There are a lot of folks doing truly great work who are not on this list. These are the locally run organizations I have personal relationship with, and I can vouch for their integrity and effectiveness. I’m also impressed with what FEMA, World Central Kitchen, the Cajun Navy and many others are doing, but the accent here is for local folks who are particularly focused on reaching the folks who are often left out of recovery efforts.
BeLoved Asheville — These folks have been on the ground for years, and are in deep relationship with lots of the Asheville area’s most marginalized folks. I played music at the wedding of the main organizers there when they married each other, and consider them friends.
Bridging The Gaps — is a collaborative initiative of the YMI Cultural Center, The People’s Place, Noir Collective AVL, JD Ellison & Co., OG Synergy, OURavl, and Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ). They are organizing to ensure that the most marginalized members of our community are being connected with necessary supplies and support in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Their top (though not exclusive) priority is ensuring the safety of Black community members. My brother-in-law Eric is a part of this effort.
Black Mountain Presbyterian Church — BMPC has been at the center of relief efforts in Black Mountain and surrounding areas. Deanna and Mason have volunteered there, and I have a bit, too. They are meeting a whole lot of needs, and are doing a great job.
Bounty & Soul — is a nonprofit organization providing free produce markets and wellness education in Black Mountain. They have been connecting people to food, education, and each other for years, they are still doing so, and they will continue to do so when the national and international folks pull out. The founder is a friend of mine.
White Horse Community Fund — The White Horse has partnered with four local nonprofits who are working to support food security, home repair, mental health, and fuel needs for the winter.
