Each One Reach One

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Marshall faced unprecedented challenges. From the loss of homes, businesses and vital infrastructure, to the grief of those losses, the people of WNC were tested by these experiences. But together, we rolled up our sleeves and got to work. The story of Marshall's recovery and the strong, heart-forward community action that has made it possible has been nothing short of awe-inspiring, but it is far from over...

Each One Reach One is a peer-to-peer fundraising campaign to help sustain the momentum of Marshall's recovery from Helene. This effort goes beyond raising dollars; it is about neighbors connecting with neighbors and strengthening a chain of care that can carry Marshall confidently into the future.

In the spirit of the grassroots efforts that launched MRA into existence, we believe that everyone has something meaningful to offer. Whether it’s a small recurring donation, a larger gift, or simply spreading the word, every contribution helps strengthen our community and move the work forward.

Join the Movement!

Are you a member of a church, club, sports team, or other community group? If so, we have a special role for you! We're asking our supporters to multiply their impact by starting a fundraising team. To start or a team or join your friends, simply click the button above and enter your info.

Your donation will support three critical needs for the Marshall Relief Alliance:

$125,000 will fund future rounds of Rebuild Marshall Micro-Grants to support 20+ small businesses still recovering from Hurricane Helene's impact, help restore jobs, and keep our local economy thriving
$100,000 will sustain MRA's operations for 6 months: Keep our team on the ground to coordinate volunteers, distribute aid, and manage recovery projects in our community.
$25,000 will enable MRA to establish a dedicated office space for our administrative operations improving the sustainability of our resource hub and services.

On the Ground After Helene

On September 27th, 2024 Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina. In what is considered one of the largest geological events in United States History, the storm released 40 trillion gallons of rainfall over the region, causing over 2000 landslides and widespread catastrophic damage to infrastructure, utilities, homes and businesses. Flood levels in the riverways reached the greatest heights in recorded history. The economic impact of the storm has been estimated to be over $78 Billion dollars.

Across WNC, the destruction was unfathomable. In Marshall, NC, The French Broad River Crested at 27 feet above base flood elevation. The entire town was submerged, with the water level reaching over 12’ and into the second stories of some buildings. Every building in Marshall’s downtown corridor was severely damaged and 8 buildings completely collapsed.

When the floodwaters receded, the residents and business owners of downtown Marshall faced the monumental task of rebuilding their town. On September 30th, 2024, a group of Madison County residents established a makeshift relief station on the edge of town, just outside the river valley. Within hours, a surge of community members joined the effort, and within days, the site transformed into a major relief hub teeming with hundreds of volunteers daily.

What began as a small but hopeful endeavor spawned by just a few individuals, swiftly became recognized as one of the most organized and effective relief operations in the region. Amid this impressive display of community cohesion, the Marshall Relief Alliance was born.

For months the hub swarmed with activity. Parking and shuttling services were developed to transport up to 500 volunteers in and out of the work zones daily. A community kitchen was built, serving up as many as 1,500 meals a day. Safety protocols for protective wear were quickly developed and every volunteer was outfitted. Clean up and decontamination systems were also implemented for workers and equipment. Thousands of tools and equipment were organized and distributed.

Hundreds of thousands of dollars in material donations poured in from across the country. The logistical challenge of receiving, handling, storing, and distributing the food, household items, tools, equipment, and building materials was monumental—but networks of aid distribution were developed and runners were sent all across the region to ensure those items reached the people with the greatest need for them, and that nothing went to waste.

While continuing to expand and operate the relief Hub, The Marshall Relief Alliance also developed several key programs.

Feeding Hope (now paused): The community kitchen continued to serve meals through the winter and became a vital resource for community gathering and cohesion.

Heating & Utility Assistance: A program offering direct material and financial aid for heating and other utility costs for disaster-affected individuals.

Residential Rebuild: A program that offers volunteer coordination, material distribution, and land stabilization for disaster-impacted residents.

Rebuild Marshall: A program that provides material procurement and distribution, volunteer coordination, and direct funding for downtown Marshall building and business owners.

Voluntourism: An emerging initiative which builds on the organization’s successful volunteer coordination, offering tourists opportunities to experience a more meaningful connection to our mountain region and its people during their visits, while providing financial support and labor for projects that benefit the local communities in our region.

The Marshall Relief Alliance continues to refine these programs and support ongoing recovery efforts in Marshall and throughout Western North Carolina.

Our Impact Over the Past Year:

90 Days Post-Helene:

12,000+ hot meals served
$245,685 in tools and equipment distributed
$69,000 in emergency shelters provided
An estimated $556,800 in PPE supplied to volunteers cleaning up downtown

Winter 2024/25:

Heating & Utility Assistance program supported 1,510 individuals
Distributed 1,390 heaters, 237 generators, 183 carbon monoxide detectors, 285 propane tanks
Partnered with a local supplier to subsidize 550+ propane refills
Total Heating & Utility Assistance Program investment: $13,133

Volunteer Coordination:

12,745 volunteers mobilized to date
50,981 volunteer hours logged
Based on the national average for volunteer labor value, MRA’s volunteer coordination efforts have provided an estimated labor value of $1,707,364

Rebuild Marshall Program:

$33,215 for volunteer coordination, materials, subcontractors, and equipment rentals for disaster-impacted businesses
$4,748 for land remediation on residential properties
$15,335 in materials and labor for residential rebuilds
$44,000 in micro-grants for small businesses downtown
Total Program investment: $121,465

Testimonials:

“We could not be more appreciative of the Marshall Relief Alliance. The organized dedication to supporting downtown Marshall recovery and rebuild has been unparalleled and has led Marshall to where we are today. This recovery process has been one of the hardest things we've ever had to do, and not something we could have fully prepared for physically or mentally. Without the support of our community, and organizations like Marshall Relief Alliance, continuing on this journey would not be possible. Thank you!”

Penland & Sons Department Store

“We could not have made the progress we’ve made without the support of the Marshall Relief Alliance. From the very beginning when we were hand digging out the building, you provided heavy equipment, building and cleaning materials, volunteer support, meals and comfort. We are eternally grateful for your support. ❤️”

Burns Property Management

“Their involvement got things rolling, whenever they would have volunteers, they'd be on the phone looking for placements. Fortunately, they would send us volunteers who fit what we were doing, and were consistent. From doing painting to stripping floors, organizing supplies. When they would come and go, we could finally see a light at the end of the tunnel.”

Marshall Depot

“There's just no way our community would have gotten through the challenges of the last several months without Marshall Relief Alliance as our community hub. They've provided everything from PPE and ongoing volunteer support to tools and materials, and their tireless staff offers camaraderie and care at every turn.”

Community Make Space

“The Marshall Relief Alliance has played a hands-on, indispensable role in our recovery from Hurricane Helene. They have coordinated volunteers for nearly every workday over the past several weeks, ensuring we had the manpower needed to keep construction moving forward. They have sought out and secured donated building supplies, tools, and other essential materials that directly contributed to our progress. Their team has consistently gone above and beyond—checking in regularly, providing hydration and snacks during long days of labor, and offering the kind of sustained, personal support that is rare to find. Their commitment has not only accelerated our rebuilding efforts but also reinforced our sense of being part of a community that truly cares. We owe them a deep debt of gratitude for their tireless dedication and generosity.”

Law Office of Brian W Sharpe, PLLC

Each One Reach One

A Peer-to-Peer Fundraiser for Marshall Relief Alliance

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