A long standing movement partner, BeLoved Asheville, is making a remarkable difference in WNC. Building on a long history of addressing food access, deeply affordable housing, racial equity, healthcare on the streets, cultural celebrations, enrichment and school supplies for our kids, BeLoved Asheville hit the ground on day 1 to provide Helene response and recovery support alongside of community members coming together across a wide array of backgrounds and beliefs.
True to their mission, BeLoved Asheville’s central focus has been on listening and responding to community needs while strengthening the fabric of community through fellowship, celebrating the human and physical resources showing up from across and outside of the region, and healing trauma experienced by all. Their support has been flexible and broad in scope, changing over time to address evolving needs. They also have been coordinating with governmental, community based organizations, faith communities, and individuals from across impacted areas to support effective distribution of available resources.
Their 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, many of whom do not have financial resources to cover the expenses. Prior to Helene, BeLoved Asheville led a remarkable project of building the first Beloved Village – 12 tiny homes in East Asheville built through social connections and equity with the goal of better health, more opportunities, and long-term stability for working poor families, African American and Latinx communities suffering from gentrification, elders living on fixed income, people with different abilities, and people living on the streets. 100% of the costs of the project came through community donations of funds, labor, expertise, and supplies and grant funding. As a result of this work, BeLoved has an activated network of technical experts, community partners, funders, and committed volunteers who have transitioned into supporting folks impacted by Helene with a variety of building and repair needs.
NC PPC is asking movement members to consider ongoing support for the recovery work of BeLoved Asheville. Full recovery from such vast destruction will require large-scale investment over several years. Current priority needs include campers and RVs, land for housing, construction supplies, chain saws, power tools, 4X4 UTVs, refrigerated box truck with lift gate, propane generators, propane heaters, tents, propane cook stoves, cleaning supplies, and visa gift cards.
There are many ways you can help:
– Make a one-time or ongoing donation.
– Sign up to volunteer and be part of coming together to rebuild a community that embodies home, health, equity, and opportunity for all.
– Donate priority supplies needed to support the current phase of recovery.
Forward together!
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