Nashville to Asheville with Love | Hurricane Helen Flooding in Asheville, NC

Rick and Debbie Massie: Nashville to Asheville with Love

It is so hard to describe the impact of seeing the devastation of Hurricane Helene. To see how people are struggling to survive, especially with the extreme Winter weather upon them, is overwhelming. I really can’t imagine the deep grief of losing my loved ones, with some still missing and most likely to never be found. And then to add losing everything you’ve worked for, and for so many who are not young, is inconceivable. After seeing such a tragedy, I could not come home and just live my “happy” life – it bothered me too much! One recipient of a trailer said to me “if you can do anything for us, please go back and tell them the truth”. The truth is they have utilized thousands of body bags, and many people are still missing and unaccounted for. People are getting little to no help, in fact, some say FEMA is denying them help. Because of our long-time friendship with Matt & Michelle Coleman we knew the right place to go. As founders of the Asheville Dream Center, filled with a heart for the underprivileged of Asheville, they were already helping those in need before this unfortunate tragedy happened, and they will continue to be there long after. It’s our privilege to partner with the Asheville Dream Center to help the people in Asheville and surrounding areas to have a warm place to call home, until their permanent homes can be rebuilt. Think about it, what would you do if this was your mother and father, your son or daughter? For so many families this devastation reaches the 2nd and 3rd generations. With thousands of people still in dire need, we are earnestly asking you to please help us to provide temporary housing during this critical time of crisis. We are sincerely grateful for your support!

Matthew and Michelle Coleman; Asheville Dream Center

Matthew serves as the President and CEO of the Asheville Dream Center and Michelle serves as the Executive Director. Matthew and Michelle Coleman are spiritual entrepreneurs with a strong background in outreach ministries in California and North Carolina. They met at the Los Angeles Dream Center, developed outreach initiatives through Destiny Church in Sacramento, and moved to Asheville in 2077.

God has given them great dreams and vision for this city. They are both very passionate about helping meet the physical and spiritual needs of people who have been through addiction, trauma, brokenness, poverty, and life-controlling issues. They both founded Asheville Dream Center in 2020.

Asheville Dream Center

The mission of the Asheville Dream Center is facilitating spiritual, social, and economic transformation through the love of Jesus Christ in the greater Asheville region. The Dream Center collaborates with various community organizations to facilitate meeting the needs of families. Our current and future initiatives include:

• Men’s and Women’s Live In Recovery Programs

• Family Enrichment Programs

• Gun Violence Prevention

• Youth Mentoring programs

• Single Moms Ministry

• Community partnerships

• Project Prevention for at-risk families

• Education and Career readiness programs

• Re-entry programs

• Community Cleanups

• School enrichment intervention

• Drug Prevention and Intervention Fatherhood Initiatives

ª Human Trafficking Prevention and Intervention

ASHVILLE DREAM CENTER is a registered 50l(c)3 nonprofit organization. Registered Charity Number I 84-4466931

The Debris Holds Memories

Debris from Hurricane Helene holds memories; of childhoods, careers, happiness, sadness, family, fun, trials, and victories. To some that were affected by this storm, all they have left are memories. Homes destroyed, businesses wiped out, family members gone. Only the memories of what was remains. We can’t stay strong without the help of one another. We must look after our brothers and sisters.