Asheville Rallies Together to Aid Communities Affected by Hurricane Helene
In the quaint city of Asheville, a powerful wave of community spirit has emerged in response to the destructive forces of Hurricane Helene. Local organizations have come together in a tremendous show of solidarity, creating a collection and distribution center dedicated to assisting the hardest-hit communities, particularly in mobile home parks.
A Place for Help
The heart of this relief effort is the El Porvenir Economic and Cultural Center, nestled in the Emma neighborhood. Here, the coordination of food, water, and basic necessities is happening at full throttle to support Latino families who find themselves in dire need. Many of these families, due to damaged roads and fallen trees, cannot reach city resources or transportation points.
Geny Hernández, co-director of Colaborativa La Milpa, shared insight on their vital mission: “What we are doing here is collecting food and products for families, and from here they are taken to homes, door to door, in the Emma neighborhood and the Erwin district.” This outreach doesn’t stop in these areas; Hernández emphasizes the intention to assist any and all neighborhoods requiring support during this challenging time.
Volunteers Making a Difference
With the invaluable help of dozens of volunteers, operations have reached an impressive milestone—aid has already been provided to over 2,500 families. The majority of these families are Latino, residing in mobile home parks without the necessary means to navigate to centralized distribution sites.
Among the dedicated individuals lending a hand is Edna Alviter, who hails from Hidalgo, Mexico. Alviter has taken on a key role in managing logistics and ensuring products get to the front doors of those most affected. She expressed, “The most important thing is that we are bringing food and supplies to families who have not been able to go out, who do not have a car or gas.” Utilizing vans to transport supplies directly to neighborhoods amplifies the initiative’s impact.
Living in the Magetsi trailer park herself, Alviter recounted how some homes have sustained damage but overall, her community remains resilient. She stated, “We have a lot of fallen trees and damaged roads, but we are okay. I live in a trailer park called Magetsi. Of the 10 houses, two were damaged.” Her remarks capture the sentiment many share: even in hardship, the spirit of unity shines bright among local families.
Community Commitment and Solidarity
This ongoing relief effort exemplifies the unwavering commitment and solidarity of the Latino community in Asheville. Individuals and organizations are pooling their resources and dedicating time to ensure that every family receives the assistance they need. Through their actions, we witness the true essence of community—the idea that we must help one another in times of distress.
The central collection and distribution hub at El Porvenir, located at 17 Westside Dr. in Asheville, urgently requires various items to meet the needs of the families they are supporting. Residents and well-wishers who wish to contribute are encouraged to check for the most needed supplies and send a text message to (828) 545-7223. When reaching out, include your name, the organization (if applicable), availability, the quantity of materials, and specifically what you intend to donate.
Volunteer Opportunities
There’s also a crucial need for bilingual volunteers to assist non-English speaking Latinos in navigating the application process for FEMA assistance. If you are bilingual and wish to contribute your skills, consider signing up for volunteer opportunities. Engaging in this work allows one to be a vital link in providing support to those grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
Looking Ahead
As Asheville bands together in a time of need, the heartwarming stories of resilience, kindness, and community action exemplify the best of what humanity can offer. This is a moment where diverse backgrounds unify, and together, they create a ripple of hope amid the challenges. As efforts continue, the hope is that no family will feel alone in their struggle and that the bonds formed during this crisis will last long after the storm has passed.
