At a recent community meeting, a partner agency shared something that stuck with us: “Every time I send a need to Quiet Givers, I think there’s no way they can help… but you almost always say yes.”

For many of our neighbors, finding a place to call home is becoming an uphill climb. The High Country is a beautiful place to live, but the reality of our housing market has reached a tipping point.

Between rising property values and a limited supply of long-term rentals, many local families - the folks who teach our children, staff our clinics, and run our favorite local shops - are being priced out. When an unexpected car repair or medical bill hits, that gap can quickly lead to an eviction notice.

A fortunate alignment of timing and community need sparked a new partnership between Quiet Givers and Avery County Emergency Medical Services. Last fall, we received a generous donation of high-quality medical equipment, including wheelchairs, mobility aids, and a hospital bed, but we needed a way to get them to the right people.

As we look back on 2025, one quote from a neighbor we helped truly captures the heart of our mission:

"Thank you so much. This program gives me some hope in humanity!"

Quiet Givers began in 2010 with a single, deeply personal act of kindness.

Founder Amber Bateman recognized a desperate need when she learned of three siblings at a local school who urgently needed clothing. Despite facing financial challenges herself, Amber purchased the items.

More than half of the U.S. population is missing one or more teeth. In fact, over 40 million Americans are missing all of their teeth! So why do we respond with ridicule and prejudice instead of seeing the apparent need to improve access to dental care?