LIFE BEYOND CRISIS

donate today Hurricane helene Appalachia housing fund

Mountain City & Trade TN
After Hurricane Helene

In Johnson County alone, over 100 homes have been damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Helene, and we are still waiting for updates on the number of families displaced in the northwestern corridor of North Carolina. As winter approaches, Appalachia will need substantial housing assistance.

This footage captures the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Johnson County, the northeastern-most county in Tennessee. This impoverished and sparsely populated area has largely been overlooked by the media and neglected by political visitors. Homes have been destroyed, churches washed away, and roads obliterated, leaving many residents cut off from essential services. A significant number of people are still without power, with some families forced to live in tents as the harsh winter looms over the mountains.

The residents of Johnson County are resilient and determined, doing everything in their power to support one another. Farmers with tractors have united, and neighbors armed with chainsaws have tirelessly worked to clear the devastation of downed trees. The heavy machinery seen at the end of the video belongs to a local construction company working around the clock to repair washed-out roads, restoring access to vital services and allowing linemen to begin restoring power.

Locals have encountered numerous teams of linemen diligently at work. Reports indicate that Team Rubicon, a veteran-led humanitarian organization, alongside the U.S. Forest Service, has been clearing debris from the roads to facilitate this critical restoration effort. The Cherokee National Forest, which extends into Johnson County, has also suffered damage; campgrounds, picnic areas, roads, and particularly the streams and rivers within the forest have all been affected in both Tennessee and North Carolina.

United, the community remains dedicated to assisting those impacted by the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. You have the opportunity to be a beacon of hope for them.

GWA is forward-thinking and seeks donations to support long-term housing initiatives. Please take a moment to review our current sustainable community initiatives to see how you can help. In the meantime, know that there are incredible individuals actively rebuilding homes, a process that will take time, and those working diligently to provide solutions will be focused on ensuring continued safety and security for all involved.

Consider making a donation today! Every contribution counts. Thank you!

Continuing Initiatives

Currently in progress!

Perpetual Seed Bank 
& Seed Library

GWA will help to Catch, Package, Store and Share Seeds with Johnson County residents via a local seed library and perpetual seed bank. 

Essential now more than ever!

Take action. Collaborate & Build Stronger Communities 

Network with GWA to volunteer/share your skills and expertise to build a stronger, healthier community.

Always in our hearts and indispensable!

Animal Caregiver Support

"Join us in supporting dedicated animal caregivers who tirelessly work to save, rehabilitate, and rehome deserving animals in need of love."

Before the Hurricane GWA Focus: Recession-Proofing Appalachia
OUR CURRENT INITIATIVES:

At GWA, we are not just a company, we are a forward-thinking, Legacy Minded organization that is dedicated to creating a connected and sustainable community. Our goal is to support locals in caring for their businesses, families, and the environment. Together, we can Grow Well in Appalachia.

One way we do this is through our GWA Resource Incubator, which focuses on specific goals to benefit the community. These include the creation of a GWA Seed Bank/Vault to recession-proof our community, collaborating with local schools and community groups for small-scale organic and heirloom farming, and educating residents on food security and healthy eating habits.

The interest in working with the local government to establish a Farmers Co-op Market in 2025 seems essential, along with partnering with schools to offer apprenticeship programs to give children of Appalachia hope for a better tomorrow.


 

Supporting other nonprofits and individuals to grow well together as we care for the vulnerable members of our community is of importance to us. At present, GWA will be laser-focused on helping our communities to recover and rebuild. Much will be needed in the coming months and year ahead. 

GWA accepts in-kind donations, monetary contributions, and the support of volunteers, academics, and skilled professionals who share our passion for creating a better tomorrow. We are always looking for partners and positive thinkers who want to join us.

Our community needs are a priority, and we strive to connect locals with business professionals who can provide guidance and support to help them achieve their goals. We also have a Legacy Volunteer program where elders and other locals can share their knowledge and experiences with others in the community. If you feel you have a purpose and you want to volunteer, let us know. 

We have big ideas to help with rebuilding. By partnering with GWA, together we each commit to promoting environmental awareness and support initiatives to reduce litter by finding new uses for everyday trash. 

We do what we do because we believe that economic development efforts can help to recession-proof our community. With the right strategies and the support of our dedicated team, communities can remain resilient and prosperous even during tough times.


Partner with us or donate to create a better tomorrow.

Donating is important

"Join us in creating a resilient Johnson County - secure our future and thrive in Appalachia."