What We Do

We are the Appalachian Rebuild Project, a grassroots nonprofit organization born from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. As residents who lived through the storm, we came together to support long-term recovery in the place we call home. Our team is made up of neighbors, friends, and committed community members working side by side to help rebuild and strengthen Avery, Mitchell, and Yancey counties.

Directors

Sophia and Tony Phillips

Recovery efforts in Appalachia began with the unwavering response from rural communities and the deep roots shared by families like the Phillips. Siblings Sophia and Tony Phillips, lifelong residents of the area, were among the many who began organizing recovery efforts the day Helene hit. Their longstanding relationships in Avery, Mitchell, and Yancey counties helped lay the foundation for what ARP is today. Both serve on local Long Term Recovery Group boards and continue to lead daily operations with heart, humility, and a commitment to their neighbors. They now balance their pre-Helene lives with the responsibility of connecting residents to the support and resources they need.

Board Secretary

Isaiah Nichols

Isaiah Nichols, known to many as Wendigoon, is a YouTuber, internet personality, and Appalachian. Born in Kentucky and raised in East Tennessee, Isaiah has been a longtime friend of the Phillips. Though currently based in Louisiana, Isaiah immediately made the trip to WNC following Hurricane Helene to offer hands-on help. His love for the region and large online presence brought much-needed national attention to the crisis in Avery, Mitchell, and Yancey counties. His ongoing advocacy and involvement have been instrumental in keeping ARP connected to supporters across the country.

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Partner, Founder of Vets to Drones

Chris Lewis

Chris Lewis is the Founder and CEO of Vets to Drones, an organization that helps military veterans break into the commercial drone industry. After graduating from NC State and gaining experience in California, Chris returned to North Carolina with a mission: to equip veterans with tools, training, and opportunities in the growing field of drone work. His involvement with ARP began during his time in WNC assisting with Helene recovery efforts. Through a strong partnership, Chris and Vets to Drones have supported ARP’s mission while expanding the reach of both organizations in meaningful ways.

Volunteer Coordinator

Gillian Gavenus

A lifelong resident of Yancey County, Gillian Gavenus’s life, like many others, was deeply changed by Hurricane Helene. In the wake of the storm, she became a crucial part of ARP’s mission by coordinating volunteers from across the country. Her local insight, compassion, and organizational strength have helped connect people from near and far to the recovery work happening here on the ground.

Volunteer Leads

Adam Click and Aaron Ayers

Adam and Aaron are WNC locals through and through, hardworking, generous, and always ready to lend a hand. Each week, they lead volunteer workdays across Avery, Mitchell, and Yancey counties, offering guidance, muscle, and good humor. If you sign up to volunteer with ARP, you’ll likely find yourself digging in with Adam and Aaron, two of the finest mud shovelers Appalachia has to offer.

WHAT WE DO

The Appalachian Rebuild Project (ARP) is here to help our neighbors recover from the lasting impacts of Hurricane Helene. We serve as both a volunteer coordination hub and a fundraising resource to support long-term recovery for residents of Avery, Mitchell, and Yancey counties. If your home or property was damaged by the storm, our team is committed to working with you to identify how we can help.

On a case-by-case basis, ARP reviews damage assessments and works closely with local case managers to evaluate the specific needs of each household. When professional repairs are needed, we may be able to provide financial assistance to hire licensed contractors or skilled laborers to carry out necessary work. For residents needing manual labor, such as clean-up, demolition, hauling debris, or similar tasks, we coordinate volunteer workdays with groups from across the country, led by trusted local volunteers.

We operate in direct partnership with the Long Term Recovery Groups (LTRGs) in Avery, Mitchell, and Yancey counties, and receive many of our referrals through their case managers. Whether the need is skilled labor, funding support, or a helping hand, ARP is dedicated to making sure no one is left behind in the recovery process. If you're unsure whether we can help with your specific situation, reach out. Contact us, and we’ll do everything we can to assist or connect you to someone who can.