"It's hard to put into words the impact of connecting with volunteers from across the country for a full week, coming together for the same mission to help a community rebuild," says Kyle Green, Volunteer Specialist at Ford Philanthropy, who deployed with Team Rubicon in Asheville, North Carolina in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

Since September when Hurricane Helene caused catastrophic flooding and wind damage across the Southeast, 19 Ford employees have volunteered as part of Ford Philanthropy's continued partnership with Team Rubicon. For his deployment as a Team Rubicon Greyshirt, Kyle helped to restore the living spaces at the local Veterans Restoration Quarters (VRQ), where over five feet of floodwater destroyed the living spaces and belongings of 167 veterans.

Building Connections Through Service

On the third day of deployment, Kyle and his team drove around a washed-out bridge to meet with the veterans they were supporting. The conversations went beyond the storm, focusing on the veterans' service, life experiences, and what brought them to Asheville. "Hearing their stories made us get up a little earlier and work a little harder the next morning," Kyle said.

Deploying with Team Rubicon provides a unique perspective on the impact of volunteer service. "Being immersed in somebody's worst day makes you take a step back and better understand the people who are impacted and the role you play as a volunteer," added Kyle. As a civilian, Kyle emphasized how Team Rubicon's vision, rooted in action, inspires volunteers to jump in and make a difference.