Our Why.

In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene across Appalachia, the Appalachia Funders Network (AFN) has launched the Appalachian Helene Response Fund. This pooled relief fund is designed to provide sustained support to communities in the six states in our footprint (our footprint being the mountain counties of Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia) hardest hit by the storm. As a collaborative effort, it was created at the request of local funders and organizations directly impacted. We believe in the power of place-based support, and will always follow the lead of our partners, kin, friends, and neighbors on the ground.

AFN members—over 70 organizations deeply rooted in their communities—are already mobilizing to ensure aid is distributed swiftly and equitably. By leveraging our network’s local knowledge and reach, we prioritize the areas of greatest need, ensuring that no one is left behind in the recovery process.

As recovery efforts unfold, we are reminded of Appalachia’s strength and resilience. Our region is no stranger to the impacts of severe weather, especially as we face the growing challenges of a changing climate. Time and again, we come together as a community, demonstrating what it means to rise up and support one another with grit, collaboration, and compassion.

The Appalachian Helene Response Fund channels these values, uniting our region to provide critical support. Contributions from individuals and organizations will be pivotal in helping those most affected by the storm. We urge the public to share the fund’s information widely, as maximizing the reach of donations will be vital in the coming weeks.