Life

Foundation awards $295,000 in Helene recovery grants

By Lightning Reports, Published: November 25, 2024

The Community Foundation of Henderson County has awarded more than $295,000 in the first of its Helene Recovery Grants to support critical relief and recovery efforts across the region.

The hurricane recovery grants will address vital needs through nonprofit funding awards for a wide range of causes, from home and facility repairs to food assistance, water testing, and environmental cleanup efforts.

More than 800 individuals and organizations across the country have donated $1,075,212 in gifts since October to support Helene disaster relief funds held at CFHC.

“It is inspiring to see funds supporting various charitable work with these grants to nonprofits,” said Jimmy Chandler, chair of the Disaster Relief, Recovery and Rebuilding Grant Committee. “We are committed to supporting charitable causes related to Helene Recovery as our community rebuilds," Prior to the grant awards, CFHC has served as a convener throughout the past nine weeks, supporting nonprofits and the community with 14 Starlink access points, conducting nonprofit status and needs assessments, and waiving all administrative fees for relief and recovery funds. As recovery efforts continue, CFHC remains dedicated to working alongside community leaders, organizations, and residents to promote long- term growth and sustainability. Grant applications are currently being accepted on a rolling basis.
Current awardees were selected by either the Disaster Relief Grant Committee or through direct support of generous donors. Awards went to:

• BeLoved Asheville
• Big Brothers, Big sisters WNC
• Blue Ridge Community Health Services
• Children & Family Resource Center of Henderson County
• Eagle Market Streets
• First Baptist Church
• Hands On Children's Museum
• Henderson County Foster Parents Association
  Hola Carolina
• Housing Assistance Corp.
• Literacy Connection
• Love and Respect Community for Recovery and Wellness
• Mediation Center
• MountainTrue
• Rutherford Bound
• Safelight
• James Episcopal Church
• The Hope Center
• True Ridge
• World Central Kitchen Inc.

CFHC invites those who wish to join the recovery effort to contribute to one of the Helene Recovery Funds. Donations may be made online at cfhcforever.org, by calling 828-697-6224, or by mailing a check to
Community Foundation of Henderson County, 401 N. Main St. Suite 300, Hendersonville, NC 28792.