Our Story

In the days following Hurricane Helene, as families and neighborhoods began to assess and comprehend the extent of the damage, the community sprang into action. Cut off from communications, utilities, and road access, we relied on the power of community and resilience of mountain folks to get to work and begin providing aid to the many families in desperate need. The raw determination and unwavering spirit of the people was inspiring; neighbors pulled out their tractors, skid steers, chainsaws, excavators and 4-wheelers to set about their task.

As we fought to clear roads and evacuate families, we quickly started encountering the veritable army of volunteers coming to our aid from neighboring states. Folks filled their vehicles and trailers with goods and supplies, brought them up into the mountains, rolled up their sleeves and got to work. The Valley Hope Foundation was born as we took in millions of dollars of donations, loaded them into side-by-sides and helicopters, and brought them deep into the valleys and hollows most affected by the storm. Our operation grew in the parking lot of Appalachian Tool and Machine, a local Swannanoa business which has graciously provided endless support and resources to help the community. We rapidly recognized that this relief and recovery effort would stretch on for months and years, and to facilitate our ongoing efforts we incorporated as a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit organization.