No words can truly express the devastation, loss, and impact being revealed due to Hurricane Helene in our home community and region. Hearing the tremble in the voices of our family members, friends, neighbors and partners as each share their stories – hits deep as we all seek to comfort one another, collaborate, stand with each other and care for one another in this critical moment.
We are deeply grateful for the tireless work of grassroots leaders, organizations, and first responders who are meeting immediate needs and using their voices to ensure communities of color and the most marginalized communities are not forgotten and are served and prioritized.
We’ve had the privilege to reach out to regional and national disaster relief leaders and organizations that have worked closest to the community during Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and more to begin to learn from their vast experience. We are sharing with you what they shared with us so far:
This recovery will take time: It will require immediate triage, followed by a response after the first 100 days, and long-term support for the region.
First responders need our support: They will be exhausted in the coming weeks. We must prioritize their mental health and well-being.
Financial accessibility is key: We must advocate for financial institutions to ensure cash availability in areas with limited resources.
Storytelling matters: Sharing stories from the field will be crucial to maintaining awareness and securing resources beyond the initial 100 days.
FEMA is complex: We must help individuals navigate FEMA requirements to avoid application rejections. A colleague who supported efforts in Kentucky shared that 40% of their FEMA applications were declined, impacting the morale and momentum of friends seeking recovery support.
Advocacy is essential: We need to advocate for policies that provide additional rebuilding aid, protect property, and prevent land grabs.
Preparation is key: Resources needed after the first 100 days will differ. We must establish partnerships and structures now to support rebuilding efforts.
Voting rights are crucial: North Carolina is an important swing state in the election. Supporting basic needs and ensuring accessible voting locations will empower individuals to exercise their right to vote.
Our strength lies in our relationships. CoThinkk is committed to holding both a short and long-term lens to support our communities. This includes amplifying the work of those closest to the ground, connecting regional/national resources to support our grassroots networks at each stage of the process, and moving in solidarity to ensure rebuilding of our community.
We heard from national and regional leaders that fatigue and division can occur after the intensity of the initial response. We must remain collectively united and focused to prevent land grabs and displacement.
CoThinkk is beginning to…
Gather information and stories from our grassroots leaders on the ground and advocate with our communities at decision-making tables.
Connect with national and regional networks and share stories to raise awareness and support – in response to the reality of fatigue and the 100-day cliff.
Map relationships with decision-makers and gather insights from the field – please share below any new drop-off sites, relationships etc. so that we can collectively create a picture that allows for strategic decision-making, partnership, and gaps for the long-term.
Redirect internal CoThinkk resources to support immediate needs in community.
Lift up the donation portals of organizations, leaders, and institutions on the ground and extend our portal as an additional donation site for donations that can be used in all phases of recovery.
Work with a regional funder in the hopes of deploying additional dollars to CoThinkk grantee partners throughout the region that are further positioned and doing the heavy work.
Partner and work to secure financial resources for families and businesses and to protect our communities from outside exploitation.
We are committed to a strategic approach that supports both immediate and long-term recovery—not just for the moment but for the long haul. Together, we will heal, rebuild, and emerge stronger.
Our 3 Big Ask’s are to the Broader Community…
Please support organizations on the ground through donations, resources, and time NOW.
Continue to elevate the stories of those who are living and continue to live with the impact of this unprecedented disaster in your networks so that the needs and resilience of communities in WNC remain front and center for the long recovery journey. Continued donations, resources and time will be necessary for organizations on the ground not just for the first 100 days.
See the list below of organizations, locations etc. We do know this is not an exhaustive list and that there are so many groups working hard to ensure that everyone is safe and can work toward rebuilding the community.
With gratitude,
CoThinkk Family