When Hurricane Helene battered western North Carolina with flooding and landslides in late September, the greater Asheville community faced an unprecedented crisis. Among the first responders to step up was the Asheville Dream Center, a Christ-centered organization dedicated to providing hope and resources throughout the region. At the heart of this effort was Michelle Coleman, the Chief Operating Officer of the Dream Center and Assistant Professor of Business at Montreat College, and her husband, Matthew.
Despite their own home being cut off by rising floodwaters that turned their neighborhood into a makeshift island, Coleman quickly jumped into action, organizing one of the first distribution sites to support those in need. Just days after Helene hit, the Asheville Dream Center was giving away water and non-perishable food items supplied by organizations such as Walmart, Convoy of Hope, World Vision, and Global Empowerment Mission.
“We were there on Sunday at the Asheville Mall and from then on, it was just 24/7,” recalled Coleman.
Founded in 2020, the Asheville Dream Center’s mission is to transform the lives of others through relationships that reveal the love of Christ. One way the organization accomplishes that goal is by meeting the physical and spiritual needs of people affected by addiction, trauma, and brokenness.
From the beginning, the Colemans placed a heavy emphasis on partnering with local churches to expand the Dream Center’s impact. In the weeks following Hurricane Helene, the power of that networking was evident as the Dream Center became a lifeline for thousands of residents. With the support of more than 60 churches and nonprofits, the organization brought hope and relief by providing meals, temporary shelter, clothing, and emotional support to families who had lost everything.
“Never would we have ever imagined that in 2024 a hurricane would hit and do as much damage as it’s done to our city,” said Coleman. “At the end of the day, the Dream Center is always about finding a need. This is our tagline: Find a need and fill it. Find a hurt and heal it.”
Although the floodwaters in her neighborhood receded quickly, the most difficult part of the hurricane for Coleman was her father’s declining health. The lack of power and readily available water took a toll on him. A week after the hurricane, her father was hospitalized. Two weeks later, he passed away.
“You obviously hear the initial flood stories, but there are so many other ways that people are affected,” Coleman reflected. “It was hard seeing the city that I love turned upside down and then have my father pass away.”
Despite nationwide assistance, the region’s initial recovery was slow and challenging.
“We heard from several of the larger international relief groups that the first phase usually is only about two to three weeks long. Phase one lasted a lot longer here,” said Coleman. “We are still helping families with some of those practical needs, especially in remote areas like Green Mountain, Barnardsville, and some of the outlying places that still have bridges washed out. We have ATVs that are still providing basic needs to families.”
After the late September storm, securing proper housing became a top of the priority as colder weather approached. The Asheville Dream Center responded by providing approximately 20 RVs for displaced families. Additionally, the organization is collaborating with contractors to rebuild homes.
“We are finding and hearing stories of families with nowhere to go,” said Coleman. “I was there to see one family get in their new RV. The mom was crying, and her boy was just sitting there with the biggest smile on his face that he had a place to stay. I think that’s probably been the most rewarding moment for me at this point.”
The Dream Center also organized a massive Christmas toy giveaway, distributing nearly 5,000 toys to families during the holiday season.
“We decorated the downtown arena like Candy Land at Christmas, and we were able to get so many kids brand new toys, clothes, and coats for the winter,” she said. “That was an amazing, rewarding event just to see a glimpse of hope. To see kids laugh and have a good time was incredible.”
Coleman’s commitment to service is deeply rooted in her faith. After growing up in Asheville, she spent the decade of her 20s in California, where she developed a passion for missions during her five years on staff at the Los Angeles Dream Center. While working there, she met her husband, Matthew. After their marriage, the couple moved to Matthew’s hometown of Sacramento before feeling called to return to the East.
“In 2017, we moved to Asheville and just really prayed over this area to see what God had in store for it,” she said. “Now we’ve seen in this situation that he is our rock and he’s been what we have literally stood on. There are people whom we’ve never met from all over the country who’ve been so generous. In the midst of the complete chaos and the craziness, it’s been beautiful to see the light of the church shining in the midst of the darkness. The church has really stepped up here in Asheville, and that’s the story.”
Last fall, the LA Dream Center stepped up and donated $100,000 to North Carolina’s cleanup efforts. More recently, the Asheville Dream Center has paid that generosity forward to aid their city in recovering from devastating wildfires.
“The two places we love so much have really been hit,” said Coleman. “It’s incredible to see pictures of California. It’s just hard to believe. They taught us that when things hit, you just jump into action to help.”
Beyond her work at the Dream Center, Coleman is an Assistant Professor of Business at Montreat College. Her dual roles allow her to offer students a unique perspective on leadership.
“I’ve always had a heart for teaching, and I just want to share some of my knowledge with others that I’ve learned along the way,” she expressed. “I love investing in the next generation, and that’s really the heartbeat behind why I’m at Montreat College. I also love the fact that Montreat is a Christ-centered institution, so I can be free to share my faith and weave that in throughout the instruction.”
As Asheville continues to recover from the impact of Hurricane Helene, Michelle Coleman and the Dream Center stand as bright examples of hope and resilience. For Coleman, the experience has reinforced her belief in the power of community.
“When tragedy happens, the one you can rely on the most is your neighbor,” Coleman said. “Asheville is such a beautiful place to live, so it’s heart-wrenching to see the destruction that’s come from this hurricane. However, the most beautiful part about the place you live is not the nature around you, but it’s the people who live there. We’ve seen the beauty of the people here, and it makes me love the city even more.”