*This page was made specifically to reach out to family and friends that were NOT affected by the devastation of Hurricane Helene.*

My name is Matthew Grainger. I've lived in WNC with my family for the last 18 years, after leaving our home in Central Florida (largely to escape the annual hurricane season). I've worked in the area's service industry for the last 12 years. Due to some major personal events, the past several months have been tumultuous for me. After unexpectedly moving myself and my dog, Nami, into a new home, I was finally approaching a period of stability and hope. It is no exaggeration to say that my next paycheck was the one that would finally help me get back on track and start building a new life.

That is, until Hurricane Helene hit my home of Asheville, NC. Many of you will have undoubtedly seen the devastation our region has endured to both homes and infrastructure. The city's water system has been torn apart, closing most restaurants in town until they have running water again. My employer, Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse, is closed indefinitely. We were heading into the busiest season of the year (leaf season), and now Asheville will be missing out on its largest influx of visitors.

I have never started a GoFundMe or similar page, and feel incredibly uncomfortable doing so. But the reality is that my dog needs to eat, and so do I. There will be bills due, and I have yet to be approved for any assistance. It will most likely be several weeks until I can work again, and I assure you I will jump at the opportunity.

The amount listed is the maximum amount that I would feel comfortable receiving, as I do not plan on spending my resources on anything but necessities during the coming weeks. This will allow me to keep my car running, purchase gas, get groceries and dog food, pay for utilities, and emergency vet visits if necessary.

If you are another person that had the misfortune to be in Hurricane Helene's path, I give you my best wishes and a sincere hope that our region recovers swiftly. I also ask that you please don't donate anything to this page, and spend your resources on yourself, your loved ones, or one of the many organizations in WNC that need assistance.

Any contribution is an enormous one. Thank you for reading and I wish you safety and good health.

♥️