Dear Friends,

My name is Stephanie Terry, a community organizer in Chatham County, North Carolina and along with James O'Mara, owner of O'Mara Landscaping, we would greatly appreciate you taking the time to read this important appeal.

As you may know, western North Carolina, particularly Asheville and surrounding areas, has been severely impacted by Hurricane Helene. Many neighborhoods have been devastated by flooding, debris, and damaged infrastructure, leaving families without access to basic necessities like food, clean water, and shelter. Roads and bridges have been destroyed, further complicating relief efforts. For communities already living with financial insecurity, such natural disasters can be catastrophic.

In response to this crisis, members of the Bahá'í communities in North Carolina, Chatham County nonprofits, interfaith churches, and business leaders across North Carolina are launching a GoFundMe campaign to provide immediate relief to the hardest-hit communities—specifically African American and low-income families. By supporting this campaign, you are joining forces with Bridging The Gaps, a collaborative initiative working to ensure that donations reach those who need it most.

Bridging The Gaps is a coalition of eight local organizations based in Asheville that have long-standing relationships with marginalized communities. In the wake of Hurricane Helene, James and I reached out to these grassroots organizations to understand their most pressing needs. Based on their input, we are raising essential funds to directly support their work in providing food, clean water, and other critical supplies. This campaign is backed by individuals, businesses, churches, and religious communities throughout Chatham County and beyond—all coming together to make sure no one is left behind.

Who We Are Helping:

Bridging The Gaps is focused on ensuring that the most marginalized community members—particularly Black families, low-income residents, the elderly, differently-abled individuals, and those without transportation—receive the aid they need. These groups are often at risk of being overlooked in larger relief efforts, and our goal is to prioritize their recovery both in the immediate aftermath and the long term.

How Your Donations Help:

Immediate Relief: Your donations will directly supply food, clean water, and other critical necessities to those most affected by the storm.

Support for Marginalized Communities: Bridging The Gaps prioritizes ensuring that People of Color, low-income families, and other vulnerable populations have access to the support and resources they need to rebuild their lives.

Employment Opportunities: In addition to providing relief, Bridging the Gaps is offering short-term employment to local residents who have been economically impacted by the storm, allowing them to regain some financial stability while contributing to the recovery efforts.

Long-Term Vision:

Once the immediate crisis subsides and people have access to essential services, Bridging The Gaps will shift its focus to address the long-term recovery challenges these communities will face. This includes rebuilding homes, restoring economic stability, and ensuring housing security as they recover from the storm’s devastation.

Who Is Bridging The Gaps:

Bridging The Gaps is a project of The People's Place and is fiscally sponsored by Eagle Market Streets Development Corporation (EMSDC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The Bridging the Gaps initiative is a collaboration among several key organizations, including the YMI Cultural Center, JD Ellison & Co., Noir Collective AVL, OG Synergy, OURavl, Eagle Market Streets Development Corp., Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ), and others, all united by a commitment to ensure that the most vulnerable receive the support they need.

By donating to this campaign, you are making a tangible difference in the lives of those most affected by Hurricane Helene. Your contribution is tax-deductible, and a receipt will be provided through Eagle Market Streets Development Corporation for your records. Every dollar goes directly toward disaster relief and long-term recovery.

Thank you for your generosity and support during this critical time. We will keep you updated on how your donations are being used and the progress of our relief efforts.

With love and gratitude,

James O'Mara & Stephanie Terry, on behalf of

North Carolina Bahá'í Community

Chatham County Non-Profits,

Chatham County Interfaith Community,

and Businesses in North Carolina