Statement from our President/CEO and Hurricane Helene Updates

Statement from our President/CEO, Barbara Maida-Stolle

In the weeks since Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina, I’ve experienced a range of emotions – heartbreak at the loss of life and property, and pride in our team’s resilience. Initially, about half of Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina’s retail stores and career centers were closed, with no contact from over 400 team members. It was a challenging time.

I’m relieved to report that we’ve now connected with all our team members in western North Carolina, and everyone is safe. Our leaders have worked tirelessly to reach out and assess individual needs. We’ve provided support to these team members and their families and will continue to prioritize their well-being.

We’re currently finalizing plans to assist our mountain communities and will share details soon. We’re grateful to first responders and partners supporting our efforts, as well as to friends and neighbors who have donated generously. Recovering from this natural disaster requires a collective effort, and we deeply appreciate your support.

Thankful,
Barbara Maida-Stolle, President/CEO of Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina

Goodwill Team United: All Members Safe and Relief Efforts Underway

We’re incredibly honored to confirm that all of our nearly 400 Goodwill team members impacted by Helene have been accounted for and are safe. Our mission to change lives through the power of work is only possible with the dedication of our team members who run our career centers, stores, and donation centers. Reaching out, providing aide, and supporting our team members holistically was a crucial first step in supporting our community in western NC, and now we’re ready to rebuild our community together. Goodwill. One team. United.

Help is on the way. We are finalizing details in our relief efforts and ask that you stay tuned to our page to learn more when help becomes available.

Closures Due to Hurricane Helene

The damages caused by Hurricane Helene in western NC were immense. Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina has several facilities that are closed currently for a variety of reasons, ranging from flooding, lack of power, lack of other utilities, and lack of staff to operate the facility.

Closed

• Tunnel Road
• Black Mountain
• Azalea Attended Donation Center
• Asheville Workforce Development Center (Patton Ave.)

Resources and How to Help

The N.C. Department of Transportation is using this site to provide updates on road conditions throughout western North Carolina. Please reference this site before you travel west.

Donate here:

• American Red Cross
• North Carolina Community Foundation
• Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC
• BeLoved Asheville

Stay informed:

ReadyNC.gov