HURRICANE HELENE RELIEF ASSISTANCE

Need assistance in recovering from Hurricane Helene? Click here to submit an assistance application.

A printable PDF form of the appliation can be found here.

Supporting Communities Impacted by Hurricane Helene

At WAMY Community Action, we are committed to helping individuals and families recover from the challenges left in the wake of Hurricane Helene. By extending our Bridges Program, we’ve created a dedicated initiative to address the financial struggles caused by the storm. This specialized program has become a vital resource for those seeking stability during such a difficult time.

Through this effort, we are providing a range of critical support services to ensure that families can recover without falling deeper into financial hardship. This includes possible, limited assistance with rental payments, utility bills, fuel costs, car repairs, and other urgent needs directly linked to the storm's impact.

The need in Western North Carolina has been significant. Just in November, we had the privilege of serving more than 52 families through this program, helping them stay afloat as they rebuild their lives. The assistance WAMY provides is about more than just funding—it’s about restoring hope and providing the foundation for a brighter, more secure future.

The recovery process after a natural disaster is never simple, but together, we are helping our community stay strong and resilient. WAMY remains dedicated to ensuring our neighbors have the resources they need to overcome challenges and move forward.

If you or someone you know is struggling after Hurricane Helene, we are here to help. Please reach out to learn more about the extended Bridges Program and the resources available to make recovery possible.

HOUSING AND WEATHERIZATION SERVICES

WAMY's housing program works with low-income families to make their homes safer and more energy efficient. We have programs that can provide minor repairs and rehabilitation to homes owned by low-income families in Watauga, Avery, Mitchell and Yancey Counties. This program can fix a leaking roof, repair plumbing or electrical hazards or other health and safety hazards. The repair and rehabilitation program is only available to homeowners and structures must be site built homes or mobile homes on a permanent foundation. WAMY also has a weatherization program in all four counties that works to make homes more energy efficient, usually through the installation of insulation, air sealing and duct sealing. This program is available to both homeowners and renters with landlord permission. After receiving weatherization, families typically save 30%-35% on their heating/cooling costs. Our Heating and Air Replacement program is also available in all four counties to both homeowners and renters. This program allows us to evaluate and clean your heating system and we may even replace it if necessary. Eligibility for these programs is based on the families' income. If your home needs repairs, is drafty, hard to heat or cool, or if you have high energy bills, WAMY may be able to help! To qualify for the program, your family must be below 200% of poverty. If you would like to apply for our Home Repair and Energy Upgrade Program please follow the link below. You will asked to provide basic information about your household as well as proof of income for your household. Or print the form and send it to 225 Birch St. Suite 2, Boone, NC 28607. You can also call the WAMY office and have an application mailed to you.

FOOD AND NUTRITION

W.A.M.Y. has a free community garden full of freshly grown produce at our office in Avery County. Close by is W.A.M.Y.'s Little Free Food Pantry offering non-perishable food to anyone in need. Our Food and Nutrition programs are volunteer-based initiatives that continue to grow.

FAMILY DEVELOPMENT

WAMY’S Total Family Development program helps families increase their income by assisting them with educational or employment goals. EDUCATION: Staff work with clients to create an individualized plan of action to increase their education or get short-term training in order to obtain employment. The program can provide assistance with transportation and fuel expenses, childcare expenses, phone and utility expenses, and career readiness. Upon graduation, WAMY will assist with seeking and obtaining employment. EMPLOYMENT: Staff work with clients to identify their skills, provide assistance with career readiness skills and employer contacts, counsel and train financial management techniques and budgeting, and enhance job searching skills. It is designed to help clients seek and obtain employment. To qualify for Total Family Development, your family income must be at 200% of poverty or below. If you are interested in this program, please contact the office at 1-800-571-9269 to see if you qualify.

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

Last year, WAMY served 274 children in our Youth Development Program. This provided childcare for the parents as well as a fun, educational experience for the children. The kids enjoyed all the benefits of a safe and enriching environment, while parents receive peace of mind knowing that their child is being cared for throughout the day.

Last Summer, WAMY is launched a new Youth program, "Support Our Students" (S.O.S.).  We are ready to roll for 2024! We will be serving youth by sponsoring them in attending various camps across the region. Our goal is to maintain safe supervision for school-aged children during the summer months so that their parents and guardians can maintain employment and self-sufficiency.

Apply for the SOS Summer Camp Scholarship - Printable Form Here