We believe no one should have to recover from a disaster alone.
If you’re still living with challenges related to the storm, or know someone who is, our disaster case manager can offer longer-term support and assistance, connect you to organizations and programs that specialize in repair, rebuilding, or other disaster-related needs, and be a partner to cheer you on, as we all recover from the storm.
Local
Despite Swannanoa being considered ground zero for Hurricane Helene, most Disaster Case Management (DCM) programs in Western NC are located outside of the Valley. Our DCM is located in downtown Swannanoa, within walking distance to many of the most heavily affected neighborhoods.
In Person
Our staff is comprised entirely of locals. We know all too well that the recovery process has been full of phone calls, emails, and hard to navigate online forms. Because of this, we are here to offer face to face, in person support.
Trauma Informed
Our board and staff members have completed trauma-informed disaster case management training from FEMA, the Buncombe County Long Term Recovery Group, Lutheran Disaster Relief, The Red Cross, Catholic Charities, and ARC.
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Nope. Our case managers partner with survivors at no cost to the survivor.
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If you or somebody you know has any storm related needs, please send them our way!
We’ll talk with survivors to see if disaster case management is a good fit.
And, even if full disaster case management isn’t needed, we’re happy to connect survivors with resources.
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Together, we’ll decide what your goals are for recovery. Once we’ve achieved them together, to the best of our ability, disaster case management services will end.
However, as a resilience hub, we hope to build community relationships within the Swannanoa Valley that you can choose to be a part of for many, many years to come, through community events and more.
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There are many different disaster case management programs available in our area right now, and all of them are a little different.
Our program, and several other amazing programs in our area, work closely with survivors to help achieve their recovery goals, and can make phone calls for you if you’re working, or even communicate with FEMA.
Some programs just offer referrals or resources, and others are just case management for one specific service, like rebuilding.
We’re happy to talk with you about what might be best for your situation.
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We are grateful to be connected to many amazing organizations that are supporting home rebuilds in our area.
We’re happy to talk through which one might be the best option for your circumstances.
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At this time, we do not have funds within our organization that we are able to use for that purpose. However, we are able to refer you to organizations that do. And, you can continue to partner with us while accessing those services.
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You can expect compassion. We will never judge you. We will never share your personal information without your permission. We will not always have the answers or be able to find the right resources, but we will certainly try.
Recovery often takes longer than any of us want, and it isn’t perfect. Often our job, and your recovery, involves waiting for the availability of other organizations or people, asking questions until we get an answer, or working with answers that aren’t what we were hoping to hear.
But what you can expect is a supportive partner in your recovery. You don’t have to walk this road alone, and we’re always honored to walk it beside you.
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We are currently located at 216 Whitson Avenue, Swannanoa NC by appointment only. Please contact us to be connected to our disaster case manager.
Contact us.
Please fill out the form or email us at connect@srchnc.org to be connected to a Disaster Case Manager.
IN SEPTEMBER OF 2024,
Life in the Swannanoa Valley was significantly impacted by Hurricane Helene.
WE’RE HERE TO HELP
Disaster case management is a role that many of us here in the Swannanoa Valley took on after the storm hit, even if we didn’t know it at the time.
Neighbors helping neighbors find resources to help with muck and gut, clearing debris, locate food or shelter, offering support with FEMA, sharing information about food and water… these are all things many of us helped each other with after the storm.
But over a year later, many of us here in the Valley are still dealing with a slew of challenges related to Helene. Long term recovery takes a long time after a disaster, especially if we’re still dealing with loss, working full time or have lost income, are unsure of where to ask for help or what help is still available, are displaced, or are having a hard time with complicated forms or processes.
Studies consistently show that the support of a Disaster Case Manager improves access to resources and services, helps survivors navigate systems, and reduces psychological and socioeconomic distress. Our DCM program is at the heart of our mission. Your support will help us continue providing this free service to our community.