Hurricane Helene Relief
LIVE DOCUMENT WITH RESOURCES ON HOW TO HELP WESTERN NC & EAST TN
10/1/24 Update:
I’m collecting supplies this week for a donation drop. I’m going shopping Friday afternoon (10/4/24). If you can contribute in the meantime, it would mean so much! Every dollar counts. My Venmo is @maddy_rose_26 (last 4 digits: 8092). All monetary donations will go directly towards supplies being flown out to WNC from Statesville this weekend via Hurricane Helene Airlift Relief.
Here is the latest update from DriveNC.gov, “There are shortages of water, food, gas, power and communications in western NC. Access is limited to local and hurricane response traffic. You cannot get from North Carolina to TN via I-40 or I-26. There may be closed roads not listed on DriveNC.gov as many areas are not able to report at this time. People evacuating the Asheville area can use I-40 east or I-26 east.”
9/30/24 Update:
I’ve been staring at my screen for what feels like hours, unsure of how to begin. Finding the right words seems impossible, but I feel compelled to use my platform to help Western North Carolina in any way I can. The devastation and destruction left by Hurricane Helene across the Southeast has broken my heart.
First and foremost, I am safe along with my four pets. We evacuated Asheville on Saturday afternoon (9/28/24) and are staying with family in Winston-Salem. While my home in Asheville is without power, cell service, and water, it’s otherwise intact, and for that, I’m deeply grateful.
I’ve been in touch with friends in Asheville and surrounding areas, and thankfully, they are safe. But my heart still feels heavy knowing that so many families—mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, friends—are anxiously awaiting word from loved ones they haven’t been able to reach.
While many of us feel deeply connected to WNC, it’s important to recognize that the area remains in a state of emergency. Roads are damaged, services are disrupted, and emergency crews need space to work without additional strain from incoming travelers. I urge everyone to hold off on visiting WNC for the foreseeable future.
Per DriveNC.gov, “I-40 is impassable in multiple locations. I-26 is closed at the Tennessee state line. There are many closed roads that are not listed on this site as many areas are not able to report at this time. All roads in Western North Carolina should be considered closed and non-emergency travel is prohibited.”
While the situation is overwhelming, I know there is power in community. If you’re looking for ways to support those affected by Hurricane Helene, here are some trusted resources where your help can have a direct impact (please note that this is not a comprehensive list but rather a starting point):
HOW TO HELP FROM AFAR
Donate to Disaster Relief Funds
- BeLoved Asheville: BeLoved Asheville is on the ground helping those most vulnerable in the community. They’re providing critical supplies and donations go directly to local efforts to assist those impacted by the storm.
- Samaritan’s Purse: This organization provides immediate disaster relief, including cleanup and repairs, while mobilizing volunteers to support affected families in Western North Carolina. You can help by donating or giving blood.
- Asheville Dream Center: The Asheville Dream Center is providing meals, supplies, and support to those who need it most in Western North Carolina.
- Manna FoodBank: Manna FoodBank serves communities throughout Western North Carolina, providing critical food supplies to those affected. Unfortunately, due to immense flooding and damage from the storm, MANNA FoodBank’s facility has been devastated. Their normal operations have shifted toward relief efforts; donating is the best way to support them.
- Operation Air Drop: Operation Airdrop is a volunteer-based organization that uses small planes to deliver essential supplies to disaster-stricken areas. They are actively delivering aid to remote communities in Western North Carolina that have been cut off due to flooding and road closures.
- Global Empowerment Mission (GEM): In response to Hurricane Helene, GEM is delivering immediate supplies and funding to local partners in Western North Carolina. GEM is also making smaller aid runs by vehicle and helicopter to rural zones and cut-off communities.
Provide Pet Rescue Assistance
- Forsyth Humane Society: This organization is working diligently to help the Asheville Humane Society. Earlier this week, they sent over 1,000 lbs of donations to Asheville on a plane to be distributed to the folks at Asheville Humane Society. Additionally, they brought pets back on that plane that need emergency fosters. If you can help, please email foster@forsythhumane.org with the subject line “Hurricane Helene Foster”, or check forsythhumane.org/foster for incoming animals.
- Brother Wolf Animal Rescue: They are working to secure a facility for emergency operations since their shelter was destroyed by flooding. Check their Facebook page for updates on ways to help once they’ve secured a facility and improved communications. Right now they are in urgent need of donations.
ON-THE-GROUND SUPPORT
Before volunteering, please exercise caution. Many roads in Western North Carolina are impassable or damaged, and emergency services are still responding to the disaster. If you choose to offer assistance in person, make sure to volunteer through an organized effort with a reputable organization rather than acting independently. This ensures that your help is directed where it’s most needed and doesn’t inadvertently strain emergency services. Stay updated on road conditions and adhere to local travel advisories for your safety and the safety of others.
Volunteer with Disaster Response Teams
- Samaritan’s Purse: This organization provides immediate disaster relief, including cleanup and repairs, while mobilizing volunteers to support affected families in Western North Carolina.
- Baptists on Mission: Baptists on Mission is searching for volunteers to help serve communities in flood recovery, chainsaw and temporary roof repair.
- World Central Kitchen – WCK has volunteer opportunities for Warehouse Support in Asheville to help those impacted by Hurricane Helene.