September 27 marks two years since Hurricane Helene changed Western North Carolina.
A lifelong Brevard resident, Virginia faced significant mold damage in her home following Hurricane Helene. With support from FWRD and its partners, she was able to make her home safe again— and remain in the community she has always called home.
September 27 marks two years since Hurricane Helene changed Western North Carolina.
In the days and weeks that followed, neighbors, nonprofits, congregations, businesses, government agencies and volunteers came together to meet immediate needs. Out of that response grew FWRD Transylvania— created to make sure that as emergency response ended, our neighbors would not be left to navigate long-term recovery alone.
Two years later, that work continues.
FWRD has evolved from a community response into Transylvania County’s long-term recovery organization, coordinating partners, connecting neighbors with resources, and helping the community prepare for future events. Today, FWRD has a strong board of community leaders, nonprofit status and fiscal sponsorship through Pisgah Health Foundation, support from the American Red Cross, Dogwood Health Trust, North Carolina Community Foundation, and Week of Compassion, and strong relationships with recovery partners across the state.
Last September, FWRD joined SparkPoint and other community partners to bring the community together for Helene: One Year of Healing, creating space not just to remember what happened, but to share stories of neighbors showing up for one another.
In just the last six months, 64 individuals and families have turned to FWRD for help navigating recovery. While some have been able to resolve their immediate needs, 55 continue to receive support as they rebuild.
“If it wasn’t for this program, people wouldn’t have any hope. This is my home. I was born and raised in Brevard. I have nowhere else to go. I would like to live the rest of my life out in peace in a safe place.”
— Virginia
As we mark two years, we’re asking our community to help us keep moving FWRD.
Your support helps ensure that when a neighbor like Virginia needs help, someone is here to answer the call.
Donate