Stay up-to-date on Hurricane Helene recovery efforts

NCRLA

North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association

Hurricane Helene Relief Resources

Supporting Western North Carolina in the Aftermath of Hurricane Helene

Communities in Western North Carolina have been devastated by Hurricane Helene, which brought extensive flooding, structural damage, and a significant loss of life. As the region struggles to recover, NCRLA is committed to supporting residents, businesses, and the wider community during this time of crisis.

Hurricane Helene has caused unprecedented damage across Western North Carolina. Heavy flooding has severely impacted several areas, including the French Broad and Swannanoa rivers that swept through Asheville’s Biltmore Village and River Arts District, turning well-known locations into disaster zones. King Street in Boone became a rushing river, and Interstate 40 remains impassable in numerous areas.

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has described this event as the worst storm in modern history for the region, and emergency services have been working tirelessly to reach those cut off by the flooding. In addition, major cellular providers are attempting to restore service to the thousands affected.

The damage is widespread, and as of now, at least 91 people have lost their lives, with 30 fatalities reported in Buncombe County alone. We encourage everyone to stay safe and avoid traveling to affected areas as emergency crews continue their critical work.

View Power Outage Map

Key Relief Resources and How You Can Help

Donate to Hurricane Recovery

The most effective way to support recovery is by donating to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund. Your contributions will directly assist communities affected by Hurricane Helene. DONATE NOW

Emergency Assistance and Key Resources

  • Crisis Cleanup Hotline
    • If you need help cleaning up after the storm, call the Crisis Cleanup Hotline at (844) 965-1386.
    • This hotline will remain open through Friday, October 11, 2024.
  • Open Shelters and Emergency Services
  • Disaster Distress Helpline
    • If you are experiencing emotional distress as a result of the storm, please reach out to the Disaster Distress Helpline.
    • Call or Text: 1-800-985-5990
    • Español: Llama o envía un mensaje de texto 1-800-985-5990 y presiona “2”
  • FEMA Individual Assistance
    • Those who suffered uninsured damages or losses may apply for FEMA disaster assistance.
    • How to Apply: Visit https://www.disasterassistance.gov
    • Call 1-800-621-3363 to get started.

NCRLA Hurricane Emergency Response Toolkit

Emergency Operation Checklist for Food Service Establishments

Environmental Health Emergency Preparedness and Recovery Guidance Manual — NC Public Health

Additional Ways to Help

Monetary Donations to Key Organizations

Most Requested Items

Water, Gas, Propane, Food, Ice, Dry Towels, Large Tarps, Diapers, Insulin, Hay/Feed

Volunteer and Supply Donation Opportunities

Additional Resources

  • Switzerland Inn
    • Serving as a central location for internet, food, water, and fuel donations. Drop-off or pick-up at: 86 High Ridge Rd, Little Switzerland, NC 28749
  • McDowell County Points of Distribution
    • Find point of distribution for food, water, and other supplies here.
  • Asheville Roll Call
    • Information on where to find food, water, fuel, Wi-Fi, and emergency shelter can be found here.
  • Community Housing Coalition of Madison County
  • Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry
  • Homeward Bound in Asheville
  • Foster Family Alliance of North Carolina
  • Foothills Food Hub
  • Humane Society Disaster Relief
    • Assisting animals affected by the hurricane. Donate here.

Donation Drop-Off Locations

  • Concord Walmart Parking Lot: 5825 Thunder Road NW, Concord, NC 28027 (Starting Sunday, Sept. 29 for Operation Airlift)
  • Art Post: 718 Iredell St, Durham, NC 27705 (Accepting donations starting Sept. 30, Mon – Sat, 12-6 pm)
  • Back Alley Bikes: 100 Boyd Street, Carrboro, NC 27510 (Open Tues – Sat, 11 am – 6 pm)
  • The Scrap Exchange: 2050 Chapel Hill Road, Durham, NC 27707 (10:30 am – 6 pm)
  • Rumah: 415 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27603 (Drop off during events)
    • Assisting animals affected by the hurricane. Donate here.

FEMA & Federal Response Efforts

FEMA has mobilized over 1,500 federal personnel, including four Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) teams stationed in North Carolina, to support immediate rescue and recovery. The US Coast Guard and US Army Corps of Engineers are on the ground providing assistance, including temporary power, infrastructure assessments, and rescue operations. The American Red Cross has set up shelters and provides emergency feeding and impact assessment services. Anyone needing shelter can find more information on https://www.redcross.org, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).

How to Apply for FEMA Assistance After Hurricane Helene

North Carolina homeowners and renters in 25 counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians who had uninsured damage or losses caused by Hurricane Helene may be eligible for FEMA disaster assistance. FEMA can help with serious needs like displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property loss, or other disaster-related needs.
Eligible counties include Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey counties, and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

  • How to Apply
  • What You’ll Need When You Apply:
    • A current phone number where you can be contacted.
    • Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying.
    • Your Social Security number.
    • A general list of damage and losses.
    • Banking information if you choose direct deposit.
    • If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name.

If you have homeowners, renters, or flood insurance, file a claim as soon as possible. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance, but if your policy does not cover all disaster expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance.

Latest Information: For the latest information about North Carolina’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4827. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.

Storm Safety Tips

  • Stay out of floodwater; it can be electrically charged or contain hazardous materials.
  • Use flashlights for emergency lighting during power outages and avoid using generators indoors or near doors/windows.
  • Sign up for community alerts and monitor emergency updates using the FEMA App, available in both English and Spanish.

Stay Updated

Please continue to monitor updates on these efforts and join us in supporting Western North Carolina. NCRLA will continue to provide information as more resources and opportunities become available.

For Immediate Assistance

  • Crisis Cleanup Hotline: Call (844) 965-1386
  • Disaster Distress Helpline: Call or text 1-800-985-5990 for mental health support