with Blue Ridge Opportunity Commission of Ashe, Sunday Morning is providing fuel, firewood, window replacements and immediate crisis needs for Hurricane Helene-affected Ashe County residents as many without safe housing prepare for winter weather.

Equal Plate: Currently providing 1000+ meals every day, Equal Plates Project is purchasing from local farmers, acquiring equipment to scale production, and donating thousands more meals in the coming 100 days.

Beloved Asheville: Beloved Asheville’s immediate focus has been on critical necessities like food, water, and healthcare for survival and stability. As winter looms, they are securing warm and safe housing for the displaced.

El Centro: El Centro is a Latino-led nonprofit that serves the Hispanic community and connects them to resources in Transylvania County. In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, they are providing critical support to families whose homes and livelihoods were washed away by the storm.

Friends of Rosman: A homegrown town committee turned nonprofit, Friends of Rosman supports the well-being of neighbors in Rosman, NC–our town of 733 people on the edge of the French Broad River and Pisgah National Forest.

We will keep you posted on recovery efforts, with deep thanks for your ongoing support.

Woody and Shannon

*****

Friends,

In the last week, we have been working with our neighbors in Western North Carolina to provide direct relief to those most impacted by Hurricane Helene. In the wake of risen water, entire communities are experiencing hunger, thirst, and homelessness, often in areas not reached by news cameras.

While the flooding and mudslides swallowed homes, roads, and gathering places, they did not–could not–overcome the spirit of this place. We are a resilient region, a community bolstered by our bond with the land and our collective restoration, even in the shadow of devastation.

On October 11th, proceeds from Woody’s album release concert in Brevard will benefit our efforts to “Rescue Carolina.” The concert will be livestreamed here: https://www.facebook.com/share/t37pps7UwRhe5pXa/

As we continue providing critical, basic aid to help families get back on their feet, we welcome your support. Because of our proximity, local knowledge, and relationships, 100% of funds will go directly to individuals impacted by the storm–locals helping locals. Together, we’ll make it through.

With deep thanks,

Shannon and Woody