Community Initiatives Application
At this time, we have temporarily paused our Community Initiatives applications due to the high volume of submitted applications. Once we process and complete current applications, we will resume normal procedures.
We remain committed to aligning our community initiatives with the urgent and evolving needs of our communities. As of December 3rd, WNC Bridge has served 162 individuals with a total of $75,359 in Community Initiatives Hurricane Helene funding.
Our Community Initiatives (CI): assist underserved individuals in the 18 counties and Qualla Boundary of Western North Carolina with basic and medical needs to remain safely in their homes.
For Community Initiatives application questions email request@wncbridge.org or call 828.277.4815.
Types of Requests Community Initiatives Fulfills
- Home modifications such as appliance replacement or emergency home repair projects.
- Damage caused by Hurricane Helene that was not covered by FEMA.
- Medical necessities such as equipment or services.
- Rental and Utility assistance for individuals facing eviction, disconnection of service, or seeking domestic safety.
- Transportation requests such as necessary vehicle repair to sustain income or gas cards to make essential medical appointments.
- Supporting children and their caregivers by assisting with domestic safety, audio & visual aids, learning devices, and specialized equipment to support their potential growth.
Who We Will Serve
- Underserved individuals living in the 18 counties and Qualla Boundary of WNC
- Individuals and families experiencing poverty
- Preference will be given to:
- Direct assistance to individuals affected by Hurricane Helene that is not covered by FEMA
- Organizations supporting underserved populations
What We Cannot Fund
- Payments cannot be made towards mortgage, personal, or auto loans due to banking institution restrictions regarding third-party payments.
- Payments cannot be made directly to individuals seeking reimbursements.
- Payments cannot be made towards tax-related requests.
Please Read Before Completing Application
- An advocate, not an individual, must complete the CI application. Examples of advocates include case managers, clinicians, and social workers.
- Advocates may submit a CI application for an individual client/patient once per year.
- Advocates can submit more than one application if it is for a different client/patient.
- Applications must be submitted using our online platform.
- All documentation and requested follow-up documentation should be uploaded using our online platform.
- To expedite the application, please upload a copy of the utility bill, or estimate of repairs needed for either home or vehicle. For rental assistance, please include a letter from landlord that includes tenant’s address, amount owed, and landlord’s address we should send payment to. A copy of the landlord’s W9 or Apartment Complex W9 is required. Click here for a downloadable W9
- When requesting equipment or appliances, our preferred vendors are Amazon and Lowe’s. Please include a product link of the requested item in the application.
- If you are an individual seeking assistance and do not have an advocate, we suggest you contact your local Department of Health and Human Services branch. You will need an advocate to submit an application on your behalf.
- If you are an individual seeking assistance related to Hurricane Helene, FEMA disaster assistance is available along with additional resources
Home | disasterassistance.gov
Detailed Instructions for Each Focus Area:
- Advocates must upload an estimate from the contractor. Once WNC Bridge approves application, the advocate must upload a copy contractor’s W9 and Certificate of Insurance using the online platform. Contractors cannot be related to the individual as this would be a conflict of interest.
- Upon approval, WNC Bridge can commit up to $5,000 towards home repair projects that are deemed hazardous and not covered by FEMA. Exceptions may be made depending upon severity. Examples of hazardous conditions:
- Damage caused by Hurricane Helene
- Leaking roof
- Damaged or missing shingles
- Sagging roof
- Cracks in the foundation
- Gas leaks
- Plumbing leaks
- Mold
- Overtaxed or poor electrical systems
- A work order invoice will be required along with all necessary documentation on Monday to have a check sent on Thursday of the same week. Work order invoices must be uploaded using the online platform.
- When applying for rental assistance, advocates must upload a copy of the client’s lease agreement page that includes the tenant’s and landlord’s addresses. Advocate should also upload the rental assistance amount needed.
- A copy of the landlord’s W9 or Apartment Complex W9 is required. Click here for a downloadable W9
- WNC Bridge can commit up to $1,500 towards rental expenses. Exceptions may be made if an individual is facing eviction.
- All documentation must be submitted on Monday to have a check sent on Thursday of the same week.
- Advocates must upload an estimate from the mechanic.
- WNC Bridge can commit up to $1,500 towards vehicle repairs.
- Once approved, the advocate must include a copy of the mechanic’s W9 and Certificate of Insurance if the mechanic will be working on the individual’s property. Mechanics cannot be related to the individual as this would be a conflict of interest. Work order invoices must be uploaded using the online platform.
- Our preferred vendors are Amazon and Lowe’s. When completing the application, please include a product link to the requested item.
- When using another vendor for specialized equipment or service, the advocate must upload a quote from the vendor and the vendor’s W9.
- WNC Bridge can commit up to $1,500 towards specialized equipment.
- A work order invoice will be required along with all necessary documentation on Monday to have a check sent on Thursday of the same week.
- When applying for utility assistance, advocates must upload a copy of the utility bill that shows the account number and address of the client.
- WNC Bridge Foundation can commit up to $500 towards utility bill expenses. Exceptions may be made if the individual is facing service disconnection.
- All documentation must be submitted on Monday to have a check sent on Thursday of the same week.
There are two ways you can support our work.
Tell Your Story
If you have received support from our Community Initiatives, allowing us to share your story helps WNC Bridge communicate with our donors the impact of their gifts. The first step to sharing your story is completing our consent form and emailing it to request@wncbridge.org.
Donate
WNC Bridge Foundation raises funds to support our Community Initiatives work. Unlike our grants, which are funded through endowment investments, our Community Initiatives rely on the generous support of individuals who donate money and support our fundraising efforts. Our Children’s Services Fund and WNC Greatest Needs Fund are the two Community Initiatives that directly support this work.
