Dear MountainTrue Family,

A big embrace to each of you as we reel from this catastrophic event. Many of you have suffered massive losses. There is no disputing that these are hard times that will remain hard for some time to come. Our hearts, our concern, our prayers go out to you.

We will take one day and even one moment at a time. I find that some things change quickly while other things don’t seem to be moving at all. I have seen our neighbors, our communities, our nonprofits, utility staff, and local government folks jump in to provide amazing support. Resources are coming in from outside. 

A glimmer of hope is starting to shed its light on hard-hit areas. What we do know is that the sun will rise again in Western North Carolina.

To that end, we know that MountainTrue has a role to play. In some places, MountainTrue is the boots on the ground. In other situations, we are sourcing and coordinating resources. In the week since Helene, the MountainTrue team has been hard at work:

• Clearing roads and driveways
• Delivering potable water and supplies to folks in Asheville, Saluda, Boone, and more Western North Carolina communities
• Buying and grilling food for hundreds of community members (we served 500 meals to Asheville residents in the Southside neighborhood yesterday and today our mobile grilling operation is on its way to Spruce Pine)
• Conducting wellness checks
• Visiting hard-hit rural communities to determine needs

We are also working with the Emma community in Asheville to provide showers and laundry facilities. There will be phases to our recovery, and we are at the beginning. MountainTrue’s and other recovery efforts will evolve as the needs change. We will keep you informed. 

Many individuals and businesses have reached out asking how they support. In response, we have set up a MountainStrong Recovery Fund. There’s much work to be done, and your contribution is vital to our success. Consider donating today to help us support the health and recovery of our region. 

These are unprecedented times and we will have an unparalleled response. I’m sure many of you have been engaged and are doing what you can. Thank you! We are in this together, and together we will overcome.

MountainStrong,

Bob