Additional Ways to Support Western North Carolina
In the first days after Hurricane Helene hit, we jumped into partnerships with organizations that we trusted, knowing they had boots on the ground. We were able to highlight BeLoved, Poder Emma, and Equal Plates, raising over $167,000 towards relief efforts.
As we continue in the rebuilding process, much of Asheville and the surrounding areas are still without clean water and basic care. We’ve decided to highlight three new organizations, Nanostead, Be Well AVL, and Umoja, to partner with them for the month of November. 5% of sales will continue to go towards relief efforts and any in-cart donations will go directly to these organizations as well.
Learn more about our new partners below and be sure to follow them for more ways to help WNC rebuild.
Nanostead
The Nanostead Foundation, newly incorporated as a charitable organization, has transformed its operations to become the central hub to support relief and reconstruction in Marshall, NC, and the surrounding Western North Carolina areas.
With roadways, homes, and businesses heavily impacted, Nanostead has rallied the community and welcomed volunteers from near and far to aid in clean up and rebuild efforts. Nanostead is committed to providing essential resources and support for long-term recovery.
Donation funds are directed toward maintaining the hub for materials and resources, and ensuring the ongoing dedication required for Marshall and neighboring towns to not only survive but thrive.
Follow them on Instagram for updates and current needs: @marshallreliefhub
Be Well AVL
Be Well AVL began as a grassroots initiative driven by neighbors helping neighbors in the wake of Hurricane Helene, which severely impacted Buncombe County’s water infrastructure.
This volunteer-run organization provides essential clean well water and non-potable water for flushing toilets through strategically placed tanks across Buncombe County, particularly targeting high-density, low-income communities with elderly or disabled residents who face greater challenges in accessing clean water. Through these distribution sites, they address immediate sanitation and health concerns in communities that were underserved even before the hurricane.
Be Well AVL invites support through donations to fund supplies like water tanks, pumps, and transport equipment. The group also welcomes volunteers, especially drivers with trucks, to support their vital mission of ensuring access to water where it’s most needed.
Follow them on Instagram for updates and current needs: @bewellavl
Umoja
Umoja Health, Wellness and Justice Collective, a long-standing Black-led organization, has served Asheville and Buncombe County’s BIPOC communities for many years, focusing on equity in education, mental health, and economic justice.
With deep roots in the community, Umoja offers trauma-informed, culturally aligned programs that foster healing, youth leadership, and substance use recovery. In response to the immediate needs brought on by Hurricane Helene, Umoja has swiftly mobilized to provide direct relief through food, water, and essential supplies for families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.
Led by community-connected staff, Umoja’s recent relief efforts continue its commitment to creating safe spaces and access to critical resources for those impacted by systemic inequities.
Follow them on Instagram for updates and current needs: @umojahwj
