Our Work

In response to community needs, our work is currently focused on five core priorities:

Housing:

• Providing direct financial assistance to community members for housing stabilization and to prevent displacement

• Working to create long-term solutions to the housing crisis in our communities, in partnership with community members

Food: 

• Stocking and sharing free food and household supplies in our Community Cupboard/Bodeguita, including a free pantry, refrigerators, and freezers

• Sharing seeds, plants, and food grown in our community garden to support food justice and well being

Community Care:

• One-on-one Community Care for community members who are navigating the ongoing trauma of disaster recovery five days a week at a centrally-located, accessible community center in Swannanoa.

• A human-centered approach that begins with listening and responding to needs and focuses on meeting basic needs and supporting self-determination 

• Supporting impacted community leaders with training and living wage jobs providing professional support to families and individuals with FEMA navigation, housing counselling, resources and support.

• Partnering with NC MedAssist, Pisgah Legal Services, Aflorar Herb Collective, and the American Red Cross to provide access to prescription and over the counter medications, herbal wellness supplies, legal services, and Disaster Case Management.

• Funding free mental wellness care including private-pay therapy for community members.

• Creating opportunities to heal and connect in our community garden, community living room, and other public spaces 

Building Community:

• Strengthening community with caring relationships, our welcoming community center on an acre of land in central Swannanoa, and community-led programs

• Welcoming all community members to a cozy, accessible, trauma-informed Community Center open 5 days a week staffed by kind and caring professional staff who connect community members with resources and support. 

• Creating a visible and accessible community garden and other community spaces for connecting, learning, healing, and well being.

• Creating a central, inclusive, reliable, and accessible place for community response and readiness to respond to community needs in emergencies and in normal times.

Advocacy and partnerships: 

• Collaborating and leading community initiatives for affordable housing, food access, and disaster recovery that prioritize basic human needs. 

• Partnering with organizations and individuals that share our goals of preventing displacement and gentrification, expanding affordable housing options, and supporting Swannanoa Valley community members in rebuilding our shared home and our lives together.