Year: 2025
Location: Asheville, N.C.

Following devastation from Hurricane Helene in September 2024, nearly 175,000 homes and businesses in western North Carolina were impacted. Catastrophic flooding and winds topping 90 miles per hour swept away work trucks, damaged warehouses, displaced employees and brought the operations of many businesses to a full stop.

The Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains (BABRM), in partnership with the Asheville Home Builders Association Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, stepped up to aid its 1,250 members across the region. The partnership was awarded a $50,000 grant to support businesses with local rebuilding efforts. BABRM members applied for individual $5,000 grants to help cover business damage, equipment loss or structural repairs. This allowed them to get back to work and continue rebuilding their communities after the damage.

Funds were distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, either paid to businesses or used to directly purchase materials and equipment. BABRM estimates that 40% of its members suffered substantial or complete property damage from Hurricane Helene, with 94% experiencing significant income loss, structural damage or loss of equipment.