After the hurricane: Western North Carolina
Photo: @chimneyrocknc
We cannot begin to capture the breathtaking damage and devastation that hurricane Helene has wreaked on this part of our country. There are no words.
What is so heartwarming is the selfless outpouring of people - helping other people. From helicopters, private ones, delivering water and supplies, to folks hiking in unreachable areas to find others, to Starlinks being put in service to serve those unable to communicate to loved ones or even call for help. It is what is best about us. Of course this spirit of community is found richly in our small towns every day - but today there are a lot of these beautiful places that need us. Those of us too far to pitch in.
So here are some links - remember a small donation goes a long way in a small town!
We will keep adding links here as we find them, but these are the links we have to date.
Major National & Regional Organizations that are active in the region.
United Way: The United Way of North Carolina is managing the NC Disaster Relief Fund, providing grants and reimbursements to nonprofits working in impacted communities. Donations can be made to support immediate and long-term recovery efforts in Western North Carolina
Samaritan’s Purse: With their home base in Boone, NC, Samaritain’s Purse is moving in many of the impacted areas. They are bringing supplies as well as bringing in their medical services.
Convoy of Hope: A faith-based organization that serves in disaster relief.
North Carolina Community Foundation (NCCF)
NCCF has activated its Disaster Relief Fund to support long-term recovery efforts in affected areas of North Carolina. Donation: You can donate specifically to their Hurricane Helene response fund.CFWNC Emergency and Disaster Response Fund
To support ongoing recovery needs, give to The Community Foundation for Western North Carolina’s Emergency and Disaster Response Fund. Learn more about the organization here.
North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund (source: Southern Living)
North Carolina Governor, Roy Cooper, has activated the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund. Donations made here will go to the nonprofits already working to meet the immediate needs of the people affected by this storm such as providing food, water, cleaning supplies, and other urgent needs.
“There is a massive effort underway to get help to the people of Western North Carolina including state and federal relief but we know there will be additional needs,” Governor Roy Cooper said in a statement. “If you’re able to give, please consider a donation to help North Carolinians as they clean up and recover from Helene.”
The United Way of North Carolina is serving as the fiscal agent for this fund and will be providing grants to these nonprofits.
Donations can be made by mail:
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
Red Cross: This link is directly for Hurricane Relief
Local Guide: Sarah Murphy is a local guide in Western North Carolina and she has pulled together a great list of resources if you are in the area.
Local Resources
This is a Google Doc that is being locally updated with resources and critical information. If you are in WNC or know someone who is - this seems like an invaluable resource.
Locally Organized Donation Links
Local governments are now directing and organizing a lot of these efforts. As you might imagine they have not been able to communicate without power. We will be adding their direct links here.
IF YOU HAVE LINKS FOR US - EMAIL THEM HERE and we will include them.
Boone, NC
Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation: The newly formed Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation is accepting donations to help with community and business relief in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene’s impact on the High Country. Gifts can be made at this link and the Chamber will distribute funds locally to businesses and community efforts as needs are further assessed throughout Watauga County over the days and weeks ahead.
Lansing, NC
This town is 15 minutes from West Jefferson.
Old Orchard Creek General Store is one of the anchors in this small town. They have set up a Go-Fund-Me account.
Rebuild Lansing NC After Hurricane Helene: The 28643 zip code suffered catastrophic damage during Hurricane Helene. Cell service, Wi-Fi, and power are limited or non existent. We know people are asking for ways to help and donate. Our community is devastated. All funds raised will go directly to helping our community rebuild.
West Jefferson, NC
These are links that have been shared by the town.
Marshall NC
Banner Elk NC
The Town of Banner Elk has partnered with a 501(c)3 charitable organization that serves the Greater Banner Elk Area. Tax-deductible donations can be made here.
Hot Springs, NC
We reached out to Hot Springs and they recommended this 501(c)3a at the Friends of Hot Springs Library.
Barnardsville NC
Black Mountain NC
Swannanoa NC
Montreat NC
Pensacola NC
Newland, NC
Little Switzerland, NC
Linville
Lake Lure NC
Special Resources
Haywood Christian Ministry
Western North Carolina's largest food pantry, based in the Waynesville area.
The group is distributing food on the ground and requesting donations to help with the emergency disaster response.
For info and to donate, go here.
WNC Regional Livestock Center
Based in Canton, the livestock center is working to help farmers and animals who were affected by flooding. You can donate toward helping local farmers who need to buy feed for animals. The center also helps supply fencing and other essentials.
Contact: Yvonne Coburn with Civilian Disaster Response at 828-216-4496.
More information is available here.
