Dear Friends,

We’re excited to share an update on the Housing Assistance Corporation + PLATT Heal temporary housing project. Thanks to your very generous support, we’ve raised an overwhelming $296,900, well exceeding our goal and what was needed to purchase eight travel trailers. After acquiring the trailers at a generous discount from Camping World of Asheville, completing site prep, and installing utilities, there is a surplus of nearly $100,000.

We’re pleased to report that site work and utilities have been completed and the trailers will all be delivered by the end of today. HAC has identified families to utilize the trailers and they will begin settling in over the weekend.

Just yesterday two families were in the process of withdrawing their kids from Pisgah Forest Elementary with the intention of moving to Greenville, SC in search of housing. Luckily, the school had heard about this project and contacted HAC. The families are now moving into two of the trailers this weekend and their kids will be able to ride the bus to school with their friends Monday morning.

We are now working with HAC to determine the best and most impactful way to deploy the remaining funds. That may be pursuing additional trailers, funding housing repairs, or assisting individuals and families with more permanent structures. Camping World of Asheville has offered to buy the trailers back once they are no longer needed for temporary housing. This will allow the funds to be repurposed to further benefit the Hurricane Helene recovery effort.

We appreciate you all so much for your compassion and help in making this possible! The outpouring of support continues to be remarkable and humbling. We can’t thank you enough!

Parker and the entire team at PLATT Architecture, PLATT Construction, PLATT Home, and Witherspoon Platt + Associates.

Please email or call with any questions. heal@platt.us | 828.884.2393
platt.us | platthome.us | wpanc.com

Transylvania County:

Transylvania County has been declared a federal major disaster area. Individuals and businesses can submit requests for aid on FEMAs website: http://www.fema.gov

FEMA representatives have arrived in Transylvania County and are encouraging residents affected by Helene to apply for FEMA assistance. When you contact and register with FEMA, you will receive a registration number. It is crucial that you keep track of this registration number. You can review the FEMA fact sheet for what to expect when applying for FEMA assistance.

President Biden has approved federal disaster assistance that is available for survivors in designated counties in North Carolina. Survivors may apply for assistance in three ways: online by visiting disasterassistance.gov, calling 800-621-3362, or using the FEMA App. Survivors may receive upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies. Funds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay.

The Sharing House: A local organization providing emergency financial assistance, supplies, and more to residents of Transylvania County.
Donate directly or see their Amazon Wishlist

The Cindy Platt Boys and Girls Club: providing meals and supplies to children and families

Region:

Beloved Asheville: On the ground volunteers collecting and distributing supplies.

Manna Food Bank: Headquarters was damaged due to flood, but they are still distributing food daily

Haywood Christian Ministry: WNC’s largest food pantry based in the Waynesville Area

See Blue Ridge Public Radio for a more in-depth list;