Recovery.
Readiness.
Resilience.

It felt like a dream. It was incredible that people we didn’t know wanted us to feel safe, and wanted us to feel like part of their community.

It felt like a dream. It was incredible that people we didn’t know wanted us to feel safe, and wanted us to feel like part of their community.

The mission of FWRD Transylvania is to provide coordinated recovery support to residents after a disaster, prepare for future events, and build community resilience.

We envision a community where disaster recovery leads to renewed strength, deeper connection, and lasting resilience. By investing in relationships, local leadership, and inclusive strategies, we aim to transform the social cohesion that often arises after a crisis into a permanent part of our county’s story. We bring together public, private, nonprofit, and faith-based partners to ensure no one walks the road to recovery alone.

Our core focus areas include:

Disaster Case Management

We help residents navigate recovery by connecting them to services and identifying unmet needs, especially for those unsure where to turn.

Volunteer & Construction Coordination

We organize volunteers and nonprofits to support home repairs, cleanup, and rebuilding, prioritizing vulnerable households.

Community Engagement & Healing

We meet people where they are—through community gatherings and events—to ensure everyone has a voice in the recovery process.

Economic Recovery & Small Business Support

We partner with local leaders to support small businesses, promote fair economic recovery, and help workers return to long-term stability.

Fundraising & Grant Strategy

We work with funders to sustain operations and provide scalable support before, during, and after a crisis.

Preparedness & Planning

We create protocols with partners to improve communication, coordinate emergency response, and guide long-term recovery.

Learn More

Helene’s Impact

BY THE NUMBERS

Helene’s Impact in Transylvania County
(Stats from Land of Sky Regional Council)

  • At least 2,904 households in Transylvania County reported damage, including:
    • 45 homes destroyed
    • 229 with major damage
    • 490 with moderate damage
    • 2,140 with minor damage
    • An additional 1,509 households did not complete FEMA damage assessments, meaning the true number of affected homes may be even higher.
  •  $9,304,160: Total FEMA Individual & Households Program (IHP) assistance approved
  • 1,435 roads were closed in the immediate aftermath
  • 45 road closures are still active one year later
  • 90% of businesses surveyed in Western NC reported revenue loss after Hurricane Helene; over 30% said their revenues dropped 51% or more (Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce)

Urgent Needs Identified

  • Housing repairs and elevation above the flood plain
  • Road repair and debris removal
  • Legal and financial assistance
  • Mental health and trauma support
  • Clear communication channels
Donate Get Involved Get Help

This crisis brought out the best in our community members. Everyone was affected, and everyone wanted to help.

Our Impact

We serve as the backbone of long-term recovery in Transylvania County, connecting survivors with trusted local partners to ensure that every household receives coordinated, compassionate, and community-rooted support.

40+

partner organizations providing services and support

8

active committees and 80+ volunteers coordinating care

125

survivor and community member stories collected for Helene: One Year of Healing event