Welcome
Where Community Roots Anchor Resilient Recovery
Together we care for our neighbors and lead our mountain hollers to recover and rebuild. We are and we build WNC Strong.
Delivering Fresh Meals and Critical Aid
Rising Light Relief was created in the wake of Hurricane Helene to support the communities of Mitchell, Yancey, and Avery Counties—three of the hardest-hit areas in Western North Carolina. When roads washed out, homes were lost, and entire neighborhoods were cut off, we stepped in to make sure people had a place to turn during the most difficult days.
More than a year later, the needs of our mountain communities have shifted, but the challenges remain. Homes and driveways are still being rebuilt, families continue to recover financially, and access to basic resources is still limited in our remote region.
Today, our work is primarily focused on addressing food insecurity—offering a free community pantry and building a social-enterprise space that will provide affordable, nutritionally balanced meals in an area with no local grocery options. Every part of this work is rooted in dignity-focused service, ensuring that support is offered in a way that respects choice, privacy, and individual needs.
We also continue to support families with debris cleanup, rebuilding assistance, emergency heat, hygiene resources, and other essential needs. Rising Light Relief remains a safe place to ask for help, share resources, and stay connected throughout the long recovery process—without judgment, barriers, or shame.
Above all, we focus on hope. Everything we do is shaped by the same commitment that started it all: neighbors helping neighbors, meeting people where they are, and restoring stability one step at a time.
Donations
Every donation directly supports our community pantry, affordable meal program, and dignity-focused services across Mitchell, Yancey, and Avery Counties. Your support helps us provide food, essentials, and ongoing recovery assistance where it’s needed most.