Resilience Hub Mapping
Resilience Hub Mapping
In September 2024, Tropical Storm Helene devastated Western North Carolina, causing unprecedented flooding and infrastructure damage across Asheville and Buncombe County. In the wake of this disaster, something remarkable emerged: neighbors helped neighbors, community spaces transformed into distribution centers, and trusted local organizations rapidly mobilized to provide critical services. The resilience hub mapping project sought to document and learn from the community hub network of facilities, programs and services that was activated in response to Helene.
Background
Key Findings and Recommendations Report
The report shares information and recommendations for community and city-led action to improve daily connections and prepare for the next disaster. The GIS map displays data collected through the surveys, key informant interviews, and participatory mapping exercises.
EXPLORE THE MAP
The project team identified six key findings:
- The network is real, but it's fragile.
- The network doesn't rely on one central group. Instead, many different groups pitch in, helping to reach more places and more people.
- The impacts of long-lasting internet and cell service loss were significant.
- Grassroots groups are especially good at reaching people that other help often doesn't reach.
- Many organizations weren't fully prepared to adapt during a disaster.
- Organizational funding is a serious problem.
The research points to three primary recommendations, with specific action recommendations for community and city-led implementation included in the report. Primary recommendations indicate that network participants should work together to:
- Invest in community-led hub facilities that provide year-round services and can respond during emergencies.
- Set up a strong system for connecting and coordinating the different groups in the network.
- Improve everyday public spaces and programs that help people build trust, connect and get involved in their community.
Past Public Engagement Events
- June 18, 2026: Community presentation of key findings. At this event, hosted at Hatch Co-working, attendees provided recommendation feedback to support implementation prioritization, here is a summary of that input.
- April 18, 2026: Community Conversation: Building Strength with Resilience Hubs
- February 27, 2026: Mapping session
Resilience Hub Mapping Public Events by Jim Wilson
Contact
We welcome your input!
Please reach out to:
Thrive Asheville: leah@thriveasheville.org
City of Asheville Sustainability Office: sustainability@ashevillenc.gov