April 13, 2025        

We, the people of the Swannanoa Valley, represented by those in Asheville, Black Mountain, Ridgecrest, and Swannanoa, hereby petition our representatives to act for the good of our community by reversing the sudden suspension of a humanitarian visa for Felipe & Fay Gonzalez. Their 6-month visa was suddenly terminated three months early. Their absence will be a devastating loss to the Swannanoa Valley, as Felipe is an integral leader in a number of ongoing restoration projects in the River Arts District, Swannanoa, and Black Mountain. The Gonzalez family are citizens of Canada and Mexico and are lifelong humanitarians and dedicated advocates for those who are suffering and in need. When Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina, Felipe was invited by World Vision USA and Operation Blessing to come, to pray, and to assess how each organization might best leverage their resources and response. Felipe and Fay lead a nonprofit in Canada called WhyNot Aid and have faithfully stewarded resources for each of these organizations for more than a decade.

Through a powerful and unwavering commitment to unity and collaboration, Felipe led the development of the Better Together Coalition, resulting in the creation of a multi-million dollar initiative that has unlocked millions of dollars of building materials, manpower, heavy machinery, food, water, heaters, and other critical supplies. This coalition has collectively repaired over 300 homes, has served tens of thousands of meals, and supported more than 30 small businesses to rebuild, keep their employees paid and doors open. In the face of overwhelming challenges in our community, this family has sacrificed their own comforts to enter into our suffering and needs. The Gonzalez family has accomplished more through their belief in the power of community, service, and walking in unity than many massive organizations.

On behalf of those who have experienced hope, friendship, and restoration through their presence in our community, we ask for a stop to what we believe must only be an error. While many government bodies have struggled to know how to navigate the unique challenges of this crisis, this family has helped to usher in transformative results by listening to local leaders and empowering a myriad of teams to each bring their unique resources to bear for the good of our region. We are all pleading and praying for this family to be able to stay. They have blessed us more than words can adequately say. We would ask for intervention and rectification of this situation. Please restore their humanitarian visa. 

With gratitude and hope,

The Better Together Coalition, 

Cheryl Hyde, Executive Director of The Black Mountain/Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce 

Andrew Chambers, Head of Campus Life at Excel College, 

Lindsey Barnett, Director of Relief & Restoration at Valley Hope Church, 

and our surrounding community