Hurricane Helene Relief News: Asheville’s Appalachian Grit, Gumption and Sense of Community Power Recovery Efforts in Helene’s

After the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, the Asheville and Buncombe County community’s strength and unity have been on full display. In response, Explore Asheville, a 501(c)6 nonprofit, has established the Always Asheville Fund to support small, independent travel and hospitality businesses in Asheville and across Buncombe County as they work to recover and rebuild. More information is at www.alwaysashevillefund.com. 

The Always Asheville Fund will provide emergency grants—not loans—to help sustain the vibrant, creative, and deeply rooted community that makes the Asheville area unique. This support is crucial: According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), 40 percent of small businesses do not reopen after a disaster. The organization aims to change that statistic for the region’s local entrepreneurs, ensuring their stories continue to shape its community’s future. 

The Explore Asheville team has years of experience in grant administration. It is an established organization that is well managed, organized and can expedite aid directly to small, independent travel and hospitality businesses in Buncombe County affected by Hurricane Helene. To start the fund, Explore Asheville has committed $300,000 from earned revenue to the Always Asheville Fund. A grant application process will be stood up to help get these resources into the community. 

“We are committed to supporting the livelihood and vitality of Asheville’s small business owners,” Vic Isley, President and CEO of Explore Asheville and the Buncombe County Tourism and Development Authority, said. “We’ll continue developing innovative and responsive solutions to walk alongside our partners on the road to recovery. It’s our aim that the Asheville area will emerge on the other side of this stronger and more vibrant than ever.”  

This initial phase of the sustained recovery plan also includes Concert for Carolina, a benefit concert featuring Luke Combs, Eric Church, Billy Strings, and James Taylor & Friends announced yesterday. Explore Asheville has pledged $1 million as the presenting sponsor of the event taking place on October 26 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, with all proceeds, including sponsorships, supporting aid relief efforts. 

“The purpose of these initiatives is to ensure our community has the jobs and financial opportunities to thrive, ensuring that they’ll be here when Asheville reopens its doors to mindful tourism,” Isley said. 

The organization is working closely with local government officials, business owners and non-profits with the goal of restoring jobs, economic security and wellness that keep its community strong. The Asheville community will rise stronger, and it remains eager to share its vibrant culture and resilient spirit with the world beyond its mountains. 

Since 2001, Explore Asheville and the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority has committed $96 million in grants to more than 50 community projects as well as $5 million in grants through the Tourism Jobs Recovery Fund to nearly 400 small travel and hospitality businesses to reopen following the pandemic.