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UNC’s Roy Williams Teams with Verizon, ForgiveCo to Provide Hurricane Helene Debt Relief

Verizon is teaming up with former UNC basketball coach Roy Williams to erase $5 million in consumer debt for thousands of North Carolinians who continue to recover from devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in 2024. Through a partnership with ForgiveCo, Verizon said in a release on Oct. 6, the company’s second round of relief brings the company’s total debt relief for the region to $15 million. 

Williams, a Marion native who grew up in the western part of the state and a three-time national champion as head coach of the Tar Heels, was on the field at Kenan Stadium for UNC’s game against Clemson on Oct. 4 to make the announcement.

“A year ago, I saw first-hand how Hurricane Helene devastated such a large portion of our state. People lost everything, and the path to recovery felt impossible,” Williams said in a school-issued statement.  

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“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. 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.” 

In January 2025, Verizon and ForgiveCo started this process with Williams, reportedly clearing $10 million in debt for 6,500 families in areas affected by Hurricane Helene. Verizon says Williams “personally called families to announce the initial debt relief.” 

“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 Leigh Anne Lanier, Verizon Atlantic South Market President. 

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“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.”

Craig Antico, CEO of ForgiveCo, said Verizon’s “unwavering commitment to Western North Carolina has been remarkable,” adding that the company is “proving true recovery means standing with families long after the storm has passed.” 

The debt relief will be implemented by ForgiveCo, which purchases and abolishes applicable debt for those in need, according to Verizon’s release. The process is automatic, with recipients selected at random and notified that their debt has been cleared — no strings attached, and no action required.

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“Recovery in western North Carolina is a team sport, and I am grateful to Verizon and Coach Williams for their continued commitment,” NC Governor Josh Stein said. 

“This relief will help more western North Carolinians get back on their feet after Helene.”

UNC basketball’s 2025-26 team will head to Cherokee on Oct. 17-18 for fan events and a scrimmage. The Tar Heels were scheduled to make an appearance in the western part of the state in 2024 before Helene changed those plans.

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