Community Comes Together in Asheville to Support Local Businesses
Asheville, N.C. is shining as a beacon of hope this holiday season, demonstrating the true spirit of community resilience in the wake of challenges posed by the recent Helene disaster. With the holiday season upon us, local businesses are stepping up to support each other and give back to those in need through creative initiatives like the One Percent for Asheville.
Emphasizing the Power of Giving Back
One of the standout contributors to this initiative is Sourhouse, an e-commerce company based in Asheville that caters to sourdough home bakers. Founded by Erik Fabian, Sourhouse has a unique story rooted in the struggles of the pandemic. “I had become a stay-at-home dad and was looking for something to do,” Erik shared. This led to the creation of their first product, Goldie, designed to aid budding bakers.
Erik didn’t stop there. During the early days of Helene, he made a concerted effort to support local bakers by providing essential ingredients like grain and flour. This initiative also birthed the Bake For Your Neighbor program, which encourages community members to bake for others using the ingredients Erik provided. Providing a little bit of flour and a friendly gesture of kindness has proven to be a much-needed relief for many. “Even if they don’t necessarily need food, I think the gesture of contact and checking in has been really important,” he said. This kind of outreach can brighten a day, especially during these tough times.
A Solidarity of Local Businesses
The community spirit hasn’t just been limited to Sourhouse. The ripple effect has inspired a number of local businesses to join in. A total of eighteen local businesses are contributing at least one percent of their sales to charitable organizations of their choosing as part of the One Percent for Asheville initiative. “Many of them have gone through their own struggles, whether through loss of business or loss of inventory,” Erik noted. “And nevertheless, they’ve been helping other people through this whole thing.”
Among the participating businesses are Ashleigh and Jared Fillinger from Common Housefly in Black Mountain. Despite facing uncertainty due to the loss of major tourist traffic, they’ve pledged 10% of their sales to Beloved Asheville. “We definitely missed one of our biggest tourist months,” Ashleigh explained, adding that support during the quiet months is crucial for survival. Their commitment showcases the profound sense of community that defines Asheville.
Facing the Future Together
As the holiday season gears up, the looming specter of business closures hangs over many local shops. FEMA has estimated that a staggering 40% of businesses might close permanently after a disaster like Helene. This fact highlights the significance of community support now more than ever. By shopping local and supporting initiatives like the One Percent for Asheville, residents can play an integral role in sustaining their beloved local businesses.
Jared expressed their motivation succinctly: “The simple answer was just yes, in any way that we could help.” This sentiment of gratitude and responsibility to give back resonates deeply within the Asheville community. It’s a reminder that even amidst uncertainty, there lies the potential for positive action.
As the community navigates these tumultuous times, it is evident that solidarity and kindness will lead to brighter days ahead. For those interested in supporting this initiative and other local businesses, visiting their websites would be a great start.
Conclusion
The efforts made by businesses in Asheville serve as a powerful reminder of what can happen when a community bands together. Now more than ever, the spirit of giving is crucial in helping our neighbors and ensuring the survival of local businesses. Each small action can contribute to a wave of change, reminding us that together, we can overcome any challenge.
