News release from the Appalachia Funders Network:
Appalachia Funders Network (AFN) Executive Director Rev. Ryan Eller has released the following statement calling on Congress to immediately pass a supplemental Hurricane Helene Relief package before both houses begin recess on December 23, 2024. AFN is the only network of funders in central Appalachia and stands among the largest regional networks in the nation. In addition to spearheading the private funder response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene on the region, they are tirelessly raising money for the area through the Appalachian Helene Relief Fund (AHRF), which has so far raised over $800,000 which is being distributed through AFN partner organizations throughout some of the hardest-hit areas. AFN member organizations that have also committed over $300 million for recovery efforts include Dogwood Health Trust, Appalachian Regional Commission, Invest Appalachia, and Mountain BizWorks.
Statement from Appalachia Funders Network (AFN) Executive Director Rev. Ryan M. EllerNearly two months have passed since Hurricane Helene tore through Central Appalachia, taking over 230 lives, displacing thousands, and causing an estimated $225 billion in damages—the worst disaster in our region’s history. Despite the unprecedented scale of destruction, Congress has yet to introduce a supplemental relief package. For comparison, relief for Hurricane Katrina came within 10 days, and Hurricane Harvey within 7 days.Years of government and funder disinvestment in Central Appalachia left our region ill-prepared for a disaster of this magnitude. This is a pivotal moment for federal and philanthropic leaders alike to act with urgency and intentionality. Without clarity from the federal government about the scope of its response, philanthropy faces challenges in identifying gaps and determining how best to deploy resources to meet immediate and long-term needs. We need Congress to pass a relief package before recess in December that mobilizes resources and empowers communities to define their own recovery.
The toll of Hurricane Helene extends far beyond financial losses. The storm devastated our region’s cultural and ecological fabric, with the loss of forests, homes, and irreplaceable landmarks. We cannot wait any longer for the federal government to decide whether it will offer its side of the support required to rebuild a stronger, more resilient Central Appalachia.
I call on Congress to move swiftly and decisively on behalf of the Appalachia Funders Network and our nearly 80 institutional members. Recovery cannot wait—our communities are depending on it.
For more information about Hurricane Helene’s impact and the recovery efforts being led by the Appalachia Funders Network, please visit www.appalachiahelenefund.org. Damage estimates were provided by the Center for Disaster Philanthropy.
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