YW Helene Recovery Effort Recognized by Black Wall Street AVL

Tangie Bowman, Crystal Reid, Mayor Esther Manheimer, Aisha Adams, J Hackett, and Whisper Moore at Baptized in the Mountains event

The YWCA of Asheville is so proud to have been honored by Black Wall Street AVL as a WNC Hurricane Helene Recovery Hero! 

It’s been two years since Hurricane Helene barreled through Western North Carolina, and on Sunday, Sept. 20, Black Wall Street AVL hosted “Baptized in the Mountains: A Sunday Supper of Resilience" honoring WNC organizations that had a positive impact on community recovery efforts. The event was a joyful occasion in celebration of the spirit and strength of community throughout WNC in the wake of the destruction brought by Helene. Amidst food, fellowship and a gospel choir, Mayor Esther Manheimer and County Commissioner Amanda Edwards recognized the hard work of recovery that followed the storm. 

The YWCA was on the front lines of the recovery effort, quickly opening a distribution center in our Southside neighborhood, providing neighbors with food, supplies, and support. We served over 1,500 community members in 8 weeks, unloaded, moved, and distributed over 10,000 gallons of water, and processed about 50 semi-truck load deliveries of general distribution supplies. Our childcare center was also one of the first in the region to reopen, making it possible for families to go back to work or access critical services. 

“This event was a testament to the resilience of our community and the way we help each other. It is the heartbeat of our region, and we are honored to hold space for those who make recovery possible for others.”  - J Hackett, Founder, Black Wall Street AVL

Read more about what the YW did following Helene here:

https://www.ywcaofasheville.org/blog-collection/to-all-our-heroes-thank-you

And here:

https://www.ywcaofasheville.org/blog-collection/cp6ixaqpkvyfkfd299gn4cew727pqr

And here:

https://www.ywcaofasheville.org/blog-collection/gratitude-for-everyday-heroes