Dear RJC Supporters,
The devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in Asheville and Western North Carolina has deeply impacted our community, especially our most vulnerable neighbors—BIPOC families, the elderly, those with varied abilities, children, and low-income households. Many were left without food, clean water, power, and basic supplies for weeks, and schools remained closed indefinitely. When grocery stores and gas stations initially reopened, they only accepted cash, further magnifying the gap of privilege and poverty, as those without access to cash or food stamps faced even greater challenges.
In response, the Racial Justice Coalition immediately shifted all programming to focus on emergency relief. The first seven days were critical as we saw the tragic rise in the death toll. Our team rented vans and drove daily between Asheville, Greenville, and Charlotte, gathering essential supplies like high-protein food, baby formula, diapers, toiletries, flashlights, and drinking and flushing water. These supplies were delivered directly to public housing communities and Legacy Neighborhoods, often overlooked or considered last.
We conducted wellness checks at over 1,000 homes, provided new warm blankets to all residents of Altamont Apartments (mostly elderly and disabled), and relocated 35 families dependent on medical equipment, including elderly and pregnant individuals. One mother we safely relocated gave birth to a healthy baby in Charlotte days later.
Our efforts didn’t stop there. We sponsored food trucks, feeding over 1,600 community members with hot, delicious meals, and provided childcare and lunch to 13 working families.
Even as power is restored in some areas, many remain without clean water. Some families are still living in tents, and sadly, lives have been lost due to the flood, the cold temperatures, mudslides, tree failings etc.
Additionally, environmental hazards are surfacing. A toxic waste dumping site was planned in Deaverview Homes, a public housing community where families and children reside. Thanks to community advocacy, this site has been placed on hold, but it highlights the ongoing environmental racism our low-income neighborhoods face.
We’ve been boots on the ground for weeks supporting our community, while staff has also been impacted. Due to Hurricane Helene, one team member lost their home and is displaced, and is need of affordable permanent housing – all while still working to support our community. Another staff member is temporary displaced with their children. Any available resources are appreciated.
Nevertheless, the work continues…
This week, we’ve shifted to case management, helping individuals facing eviction, connecting families to housing resources, and offering utility support.
In its first meeting following Tropical Storm Helene, Asheville City Council approved the reallocation of existing city funds to provide grants for home repairs, business stabilization, and rental assistance. In a series of unanimous votes on Tuesday, the council directed approximately $4.4 million to these recovery efforts, just ahead of the reopening of many city offices. Let’s keep a. Lose look to ensure those funds are equitably allocated.
How You Can Help our post-Helene efforts:
1. Donate – Your financial support allows us to continue these vital efforts. Please consider a one-time or monthly donation at our donation page:
https://www.rjcavl.org/donate/
2. Spread the Word – Amplify our message by sharing with your network. Every share makes a difference.
3. Get Involved – We’re offering free rides to the polls to ensure everyone can vote. Email us at info@rjcavl.org to schedule your ride, and don’t forget to tag us with your “I Voted” sticker for a chance to win a $100 gift card.
4. Email City Council and them know where funds are needed the most!
Community Healing Lunch:
Join us on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, from 12:30–2:30 PM at AmeriHealth (216 Asheland Avenue, Asheville, NC) for a community healing lunch. This gathering will be a chance to reconnect, share stories, and begin the healing process together.
Special Thanks:
• Pisgah Legal for legal support in helping community members facing eviction.
• Center for Participatory Change (CPC) for offering free hats, jackets, and gloves.
• Reparations Stakeholder Authority of Asheville for distributing free heaters.
• The YWCA for providing a dignity-centered distribution center for essential supplies.
• Buncombe County Community Engagement Department, Beloved Asheville, and many more for your tireless efforts before and after the storm.
Thank you for standing in the gap with us during this challenging time. Together, we are showing the true strength of our community.
In Solidarity,
Ayotunde and LaVie
