Western North Carolina has been devastated by a 1,000 year flood following Hurricane Helene. Recovery will take decades and more than $100 billion dollars. It will be imperative that the rebuild be locally led, and that it center equity and resiliency.

And yet, a “second storm,” is already brewing. In a region that is also known for deep systemic poverty, working people of all races risk the loss of their homes, their land, and their cultural heritage if profiteers are not checked, and if recovery does not center their needs

WE FIGHT FOR SURVIVAL

• Community-based mutual aid
• Winterization campaign – getting heat and power to those without
• Community-informed and competent FEMA, federal, and state aid programs
• Tenants rights – to prevent predatory landlord practices that force people out
• Ensuring that WNC residents can exercise their right to vote

WE FIGHT AGAINST PREDATORY PROFITEERS

• Evictions
• Real estate predators
• Storm profiteers
• Disinformation
• Short-term rentals at the expense of local residents
• Predatory insurers

WE CELEBRATE OUR APPALACHIAN CULTURE

• Story collection, oral histories, and documentary projects on the region’s recovery
• Art and Crafts
• Music and Concerts