Flooding from Hurricane Helene devastated parts of the North Carolina mountains, washing away roads, businesses and homes, and leaving communities stranded. At least 35 people died in Buncombe County from Helene, according to officials, and at least 600 people are still reportedly missing.
The shock from the aftermath of this storm is being felt across North Carolina. On social media, some people are offering up their homes for stranded residents to stay, eat or charge their devices, and others are gathering supplies and donations to send to stranded residents. Virtually, people are sending monetary donations to help communities and residents rebuild.
People in western North Carolina are still without power and communication services.
Search efforts are still in progress, Buncombe County Sheriff Quentin Miller said. “We are grieving tremendous losses,” Miller said.
Authorities said they have set up distribution sites for food and water but have been hindered by lack of cellphone reception. All roads in western North Carolina should be considered closed and non-emergency travel is prohibited, according to the state road condition website DriveNC.
Many people are trying to help impacted families any way they're able to. We've put together a list of ways people can contribute, from volunteer work to donations.
The North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund is accepting contributions to help communities recover from Helene.
"Contributions help with the unmet needs of hurricane victims," according to NC.gov. United Way of North Carolina is the fiscal agent for the fund, according to NC.gov.
Contributions can be made online through a secure link after submitting a webform.
Donate to Hurricane Helene relief
The American Red Cross is accepting monetary donations to help people affected by Helene. The minimum donation amount is $10, with the option to dedicate the amount to a friend or loved one. Donate here.
If you need help connecting with a loved one, the Red Cross says they may be able to help.
"Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), select disaster and provide as much detail as you can to assist us in potentially locating your missing loved one," the Red Cross posted on social media, with some criteria that is needed for assistance.
Samaritan's Purse is responding to western North Carolina, with the base church being Alliance Bible Fellowship. The organization is also assisting two area hospitals and have a tent set up in the Watauga County Medical Center parking lot to provide oxygen for patients who do not have power at home.
Samaritan's base in Buncombe County is at the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove.
A monetary donation can be made through Samaritan's Purse to the U.S. Disaster Relief Fund. Anyone age 14 and older can sign up to volunteer
Samaritan's purse says volunteers will help with tree work, debris cleanup, roof tarping, and mud outs. "No skills are necessary prior to serving," Samaritan's Purse organizers said. "Volunteers will be led and instructed by experienced team leads."
Click here for more information on volunteering.
The Salvation Army said they are working to provide emergency aid, food, drinks and longterm recovery services to survivors and rescue workers.
The organization is accepting donations here to help those affected by Helene.
"When you support Salvation Army disaster services, 100% of your donation is applied to the disaster relief operation you select," the Salvation Army said.
Operation Airdrop, a nonprofit that specializes in delivering essential supplies to communities affected by disasters, or working to help those impacted by Helene.
"Our mission focuses on delivering essential supplies, hot meals, and support to communities affected by the storm," the nonprofit said. There are opportunities to get involved through volunteer work and donations.
Feeding America is working to get food to North Carolina communities experiencing a food shortage from Helene.
Every dollar received helps provide meals and essential supplies to families affected by the hurricane, Feeding America organizers said.
Click here to make a monetary donation.
The Diaper Bank of North Carolina is working to provide essentials to families in need of diapers, formula and menstrual supplies, with a focus right now on helping those in western North Carolina.
"Every dollar you give will go directly toward helping families affected by this disaster," according to fund organizers.
Click here to make a monetary donation. There is a tab to select "western North Carolina flooding" as the place where your donation goes.
Residents directly affected by Helene can apply for FEMA disaster assistance through DisasterAssistance.gov.
If your location is covered by disaster relief, FEMA may be able to help with home repairs, temporary housing, or property damage (appliances, furniture, vehicle, etc). Residents may also qualify for help with child care, medical, lodging, moving and funeral expenses.
Click here to start the application and see whether your area is covered. If your location is not covered by the disaster declaration, FEMA says it could be added at a later time. You will still be able to apply, and FEMA will process the application if the location is added.
The Burlington Fire Department will provide a drop-off location for supplies to be collected for those impacted by Helene. They can be made at 215 South Church Street beginning on Oct. 1 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Items needed:
- Non-perishable food items such as canned or dry goods
- Hygiene items
- Household cleaning items
- Paper products
- Baby supplies
- Bottled water
The Raleigh United Mutual Aid Hub is collecting supplies and monetary donations to help those in need from Helene.
Drop off donations can be made at:
- Back Alley Bikes: 100 Boyd Street in Carrboro, N.C. – open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- RUMAH: 415 Hillsborough Street in Raleigh, N.C. Click on their calendar for donation drop-off times
- Art Post: 718 Iredell Street in Durham, N.C. – accepting donations Monday-Saturday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Find more information on needed items and donation links on the hub's Instagram page.
Counties are offering shelters to those impacted by Helene. Click here for a list of shelters, distribution sites and resources.
Shelters like the one in Buncombe County is accepting donations for those able to drop off:
- Special items for children, like food/formula, diapers, extra clothing, toys, etc.
- Prescription medications and medical devices
- Comfort items like pillows, blankets, towels, change of clothing or other items you may want to have with you at the shelter.
If you have a loved one who is still missing, follow these steps to try and reconnect with them through the help of the Department of Public Safety or the American Red Cross.