Many families in Yancey are still struggling to recover after the impact from last year’s natural disaster. The path to healing has been long and for some individuals, it is far from over. That is why organizations like The Beacon Network and a powerful coalition of local partners are coming together with a community-driven outreach effort to identify Helene survivors with significant recovery needs and connect them to resources.

WNC Bridge awarded the Beacon Network a NOW Grant to help bring vital recovery resources directly to where they are needed most. The coalition will host four recovery resource fairs in Bee Log, Bald Creek Relief, Pensacola, and Green Mountain this August and September. Each event will offer access to housing support, legal aid, financial assistance, and disaster relief services. Additionally, they will provide hot meals, propane, flashlights, radios, and printed recovery guides for those without reliable internet.

Partner organizations will also connect with residents through door-to-door canvassing, mobile outreach with Pisgah Legal’s Justice Bus, FEMA data review, church visits, and appearances at local gathering places. This outreach initiative is made possible by the tireless collaboration of over a dozen organizations, including Pisgah Legal Services, Operation HELO, Appalachian Disaster Coalition, Yancey LTRG, PATH, Rebuilding Hollers, and more.

Support from the WNC Bridge Foundation will directly fund meals, emergency items, and printed materials; critical tools for building trust, offering hope, and delivering real help to families still living with the storm’s aftermath.