In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in October 2024, Empowering Hands partnered with Plain Compassion Crisis Response (PCCR) to launch the WARM Project. This initiative addressed the immediate needs of vulnerable households in Mitchell and Yancey Counties and beyond, focusing on providing heat, clothing, and food to those affected by the disaster.

The project officially came to a close on December 21, 2024, after surpassing its goal of warming 1,000 homes and instead heating over 1,600 homes.

What We Accomplished

Together, we operated a distribution center, offering critical resources such as:

• Heaters for warmth during the cold months.
• Warm clothing and other winter essentials.
• Food supplies for families in need.
• Household items like laundry detergent and personal care products.

In total, many households received much-needed support through this initiative.

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PCCR and Empowering Hands

Our partnership with PCCR was instrumental in meeting these needs. Through their leadership, the WARM Project:

• Reached its $325,000 fundraising goal to support the effort.
• Addressed urgent and ongoing needs for affected families.
• Transitioned surplus donations to support long-term rebuilding efforts in the community.

Stories of Hope and Resilience

One example of the lives touched by this project:

When we learned of 18 families bathing in sewage-filled rivers due to storm damage, we sprang into action. The distribution center opened after hours to provide supplies, and the next day, a potable water tank was installed to ensure these families had clean water.

This is just one of many moments where generosity and compassion made a life-changing difference.

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Project Closure and Looking Ahead

The WARM Project successfully met its objectives and closed its distribution center on December 21, 2024. While this chapter is complete, Empowering Hands and PCCR remain committed to identifying and addressing emerging needs in the affected communities, particularly focusing on rebuilding efforts for the most vulnerable households.

Thank You

We are deeply grateful for the prayers, donations, and support that made this project possible. Together, we saw God’s provision at work, meeting urgent needs and planting seeds of hope in the lives of those we served.

Want to stay involved?

While the WARM Project has concluded, the mission of Empowering Hands continues. Join us in building lasting hope for communities in need.
Consider becoming involved through our current long-term effort:

The Sponsor Project

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