How to Help: Donate to Support Recovery Efforts in Western NC

Source: Sean Rayford / Getty

The western part of North Carolina begins their recovery from the devastating impacts of Tropical Storm Helene.The storm’s remnants caused widespread devastation, leaving 145 water systems compromised and prompting a massive effort to deliver essential supplies to affected areas. Governor Roy Cooper described the storm as unprecedented, with significant damage to infrastructure and ongoing challenges in providing water and food to residents.

Federal disaster declarations have been issued, opening the door to assistance for recovery efforts, as communities grapple with the storm’s aftermath. The National Guard and state emergency officials are working to address the urgent needs of those impacted by the disaster, including providing water, food, and medical support to hospitals in the region.

Environmental concerns have also arisen, with polluted floodwaters posing risks to public health and the ecosystem.

President Joe Biden is expected to visit areas affected by Helene later this week. Tragically, 30 people have been reported dead in the Asheville area, bringing the overall death toll from the storm to at least 91 across multiple states.

Below is a list of organizations accepting donations to aid in relief and rebuilding efforts. Your donations can make a difference in the recovery process.

Source: Sean Rayford / Getty

HOW YOU CAN HELP

North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund

• Donate: https://pay.payitgov.com/nc

• Donations can also be mailed to:

NC Disaster Relief Fund, 20312 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-0312.

Or NC Disaster Relief Fund, c/o United Way of NC, 1130 Kildaire Farm Road, Suite 100, Cary NC 27511.

American Red Cross

• Donate: https://www.redcross.org/donate/dr/hurricane-helene.html/

• Other options for donating: Call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or Text HELENE to 90999

Samaritan’s Purse

Samaritan’s Purse deploys staff, and equipment, and recruits thousands of volunteers to deliver emergency assistance to victims of natural disasters such as tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires, and floods across the United States.

• Learn more and donate to Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts:https://www.samaritanspurse.org/article/pray-for-those-in-helenes-path/

The Salvation Army of the Carolinas

• Donate: https://give.helpsalvationarmy.org/give/166081/#!/donation/checkout

• To donate by phone: Call 1-800-SAL-ARMY

Baptists on Mission

Baptists on Mission is actively responding to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina. They have established feeding units at First Baptist Boone and Biltmore Baptist in Arden, and are setting up recovery sites in Boone, Spruce Pine, Hendersonville, and Marion.

• Donate: https://baptistsonmission.org/Mission-Projects/By-Mission-Type/Disaster-Relief/Hurricane-Helene/Donations

• To make a donation by check, make the check payable to Baptists on Mission, PO Box 1107, Cary, NC 27512. Designate on your check to Hurricane Helene Response.

World Central Kitchen

World Central Kitchen (WCK) teams are on the ground in four states, providing meals and assessing food needs for communities in the southeastern U.S. following Hurricane Helene. In Tennessee and North Carolina, WCK teams are scouting to identify the most critical areas of need. With many roads into cities like Asheville now impassable, WCK is exploring all available options to reach isolated communities.

• Donate: https://donate.wck.org/give/499865/#!/donation/checkout

Operation Airdrop  Based at Concord Regional Airport

Operation Airdrop is a Texas-based 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to providing rapid relief to communities impacted by natural disasters.

• Donate: https://www.operation-airdrop.com/hurricane-helene

NC Hospitality Workers Relief Fund

NCRLA is committed to supporting relief and recovery and to supporting the needs of restaurants, hotels, and their employees. They are dedicated to providing information and resources to NC restaurants, hotels, suppliers, partners, and employees affected by Hurricane Helene.

• Donate: recovery.ncrla.org/nc-hospitality-worker-relief-fund/

Other resources for those affected by Helene:

• NC Department of Public Safety offers information about cleanup, power outages and emergency declarations.
• American Red Cross has a list of open shelters and other information.
• USA.Gov offers information about financial assistance and housing after a disaster.
• DisasterAssistance.gov offers information for finding loved ones. You can also report a loved one through United Way.
• DriveNC: check for road closures due to the storm.
• Duke Energy: Report a power outage, using the app or 57801