North Carolina’s YMCAs have banded together to support our YMCAs in the western part of the state in the wake of Hurricane Helene so that they can, in turn, support their devastated communities and aid recovery efforts.

Six box truck loads of donations (and still counting!) from YMCAs around the state have been funneled through the Gaston County Family YMCA, which has served as a hub for Y donations for over two weeks, with Gaston County Y staff and volunteers then transporting critical supplies directly to the Reuter Family YMCA (YMCA of Western North Carolina) in Asheville, the Williams YMCA of Avery County in Newland and the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly. These coordinated efforts are ensuring those Ys get the supplies their specific communities need most.

It's the Little Things

Photographer Katie Linsky Shaw is still without power at her home in the Asheville area; she visited the YMCA of Western NC’s Reuter Family YMCA this week. She shared this on Facebook, along with several photos that illustrate the story in one small way of how our YMCAs serve their communities in times of need. 

“I spent the morning at the Biltmore Park YMCA using their free Wi-Fi because like many others in the area, we still don’t have power. We’re lucky we have water (although we still have to boil it) because so many families are without that, too. It’s funny the things you take for granted. But the YMCA opened their facility to everyone - members and non-members - with free Wi-Fi service and showers. As I caught up on online work, I watched as families of all ages walked in with their bags to sign up for a shower. They waited patiently in chairs until one of the staff members called their name over an intercom system. The “emcee” was kind and funny with her announcements and the desk attendants were polite which kept the “shower cue folks” smiling. A table was filled with donated shower products and towels. It was a heartwarming scene in the midst of all the chaos from the last week and a half.” –Katie Linsky Shaw. (Photos posted with permission.) 

When our YMCAs provide these small comforts, they are doing so much to support a healthy spirit, mind and body.

And It’s the Big Things

• While Blue Ridge Assembly remains closed due to major infrastructure damage resulting from flooding and mudslides, CEO Melissa Bailey Logan and her staff team safely evacuated hundreds of guests who were onsite when the hurricane hit. Her team also donated the food from its freezer to the community. This video (October 8) highlights the losses there and plans to come for recovery.
   
• Williams YMCA of Avery County reopened with limited services on October 10, while it continues to support local relief efforts in many ways, including housing volunteer rescue workers on its lower level and at its Blackburn Athletic Facility. The staff team is also providing boots on the ground for recovery and supply collections and distribution throughout Avery and Mitchell counties. This video (October 10) featuring CEO Trey Oakley highlights the Y's relief work and how people can support the recovery efforts there. 
   
• The YMCA of Western North Carolina is reopening facilities as power and water are restored to provide various levels of community support, from showers to food distribution and essential supplies collection and donation. and providing outdoor fitness opportunities where possible. The YMCA of WNC Community Health Mobile Food Markets continue to fight food insecurity with fresh produce and shelf-stable foods at no cost in different areas of the community. 

YMCA’s Hurricane Helene Relief Fund supports all these recovery efforts, and the Emergency Assistance Fund for YMCA staff provides financial support for those who have suffered losses and yet continue to support their communities’ relief work. 

(October 11, 2024)