Appalachian Imagination: Appalachian Helene Response Fund

Ryan Eller (Executive Director) and Jess Mullins Fullen (Programs & Learning Administrator) of AFN, join Jason on this episode to talk about Appalachian Funders Network. Throughout the conversation you will find all parties involved share a common love for Appalachia and its people. 
Appalachia Funders Network Launches the Appalachian Helene Response Fund to Support Communities Devastated by Hurricane Helene 
URL: https://bit.ly/appheleneresponsefund (https://bit.ly/appheleneresponsefund) 
Appalachia, USA - In the wake of the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene across Appalachia, the Appalachia Funders Network (AFN) is announcing the creation of the Appalachian Helene Response Fund. This pooled relief fund is designed to provide immediate and sustained support to communities across the six states hardest hit by the storm. 
The Appalachian Helene Response Fund will be a collaborative effort organized by AFN at the specific request of funders and organizations in the area, many of whom are still without power or reliable communication. Individuals may contribute to the fund immediately. 
"Even as recovery efforts begin, I am deeply aware that many of our own members, leaders, and community partners are among those most affected. In fact, I am personally awaiting news on the safety of family and friends, including several AFN leaders who live in the impacted areas. This storm has challenged us in ways we never anticipated, but it has also revealed the true solidarity of our community. We are uniting as a region to ensure that no one is left behind in this recovery process." 
The Appalachian Helene Response Fund will channel resources directly to the areas of greatest need, leveraging the reach and local knowledge of AFN's 70+ member organizations across the region. These members, deeply rooted in their communities, will ensure that aid is distributed swiftly and equitably, prioritizing the hardest-hit areas. 
We urge media outlets and the public to share the fund's URL widely: https://bit.ly/appheleneresponsefund (https://bit.ly/appheleneresponsefund). The reach of this fund is critical, and spreading the word will help maximize the impact of donations. AFN members on the ground are already mobilizing to address the most urgent needs, and the support garnered through this fund will be pivotal in the recovery efforts. 
"Our region is no stranger to the impacts of severe weather, and we have always shown what it means to come together as a community," Garrett Blaize, AFN Steering Committee Co-Chair and Executive Director of the Appalachian Community Fund added. "This fund is a testament to the unwavering grit, spirit of collaboration, and compassion that define Appalachia. Together, we will get through this." 
About the Appalachia Funders Network 
The Appalachia Funders Network (AFN) is a collaboration of more than 70 philanthropic organizations and partners working across six states in Central Appalachia. Our mission is to accelerate an equitable Appalachian transition by aligning resources and strategies for shared learning, investment, and advocacy. AFN members are committed to building a stronger, healthier, and more resilient region. 
For more information, or to make a donation to the Appalachian Helene Response Fund, please visit https://bit.ly/appheleneresponsefund (https://bit.ly/appheleneresponsefund)