For nearly two decades, BeLoved has been a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to equity, justice, and the belief that everyone deserves a "village." Their ground-up leadership model ensures that those most impacted by systemic issues are the ones designing the solutions, whether it’s building deeply affordable housing or providing healthcare on the streets.
Leading the Charge: Hurricane Helene Recovery
The importance of BeLoved’s seventeen-year foundation was never more evident than during the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Because they were already "on the ground" and deeply trusted by the community, they were able to pivot instantly into one of the region's most effective disaster relief hubs.
Massive Scale: At the height of the crisis, BeLoved served up to 15,000 people per day across mountain "hollers" and towns like Marshall, Chimney Rock, and Swannanoa.
Essential Lifelines: They have shared millions of pounds of food and gallons of water, while distributing over 5,000 heaters to keep neighbors warm during the recovery winter.
The BeLoved Village: Their 17th year also sees the fruition of the BeLoved Village in Swannanoa, providing permanent, deeply affordable homes for those who lost everything in the storm.
EAT Cards: This innovative initiative continues to ensure that "eating is a human right" by providing direct food access to families, veterans, and elders.
The BeLoved Street Pantries: 24/7 Access to Necessity
One of the most visible ways BeLoved has cared for the city over the years is through their Street Pantries. These beige, multi-compartment boxes are labeled "BeLoved Street Pantry" and provide 24/7 access to food, toiletries, and first aid for neighbors in crisis.
Find a BeLoved Street Pantry Near You:
West Asheville: Corners of Haywood Rd. and Blue Ridge in front of JB Media.
Downtown: Walnut St. between Lexington and Biltmore Ave. (across from East Fork Pottery).
Black Mountain: Highway 9 near the railroad tracks, across from the old Bi-Lo.
Candler: Smokey Park Highway between the Shell and BP stations (near Exit 44).
Lexington Street Bridge: Left side of the bridge facing the bridge, next to the paid parking lot.
Oteen: In front of Azalea Church on Tunnel Rd. (past Zaxby's).
Airport Road 1: Corner of Airport Rd. and the Target entrance, next to the bus stop.
Airport Road 2: Across from Sonic next to HomeTrust Bank.
Southside/RAD: Clingman Ave. traffic circle by Pinegate Renewables.
Weaverville: In front of Hardee’s on Weaver Blvd.
Charlotte Street: 81 Charlotte Street (near the UUCA parking lot).
As BeLoved Asheville enters its 17th year, their mission remains the same: to foster Home, Health, Equity, and Opportunity for all. To learn more or to support their ongoing recovery and housing work, visit www.belovedasheville.com.
WNCTimes