Photo by Colby Rabon, courtesy of Carolina Public Press
CFWNC, Dogwood Health Trust and WNC Bridge Foundation are working to mount a coordinated response to the crisis caused by Hurricane Helene. CFWNC has activated its Emergency and Disaster Response Fund to accept and disburse funds supporting a regional response and relief efforts in 18 counties of Western North Carolina including the Qualla Boundary. Funds will ensure that frontline nonprofits have the resources they need for the critical early response and continuing recovery.
These funders have pulled together before to address serious issues facing Western North Carolina. Numerous private foundations, corporate foundations, businesses, generous individuals and, of course, community foundation colleagues have reached out to assist and support this relief effort. The grant application process will be expedited with the goal of easing administrative burden on our nonprofit partners. Additional details about the Fund, grants and donors will be shared as soon as it is possible.
The extent of the damage and needs in our region is only beginning to be understood. Communications challenges and very difficult conditions on the ground continue to be factor. Recovery will be a long process. Administrative fees are waived so that every dollar goes directly to assistance.
Blue Ridge Public Radio is a good resource for other ways to help.