Relief efforts are in full swing across hard-hit Western North Carolina, including Asheville, which has been declared a major disaster area following Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 hurricane at landfall. Communities are recovering from catastrophic floods that have caused extensive damage and washed-out roads that now look more like rivers.
Local organizations and volunteers have begun coordinating relief efforts to support those impacted by the storm. Community members are encouraged to contribute through donations and volunteer opportunities, as the need for assistance remains critical.
Here’s how you can help.
Monetary donations
Consider donating to local disaster relief funds, such as the United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County, which is mobilizing resources to help those in need. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is also accepting donations for communities devastated by Helene's fury.
While there may be a time when physical goods are necessary, immediate support is best provided through financial contributions in the early stages of recovery.
What national organizations are helping Helene victims?
American Red Cross
As one of the first organizations to respond to disasters and the most recognized aid group globally, the American Red Cross provides food, shelter, supplies, and emotional support to those affected by crises. With hundreds of workers and volunteers already deployed in Florida, they have opened numerous shelters for evacuees. You can support their relief efforts for Hurricane Helene by donating directly to their national organization.
GoFundMe
GoFundMe has seen an influx of fundraisers for individuals impacted by Hurricane Helene. This popular crowdfunding platform connects you directly with those in need, allowing for personal support. However, be cautious as scams can occur; it's essential to read campaigns carefully. GoFundMe has created a dedicated hub for vetted Helene-related requests and offers its own Hurricane Relief Fund, providing cash grants to those affected.
The Salvation Army
Quick to respond in times of crisis, the Salvation Army provides food, drinks, shelter, and emotional support to survivors and rescue workers. You can donate to their relief efforts for Hurricane Helene online.
United Way
The United Way has initiated a fund to assist those affected by Helene. Local chapters are also accepting donations for both immediate relief and ongoing support for residents. Visit their website to find your local organization.
World Central Kitchen
Renowned chef José Andrés and his teams are on the ground after disasters, setting up kitchens to serve thousands of meals to victims and responders. You can support their efforts by donating on their website.
Additional organizations providing specialized assistance
- All Hands and Hearts: This volunteer-driven organization collaborates with local communities to rebuild schools, homes, and infrastructure. They have established a fund specifically for Hurricane Helene.
- Americares: Focused on medical aid, Americares helps communities recover from disasters by providing access to medicines and essential medical supplies. A donation page for Hurricane Helene is available on their website.
- CARE: This organization offers emergency cash assistance to underserved families. You can contribute to their Helene fund through their website.
- Community Foundation Tampa Bay: This local organization maintains a list of charities that provide critical support. You can also donate to the Tampa Bay Rapid Response Fund, which allocates funds to nonprofits addressing immediate needs.
- Direct Relief: Committed to providing long-term medical assistance, Direct Relief has made over $74 million in medicines and medical supplies available to healthcare providers affected by Hurricane Helene. Donations can be made to their general fund or specifically for the Hurricane Helene Response.
- Global Giving: This disaster relief charity delivers immediate aid and addresses long-term recovery, focusing on local organizations. You can donate to their Helene fund on their website.
- International Medical Corps: Partnering with local healthcare providers, this organization offers critical medical care and supplies. Their Helene fund can be accessed through their website for donations.
- Mutual Aid Disaster Relief: A grassroots network focused on delivering aid directly to underserved communities often overlooked in disasters. Donations can be made at mutualaiddisasterrelief.org.
- Operation Blessing: Collaborating with local churches and emergency management, this group provides clean water, food, and medical supplies to those in immediate need. You can contribute to their Helene fund on their website.
- Save the Children: This organization focuses on delivering child-specific supplies to families severely affected by the storm, including hygiene kits and educational materials. You can donate to their Children’s Emergency Fund to support these efforts.
- The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, Dogwood Health Trust and WNC Bridge Foundation: All three organizations are coordinating a response to assist those impacted by Hurricane Helene. Anyone wishing to support aid to those affected can donate to the Emergency and Disaster Response Fund atwww.cfwnc.org. Administrative fees are waived so that every dollar goes directly to assistance.
- The North Carolina Nurses Association and the North Carolina Foundation for Nursing: Both organizations have initiated a campaign to provide financial assistance to nurses affected by Hurricane Helene. The NCFN Nurse Recovery Fund aims to quickly distribute funds to nurses experiencing loss or damage from catastrophic flooding, wind or landslides in the region.
Donation drop-off locations
A donation drop-off site has been set up at 118 McAbee Court in Flat Rock is accepting perishable food items, bottled water, toiletries and baby formula. Please note they are not accepting new or used clothing at this time. This location is for donation drop-offs only. For a complete list of accepted items and donation details, visit www.visithendersonvillenc.org/helene-relief.
You can also drop off donations at the following locations: Reuter Family YMCA at 3 Town Square Blvd, Asheville, N.C., in Biltmore Park Town Square and Universal Advanced Manufacturing Center at 634 College Drive, Marion, N.C.
Should I go to the affected areas to volunteer for Hurricane Helene relief?
Unless you're officially invited, it's best not to go to the affected areas to volunteer.
Disaster response teams and reputable organizations are already on the ground, and while the willingness to help is commendable, untrained volunteers may lack the necessary safety and medical training for effective disaster recovery. They could inadvertently consume resources that local responders need. Instead, connect with local health professionals, Red Cross volunteers and first responders to find out how you can best assist from a distance.
How can I ensure my donation reaches Hurricane Helene Victims?
During disasters, scammers often try to exploit the generosity of those wanting to help. To avoid falling victim, research any unfamiliar charity before donating.
A simple way to check is to Google the charity’s name along with "scam" or "fraud." You can also consult charity rating organizations such as the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance (give.org), Charity Navigator (charitynavigator.org), Guidestar (guidestar.org), or CharityWatch (charitywatch.org).
Additionally, the Florida Department of Agricultural Services has a toll-free hotline at 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) and a Check-A-Charity tool to verify charity registration and financial information.
Can I help pets affected by Hurricane Helene?
Several local organizations are dedicated to assisting animals impacted by the hurricane.
Humane Society Disaster Relief: This organization evacuates animals from shelters before and after disasters. You can donate at secured.humanesociety.org/page/81880.
Reporter Lizmary Evans covers growth and development for The Fayetteville Observer. You can reach her atLEvans@gannett.com
This story was updated to add a video.
