Here for You, Here for All
Reuter YMCA and other Western North Carolina YMCAs mobilize to meet urgent community needs in the aftermath of Helene.
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Community members taking a respite at the Reuter YMCA.
“It has been an honor to serve our community in the past four weeks.” –Ryan Hove, executive director, Reuter Family YMCA
Our community showed incredible resilience and unity in response to Hurricane Helene, and the YMCA of Western North Carolina is honored to be a partner in those efforts. Like most of our neighbors, we experienced damage and losses of our own. However, as a nonprofit community benefit organization, we have a calling to serve. As the winds and waters subsided and the scope of the devastation grew, we mobilized to meet urgent needs for food, childcare, shelter, hygiene, relief supplies and communication. A few highlights:
- As MANNA FoodBank’s largest distributor of fresh produce before the storm, the Y was well-positioned to step up when their main warehouse flooded. Within days we had served more than 10,000 lbs. of fresh and shelf-stable food to those in need. This was possible thanks to our well-established network of mobile food markets, which let people choose the food they need at no cost, no questions asked.
- With school systems closed, we couldn’t offer our traditional in-school after-school programs. This created additional strain on working families, who need reliable childcare when their kids are out of school. To meet the need, we secured alternative sites where we could serve hundreds of kids, including children of first responders. Our staff’s training in mental health first aid will help students heal from storm-related trauma as they return to school.
- The Corpening Memorial YMCA in Marion served as an emergency shelter for the American Red Cross, housing dozens of displaced residents. Both this facility and the Reuter Family YMCA in Biltmore Park Town Square distributed relief supplies and opened their doors for showers, charging electronics and recreation when most of the community was without running water, electricity or phone service. More than 12,000 people took a hot shower at a local YMCA in the weeks after the storm.
- The Asheville YMCA became one of downtown’s largest distribution centers for relief supplies. Its gymnasium was packed with truckloads of water, packaged meals, cleaning supplies, diapers, clothing and other items donated by generous community members and YMCAs around the country.
- By offering free charging stations and internet access, many local YMCAs became community hubs where people could contact loved ones, do remote work and apply for emergency assistance.
Although the storm has passed, the hard work of rebuilding and recovery goes on. We’re grateful that most of our locations now have returned to regular hours, giving members a sense of normalcy as they cope with post-Helene stress. The Black Mountain YMCA had significant flood damage, but repairs are underway and we’re optimistic about reopening by mid-December.
Helene was a reminder that the Y is much, much more than a building. It’s a vital community resource worth supporting. Whether you seek connection through volunteering, donating funds, making new friends or improving your health, we are here for you. Find your Y at ymcawnc.org.
MaryO Ratcliffe is the senior vice president of marketing and engagement for the YMCA of WNC. Stephanie Corcoran, owner of The Little Gym in Gerber Village, sponsors Making a Difference.