Hurricane Helene cut a terrible swath through the southeastern United States, and in the aftermath, resourceful organizations have been working non-stop to help the region recover. One such organization is All Hands and Hearts, a recent recipient of DRI Foundation giving.
All Hands and Hearts is a joining of two nonprofits – All Hands Volunteers and Happy Hearts Fund. After working together to build resilient schools following the Nepal earthquake of 2015, they merged to provide even stronger “smart response” efforts in areas in need. In all, the group has helped over 1.2 million people and has active volunteer aid programs around the world.
The organization came to the DRI Foundation’s attention via its post-Helene efforts in North Carolina and Florida. “AHAH’s rapid mobilization allowed teams to quickly address the immediate needs as flood waters retreated, supporting homeowners in Asheville and its surrounding communities by assessing sites for cleanup, mucking, gutting and removing debris,” it writes. “Our early arrival meant we were able to establish local partnerships quickly, with organizations such as the American Red Cross and CORE, to exchange mutual expertise in relief efforts.”
These relief efforts have been ongoing in the months following the storm. As of March, volunteer teams across Asheville and Fairfield, NC, have continued debris removal and sanitation at over 166 sites, restoring livable spaces for impacted residents.
The DRI Foundation is proud to provide support and vital financial assistance to such nonprofit organizations to aid their missions in communities where they are needed. Click here to learn more about how you can help.