I am Katie Reph, founder of the Asheville local business Pre-Op Solutions, board member of the Council of Aging and Aging Projects Inc. and advocate for the elderly in Western North Carolina.

This is a call to action to help the senior citizens and solo agers in Buncombe County following Hurricane Helene.

There has been an incredible response from government agencies, nonprofits and our community in the wake of Hurricane Helene, and we are so grateful and truly applaud every effort.

However, Asheville and Buncombe County has a large percentage of senior citizens, homebound individuals, solo agers, and people who may not be able to access those resources independently. Did you know that 45% of people 65+ in Buncombe County live alone? And 32% live with a disability—much higher than the national average.

Asheville Angels aims to bridge that need by connecting senior citizens in need to able-bodied volunteers who will deliver food, water, medication (or whatever they most need) once a day or as frequently as possible.

This GoFundMe is paying for gas for volunteer and food, water, and medication for seniors (if free resources can't be found). To sign up to volunteer, or to send us a senior in need, please visit this page .