Power to the Mountains is a volunteer-led initiative supporting artists and their communities in Western North Carolina impacted by Hurricane Helene, through mutual aid and fundraising.
The project began with a GoFundMe campaign launched by Allison Daniel, Jet Schmidt, and Bailey Knight to raise funds for much-needed generators for a distribution hub organized by artists Julie Wiggins, Rose Hardesty, and others in Bakersville, NC. Through this fundraising effort, we were able to purchase 14 generators, along with other tools, supplies, and travel costs for delivery. As conditions in Bakersville improved, we expanded our efforts to assist other towns in WNC hit hard by the storm.
Though the roads are cleared, many urgent needs remain as individuals and businesses enter the rebuilding phase. Local businesses, especially those reliant on autumn tourism, lost crucial income during the disaster. Power to the Mountains is committed to helping these communities—especially artists—recover and rebuild stronger than before. We partner with the Raleigh United Mutual Aid Hub (RUMAH) to coordinate deliveries to distribution sites throughout WNC.
