
This report shares findings from a survey of nonprofit leaders across Western North Carolina regarding the short- and long-term impacts of Hurricane Helene, the effects of recent federal policy changes, and current organizational needs. Commissioned by WNC Nonprofit Pathways and Dogwood Health Trust, the research emphasizes the importance of community resources and nonprofit collaboration in enhancing peer support. The study was led by Openfields and conducted online from May 28 to July 6, 2025.
Staff and volunteers experienced strong emotional toll while continuing disaster response work
Organizations often worked in silos during response and recovery
Fragmented coordination limited efficiency and shared impact
No unified infrastructure connecting nonprofits and resources
Recovery requires sustained investment beyond immediate response

We believe that the WNCHelp collaborative hub serves as a vital resource for addressing the many pain points and requests highlighted in the Rising Above survey. This initiative has already received strong endorsements from leaders in the nonprofit community (see below)
As founders of the 501(c)3 nonprofit Food Connection, we understand the importance of nonprofit collaboration and have taken the feedback from the Rising Above Survey to heart. We are dedicated to providing a solution that enhances peer support and connects community resources across Western North Carolina.
wncHelp is seeking funding to launch this platform.






















Ashley Tee - YMCA WNC Executive Director of Community Health
We understand firsthand the demands of working in the nonprofit world. Consider this:
Having a Central Hub Saves Valuable Time
One unified platform where nonprofits, community groups, and neighbors can access all available community resources in real time—eliminating the need to visit multiple websites.
Reduces duplication of services by clarifying who is doing what, when, and where.
Streamlines referrals, allowing nonprofits to confidently direct individuals to accurate, up-to-date resources. This cuts down on phone calls and manual searches for assistance.
Always-current resource listings mean individuals and case managers no longer waste time calling closed locations or outdated numbers.
Helps neighbors in need get help quickly without navigating a maze of disconnected websites.
Fosters Nonprofit Collaboration
The “We Have / We Need” posting feature enables organizations to request or share supplies, equipment, and support instantly, enhancing nonprofit collaboration.
Strengthens relationships between nonprofits by creating an easy, transparent way to support one another.
Prevents waste, reduces costs, and ensures resources reach the organizations that need them most.
Provides Greater Equity & Accessibility
Levels the playing field by giving small, rural, and under-resourced nonprofits the same visibility as larger organizations.
Accessible for individuals without insider knowledge, reducing barriers for vulnerable neighbors seeking peer support.
Provides a single trusted source for accurate, community-driven information.
Multi-language capabilities with plug-in technology allow users to choose their preferred language.
Social Media lets us down
Algorithm Changes: Ever-shifting algorithms make it difficult to guarantee posts reach the intended audience without paid ads.
Diverse Audiences: Different demographics (e.g., younger vs. older) use platforms differently, necessitating tailored strategies.
Measuring Impact: Linking 'likes' and 'shares' to real outcomes (donations, volunteers) is complex.
Competing with tons of information: On Facebook and Instagram, you are vying for the attention of people also engaged with other content (like seeing photos/posts from friends).
Let's admit it - Social Media is exhausting! It's clearly not as useful as it used to be.
Let's create something different and BETTER!
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