Verizon and ForgiveCo Announce Additional $5 Million in Debt Relief for North Carolinians Recovering from Hurricane Helene
Hall of Fame Coach Roy Williams Joins Verizon for Announcement at UNC Football Game
CHAPEL HILL, NC– One year after Hurricane Helene’s devastation, Verizon announced it is erasing an additional $5 million in consumer debt for thousands of North Carolinians still rebuilding their lives. This second round of relief, which Verizon is implementing through a partnership with ForgiveCo, brings the company's total debt relief for the region to $15 million.
To bring widespread attention to the ongoing recovery needs of the community, Verizon partnered with the University of North Carolina and Hall of Fame Coach Roy Williams to make the announcement during the UNC-Clemson Football game at Kenan Stadium Saturday.
This announcement follows Verizon’s initial commitment in January 2025, where the company cleared $10 million in debt for 6,500 families across Western North Carolina. This new effort underscores Verizon's sustained promise to stand with the community, providing critical financial relief long after the initial storm response.
“When we first announced our support in January, we made a promise that we would continue to stand with Western North Carolina through its recovery. We are still here, and we are fulfilling that promise,” said Verizon Atlantic South Market President, Leigh Anne Lanier. “The path to rebuilding is a marathon, not a sprint. We hope that by lifting this financial burden, we can provide families with the breathing room they need to move forward and continue building a resilient future.”
“Recovery in western North Carolina is a team sport, and I am grateful to Verizon and Coach Williams for their continued commitment,” said Governor Josh Stein. “This relief will help more western North Carolinians get back on their feet after Helene.”
For Coach Williams, a Western North Carolina native who personally called families to announce the initial debt relief, this second wave of support represents a true commitment to his neighbors and friends.
"A year ago, I saw firsthand how Hurricane Helene devastated such a large portion of our state. People lost everything, and the path to recovery felt impossible. Verizon's initial help was a blessing, but this second round of support demonstrates a level of commitment that is equally commendable. It gives people a new sense of hope and the chance to rebuild their lives and communities,” Williams said. “I'm proud to be a part of this effort, and I want to thank Verizon for showing what it truly means to stand by neighbors in their time of need.”
The debt relief will be implemented by ForgiveCo, which purchases and abolishes applicable debt for those in need. The process is automatic, with recipients selected at random and notified that their debt has been cleared – no strings attached, and no action required
“Verizon’s unwavering commitment to Western North Carolina has been remarkable. By extending their support to $15 million in debt relief, they are proving that true recovery means standing with families long after the storm has passed,” said Craig Antico, CEO of ForgiveCo. “ForgiveCo is honored to help deliver this impact, and we are proud to stand with Verizon for the people of North Carolina.”
Verizon’s commitment to the state extends beyond disaster recovery and includes an ongoing strategic partnership with the University of North Carolina, focused on fostering innovation for students and the community.
About ForgiveCo:
ForgiveCo provides business advisory services to corporations for acquisition, administration, and cancellation of consumer debt, alongside advisory services in branding, goodwill creation, and bulk debt management – “Transforming debt into goodwill™.”; They amplify a brand’s equity by erasing billions of dollars of debt for millions of people, activating community and hope in individuals. To learn more, please visit: forgiveco.com
