Empowering Recovery: $2 Million for Western NC Colleges

$2 Million for Hurricane Relief in Western North Carolina

In response to the severe aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina, the John M. Belk Endowment (JMBE) has pledged $2 million to bolster the recovery of students, faculty, staff, and the surrounding communities. This generous funding is provided through a partnership with the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) to not only meet immediate needs but also to foster long-lasting resilience in this affected area.

Allocation of Funds to Aid Community Colleges

The $2 million funding allocation targets the 14 community colleges within the designated emergency zone. This initiative is designed to ensure that these institutions can quickly address their urgent challenges and distribute the much-needed support to their communities.

Direct Support for Local Colleges

Of the total funding, nearly $300,000 is earmarked for direct support. The John M. Belk Endowment will allocate $280,000 in discretionary funds, distributing $20,000 to each of the 14 colleges affected. This swift action aims to help these institutions tackle local pressing needs over the next two weeks effectively.

Flexible Funding for Diverse Needs

In addition to the direct support, over $1.7 million is set aside for flexible use, addressing various needs as recognized by the community colleges and the NCCCS. This funding will assist with essential services such as transportation, childcare, food assistance, mental health support, and advisory services for emergency response. The flexible funding will also extend into 2025 and 2026 to support ongoing recovery and rebuilding efforts.

Leadership and Vision Behind the Funding

Dr. Jeff Cox, President of NCCCS, expressed strong appreciation for the John M. Belk Endowment's prompt and generous contribution. He stated, "The commitment from the John M. Belk Endowment acts as a crucial lifeline for our colleges, defining what effective public-private partnerships can achieve in tough times." Dr. Cox emphasized that the collaborative efforts are vital for meeting the immediate educational needs across Western North Carolina during this recovery phase.

Hope for Stronger Communities

MC Belk Pilon, the President and Board Chair of the John M. Belk Endowment, has echoed the aspirations of the funding initiative, hoping it empowers communities in Western North Carolina to emerge stronger from this incident. She stated, "We are honored to support this comprehensive, multi-year investment in our community colleges. Our resources aim to uplift system and campus leaders as they navigate the recovery process. The resilience shown by our community colleges amid adversity has been remarkable, and we are proud to support them at this critical time."

Supporting Recovery Efforts

The community also has an opportunity to contribute to the recovery by donating to the Hurricane Helene Relief Fund. Every contribution will form an essential part of rebuilding and rehabilitation efforts, ensuring a brighter future for the affected colleges and the students relying on them.

Learn More About the Community Response

For those wanting to stay informed about the NCCCS's response and available resources for victims of Hurricane Helene, the system's official website will provide updates and useful information as the recovery efforts unfold.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the $2 million funding?

The funding aims to assist students, faculty, and communities in recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene's impact.

How will the funds be distributed among the community colleges?

The allocation includes direct support of $20,000 each to 14 colleges and over $1.7 million for flexible support addressing various community needs.

What types of support are included in the flexible funding?

Flexible funding will cover transportation, childcare, food assistance, mental health services, and strategic consulting for emergency response.

Who expressed gratitude for the funding announcement?

Dr. Jeff Cox, President of NCCCS, expressed appreciation for the quick response from the John M. Belk Endowment.

How can the community contribute to the relief efforts?

Individuals can donate to the Hurricane Helene Relief Fund to help support ongoing recovery initiatives.

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