The BCLTRG continues its work to coordinate a county-wide response to the devastation left by Hurricane Helene. Through partnerships with local nonprofits, faith communities, government agencies, and volunteers, our goal remains clear: ensure equitable, collaborative, and sustained support for those most impacted.
Building a Team
As this work evolves, the BCLTRG is building a full-time recovery team to carry the effort forward. These roles, ranging from program management to construction coordination, will help anchor our long-term operations. All positions will be employed by UWABC, the group’s fiscal sponsor. Visit the UWABC website for current openings.
Six local and national agencies have been selected to lead Disaster Case Management, bringing both grassroots knowledge and deep recovery expertise. These teams are now co-designing contracts, identifying training needs, and aligning with FEMA and state partners to ensure streamlined support. The new system is centered around community needs, reducing duplication and improving coordination among service providers.
Coordinated Technology Platform
BCLTRG is partnering with Connective, a national nonprofit specializing in disaster recovery tools, to launch a shared platform for intake, triage, and construction coordination. With over 10,000 homes damaged in Buncombe County alone, this centralized technology is essential to ensuring no community member is overlooked and every effort is aligned.
Committee Highlights
Emotional & Spiritual Health: Hosted The Many Tolls of Helene, a healing event with interactive workshops, community-led activities, and space for reflection.
Construction Committee: Set an ambitious goal to repair or rebuild 43 homes in the first year, through nonprofit and volunteer-led teams.
Communications: A new eNewsletter and updated website are in the works to improve community access to recovery updates and resources.
6/13/2025
United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County (UWABC) has been selected as the Buncombe County Long Term Recovery Group’s (BCLTRG) Fiscal Sponsor. Since 1921, UWABC has been a key convener and connector in Western North Carolina, driving collective action and positive community change.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, UWABC remains committed to working alongside community partners to support recovery and rebuilding efforts. Experts in disaster recovery estimate that this process will take at least a decade, and we are fully dedicated to seeing it through. As a trusted nonprofit, UWABC brings together people, partners, and resources to address challenges too big for any single organization to solve alone.
Until BCLTRG’s full-time staff is in place, UWABC and Thrive Asheville will provide support for operation with essential leadership and coordination to advance disaster recovery efforts. This temporary leadership team’s work includes facilitating cross-sector collaboration, guiding working committee structures, and laying the groundwork for long-term recovery strategies. This work has been critical in building a strong foundation for BCLTRG’s long-term sustainability. Allocated lead team includes:
Sarah Roth: UWABC's Helene Recovery Initiatives Director
Kate Pett: Thrive Asheville's Deputy Director
Gina Elrod: UWABC's Helene Recovery Initiatives Manager
3/20/25
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
For the past seventy-five days, the Interim Steering Committee (ISC) has been hard at work, laying the groundwork for a seamless transition to a fully established Steering Committee. This effort has been vital in shaping a mission and structure that will allow long-term recovery efforts in Buncombe County to flourish. While our region has been deeply engaged in stabilizing and securing the well-being of our community members, long-term recovery extends beyond immediate relief — it's an ongoing journey that requires collaboration, dedication, and vision.
Although the long-term recovery process is just beginning in many ways, numerous committees have been diligently working behind the scenes throughout this transition. Their commitment and perseverance have been instrumental in ensuring that support systems remain strong and accessible. This seamless continuation of efforts is what makes long-term recovery both hopeful and inspiring — our community’s resilience continues to shine through.
Leading the charge, the ISC has been a collective effort spearheaded by Kate Pett (Thrive AVL) and Sarah Roth (United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County). Their tireless contributions have been invaluable, and we extend our deepest gratitude for their dedication. Over the past two months, the ISC has met weekly and broken into working groups throughout the week. Some ISC members will carry forward their experience by joining the new Steering Committee, preserving institutional knowledge and preventing duplication of efforts as this new team gets underway.
We are excited to welcome a dynamic and dedicated group of individuals who will be guiding the Buncombe County Long-Term Recovery Group (BCLTRG) into this next chapter. Their passion, expertise, and commitment will be crucial in shaping the future of recovery efforts in our community.
Justin Rhodes; Swannanoa Grassroots Alliance
Vicki Meath; Just Economics of WNC
Maria Suarez; WMCA of WNC
Denise Gonzalez; United Way Asheville Buncombe County
Nathan West; Fuller Center
Jenesis Nicolaisen; Seek Healing
Greg Lentz; Hearts with Hands
Evan Richardson: MAHEC (Mountain Area Health Education Center)
Libby Kyles; Tzedek Social Justice Fund (Tzedek)
Jackie Fitzgerald; Colaborativa La Milpa
Torre White-Garrison; RSAA - Reparations Stakeholders Association of AVL
Brennan Garrison; ABCCM (Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry)
Marcia Mount Shoop; Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church
Karen Wallace-Meigs; The Western Carolina Medical Society
Allison Jordan; Allison Jordan Coaching
Taylor Norris; Partners In Health Advocacy & Engagement NC
Sam Franklin; Outside Angle
Much of the work of the BCLTRG happens within specialized working committees. If you haven’t yet joined a committee, we encourage you to explore where your skills and passions can make the most impact. Your involvement is crucial — this is a collective effort that thrives on community engagement. I invite you to explore this website to discover the ways you can become involved.
Over the past three months, one message has been reinforced time and time again — long-term recovery can take decades. However, in true Buncombe County fashion, we are committed to moving forward with unwavering determination and heart. Our love for this community, these mountains, and our people will continue to fuel our efforts.
The journey ahead will have its ebbs and flows, and we encourage you to honor your capacity — step back when needed, and step in when you can. We will keep showing up for one another, ensuring that we remain #MountainStrong and #RisingTogether.
With deep gratitude for all those carrying the baton forward in this moment,
Rev. Sara Wilcox
Interim Steering Committee Member