Our Story

About FairviewStrong.org

Born from Crisis, Built on Community

FairviewStrong.org emerged in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which devastated Western North Carolina on September 27, 2024. Our small mountain town of Fairview, nestled just south of Asheville, faced destruction unlike anything seen since the great flood of 1916. Bridges and roads were washed away, cutting us off from the rest of the country. While Asheville suffered historic flooding, Fairview was ravaged by landslides—trees uprooted and carried down mountains, some still upright, streams turned into raging rivers, and the land left scarred with debris and destruction.

With a population of about 3,000, Fairview operates without a formal town hall or police department. Our local sheriff serves as law enforcement, and three fire stations provide emergency response. But in the wake of Helene, the fire response teams became inundated as expected—so we became our own help.

From Chaos to Coordination

In those first days, residents set up relief hubs in churches and community centers. People relied on ATVs just to navigate impassable roads. With no communication to the outside world, Fairview became a scene from an apocalyptic movie—isolated, battered, and in desperate need.

Phil Troyer, former owner of Troyer’s Amish Blatz and a retired Mennonite Disaster Service leader, reached out to his connections in Pennsylvania and Ohio, bringing aid from Amish and Mennonite communities. At the same time, Dr. Amy Bertilli worked tirelessly to connect those offering help with those in dire need. Overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the crisis, she knew more hands were needed.

That’s when Joanne Winkler stepped in. Recognizing the need for structured relief efforts, she spearheaded the formation of FairviewStrong.org, securing 501(c)(3) nonprofit status to provide long-term recovery support. 

Our Mission Statement

FairviewStrong.org is committed to raise essential funds to help individuals and families return to a proper home.  We are committed to ensuring that each home is safe, stable, and equipped with restored power and heat.  

Building a Path Forward

FairviewStrong.org has become a crucial force in our community’s recovery. Thanks to the dedication of key committee members like Cory Wall and Jenny Brunet, whose expertise in land and home, local laws, and regulations has been instrumental, we continue making meaningful progress.

To expand our reach, we’ve partnered with both national relief organizations and local businesses, including:

  • Samaritan’s Purse
  • Catholic Charities
  • Habitat for Humanity
  • Appalachian Landslide Consultants 
  • Bolton Electric
  • Landmark Landscapes 
  • Steam Master of Fairview, NC 
  • TP Howard 

With support from local businesses, we’ve been able to provide heating restoration, tree and debris removal, land grading, furniture replacement, plumbing repairs, and more.

These efforts have helped families regain stability, but the need remains great. The road to recovery is long, and we are committed to ensuring that no one in Fairview is left behind.

Where We Stand Today

For months, we operated as matchmakers—connecting neighbors in need with those willing to help. But now, the challenges have outgrown a simple “neighbor-helping-neighbor” approach. We need bigger solutions. We need major funding.

Many Fairview residents still face:

  • Total loss of their homes
  • Unsafe land conditions
  • Unstable foundations
  • Mold infestations
  • Lack of heating

Large organizations move slowly, and the wait for aid is long. That’s why 100% of donations to FairviewStrong.org go directly to Fairview residents in need.

Our Mission Continues

We refuse to let our neighbors be forgotten. This recovery is far from over, but together, we are Fairview Strong.

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