The full picture of devastation emerges from Hurricane Helene’s catastrophic path through western North Carolina.

Homes, businesses, roads, infrastructure, cell phone towers and everything else in Helene’s path were washed away or severely damaged by raging floods and strong winds. For so many of the nearly 1 million residents in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina, the recovery process has just begun.

Neighbors are trying to help each other and aid programs at national and local levels are being mobilized.

To help the public find ways to contribute, volunteer or donate, BPR has compiled the following list of resources. We’ll keep this updated.

For local listeners and readers, the BPR News team has worked nearly around the clock since the storm began to provide important information and updates. For more specific information about local resources (such as shelter and supplies), please visit our website.

Donate to Western North Carolina Flood Victims: Ways to Help

If your organization would like to be included on the list, please email all relevant information to [email protected] with the subject line “WNC Relief Program.”

Hope Mill, Inc. – Helicopters land relief supplies

• Pilots land in areas of the mountains where road access is still closed and/or where rescue workers have not yet arrived with food and water.
• The funds will be used by a Charlotte-area company to purchase water and essential supplies. Helicopters fly primarily from Hickory, North Carolina
• BPR has confirmed that the GoFundMe is being managed by those directly involved in the relief effort (the effort is also related to the relief effort supported by Cletus McFarland, a helicopter pilot and YouTuber).
• A group of independent helicopter pilots dropped off donated water, food and supplies throughout the region for several days.
  GoFundMe: Support Hope Mill Inc.’s hurricane relief efforts

Manna FoodBank in Asheville

• The organization’s camp was prepared before the storm.
• Updates will be made available via FoodBank website.
• There are many ways to get involved, volunteer and donate – including online. Go Here donate money online to the Manna FoodBank.

BeLoved Asheville

• Local volunteers collect and distribute a wide range of relief supplies.
• Monetary donations can be sent via:
  Venmo: BeLoved Asheville
  CashApp: $BeLovedAsheville
  Cell: 828-412-2054
• Certain items are needed including: food, bottled water, full size trash bags, blankets, first aid supplies, feminine hygiene products, diapers and baby clothing, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, paper towels, bleach, shovels, brooms, gloves, coolers, propane, stoves, flashlights , batteries, fans, dehumidifiers and generators.
• Volunteers are needed to provide relief supplies. Truck owners and truck drivers are wanted.
• Drop-off and deployment updates are available on the organization’s social media pages. BeLoved Asheville is located at 32 Old Charlotte Hwy, Asheville, NC 28803.
• Volunteer information and more can be found on the organization’s website.

Foothills Food Hub

• We are working to obtain water and non-perishable goods for distribution in McDowell County.
• Ask for monetary donations, which can be made online here.

Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry

• The department helped operate and provide shelter in Asheville and works with the Red Cross. Donations help fund motel and meal vouchers for local residents and provide long-term support for those displaced.
• To help: Donate food, clothing or money to abccm.org/donations/ministry-fund/.

Homecoming in Asheville

• The organization provides supportive housing to Asheville’s homeless community and distributed essentials and clothing as the storm approached.
• For more information about year-round work and donations, see Homeward Bound website.

Mountain projects

• In the past, the group has helped provide emergency shelter, including for storm victims.
• Plans and information regarding the response to Hurricane Helene were not available because the group is based in Waynesville, which was hit by flooding.
• For more information, see the organization’s website.

WNC Regional Livestock Center

• The Canton-based livestock center is working to help farmers and animals affected by flooding. You can donate to help local farmers who need to buy feed for their animals. The center also helps provide fencing and other essentials.
• Contact: Yvonne Coburn of Civilian Disaster Response at 828-216-4496.
• Further information is available Here.

American Red Cross of North Carolina

• At the height of the storm, the organization opened more than 15 shelter sites in western North Carolina and northern South Carolina.
• You can volunteer to serve with the American Red Cross or donate blood to help medical facilities respond to disasters.
• You can donate online or text Helene to 90999.
• Further information is available Here.

Salvation Army of the Carolinas

Baptists on Mission

• North Carolina Disaster Response volunteers will deploy to communities as conditions permit. If you are interested in helping with floods, chainsaws, and temporary roof repairs, you can volunteer the organization’s website.
• Donations are accepted online and by check. Click Here for more.

United Trail of Asheville and Buncombe County

• The nonprofit helps residents connect to a variety of resources through its 2-1-1 hotline. The local United Way organization plans to help with immediate response to natural disasters and long-term support for flood victims.
• You can donate online here.

Samaritan’s purse

• The organization responds to the High Country (northwestern North Carolina) and eastern Tennessee. The Boone community, where Samaritan’s Purse is based, is deeply affected.
• Volunteers are being sought for the operation from September 30th.
• Donations are accepted online. Click Here for more information.

North Carolina Community Foundation

• The foundation’s disaster fund can be activated after natural disasters in the country.
• Plans and information are still pending. For more information, see the website.

Operation Airdrop

• The group is concentrating its operations in North Carolina after helping Helene victims in Florida. Pilots and volunteers will deliver essential supplies and food to disaster-hit areas in the mountains.
• For more information, see website.

Foster Family Alliance of North Carolina

• The organization plans to deliver items to flood victims in Western North Carolina.
• Monetary donations will also help relocate families with foster children to safe housing such as hotels or AirBnBs.
• Item drop-off locations will be posted on the group’s Facebook page here.
• To donate online, visit the Alliance website.

Democracy green

• Already on site in Cleveland, Rutherford, McDowell, Burke and Watauga counties. Updates are available on the group’s Facebook page.
• Volunteers wanted: Call 910-813-3757.
• Supplies requested include: water, non-perishable foods, grills, charcoal briquettes and matches.
• As of September 29th, the drop-off location for deliveries was: The Swatchworks 453 Oakhurst Rd., Asheboro, NC 27205. (For larger deliveries, call ahead.)
• Items will be accepted Monday to Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the above address.

Latest information on flooding in Western North Carolina

For the latest information on conditions, see our live blog here.