This is a call to action to help the senior citizens and solo agers in our area following Hurricane Helene.
There has been an incredible response from government agencies, nonprofits and our community in the wake of the catastrophic storm and floods, and we are so grateful and truly applaud every effort.
However, Asheville and Buncombe County has a large percentage of senior citizens, homebound individuals, solo agers, and people who may not be able to access those resources independently. Did you know that 45% of people 65+ in Buncombe County live alone? And 32% live with a disability—much higher than the national average.
Asheville Angels aims to bridge that need by connecting senior citizens in need to able-bodied volunteers who can check on them and deliver food, water, medication (or whatever they most need) until services are restored.
Through our work since the storm, we have identified many seniors who have no transportation to get to resources, don’t have family to help, and will be struggling until services like Meals on Wheels and Mountain Mobility are back online.
We build “nests” of Angels around each senior based on location and needs. The “nests” become a team, dividing and conquering on days or needs. Angels are trained prior to commitment.
If you would like to be part Asheville Angels, and can commit to visiting a senior on a regular basis until services are back online, please click on ‘volunteer’ and sign up.
If you are yourself, or know of a senior, who is in need of ongoing support and aid, please click on ‘seniors’ to submit them to us.
If you are able to donate, know that your generosity goes directly to supplies and aid for our seniors.
This network of volunteers was founded and organized by Katie Reph of Pre-Op Solutions.