Dear friends, community members, and supporters:
We are all still grappling with the enormity of disaster left in the wake of Hurricane Helene. We mourn the tragic loss of life and grieve the unimaginable. We are relieved that all MHO staff and their families have been accounted for and are safe. While we were all caught by surprise at the scale of this devastating event, no one should be surprised that the most vulnerable members of our community – the elderly, individuals living with a disability, and low-income families – have suffered tremendously in the immediate aftermath, and will have the greatest needs during the long-term recovery effort.
MHO staff, with support from an extraordinary network of mutual aid community partners, led a heroic effort of shuttling water, food, and supplies and operationalizing a non-potable water distribution system to meet the basic needs of residents of MHO-owned properties. As access to drinking water and food improved due to the efforts of local government and the generosity of community and regional partners, many of our neighbors who are disabled, elderly, or homebound still depend on having these essential goods delivered directly to their homes. Our team will continue working collaboratively to ensure that the most vulnerable members of our community are not left behind.
While we all begin to understand the indelible trauma Helene has left on us as individuals and as a community, I know that the enduring love for our neighbors continues to guide Asheville and western North Carolina’s recovery. The relief effort continues and will require sustained support, both financial and emotional. We are turning to you – our generous community of friends – to help us in this endeavor. Please consider supporting MHO with a donation to our Hurricane Helene Housing Recovery Fund, our local fund that supports resident emergency assistance, rental assistance, essential home repair, and long-term housing recovery.
There are many critical needs in the weeks and months ahead, from formalizing the support and delivery networks serving our communities to addressing the vast urgent home repair needs before colder winter weather arrives. As we find brief moments to imagine what the future holds, let’s envision a more resilient region, with plentiful, well-located affordable housing resources. We stand ready to help the communities of western North Carolina rebuild. Just as we have for the last 36 years of our organization’s history, we will be guided by our mission to build hope and dignity in the people we serve. Together, let’s rebuild hope.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has contributed to this tremendous effort.
With deep gratitude,
Geoffrey Barton, President & CEO
