Rebuilding Our Asheville
Our work is far from over!
Bridging the Gaps WNC, an initiative of YMI Cultural Center, is actively responding to the needs of 12 neighborhoods, ensuring that the most marginalized members of our community receive food, water, and critical supplies.
Active partners include The People’s Place, Organic Synergy, Noir Collective AVL, JD Ellison & Co., OURavl, and Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) along with other organizations and individuals. They are working together to provide aid to Black communities, elders, those with special needs, and others lacking access to critical resources.
Bridging the Gaps is collecting essential items to distribute where they are needed most. Requested items include bottled water, baby wipes, hand sanitizer, peroxide and first aid supplies, snack packs, buckets, toilet paper, paper towels, and trash bags
Supplies can be dropped off at the YMI, 39 South Market Street in Asheville between 9 and 5 every day, preferably Monday through Friday. Please call (828) 423-0371 (best), or (828) 423-0348, to let them know when you are coming.
The Noir Collective has transformed their art gallery and gift shop into a community space for creativity and connection. They are working to support the organizers, volunteers, and all other community members by creating and holding a creative and regenerative space for processing and healing.
You are invited to join them to create something as a way of processing, or to make cards of “well wishes” for others. They are accepting donations of journals, books, paper, writing and coloring instruments, and art supplies for use in their space and for community giveaways. If you’d like to participate in this moment, please bring or send supplies to 39 S. Market Street, Asheville, NC 28801.
In these times, we must find, share, and continue to generate hope and find a sense of peace in it all. We are sending our love and well wishes to everyone. Together we will rebuild Our Asheville.
Together, we’re making an impact! Be part of the solution. Volunteer, contribute, and donate at www.ymiculturalcenter.org/emergency-response.