A Framework for Recovery and Resilience
In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact, Thrive Asheville stands at a pivotal moment in its history. As an organization deeply rooted in community problem-solving, Thrive is stepping into a new role—one of supporting the recovery and reimagining the future. At the close of the year, Thrive’s final board meeting illuminated how passion, planning, and purpose are converging to meet this critical juncture.
“What I take away from today is that we now have a clear agenda on where to go,” said Pete Perez, Vice Chair of the board. “Our whole community now wants this. Before, they might have wanted 50 different things, but this gives us a real clear path. We’ve got a mandate because the city needs it.”
A Framework for Recovery and Resilience
Thrive Asheville’s reorganized structure includes three dynamic working groups, each addressing a vital component of recovery and long-term growth:
Housing Now tackles both short- and long-term housing needs, planning, and Thrive’s continued rental assistance efforts.
Lessons for the Recovery focuses on learning from other cities that have faced similar challenges, ensuring Asheville avoids pitfalls and adopts best practices.
Resilient Futures supports the long-term recovery group, overseeing individual assistance while envisioning sustainable, forward-thinking recovery plans.
This approach reflects Thrive’s commitment to both immediate relief and transformative growth. Board member Larry Crosby captured the sentiment: “What I got from today was a holistic approach to recovery. Not just a return to what was, but how to build back better. We have to consider the long-term impacts and ensure this community is prepared for sustainable growth, not short-sighted solutions.”
Strength in Collaboration
A key element of Thrive’s strategy lies in coalition building. The “Lessons for the Recovery” initiative exemplifies this, bringing together stakeholders and experts to learn from other communities’ experiences. As Perez noted, “It gives us a clear set of people at a table to start building a coalition. From there, we can roll that forward to get clarity about what we need to do.”
This collaborative ethos also extends to Thrive’s role in the Long-Term Recovery Group (LTRG), where its participation has been met with enthusiasm. “It’s a great opportunity to show the value of Thrive in the community,” said board member Matt Allen. “This important work is another tangible way Thrive is making a difference similar to our accomplishmets in housing with the Buncombe Rental Assistance Collaborative and incentivizing landlords to accept tenant vouchers to provide subsidized affordable units. That’s a concrete example of the impact we’re making and I expect we can do a lot more with the LTRG coalition.”
Building Beyond Recovery
While addressing immediate needs is critical, Thrive’s vision extends far beyond recovery. “Recovery is a return to a base logic,” Crosby explained. “Looking at the future is beyond that. Resilient Futures is the part of the work I’m most excited about. It’s about ensuring the future is resilient and thinking outside the lines of what’s possible.”
This forward-thinking mindset aligns with Asheville’s creative spirit—a defining characteristic of the city’s culture. Crosby emphasized, “Asheville has always dealt with challenges head-on and had to be creative. This landscape and these mountains will always be changing, but our community has the ingenuity to adapt and thrive.”
The Heart of the Community
Thrive Asheville’s mission resonates deeply because it addresses both the urgent needs and the enduring aspirations of the community. From housing solutions to fostering resilience, Thrive’s work demonstrates the power of collective action.
As the city navigates this critical period, Thrive’s role is clear. It’s not just about recovery—it’s about charting a path forward that honors the past, addresses the present, and inspires the future.
Or as Perez succinctly put it: “We’ve got work to do. And we’ve got a mandate. The city needs this.”