APPALACHIAN HELENE RESPONSE FUND: A YEAR IN REVIEW
Hurricane Helene hit Appalachia over on year ago, on September 27, 2024. In the immediate aftermath, hundreds of families saw their lives changed forever as entire towns were submerged, with many AFN members and their loved ones directly impacted. Nonprofits, foundations, and small businesses were forced offline. In many communities, there was no running water and no way to communicate with the outside world.
In the days after, AFN swung into action at the request of our members who were directly impacted. They know the needs of their communities and leveraged AFN to help meet them. Thousands of individuals, foundations, and network members donated to AFN’s Appalachian Helene Response Fund.
In the weeks after, organizations on the ground set up systems and programs to meet immediate and ongoing long-term recovery needs. AFN members helped launch Long Term Recovery Groups, distribute grants, listen to community members, and begin planning for the road ahead.
In the months after, AFN and regional partners led a campaign that secured a $110 billion federal commitment for disaster recovery 85 days after Hurricane Helene landed in Appalachia. The passage of federal relief bills took 7 days after Hurricane Harvey, 10 days after Hurricane Katrina, and 67 days after Hurricane Sandy.
One year later, Appalachians are still recovering and will be for generations to come. We have recovered before and will recover again, but recovery efforts are at risk of being washed away by the next storm without additional funding to move toward resilience.
What can you do to support resilience in Appalachia?
Give to the Appalachian Helene Fund.
Become a part of the Network and shape a stronger culture of giving in Appalachia.