In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastating effects on Western North Carolina, the Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation has committed over $230,000 in grants to support essential organizations within the community.
The Health Foundation’s grants aim to catalyze and sustain recovery initiatives that address a wide range of needs. Recipients include Big Brothers-Big Sisters of Western North Carolina, Community Care Clinic of Franklin, Community Table, Inc., Counseling Center of Highlands, Fishes & Loaves Food Pantry, Hawthorn Heights WNC, Highlands Community Child Development Center, Highlands Emergency Council, HIGHTS, International Friendship Center, KIDS Place, Macon County Care Network, Macon County EMS, Mountain Alliance and Mission, Restoration House, Rotary Club of Highlands, Swain County, and Vecinos.
“We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support of the Health Foundation’s Hurricane Relief Fund,” said Health Foundation Executive Director Charlotte Muir. “In just 67 days, we quickly raised and deployed over $200,000. Many thanks to The Village Green, High Hampton, Dogwood Health Trust, and the individuals and businesses here on the Plateau and from afar who came together to help our community recover.”
One key area of emphasis in the Health Foundation’s relief initiatives has been combating food insecurity worsened by the storm. The main provider for local food banks in the region, MANNA FoodBank, located in Asheville, was devastated due to Hurricane Helene. This resulted in a significant depletion

in food supply and increased costs for local organizations to keep their shelves stocked. To address this challenge, the Health Foundation has dedicated more than $65,000 to assist local food banks and organizations bridge this gap. This funding will enable them to continue their vital mission of supplying meals to individuals facing food insecurities.
The Health Foundation dedicated over $90,000 to support healthcare and mental health services, recognizing the increased demand following a disaster like Hurricane Helene. These grants are instrumental in ensuring organizations have the capacity to enhance access to services.
“The Health Foundation’s support of Vecinos enables a comprehensive and adaptable approach to disaster relief and recovery,” said Marianne Martinez, CEO of Vecinos. “Recognizing that Hurricane Helene exacerbated existing inequities, the Health Foundation is helping us address immediate needs while integrating disaster planning as a core component of our long-term infrastructure. We are deeply grateful for their partnership and commitment to building a more resilient community.”
In addition to the initiatives aimed at food insecurity, healthcare, and mental health services, the Health Foundation also designated over $72,000 for multiple recovery projects throughout the region. These encompass a range of endeavors such as bolstering youth services, home repairs to restore damaged residences, reinforcing emergency response efforts to enhance preparedness and resilience to future crises, and extending additional assistance to those most severely affected by the storm.
Beyond financial support, the Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation is collaborating with organizations and government agencies in the community to establish comprehensive plans for potential future large-scale natural disasters. The goal of these collaborations is to expand communication of information before, during, and immediately following a natural disaster and coordinate resources and response efforts to identify and provide for those who need it most. By partnering with and supporting a diverse variety of organizations, the Health Foundation aims to enhance the community’s preparedness and resilience for future large-scale natural disasters.
“The Health Foundation continues to demonstrate why they are such an important community partner in Highlands and Cashiers,” said TJ Smith, Executive Director of the International Friendship Center. “Their response to Helene – to make available funds to meet needs that were a direct result of this disaster – was a much-needed resource to so many nonprofits working directly with those impacted on the Plateau.”
Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation is working diligently to ensure that essential recovery resources and support are effectively distributed to those individuals and areas that have been hit the hardest by the storm. This comprehensive approach to relief, recovery, and preparedness efforts across the region will be instrumental in rebuilding essential services and providing a sustainable and supportive path toward recovery and the overall well-being of the community.