Asheville, August 10, 2025
News Summary
In the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene, Asheville has launched a community support initiative. The event provided essential services to residents, including food, clothing, and health services. Collaborating with the nonprofit Convoy of Hope, the initiative aims to aid families affected by the storm, while Asheville City Schools have resumed with modified schedules to cater to the needs of students during the recovery phase.
Asheville has taken significant steps to support its residents in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene, which caused extensive damage across western North Carolina. On a community-focused initiative held today from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Asheville Christian Academy and Walton Street, Highland Christian Church partnered with the nonprofit Convoy of Hope to provide much-needed food, supplies, and services to those affected by the storm.
The event offered a range of services to the community, including free haircuts, groceries, children’s shoes, backpacks, and health services. The initiative was aimed at assisting those members of the community who are most in need, particularly in the wake of a catastrophe that has profoundly affected lives.
In addition to local support, the Convoy of Hope aims to provide 450 new pairs of shoes to students at a Swannanoa middle school, reinforcing the commitment to help children and families during this challenging time.
The reopening of Asheville City Schools on a modified schedule commenced on Monday, following the extensive disruptions caused by Tropical Storm Helene, which brought rainfall amounts up to 30 inches resulting in what has been classified as a catastrophic, once-in-1,000-year rainfall event. This severe weather led to swollen rivers and considerable infrastructure damage throughout the area.
Despite the storm’s destructive nature, the Asheville City Schools reported that there were no deaths among the nearly 3,900 students or staff, although the storm claimed the lives of 42 people in Buncombe County. All Asheville schools are reported to be undamaged and currently have functioning electricity, internet, and running water. However, water from pipes is currently deemed non-drinkable. To address this concern, the school system has partnered with an aid organization to deliver clean drinking water to students and staff.
Many students and staff are struggling with the emotional aftermath of the storm, mourning the loss of family members. A resource center is currently supporting 15 to 20 families in accessing basic supplies as they begin to recover from the disaster.
Buncombe County Schools has also resumed classes, albeit on a two-hour delay, to adjust to new bus routes necessitated by damaged roads and washed-out bridges. While some parents have expressed reservations regarding the timing of the students’ return to the classroom, others are supportive of the decision. School officials are actively working on ensuring that the plan for reopening addresses not only the physical needs of students but also their mental health.
Superintendent Dr. Maggie Fehrman emphasized a dual-focus approach on both structural repairs and providing mental health support for students and staff, addressing the significant emotional toll that the storm’s aftermath has taken.
Key Information
- Event: Community-focused support initiative
- Date: Today from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Location: Asheville Christian Academy and Walton Street
- Services Offered: Free haircuts, groceries, children’s shoes, backpacks, health services
- Nonprofit Partner: Convoy of Hope
- School Status: Asheville City Schools reopening with modified schedules
- Recent Crisis: Tropical Storm Helene caused extensive damage
Statistics
| Category | Impact |
|---|---|
| Rainfall Amount | Up to 30 inches |
| Deaths in Buncombe County | 42 |
| Students and Staff in Asheville Schools | 3,900 |
| Families receiving supplies | 15 to 20 |
| New Shoes to be Provided | 450 |
FAQ
What services were offered during the community event?
The event provided free haircuts, groceries, children’s shoes, backpacks, and health services.
What was the main purpose of the initiative?
The initiative aimed to aid community members affected by Tropical Storm Helene, providing essential services and supplies to those in need.
How did Tropical Storm Helene affect Asheville City Schools?
The schools reported no deaths among students or staff, and they are reopening with modified schedules. There are ongoing efforts to supply clean drinking water to students.
What mental health support is being offered to students?
Asheville City Schools, particularly under Superintendent Dr. Maggie Fehrman, are focusing on providing mental health support in addition to structural repairs.
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Additional Resources
- WLOS: Highland Christian Church Partners with Convoy of Hope
- CNN: Hurricane Helene Impact on NC Schools
- NBC News: Asheville Schools Reopening Plans Post-Helene
- Fox Carolina: Buncombe County Schools Return Dates
- 828 News Now: Back to School Giveaway
- Wikipedia: Tropical Storm Helene (2024)
- Google Search: Tropical Storm Helene North Carolina
- Google Scholar: Tropical Storm Helene
- Google News: Tropical Storm Helene
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
