How to support western N.C. communities devastated by Helene
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Friends talk after having canoed the flooded South Fork New River on Sept. 27 in Boone. "We saw trailers floating by, and cars toppled over," said one of the friends. Rains from what was Hurricane Helene have dropped more than a foot of rain across much of the region. Photo: Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images
Western North Carolina is still reeling in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which brought catastrophic flooding to many mountain communities, leaving them inaccessible and unrecognizable.
Zoom in: Thousands of residents are still without power and cellular service — leaving them unable to connect with loved ones. Thousands also live in communities with boil water advisories, but no way to get fresh water.
We've rounded up ways to support those affected by Helene's devastation.
Editor's note: This is a working list. We'll update it as we learn more ways to give support.
- Have any to add? Please send them to [email protected].
Make a financial donation to the Manna FoodBank in Asheville.
Donate to the Diaper Bank of North Carolina, which is supplying diapers and formula for infants and toddlers, period products, and adult incontinence supplies for seniors and people with disabilities. See its Amazon wishlist.
Support the North Carolina Association of Free and Charitable Clinics, which provides free health care to the uninsured, underserved and historically marginalized residents across the region.
- They need medical supplies, food and other emergency goods. Contact Alice Mae Jackson at [email protected].
Contribute to Project HOPE, which is on the ground in the Asheville area supporting shelters and health facilities.
Round up to the nearest dollar on your next purchase for the next 30 days to support the American Red Cross at Harris Teeter, which on Sunday launched a campaign to support disaster relief efforts for communities impacted by Helene at all its stores.
- You can also donate directly to the American Red Cross via its website.
Attend a fundraiser on Monday, Oct. 28, from 6-10pm for WNC relief hosted by Lenny Boy Brewing (3000 S. Tryon). It'll feature live music, a silent auction, raffle, food and drinks.
Donate to or volunteer with Samaritan's Purse, a Christian humanitarian aid organization that is responding to Helene as well as Hurricane Milton with multiple relief efforts.
Adopt or foster a pet from the Humane Society of Charlotte to create space for incoming animals from storm-affected western North Carolina.
- You can also donate food and supplies to HSC, or donate financially to @AshevilleHumane (ashevillehumane.org) or @brotherwolfanimalrescue (bwar.org).
- A donation to HSC will support pets in need of surgeries, dental work, vaccinations and other medical needs.
Consider one of the various ways to support — whether it's donating supplies or delivering critical supplies as a volunteer pilot — through Operation Airdrop.
- Among the supplies being collected: Hydration packs, diapers, wipes, baby formula, bug spray, sunscreen, non-perishable foods, toiletries and cleaning supplies. More info here.
Buy a Carolina Strong t-shirt from Glory Days Apparel. The proceeds from the shirt sales will go to NC Disaster Relief Fund.
Volunteer with or donate to Feeding Charlotte, which has been working with businesses/organizations like Pasta & Provisions, Block Love and Elevation Church to deliver truckloads of food and supplies to communities throughout western North Carolina.
Enjoy really good music as you support WNC relief efforts by purchasing a new 136-song compilation featuring by big-name artists like the Avett Brothers, Tyler Childers, Sylvan Esso and Phish. It's available via Bandcamp.
Donate to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund to support Hurricane Helene victims.
Make a financial donation to United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County, which will help with immediate and long-term relief for Helene victims in the western part of the state.
Purchase a bag of coffee online from Summit Coffee. The Charlotte java brewer is giving 100% of proceeds from all online coffee orders to a fund for its team in Asheville.
- Summit's River Arts District location in Asheville was destroyed by Helene, according to the company.
Donate financially to Feeding Avery Families, which supports communities in Newland, N.C., out in Avery County.
Head to Bank of America Stadium for a benefit concert featuring stars like Luke Combs, Eric Church, Sheryl Crow, James Taylor and more on Oct. 26. Ticket proceeds benefit western North Carolina relief efforts.
- Tickets are sold out, but you can still donate, participate in a raffle and auction, and stream the concert at concertforcarolina.com
Shop at Manolo's Bakery, Higher Grounds, Artisen Gelato and Tika's Cake House — businesses in and around the Charlotte region that are donating 10% of sales to western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee storm relief efforts.
Give money to the Foothills Food Hub.
Tell anyone you know in Hendersonville that Indian Aroma Bistro is serving warm meals to Helene victims on the town's Main Street.
Contribute to the GoFundMe organized by Tyler Kotch, the owner of Asheville's Pie.Zaa (which now has a location in Charlotte), to support rebuilding efforts.
Donate to any of the following organizations that support communities throughout Ashe County: Ashe County Advantage Project (or mail a check to Ashe County Advantage Project, PO Box 31, West Jefferson, NC 28694, Ashe Food Pantry (or mail a check to P. O. Box 705 Jefferson, NC 28640) Ashe Really Cares (or mail a check to PO Box 850 Jefferson, NC 28640) or Musicians of Mercy.
Donate emergency goods and supplies in the Charlotte area at Wooden Robot, the Chamber in NoDa, Thrift Pony in Plaza Midwood, Compleat Kidz Belmont Clinic, and Alchemy Co-Working in Gastonia. Goods include cases of water, toiletries, baby formula, diapers, wipes, blankets, clothes, batteries flashlights and more. More info here.
Proceeds from the Charlotte Checkers online auction of team-signed memorabilia will benefit the American Red Cross. Donations of at least $25 to the Checkers Charitable Foundation will go to the American Red Cross and will include a free ticket to the Checkers' game on Saturday, Oct. 26.
Keep reading: Blue Ridge Public Radio's list of ways to help
Para asistencia en español contacte al servicio de emergencias de FEMA. Más información aquí.