WNC Strong

When Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina, WNC Strong needed an immediate digital solution to coordinate relief efforts. The challenge was immense: create a comprehensive platform for managing grants, loans, and donations - and do it in just 48 hours. Lives and livelihoods literally depended on the speed and effectiveness of this solution.

I immediately began developing a robust website that could handle complex functionality while remaining accessible to users in crisis. The platform included detailed resource listings, streamlined application processes for various types of aid, and intuitive donation systems. Additionally, I created a complete design system and provided rapid training to ensure the team could manage ongoing updates independently.

The impact has been staggering. Within two months of launch, the platform facilitated $3.29 million in grants, helped retain 3,134 jobs, and generated over $102 million in economic impact across the region. The website continues to serve as a crucial hub for community recovery, proving that well-executed digital solutions can play a vital role in disaster response.