We The People 4 We The People of WNC

As most are aware, Western North Carolina has been devastated by Hurricane Helene. Thousands of our fellow citizens have lost their homes and businesses, and hundreds have tragically lost their lives. What some outside the region may not realize is the immense challenge locals now face in rebuilding their lives and communities, which may never be quite the same. Many who have lived in the mountains for years hold the land, and the safety and stability it offers, dear to their hearts. This cataclysmic destruction has shaken our foundations—literally, physically, and emotionally. However, we are a resilient, resourceful, and deeply compassionate community, destined and determined to rebuild better by creating new systems and models of sustainability and safety within our neighborhoods and the broader region. This is a marathon effort that will take many months, if not years. we are still in survival mode and experiencing shock while continuing search and recovery work. The work of rebuilding only just begins once the houseless are sheltered and clean water flows from the taps again, but to achieve a thriving "new normal," we need to support our locals now more than ever so they can remain here, continuing to enrich our community as vibrant hearts, spirits, minds, leaders, neighbors, and business owners.

We The People, North Carolina's newest independent political party, has witnessed the tremendous response of locals helping locals—demonstrating strength, organizational skills, and tireless action. We’ve also seen the solidarity of many across the country who have recognized the magnitude of this disaster and asked how they can help. At this moment, direct financial aid to individuals affected is our greatest need.

Funds raised by "We The People 4 We the People" will go directly to residents of Asheville and surrounding areas who have been hit hardest by Helene. One hundred percent of donations (less Go-fund em fees) will be distributed to area residents, with priority given to single mothers who have lost their homes or businesses, volunteers working on the ground who also need relief, and local organizations consistently directly aiding the area.

These financial distributions will be published on our website (www.wethepeoplenc.com) for complete transparency. At the core of the We The People party lies honesty in politics and an unwavering commitment to supporting our community: We, the People.

We The People NC Chair, Ceara Foley, has been an Asheville area resident and community leader for 26 years. Every beneficiary is someone she knows personally, a close friend of a friend, or an organization benefiting our beloved WNC communities. Donations will be allocated by We The People North Carolina, including Ceara, Vice Chair Ryan Rabah, Esq. (of Charlotte), and committee members Beth Baldino (Asheville), Anthony Noto (Raleigh), and Mark Ortiz (Rowan County). We The People is not a charity; we are simply North Carolinians supporting each other. While 100% of donations will go to those in need (less GoFundMe fees), they are not tax-deductible.

Here are some of the recipients your donations will help:

Amanda (mom), Brooke (16), Julious (11), and Drew (9): Hurricane Helene completely wiped out our Swannanoa home. It was right on the river, and the water rose fast. We barely escaped with our lives—Julious even saved Drew from the floodwaters! We lost everything—our house, belongings, everything.

Valerie Ehlinger and her three sons: They lost their home and all their belongings when Swannanoa, North Carolina, was ravaged by Helene. Valerie’s neighborhood was completely flooded. She and her sons survived by breaking a window and climbing to the roof, where they struggled to pull their dog, Maggie, to safety. They were rescued by a heroic neighbor. Unfortunately, Valerie had no flood insurance and will need financial assistance as she searches for a new place to stay during the long road ahead to rebuild her life.

Misty and her 4-year-old daughter: They lost their home, and Misty is facing medical expenses. Mitchell County, particularly Penland where they live, was one of the hardest-hit areas, experiencing the eye of the storm and 30 inches of rain at its peak. The Toe River rose 27 feet, sweeping away hundreds of homes—some tragically with people trapped inside.

Amandacera: We are in shock—our whole city, Asheville, was devastated by the storm, and almost everything we own is underwater. We created this GoFundMe because of my spine injury, and we are now in survival mode, traveling in a neck brace and trying to keep our child safe. Your support is funding our lodging while we try to bring in supplies when it’s safe.

The Little Brave family: They lived along the Ivy River and were hit hard. Michael Little Brave, the clan chief, his wife, and five daughters had their home nearly destroyed. Michael’s at-home mechanic shop, Little Savage Auto, was completely washed away during the storm. A lifetime of tools, livelihood, beehives, memories, and daily life essentials were lost. They are currently living in a hotel, having lost their home and most of their possessions.

We will continue distributing donations to these individuals and others, including artists, service workers, and local business owners currently without income or a place to live, until their fundraising goals are met. We will then donate to the most crucial volunteer organizations in the area.

Thank you so much for donating and sharing!