As people in western North Carolina continue recovering from the devastation caused by Helene, Gov. Roy Cooper and others are calling on fellow North Carolinians to donate.
“There is a massive effort underway to get help to the people of Western North Carolina, including state and federal relief, but we know there will be additional needs,” Governor Roy Cooper said. “If you’re able to give, please consider a donation to help North Carolinians as they clean up and recover from Helene.”
Flooding from the storm devastated parts of the North Carolina mountains, washing away roads, businesses and homes, leaving communities stranded. More than 100 people died from Helene in North Carolina.
Although progress is being made in most areas, many people in western North Carolina are still without water, power and other basic necessities.
Many people from across the Tar Heel state and other areas are trying to help impacted families any way possible, so we've put together a list of ways you can contribute.
The North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund is accepting contributions to help communities recover from Helene.
"Donations made to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund will go to nonprofits working to meet the immediate needs of storm victims such as food and water, cleaning supplies and other emergency supplies," according to a release from Cooper's office. "All of the donations made will go to disaster relief."
The release also says United Way of North Carolina is the fiscal agent for the Fund and will provide grants and reimbursement to nonprofits working in impacted communities.
Contributions can be made online through a secure link after submitting a webform.
In addition to the online form, donations can also be mailed to the following locations:
- NC Disaster Relief Fund, 20312 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, N.C. 27699
- Or NC Disaster Relief Fund, c/o United Way of NC, 1130 Kildaire Farm Road, Suite 100, Cary, N.C. 27511
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 also 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 bases in Watauga and Buncombe counties. The organization says a third base was also recently established in the town of Burnsville to help those in Mitchell and Yancey counties.
A monetary donation can be made through Samaritan's Purse to the U.S. Disaster Relief Fund. Anyone age 14 and older can also 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.
Feeding America is working to get food to North Carolina communities experiencing food shortages 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. You can also find local food banks accepting donations by clicking here.
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 Raleigh United Mutual Aid Hub is collecting supplies and monetary donations to help those in need from Helene.
You can find more information on needed items and donation links on the hub's Instagram page or by clicking here.