We are on a mission to help Appalachians STAY Appalachian.

Hurricane Helene caused many people in WNC and East TN to lose their homes and their businesses. They have little to no hope of saving/keeping their land or rebuilding because, in the mountains it is uncommon to have a flood provision in homeowners insurance policies.

I grew up in these mountain towns and have lived in Appalachia all my life. I and our ministry would like to see our beloved mountaineers KEEP their property. Therefore we are happy to announce our mission with the Appalachian SoulFire Project! We have 3 goals in our mission for this:

1. Preservation:  in the wake of possible seizure due to foreclosure, condemnation, or big corporate buyout.
2. Recovery: Our second mission is to help REBUILD their residential homes and small "mom n' pop" shops/ businesses, which keep our communities employed, and our local economies thriving and prosperous.
3. "2024 HOLIDAY HEALING FROM HELENE" where we hope to receive donations from restaurants, businesses, and private donors to provide Thanksgiving and Christmas Meals and gift bags to the recipients on our sponsorship/recipient list.

This is a Kickstarter campaign to get it off the ground. Right now its just a brilliant vision of love, hope, and charity of our nonprofit FBO, SoulFire Ministries. Our board of elders decided this needs to be done, but we need a few things in addition to monetary donations to get started:

1. We need a committee of 5 volunteers willing to oversee this project.  There are many things to be accomplished which will require hearts...not egos. These are short and long term project goals for the people whom we serve. If you are interested in a position on ASFP Committee, email info@soulfireministries.net with your details, experience and contact information. 
2. Names of individuals and families who have lost their home or business in the flood who have no insurance.
3. if you are, or know someone, who has been severely impacted (loss of residential home or small business) in the areas of Carter, Unicoi, Avery, Mitchell, Burke, Madison, Ashe, McDowell, Yancey, Watauga, Buncombe, Henderson, Johnson, Washington and other counties of WNC and East TN. email info@soulfireministries.net if you know of any we missed.
4. Contacts for shelters and relief hubs/centers in each of the aforementioned and hardest hit counties would be infinitely appreciated. PM me or email info@soulfireministries.net 
5. Please share this campaign with on your social media pages, and donate what you can!

The guidelines, procedures and other details are currently being developed and updates will be posted periodically. A website is currently being constructed for the project to provide all details and transparency. 

Immediate emergency interventions are still taking place. We are stepping up to fill a different but MUCH NEEDED short + longer term role for disaster recovery, property salvation, and rebuilding projects... so once the storm has passed, the Appalachian people who need it most are NOT FORGOTTEN. Please donate of your time, attention or resources as you are able. 🙏🌟WE ARE APPALACHIAN STRONG 💪

Our Senior Minister Rev. Dr. Elizabeth is offering her one on one services through the ministry to any victims in need, for free. 50% of any donations or fees she collects for services are being donated to this cause until further notice. To book a service, email beth@soulfireministries.net