Verizon Clears Millions In Debt For North Carolina Families, Partnering With Roy Williams To Spread The Good News

January 31, 2025

In a heartwarming act of generosity, thousands of residents in Western North Carolina received life-changing news on Friday.

Verizon announced it had cleared $10 million in consumer debt for 6,500 individuals, including medical, financial, and other essential debts. This initiative, aimed at helping families still reeling from the devastation of Hurricane Helene, was made possible through Verizon’s partnership with ForgiveCo, a nonprofit dedicated to debt relief.

Wow. Former #UNC basketball coach Roy Williams is helping erase $10m in debt for thousands of NC families still struggling after Hurricane Helene.

The Asheville native working with @Verizon to help.

Families have had their medical/financial/other debts cleared. @wcnc pic.twitter.com/hioqeWerfL

— Nick Carboni (@NickCarboniWCNC) January 31, 2025

Adding a personal touch to the announcement, Verizon enlisted legendary UNC basketball coach Roy Williams to share the good news. Williams personally contacted several families to let them know their burdens had been lifted, offering not just relief but hope to those struggling to rebuild their lives.

“Verizon believes in the power of connection, not only through our technology but through the bonds we build with the communities we serve,” said Leigh Anne Lanier, Verizon’s Atlantic South Market President. “To the 6,500 individuals impacted by this initiative and the broader Western North Carolina community, we are with you. We will always stand by you, not just as a business, but as a partner and a neighbor.”

This isn’t Verizon’s first foray into large-scale debt forgiveness; the company previously partnered with ForgiveCo to clear debt for military veterans in collaboration with the Pittsburgh Steelers. During the 2024 season, the Steelers, Verizon, and ForgiveCo teamed up to forgive $100,000 of debt for local veterans for every Steelers win.