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This is how you can support Helene in the relief efforts in Western North Carolina

Eira Gwyneth October 2, 2024

Relief efforts are underway in hard-hit western North Carolina, including Asheville, which was declared a major disaster area following Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 hurricane at landfall. Communities are recovering from catastrophic floods that caused extensive damage and flooded roads that now look more like rivers.

Local organizations and volunteers have begun coordinating relief efforts to support those affected by the storm. Community members are encouraged to contribute through donations and volunteerism as the need for assistance remains critical.

Here’s how you can help.

Monetary donations

Consider donating to local disaster relief funds like United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County, which mobilize resources to help those in need. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is also accepting donations for communities devastated by Helene’s rage.

While physical goods may be necessary, in the early stages of recovery, immediate support is best provided through financial contributions.

Which national organizations help Helene victims?

American Red Cross

As one of the first organizations to respond to disasters and the most recognized relief organization in the world, 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 Hurricane Helene relief efforts by donating directly to their national organization.

GoFundMe

GoFundMe saw a surge in fundraising for individuals affected by Hurricane Helene. This popular crowdfunding platform connects you directly with those in need and gives you personal support. However, be careful as scams can occur. It’s important to read campaigns carefully. GoFundMe has set up a dedicated hub for verified Helene-related requests and is offering its own Hurricane Relief Fund that provides cash grants to those affected.

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army responds quickly in times of crisis, providing food, drink, shelter and emotional support to survivors and rescue workers. You can donate to the Hurricane Helene relief effort online.

United Way

United Way has launched a fund to help those affected by Helene. Local chapters also accept 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 respond to disasters, setting up kitchens to serve thousands of meals to victims and relief workers. You can support their efforts by donating on their website.

Other organizations that offer specialized help

All hands and hearts: This volunteer-driven organization works with local communities to rebuild schools, homes and infrastructure. They have set up a fund specifically for Hurricane Helene.
America: Americares focuses on medical relief, helping communities recover from disasters by providing access to medicines and essential medical supplies. A Hurricane Helene donation page is available on their website.
CARE: This organization provides emergency cash assistance to underserved families. You can contribute to her Helene Fund via her website.
Tampa Bay Community Foundation: This local organization maintains a list of charities that provide critical support. You can also donate to the Tampa Bay Rapid Response Fund, which awards funds to nonprofit organizations that address immediate needs.
Direct relief: Direct Relief is committed to providing long-term medical assistance and has provided over $74 million in medications and medical supplies to healthcare providers affected by Hurricane Helene. Donations can be made to the general fund or specifically to the Hurricane Helene response.
Global giving: This disaster relief charity provides immediate relief and long-term recovery efforts with a focus on local organizations. You can donate to her Helene Fund on her website.
International Medical Corps: Working with local healthcare providers, this organization provides essential medical care and supplies. The Helene Fund is accessible for donations via the website.
Mutual disaster relief: A grassroots network focused on providing direct assistance to underserved communities that are often overlooked during disasters. Donations can be made at mutualaiddisasterrelief.org.
Operation Blessing: Working with local churches and emergency management, this group provides clean water, food and medical care to people in immediate need. You can contribute to her Helene Fund on her 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 the 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 help those affected by Hurricane Helene. Anyone who would like to support help for those affected can donate to the Emergency and Disaster Response Fund at www.cfwnc.org. Administrative fees are waived, so every dollar goes directly to helping.
The North Carolina Nurses Association And the North Carolina Foundation for Nursing: Both organizations have launched a campaign to provide financial support to nurses affected by Hurricane Helene. The NCFN Nurse Recovery Fund aims to quickly distribute funds to nurses who suffer loss or damage from catastrophic flooding, wind or landslides in the region.

Drop-off points for donations

A donation drop-off location has been set up at 118 McAbee Court in Flat Rock to accept perishable food items, bottled water, toiletries and baby formula. Please note that new or used clothing is not currently accepted. This location is for donations only. For a complete list of items accepted 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, NC, at Biltmore Park Town Square and Universal Advanced Manufacturing Center at 634 College Drive, Marion, NC

Should I go to affected areas to volunteer with Hurricane Helene relief?

Unless you are officially invited, it is 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 relief. They could inadvertently consume resources that local responders need. Instead, reach out to local health experts, Red Cross volunteers and first responders to find out how you can best help from a distance.

How can I ensure my donation reaches the victims of Hurricane Helene?

During disasters, scammers often try to take advantage of the generosity of those who want to help. To avoid becoming a victim, research an unknown charity before donating.

An easy way to check is to google the charity name along with “scam” or “scam.” 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).

In addition, 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 committed to supporting animals affected by the hurricane.

Humane Society Disaster Relief: This organization evacuates animals from shelters before and after disasters. You can donate at secure.humanesociety.org/page/81880.

Reporter Lizmary Evans covers growth and development for The Fayetteville Observer. You can reach her at [email protected]

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Maisonceres

This is how you can support Helene in the relief efforts in Western North Carolina

Monetary donations